Faults:

None.

General Comments:

This is my third Sportage, so my level of satisfaction speaks for itself.

My first was six months old and I upgraded a year later.

My second was a year old and my third I've had from new two years ago.

It handles like a car, yet easily slips into 4WD when needed.

It's easy to park.

Good all round vision.

Faults:

Initially, the interior lights didn't work. Dealership figured out the problem and replaced the interior wiring.

I have maintained the vehicle relatively well, although not perfectly, changing the oil, transmission fluid and lubrication when recommended. This was the first vehicle that I ever purchased new, and it has performed well so far.

It has been a good vehicle for my wife. The Sportage has been somewhat under powered, but reliable.

Recently, (39,000 miles) I had to replace the drive shaft, it was making a metallic grinding sound. I would not consider it a major problem after almost 40,000 miles of service.

I find it a shame it has such a questionable reputation or I would highly recommend the model to others.

Faults:

Front wheel hubs were replaced at 16,000 miles. The wheels were ready to fall off.

Attempted to engage 4W drive while in 2W drive. In the shop multiple times for this problem. The car would vibrate, make noises and I would lose control of the car.

Engine overheated for no apparent reason while on a 600 mile trip from home. The temperature gauge malfunctioned giving no warning. The engine totally fused together. Currently (Oct-Nov 2001) waiting for a new engine and determination of why it overheated.

General Comments:

The car has been nothing but a problem, and at this point in time safety seems to be a real issue.

Faults:

No problems yet.

General Comments:

Sportage is sluggish if you don't use the accelerator well, which has lots of play. If you own one, treat it like you own it. If you want good pick up, run it to 4,500-5,000 RPMs, and you'll realize where the power is. Not inspiring, but not bad either.

It's not in the same class as other mini-utes, as the price will attest.

Buy one used and you'll save $6-8K over a comparably equipped CR-V. I got my 2000 Sportage for $12K and I'm completely happy with its performance, fit and finish, and utility.

I've had no problems with it. It's a fun car to drive. I feel I'm on vacation every time I step in.

It rides more like a truck because it is. You can do serious off-roading, while most of its competition will have to be relegated to paved or smooth dirt roads.

Don't compare it to other mini SUVs that are $5K more expensive. If you want to spend $5K more, then of course you'll get a better product.

The Sportage's poor reputation hurts its resale value, which I used to my advantage. I'm more than satisfied with it, and I paid about $4k-$5k less than a new one. This little truck does everything I want it to and, so far, I've had no troubles with it.

For 2000, I think KIA worked out most of the kinks the earlier model years were plagued with. Great little rig.