2006 Kia Sportage Reviews - Page 4 of 5

Nothing wrong so far.

I bought my 2006 Sportage just 6 month ago. This is an amazing vehicle that perfectly combines comfort, security and fun driving. It is also a good looking vehicle with the right size (for me at least). Nevertheless the big test for it was yesterday and I have to say it passed it with the highest qualification possible.

I live in Winnipeg, Canada; as you know,up here we have severe winters. Yesterday we had one of those winter storms; we got a lot of snow and chilly temperatures. The condition of the road was pretty bad, very slippery and therefore treacherous, making the driving very difficult. My 2006 Sportage did so well in the middle of that madness, where many other vehicles, including big trucks, ended up in the ditch, or worse, in other car's rear bumper. The ABS systems worked perfectly, giving me the confidence to hit the brake hard and get the car stopped in a relatively short space. I used the 4 wheel drive lock in the most difficult parts and it did very well also. The Electronic Stability Control kept me in the track even on very slippery curves. It was very useful, also the Steptronic transmission, because it let me shift freely depending on the condition of the road.

Well, in general it was a very good experience that I think proves the quality of this vehicle.

Rear wiper arm was broken, but dealer agreed to repair as warranty item.

Very nice SUV for the money. I purchased the loaded EX model with leather, sunroof, etc. I was very impressed with the appearance of the vehicle as well as the safety features. The car is really solid. It performs very well on the highway, but the transmission can be a little sluggish on steep hills. If you're looking for fuel economy, this is not the car for you. I live in an urban area with lots of hills and I only get about 13 MPG - way below what is advertised.

Hood release inside vehicle was broken and fixed under warranty.

I bought this vehicle after extensive research on Chevy, Ford, Honda & Toyota. Hands down this Sportage had far more creature comforts included, and was a no-brainer.

I have a 2003 BMW 5 series loaded, and I wanted to keep my mileage down, and I now drive this the most. I love it. The stereo is great and handles nice. My wife now steals it, and won't give it back without a tussle.

I never thought I would love this car; just possibly like it. It has an eye appeal and very well thought out. I especially like the remote start.

The only negative I would add is the dash on the drivers side juts out a bit, and I am tall and hit my shin now and then. I have adapted to avoid it now. I would buy another in a heartbeat.

Aftermarket companies need to make accessories such as grilles etc. The 2005-2006 bodies are new and I guess not ready yet.

My Sportage is a yoot. What a pleasant surprise and VERY reasonable.

5 Stars

Thanks.

Purchased a 2006 EX with Lux package in June for my wife/family vehicle, replacing a larger SUV. Initially attracted to the vehicle by the warranty and all the many "safety" & "standard" features. Test drove a Sportage over a wk-end and since we keep our vehicles for 6-10 years, then took a look at almost everything out there that matched our few minimum requirements.

After every other test drive, the Sportage move back up to 1st place based upon price/features/safety/warranty/rear seating comfort (note: most rear seats in other SUV's/cross-overs do not furnish decent support/comfort!).

Took a 4.0 hour mostly highway round trip the next day, varying speed up & down for a good break-in and got 22.9 MPG. WOW! Haven't checked since, but will again soon.

But there are a couple of more or less nagging issues that I believe could be fixable, but the dealer says "all is normal":

(1) 4-speed auto trany REALLY drags down the speed when letting off the gas (IE: doesn't "free wheel" too good). This takes quite a bit to get used to (still haven't), and we are guessing it may also impact the MPG in long haul!

(2) Front wheels tend to want to "self-center" themselves way too much. IE: The steering wheel spins back VERY HARD and VERY FAST as you make a corner or take a curve. This could be dangerous. We never ever experienced this uncontrolled feeling with any other vehicle. The test drive vehicle did it just a bit, but not so pronounced.

Has anyone else experienced these shortcomings?? Have they been corrected?

Otherwise, quite a nice all around vehicle! Thanks, JF.