Faults:

The car rpm goes up faster when engaging a gear. The rpm touches 2500 before engaging 3rd gear. The engine raced for a long time, and my poor car is suffering and suffocating.

The power windows failed 6 months after purchase, and I kept repairing them until the warranty expired, and now I have given up repairing them.

Water from the air con leaked into the front passenger's leg area, and I had to send it to the workshop for repair and unclogging of the tubing. Fuel consumption is about 4 km per liter.

The turning radius is bad. To make a u-turn I have to reverse twice. The leather seat covers do not last.

This car is not stable at high speed, especially when cornering.

The appointed service center cannot repair the car professionally.

General Comments:

I like the shape of the car; it attracted me to buy it.

Faults:

When using the 4 wheel drive option for snow or rough terrain, only the rear wheels work. The front wheels are shot.

General Comments:

Other than the 4 wheel drive. I don't have any other major issues about my KIA. It's never left me on the side of the road, or ever needed anything more than regular maintenance. I think it's very reliable. Just wish they'd packed more into it than a 2 liter engine. Well can't have everything. 2005's have a v6 option. but why is it an option? Gas mileage is great.

Faults:

Doors locks on it's own, goes through spark plugs and wires. hood latch going bad, latch on spare tire sticks, can't always get into the hatch, radio will not reset even after I have done everything in the book, and called dealership.

General Comments:

I love the Kia, but owning one is very maddening. I can't always get into my hatch.

My stereo will not reset even after I have done everything in the book.

Sometimes my doors lock on their own, And other timeswhen I push my drivers door lock, it is the only one that does lock.

It has never left me sitting and runs good.

Faults:

This car has never had any mechanical problems.

I replaced the water pump, timing belt and all other belts as a precautionary measure at 90,000 miles.

I changed the oil every 3,000 miles.

I changed the transmission and gear box fluids every 15,000 miles.

Careful car maintenance is the key for every vehicle.

General Comments:

Great car for the money. I paid 10k for a car that has given me nearly 80k miles. I am looking for another one because my 18 year old son smashed the radiator and air conditioning condenser in a fender bender. I will miss this little car greatly!

Faults:

Truck was brand-new, manufacturer, nor the dealership ever checked to make sure it had transmission fluid.

Torque converter blew at 25 miles.

Dealership refused to accept it as their error; though KIA Manufacturer agreed to fix the problem simply by adding a new torque converter and fluid.

At 40 miles, truck again refused to go into reverse, shifting rough.

Returned truck to dealership after getting stuck in the middle of an intersection. Manufactor agreed to replace the whole Transmission, including new torque converter.

Fuel sensor.

General Comments:

My first Kia, a 1995 Sephia, was a fantastic little car. I loved it and had no problems, but it just wasn't big enough.

Bought the Sport age brand-new. I did thoroughly enjoy the driver's seat, being a small person, it was rather suited to a small frame.

However, truck road horrible in wind, could never get it's power.

Too swervy - felt like it was going to tip in the mildest of turns.

Very, very incapable off-road - could not handle slippery surfaces.

Hated tire carrier - had to undo a pin to get it to release, then rehook the pin to hold it open. Try doing this with your hands full!

Did have a good stereo sound system, seats, interior quality.

But hated the way it felt on the road, too light, as if the slightest wind was going to pick it up and tip it.

In early 1998, I traded it in for 1997, V6 Rodeo, and I've never looked back. I didn't get much out of the loan, in fact I was a bit upside down.

But I don't regret it. I've done things with the Rodeo that I don't feel the Sport age would've handled. And I now have 100K on the Rodeo; I don't believe the Sportage would've made it to half that.