2002 Kia Sportage EX review from North America

Nothing, this appears to be a well built little truck.

This is a recently purchased 2002 Sportage and has only covered 2000 kilometres to date, so these are first impressions.

Build quality is very good, body panels fit properly and paint finish is excellent.

If you are looking for a sports car then the Kia Sportage is not for you. It is slow off the line because the gear ratios are low and it's pulling a lot of weight. Once rolling and into third gear, and up, it is quite nimble and has plenty of torque. The 2.0 litre four loves to be revved and can easily reach, and cruise at, 140 kph without problem. It does not handle like a car because it is built on a truck chassis. You need to know how to drive to get the best out of this little beauty.

The manual 5-speed gearbox is surprisingly silky, one of the best I have ever encountered. The Sportage has a proper 4 wheel drive system that is easy to use, although the transfer case whines a little, this appears to be a normal trait. The steering has good road feel.

Yes, this truck is a little noisy and you have to be careful in cross-winds. Body roll is acceptable and it does suffer from a little understeer.

Fuel consumption is reasonable for this type of vehicle.

All in all I'm happy so far, but will have to see how long term reliability holds up.