2006 Kia Sportage LX V6 AWD review from North America

Nothing serious has gone wrong with the Sportage. The only "thing" so far is the rear windshield wiper broke under 3 feet of wet snow. Unless you live somewhere where you are likely to get over 3 feet of wet snow in a day (and not wipe off your vehicle) this wouldn't happen!

No other problems! Great so far!

Tons of features for little money. Very safe, handles well, feels more secure to drive than our old vehicle, though not as sporty feeling. Definitely more sporty looking though!

Lots of space. This vehicle seems well thought out and inspired. The extra V6 power is appreciated, although we pay for it through mediocre fuel efficiency.

The 4WD is a must for us, as is the safety of the 6 airbags and stability control. We live in the north and this vehicle has already trucked through immense snowstorms, mud, water up to the wheel wells, and of lots of highway driving.

We really appraciate the extras: 4-wheel disc brakes (excellent braking), electronic stability control (it works well and saves lives), seats that connect and lay down into beds, well used space, bag hooks, individual reading lights, and so on.

The Kia basically has the features of a 40k vehicle, and we got our Kia for $27k.

Prior to buying I test drove small SUVs from GM (equinox), Ford (escape), Toyota (RAV4), Subaru (Forrester), and Suzuki (Grand Vitara). The Kia is more inspired and cheaper than the Ford and GM, and is simply less expensive than the asian makes. All of the competition cost between $32-37k for a similair vehicle trim! Thats $5-10k more!

The best vehicle in class for the money.