1999 Kia Sportage EX review from North America

Replaced the timing belt at 110,000 miles.

Kia delearship wanted $385 to replace it. I got the Honda dealership to do it for $225.

Spark plugs fouled out at 120,000 miles.

Kia dealership charged me $200 to replace them. The dealerships basic, plain spark plug was $4 each. Bosch Platinum's are under $2.

I imagine because I live close to the beach, the salt air corroded my emission system. Had to be replaced, was under warranty.

Overall the reliability of this vehicle is outstanding. I was weary about purchasing it in the beginning because of all the bad things I'd heard about the Kia line. However, not many of my friends or peers can brag about the 120,000 miles that they have on their 4 year old vehicle that is still in perfect running condition. Yes I have had some minor problems with the vehicle, but anybody that has owned more than 2 cars in their life knows that the 1 guaranteed thing that your car will do one day is to break down when you least expect it. However, you can do things to prevent this by keeping up on your maintenance. I say "your" maintenance, and not the dealerships maintenance schedule because the dealerships, and the manufacturers maintenance don't always coincide. The dealership is out to make money, and they do it by charging you exuberant amounts for service.

For those who say this little 2.0 liter four cylinder doesn't perform, I have had 3 reckless driving tickets in 4 years, because of the magnum size performance this pint size guys spits out. It'll run, if you push it to. Friends who drive my Sportage, refer to it as "peppy", because it reminds you of an energetic puppy, begging to play.

The vehicle is very fun to drive, and actually corners very well.

I expect my Kia to go at least another 100,000 miles and probably much more. However, I don't expect to be driving it by then; but who knows.