2001 Kia Sportage review from North America

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

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!