2000 Kia Sportage 4X4 EX 2.0 FI from North America

Summary:

Great value, nice style

Faults:

Catch on the arm rest back tray broke - but then I've been rough with it. Easy (self) fix.

General Comments:

Haven't seen a relationship between the mostly bad press and my vehicle's performance.

Needs a 6th gear or a different final gear ratio to drop the RPMs and raise the gas mileage when highway cruising.

Rear wiper needs an intermittent setting.

Needs better placement of the rear wiper controls.

Hatch could use a handle to open, and the rear lock should unlock with the central locking system. I hate using the key each time I have to open the rear hatch.

I had a Honda Accord before this vehicle and I like this better. The Honda was reliable, but god-awful boring.

Also owned a Toyota SR5 4X4. The Sportage is better on ice and snow. More comfortable and just as dependable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th May, 2001

2000 Kia Sportage EX from North America

Summary:

This car is a piece of junk!!!

Faults:

This is a true lemon. I would never recommend this car to anyone. I have never had as much trouble with any other car and this one's only a year old.

The radio was replaced, the oxygen sensor was replaced and the exhaust shield was removed because it caused a rattling noise.

The 4-wheel drive was fixed in January and it was broken again in February. They can't fix it so I have to drive around in the middle of winter with no 4-wheel drive. It's extremely unsafe. I found out the 4-wheel drive was broken again the hard way - during a snowstorm.

All the dealership can say is that they replaced the parts and don't know they can't get it working. I asked for a rental car to use until it was fixed and they said Kia has decided that as long as I can start the car up it's drivable. They have no concern for safety.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th February, 2001

11th Feb 2001, 20:18

I'm so glad I didn't get one!

12th Feb 2001, 10:03

We have a 1998 Sportage 4x4. Very similiar problems: rattling catalytic converter (replaced), rear tire bracket would not latch (replaced), hatch rattles on smooth roads, now it is in the shop to have the 4x4 fixed... plus while in the shop the dealer said this is common problem.

The brakes are gone at 22,000 miles, also a common problem... never again.

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2000 Kia Sportage Convertible 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

It's great, but drinks too much gas

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with my SUV yet, except it drinks a lot of gas.

General Comments:

Overall I get great comments from everyone.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 14th September, 2000

4th Mar 2001, 14:08

This is a very nice looking and good running SUV at a non-SUV price. Don't know what the problems and complaints other people have are. I guess if it's not a 100% it will never be acceptable for them. My wife spent over $30,000 for her Pathfinder and that is a piece of junk. For $14,000 less, this Kia runs better and handles well!

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2000 Kia Sportage S 4WD 2.0i DOHC from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A powerful, luxurious and good looking 4wd

Faults:

Nothing that needs urgent attention, but it has a few little niggles :-

Noisy transfer box (4wd).

Rear hatch is difficult to shut.

General Comments:

A powerful, reliable and good looking car, although it's only a base model it has electric windows, central locking and a 4 speaker stereo system.

The car is so comfortable you do not realise you are driving a 4x4.

Fuel consumption is average for a 2.0 twin cam, (30+45).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th July, 2000