2001 Kia Sportage LX 4WD 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Over all the car is a good value for the money

Faults:

Transmission was replaced at 16000 miles. due to 2nd gear grinding noise. (Dealer replaced with no problem.)

Brake rotors were replaced at 21000 miles. (Dealer replaced with no problem.)

Power window switch went out at 23000 miles. (Dealer replaced with no problem.)

General Comments:

Over all the car runs well and is reliable. The dealer has been very good about replacing parts that have gone bad. My only problem is with the service writers at the dealership. She is not very customer friendly and is in need of general good manners (very argumenative).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th March, 2004

2001 Kia Sportage EX 2.0 from North America

Summary:

A wonderful car, robust and adventurous!

Faults:

Remarkably, very little has gone wrong.

Leaking window fixed just after delivery.

Power Window Motor replaced in May of 2002.

Exhaust Replaced to fix rattle in 2003.

All covered by warranty, and done quite well!

General Comments:

My Dealer (Jack Miller Kia, Kansas City, Missouri) has been just wonderful, and have made me very happy! The Sportage has done better than anything I've ever owned before! The four wheel drive is simply incredible!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th January, 2004

2001 Kia Sportage 2.0 Dual Overhead Cam from North America

Summary:

Big bang for the buck

Faults:

Slight discoloration of plastic trim around passenger side power window button.

General Comments:

I see a lot of people down-talking the KIA Sportage on the net, But I have NEVER had a problem. People talk about bad design, with the space the engineers had to work with inside, I feel they couldn't have done a better job.

I also hear a lot about bad performance. This may be true since it has a 2.0 liter. They are not going to set any records for NHRA. I knew that for the money I spent on the car, ($22,500 fully equipped with 15 miles on the odometer) I would be better off with the 5-speed manual transmission. Now I wouldn't advise racing this thing, but I've never had a problem getting on a freeway. And it accelerates to just over 100 from a standing start in about 22-23 seconds... Impressive since it has to push the 'suv' frame and not a little 2 seater.

I've never had to take it into the dealer. NEVER! Not once in 43K Miles! That alone (well, almost. almost 300 miles to the tank helps too!) makes it worth the purchase!

If you are looking for a luxury SUV to be a soccer mom, take to the mountains, or ride around the ghetto blaring rap music... LOOK FOR SOMETHING ELSE. If you are a college student, young family that needs the extra room and watch your budget (As I was) Then this is the PERFECT starter car. You cannot expect to pay what KIA wants for these and get upset becuase the seats and outside mirrors aren't heated! Plus the warranty...5 years and 60,000 miles try to get a Escalade with that! And now it's even better! Kia joined with Hyundai and now have 7 yr-70,000 bumper to bumper and 10 yr-100,000 mile drivetrain!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 14th August, 2003

26th Jul 2008, 14:28

Well I have a 165,000 on my Kia Sportage, and the only problem I have had was had hell replacing my spark plugs, and I have performance parts, mud tires, and a lift kit, and mine will hall ass.

It's comfortable, it's a good car. Don't have a blown motor, NEVER been in the shop, 4x4 works fine. After 165,000, I paid 16.5 for the car and it's a good bang for the buck!

12th Nov 2008, 23:24

I got my Kia in 07, and it's an 01. It's the 2 door automatic. I have 150,000 on the OD, and it has never been in the shop. The car belonged to my dad, and when my kid was born, a Mustang wasn't the car to carry a kid around in.

I have done some performance parts to make it get better gas mileage, and have a little more interstate pep. I get almost 400 miles a tank, for 20 bucks, it's so reliable, doesn't burn or leak any oil. I wouldn't be surprised to say it'll still be running when my kid decides to start driving.

Love the Kia, they did a good job and I will be back to buy a new one.