1999 Kia Sportage from North America - Comments

Rusted out exhaust.

Brakes went bad shortly after purchase. Have replaced and still make noise.

Aluminum rims tarnished and rust.

CD player skips on occasion.

Window seals leaked. Had them replaced. Leaked again. One window doesn't fully close.

Uneven tire wear.

Cheap paint job.

False top is constantly coming undone.

Uses coolant constantly.

Has had 5 factory recalls! Needs a few more.

There is a reason these things come with a 100000 mile warranty. The piece of crap has been in the shop more than on the road. The brakes are the worst. I've had them checked several times. Noisy and extreme brake dust makes the rims look black always. I was told by the dealer that Kia's just "do that". Needs to be recalled, but hasn't yet. Would like to trade it in, but Kia's have NO resale/trade-in value with good reason. Now I have to drive this thing until the wheels fall off... which should be next week.

I must agree with you hold heartedly.

My Sportage at the ripe age of 1 and one years young and still under the warranty period required the electrical system to be repaired - this took two trips because the "specialist" had to be called out. By the second birthday, I looked to the right and noticed that there was anti freeze pooling on the floor. I will mention that the cat. converter/muffler system had to be replaced. Now that this lovely vehicle is out of warranty, the wheel bearings are shot, the front end seems that it might come off at the slightest bump (and this is suppose to be an all terrain vehicle.

I want out of this vehicle, - It has no retail value and will probably have to pay someone to take if off your hands!!

If the lemon law really worked for the consumer, then manufactures like this one would not be allowed to sell in the US without being held responsible/liable for their product.

And if you know anyone who says "nice car" tell them to run the other way and invest in a go cart, they will save thousands of dollars and get the same effect.!!!

I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to write those reviews. I was about 24 hours away from buying a 99 Sportage and I have to say your reviews have totally changed my mind!! Thank you for saving me from a nightmare.

I just purchased a used 99 KIA Sportage 4dr/4x4. I was lucky enough to find the previous owner and called to ask about the little SUV's track record. She said that she had never had any problems other than replacing the exhaust pipe, and that the car had only recently began to take more than one crank to start. She reported that the car had been very dependable and reliable. I've only had the car for three days so if anything changes for the worst I will definitely post another comment.

I totally dis-agree with the complaints that you have had with your Kia. I bought a 99 Kia Sportage in August of 99 and it never gave my any problems. other that regular maintenance (replacement of battery, sparkplugs, wiper blades, etc). I recently lost my kia in a major car accident about 1 week ago. and even though it was a major accident my husband and I were not seriously hurt and I believe its because of the way my kia was built. I will truly miss my SUV and I cried my eyes out when I had to tell him goodbye..

I too must disagree, I just purchased a used 99 Kia Sportage from my uncle, because he was moving to Boston and needed to sell his car, and I asked him about it and he said that he bought it used and that he has never had any problems with it. the inly thing it needs is new tires, so maybe you people should try to take care of your cars. i have never had a more reliable car. but that also might be because I'm only 17, and have never had another car. I love my car, and I am currently looking to buy some new shocks to life it up several inches so I can put some "mudding" tires on my Sportage.

You, previous 'writer', say you are 17 years old and the Kia is your first car. Yet you say that it's the best one you've had. You tell other people who wrote that they had terrible experiences with their Kias that they should take better care of their cars. I hope you learn someday to have some respect and with some luck a bit of smarts.

To the previous commentors, thank you for your comments, for I know of a sportage that 'seemed' like a good deal to me.

I've had my Two Door Soft Top 99 Kia Sportage for 3 months now, traded it in from my 2000 Nissan Frontier, and I would like to say this vehicle is better then the Nissan. It rides smoother, less problems, I actually have to do just maintance on it and nothing else. Its a lot more roomy then my old Nissan and I am quite pleased with it. For the CD skiping problem, just put in your own custom system like I did. I put in a Sony X-Plod Radio, 400 Watt Amp and 2 12's Audiobahn's for just under $100.00. So I'm riding good and sounding good.

I purchased a used 1999 Kia Sportage 4dr 4x4 about one year ago (2008). I replaced the front vacuum automatic hubs with Warn manual lock hubs (the best upgrade I could recommend). And I also replaced the factory 205 75R 15's with 235 75R 15's. This little SUV has been perfect in every aspect and it has went through everything I've thrown at it; mud, snow, water...

This is the worst car I have ever owned. The first week that I owned it, the transmission blew. As well as that the front shocks went a year later. the rear muffler rusted out and the battery went within the first 2 months. Also the car's value dropped very quickly and now it's pretty much worthless! There is a reason why there is a 10 year 10000 mile warranty, and that is because you will use it at least every 5000-11000 miles

Don't buy a Kia!!! They are horrible quality!

I have a Kia Sportage 99 4door, and it is a piece of crap!! MY air conditioning has gone out and my exhaust rusted in half, my wheel bearing went out, my windows don't seal, and the brakes suck.

I have only owned this SUV for a little while, maybe a couple years. If I were to give advice to anyone, it's to not buy this car.