2008 Kia Sportage from Nigeria

Summary:

Cute and cheap, but poor after sales service

Faults:

Seat belts are very uncomfortable.

Hand break has failed twice.

Brake pads wear out very fast.

General Comments:

Poor handling when applying the break at high speed, may be due to the fact that the brake pads wear out pretty fast!

The seat belts, especially at the rear seats, are very uncomfortable.

Also, after sales service is very poor: I took the car for routine service, but it was returned with a problem with the hand brake. When I complained, they said that the problem had probably been there all along without my noticing - the car was barely six months old by then! I had to pay extra to get it fixed. Now it has broken down again!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th September, 2009

2008 Kia Sportage LX 4x4 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Fantastic value

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Good pickup for a vehicle with a dry weight of over 3400 pounds. Eager little 2.0 engine, although a performance chip is on the way. I commute (travel) as a repair technician in the Pocono and Catskill mountains, and the 5 speed (not to mention the 4-wheel drive) come in handy.

I run this little truck though the gears, and still it has not returned any less than 30 miles per gallon. How Kia rated this vehicle with only 19 and 26 miles per gallon confounds me.

The short wheelbase and nearly no overhang front and rear, make this a very good handling truck. It has decent cargo space (about 150 pounds worth of tools and parts) and the under-floor storage easily accommodates emergency items such as jumper cables, and other items that do not interfere with the rest of the compartment.

Fit and finish is top-notch, with comfortable 6-way seats and tilt wheel that allow me to tailor my many hours each day in the saddle for long distance comfort. Rear seat is immense for a vehicle that is only 171 inches long. Safety features galore: 6 airbags, ABS and ESC, etc...

Did I mention that I purchased this vehicle with $7K off sticker? I will continue to purchase Kia products and don't care what others think. This is my fourth Kia in the last 4 years, and continue to stay impressed with the value that one gets for their money. GOOD JOB KIA, YOU HAVE A LOYAL AND DEVOTED FAN!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th April, 2009

6th Aug 2009, 06:38

Original owner adds:

Vehicle has over 20K miles since February this year. It is still tight as a drum, mileage has improved to about 32mpg with relaxed (60-65 mph) cruising. Granted, it is only a 140 hp 4 cylinder with a manual transmission but it does have 4wd - phenomenal.

I have replaced the original Kumho Ecsta HP4 with Kumho KR21 (larger size - 235/60-16) vs the old 215/65-16 and the ride is much smoother, quieter, and rolls with less friction.

The roads where I am at are rough to put it lightly - potholed, twisty, and hilly. Given its deficit on power, this "truck" is still a blast to drive because it won't get you into trouble anytime soon.

The brake rotors are smooth as glass, and yes, I have had to slam on the brakes at least a dozen times because of deer crossing the roads. I feel safe in the vehicle.

Keep up the good work Kia.

30th Nov 2009, 06:52

Original owner again. 34K miles now, and no changes. Tight as a drum. Gas mileage is still holding at around 29-32 mpg. Everything works as stated. Interior is holding up excellent. Glad I purchased this vehicle. I figure with routine maintenance (clutches, brakes, hoses, timing belts, and struts, this vehicle should last 300K. Workhorse!

27th Apr 2010, 18:40

Original owner again. 53K miles and NO ISSUES. I still get just shy of 30 mpg. Still tight and rattle free. Love it!

27th Jan 2011, 17:39

Original owner again, with no issues with the truck at all.

At 83K, my vehicle was totaled. I was t-boned on the driver's side and incurred 11.5K in damages, but walked away without as much as a scratch. Tough little truck!

I am in the process of purchasing a (used) 2009 5 speed 2.0 4X4, because the 2011 models do not offer 4X4 with a manual. I'll update once I get her going a while...