2000 Kia Sportage EX 2.0 from Venezuela

Summary:

Not the best car, but acceptable

Faults:

Wiper motor replaced at 7000kms (warranty). All the windows stop working intermittent; some days worked, some others not; bad motors, replaced the driver's window motor, and problem solved.

General Comments:

The original tires were really bad, I replaced with a new Pirelli tires, and it's like I just had a new car, better handling, better response, etc.

The car by itself is not quite powerful, but so far I'm still happy with the purchase.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th June, 2011

2000 Kia Sportage EX 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Garbage

Faults:

Head gasket blew at 118,000 (replaced when I bought at 116,000).

Coils and wires replaced x2 during ownership 116000-127000.

Water leakage on back hatch.

Horrible corrosion (and I live in the South).

Thermostats x3 during time of ownership (not the cheap ones either).

General Comments:

Let's see, I bought this mini SUV with hopes that an import would be economical for my family (just traded in a 97 Taurus). The aesthetics are decent to say the best. Examples would include the placement of cupholders, the center console not locking in its retractable tract, and the back panel (inside) falling off the sheet metal hatch. Not to mention corrosion from the spare tire brackets.

The engine itself, is designed to be good on gas. However, it should be noted that the aluminum heads and steel block are NOT friends. Be ready to shell out for those gaskets. I personally don't like pulling the head off to change spark plugs, but it's in the design. The water pump and thermostat are located easily, but fail pretty consistently. The engine itself is slow to pick up, and causes some shuddering at higher speeds (highway).

Overall, the theory of the car is good, but in reality, nope. I would not suggest buying or even looking at this car. If you want a cheap mini SUV, consider domestic. If import is your thing, stay with the big two, Toyota or Nissan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th May, 2011

6th May 2011, 22:48

First off, I thought the big two were Toyota and Honda.

Second, my experience is that southern cars have plenty of corrosion. The humidity does that.

15th Dec 2012, 15:49

You don't have to pull the head to change spark plugs. My god! No wonder people get suckered by mechanics! You merely remove the air intake. Geez, it's easy.

And to the owner whose 4wd stopped working: most of the time it's just the rubber vacuum lines that lead to the hubs. Replace them and everything is fine. Simple fix.

This really is a truck, it's not a delicate toy. It can take quite a lot of rough use, even with the relatively low powered engine. But remember, the world's benchmark for 4WDs is (was) the 4 cylinder Range Rover and the original American Jeep. You really don't need more power to do slow speed off roading. The Sportage actually does just fine in very rough conditions. Lying shops cause most of the dissatisfaction with Sportages. If you fix most things yourself, these vehicles are actually pretty good.

2000 Kia Sportage EX 2.0 from North America

Summary:

I'd rather slam my d*ck in the door, than own this thing any longer

Faults:

This is one of the worst cars ever built. 4 wheel drive system has failed 5 times, gas tank, fuel pump, fuel lines and brake lines have all rotted away, and have been replaced.

Door locks don't work. You have to slam the rear gate so hard I'm afraid the windows will blow out.

Rims have turned into swiss cheese. Everything on this car has rust.

Master cylinder was replaced.

Manual transmission is very loud. Exhaust has rotted off twice.

This thing has spent more time at the dealership than most of the employees. The biggest financial mistake I've ever made.

General Comments:

I can't believe these cars are allowed on the road. The D.O.T. should ban these from public roadways, and demand Kia to refund all money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd December, 2010

25th Dec 2010, 04:48

Sorry to hear that. Sounds like a lemon to me, but then again, what else do you expect from Kia?

I owned a Korean car once (Hyundai), it was completely unsafe car and extremely cheaply made.

I would never consider owning one again, I would take a $500 Buick Century over pretty much any Korean car.

Stay away from Kia! If you need to save some money and can't buy a real car, just get an older domestic, they are solid, safe, and reliable from my experience.