1997 Kia Sportage Base review from North America

Truck was brand-new, manufacturer, nor the dealership ever checked to make sure it had transmission fluid.

Torque converter blew at 25 miles.

Dealership refused to accept it as their error; though KIA Manufacturer agreed to fix the problem simply by adding a new torque converter and fluid.

At 40 miles, truck again refused to go into reverse, shifting rough.

Returned truck to dealership after getting stuck in the middle of an intersection. Manufactor agreed to replace the whole Transmission, including new torque converter.

Fuel sensor.

My first Kia, a 1995 Sephia, was a fantastic little car. I loved it and had no problems, but it just wasn't big enough.

Bought the Sport age brand-new. I did thoroughly enjoy the driver's seat, being a small person, it was rather suited to a small frame.

However, truck road horrible in wind, could never get it's power.

Too swervy - felt like it was going to tip in the mildest of turns.

Very, very incapable off-road - could not handle slippery surfaces.

Hated tire carrier - had to undo a pin to get it to release, then rehook the pin to hold it open. Try doing this with your hands full!

Did have a good stereo sound system, seats, interior quality.

But hated the way it felt on the road, too light, as if the slightest wind was going to pick it up and tip it.

In early 1998, I traded it in for 1997, V6 Rodeo, and I've never looked back. I didn't get much out of the loan, in fact I was a bit upside down.

But I don't regret it. I've done things with the Rodeo that I don't feel the Sport age would've handled. And I now have 100K on the Rodeo; I don't believe the Sportage would've made it to half that.