🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sportage

Year:

2000

Model Code Internal:

NQ5

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV / Crossover

Target Demographic:

Individuals and families seeking a versatile, moderately priced SUV with utility and a degree of ruggedness.

Key Competitors 2000:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Subaru Forester

Feature Highlight 1:

Available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system for enhanced traction.

Feature Highlight 2:

Body-on-frame construction (for this generation) offering robust feel and towing capability.

Feature Highlight 3:

Compact yet practical interior space.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Language:

English

Regional Variations Covered:

North America, Europe (specific to the provided product data)

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 250-300 pages (typical for this era of owner's manual)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (4WD/2WD) operation and basic maintenance

Chassis And Suspension:

Brake system, Steering system, Suspension components (description and basic care)

Electrical System:

Lighting, Instruments, Gauges, Fuses, Relays, Battery (operation and basic checks)

Body And Interior:

Doors, Windows, Seats, Climate Control, Audio System, Safety Restraints (operation and care)

Basic Maintenance:

Fluid level checks, Tire pressure, Wiper blade replacement, Bulb replacement, Jump starting

Troubleshooting:

Warning lights identification, Common dashboard indicator explanations, basic operational issues

Operation:

Driving controls, Instrument panel layout, Climate control functions, Audio system usage, 4WD system operation

Depth Of Coverage:

Owner-level maintenance and operation. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, overhaul instructions, or torque specifications for complex assemblies.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if a scanned document, but may vary based on digitization quality.

Illustration Quality:

Illustrated with clear step-by-step instructions, quality dependent on original source.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder

Engine Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1998cc)

Engine Code:

FE20

Horsepower Net:

Approximately 126 hp @ 5500 rpm (may vary slightly by market)

Torque Net:

Approximately 135 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm (may vary slightly by market)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type Recommendation:

Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating 87 recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transfer Case Operation:

Part-time 4WD system with selectable 2WD/4WD High/4WD Low modes (standard on many trims)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled, overdrive

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 4,570 mm (179.9 inches)

Width:

Approximately 1,795 mm (70.7 inches)

Height:

Approximately 1,670 mm (65.7 inches) without roof rails

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2,630 mm (103.5 inches)

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 195 mm (7.7 inches)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

Approximately 338 Liters (11.9 cu ft)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Folded:

Approximately 1,795 Liters (63.4 cu ft) - estimated

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1,450 - 1,600 kg (3,197 - 3,527 lbs) depending on configuration

Towing Capacity:

Typically rated around 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs) with trailer brakes

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this specific model year, but generally considered adequate for its class at the time.

IIHS Crash Test Performance:

Performance varied by test; often rated 'Acceptable' or 'Marginal' in frontal and side impact tests of the era.

ABS:

Standard on most trims

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on this model year

Electronic Stability Control:

Not available on this model year

Airbags Front:

Driver and Front Passenger Airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional side-impact airbags on some trims

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Typically 4 or 6 speakers.

Display Screen:

No central infotainment screen; basic digital or analog clock.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trims

Parking Assist:

Rear parking sensors not available; relies on rearview mirrors.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (based on typical recommendations for this era)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed if visibly dirty

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (typically copper-core plugs)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) for automatic, less frequent for manual, or as per severe service schedule.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for exact viscosity based on climate)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, pre-mixed 50/50 with distilled water

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Common Issue 1:

Oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket.

Common Issue 2:

Premature wear of suspension components (ball joints, tie rod ends).

Common Issue 3:

EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve clogging, leading to rough idling or stalling.

Common Issue 4:

Rust and corrosion, particularly in areas exposed to road salt.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia History Context:

Kia, a South Korean manufacturer, was established in 1944 and began producing vehicles in the 1960s. By the late 1990s, Kia was expanding its global presence, with the Sportage being a key model in this effort.

Sportage First Generation:

The 2000 Sportage belongs to the first generation (NQ5) of the Sportage, which debuted in 1993. This generation was characterized by its truck-like, body-on-frame construction derived from the Kia Sportage concept.

Production Period:

First Generation: 1993-2004 (with a facelift in 1997)

Manufacturing Locations:

South Korea (Hwaseong Plant), Vietnam, Philippines, Ecuador, Egypt

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards 2000:

The Sportage was generally positioned as an affordable option. Specific major industry awards for this exact model year are not prominent.

Value Proposition:

Considered a strong value proposition for buyers seeking an SUV at a lower price point compared to some rivals.