Faults:

I purchased the car on Sept 1st, Sept 2nd in the parking lot of my insurance agency, the lifter started to make a sound as if the car had no oil in it. I checked the oil level there in the parking lot, the car was full of oil. I took it to the dealership where I bought it, they said they are going to check the noise and let me know what it needs. I guess Ill find out how much more the car will cost me tomorrow.

General Comments:

I bought the car so my wife would have a bigger and safer car, but I guess it doesen't matter if the does not work.

Faults:

Everything that you can list in a repair manual.

Engine went out, trans had to be replaced, brake calipers and rotors.

Plugs, wires, coils and ECU.

Entire wiring harness.

Rear end, shocks, you name it.

The dealership refused to tell me why Kias are total lemons etc etc.

I FOUND A WAY TO FIX THE KIA HORROR!!!

I now take my Sportage to a Honda dealership to have it worked on.

I found a wrecked Honda S-2000 for $5000.00. I put the engine transmission and rear end out of it into my Sportage, eliminating all of the KIA parts; replacing all but the body basically.

Now I have no problems with the SUV.

General Comments:

Don't buy one unless you have another engine and trans etc from another vehicle that you can swap into it.

Faults:

Brakes have worn out from normal use.

Rotors and Calipers might need replaced, but this is my fault.

Engine light has been on, but nothing has gone wrong with the car.

Had to replace the alternator.

General Comments:

Has been very reliable, even though I've beaten it up pretty badly being a teenager.

Acceleration is fine for what it is.

Gets good gas mileage on the highways. I would drive from western Michigan to Indianapolis every weekend, and it was nice not having to get gas until I was half way home after my trip. About 300 miles per tankful.

Very comfortable.

Faults:

Leaking brake fluid.

O2 sensor replaced at 70000 miles.

General Comments:

The engine has always sounded horrible, but really never has cut out or anything bad.

The gas mileage is terrible for a light 4-cyl SUV.

Not comfortable, not much room.

Faults:

No problems as of yet.

General Comments:

I'm a fan of Sport Compact Cars... so what am I doing driving a KIA?? LOL. Well beggars couldn't be choosy since the 2000 Kia Sportage was a Christmas present (received in December 2003)... and a GOOD GIFT it has been.

Like I said I like Sport Compact Cars, and I enjoy spirited driving every once in a while. I've driven cars like 2001 Volkswagen GTi VR6, 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T, 1996 Mitsubishi Galant S, and 1994 Nissan Sentra XE. The Kia is not a sport compact car and it shows during acceleration... 0-60 12.1, but once up to speed the Sportage can keep up with the pace. I've left people on the highway SLACK JAWED that their car was beaten by a stock Kia Sportage. What I'm trying to say... I LIKE THIS CAR / SUV. I'm one of those lucky who is not experiencing any problems. So far I've racked up about 10,000 problem free miles with the Sportage.

What I don't like about the Kia Sportage is when the 4WD drive system is off, it's RWD (Rear Wheel Drive). RWD is OK when the roads are dry. Once the road is wet or covered with snow, 4WD MUST BE ON. Otherwise, the 4WD system has kept the Sportage going forward in rain, and snow.

What I am not satisfied with a stock KUMHO 798 tires, they lose GRIP TOO QUICK. I will be replacing them with Yokohama AVID Touring tires (80,000 mile warranty) instead.

I'll keep you posted

mflogistics@yahoo.com