2000 Kia Sportage EX review from North America

The question is, what hasn't gone wrong with the car?!

Every time I've needed 4-wheel drive, the 4-wheel drive has gone out. I can't say that I've ever been able to use it. Hubs were replaced the first time, seals were replaced second time. Now I'm not even bothering with getting it fixed again because obviously they can't be fixed. A guy I work with has the exact same problem with his KIA.

The heat shield has been replaced several times and needs to be replaced right now. Dealership tells me it's rocks that get stuck in there (I don't ever drive on gravel roads).

Radio/Power locks/Dome lights will cut out at any time. Problem has never been fixed by KIA however it's happening less and less with the car now.

If the alarm system is on and I unlock the car, chances are the alarm will go off when I open the door.

Driver and passenger window motors have been replaced. Driver side went out. Passenger side window was moving very slow.

Catalytic converter has been replaced.

Exhaust system has been replaced twice.

Radio has been replaced once.

Ongoing problem with the brakes. Brakes squeal loudly. I also have to add here that the wheels get very dirty from the brake dust and is impossible to clean off.

KIA offers a pretty good deal with the paint job, problem is the dealership tells me it's rocks that chip the paint. You know what chipped my paint? Me washing the car. Every time I wash the car, a little bit more paint comes off. This occurs around the outside rear-view mirrors, place between bumper and headlights, and the molding around the wheel wells.

In the winter time, the spare tire latch sticks.

I know this isn't all that has happened with the car, but if you are still considering buying one, you are crazy!

This SUV is by far the worst vehicle ever made.

The body of the car is too heavy for the 4-cylinder engine.

The interior design is terrible. The cup holders are located in front of the air vents and above the radio and ac/heat controls.

One of my biggest complaints is everytime I've needed KIA to fix my car and they've kept it for weeks at a time, I have always been denied a rental car. I think this is ridiculous.