1997 Kia Sportage LX review from North America
"A piece of junk, not worthy of the junkyard"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
On the third day that I was so happy about having a SUV 4x4, I had to return to the dealer and have the fuel sensor replaced. And again on the fourth and fifth and sixth day.
About 1 1/2 weeks of having this lovely vehicle I returned to the dealership to have the radio fixed. And of course no one knew how to reprogram the code to start the radio working again.
I again returned the very next day because the radio was not working. The radio was fixed, but the dealer could not find the code card for that radio. I finally figured out the code myself.
Approximately 2 weeks into this new car it decided to die in the middle of the road, in the driveway, at the store, but not at the dealership. I finally had the dealership pick me up from the side of the road and finally another sensor had gone out (This cost me $200.00, which was not covered under the warranty).
I thought I had finally gotten the problems fixed with my sportage only to be fooled with a blow out on my new tires, from KIA. I was on my way to the hospital with a very pregnant daughter.
On the way home from the hospital 2 days later the other front tire blew out.
Now this vehicle is sitting in my front yard with the starter out, at least that is what I am being told.
General comments?
This SUV, if you want to call it that, is the worst vehicle I have ever owned.
It drives poorly, and the gas mileage is not anywhere near what the sticker said.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | Don't Know |
| Performance marks | 0/10 |
| Reliability marks | 0/10 |
| Comfort marks | 2/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 0/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 30000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 97000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Civic |
| Date of Entry | 20th January, 2003 |


