Launch Era Significance:
Kia's early foray into the SUV market, aimed at value-conscious consumers seeking rugged utility
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
Unique Selling Points:
Body-on-frame construction (rare in this segment at the time), available 4WD, competitive pricing
Years Covered:
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Regions Covered:
Global (North America, Europe, Asia, etc.)
Type:
Factory Service & Repair Workshop Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing components
Engine Management:
Fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, cooling system, lubrication system
Transmission Manual:
Manual gearbox (M5/M5SR), clutch, driveline components, driveshafts, differentials
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic gearbox (A5S310Z/RE), torque converter, gear control, hydraulic systems
Suspension And Steering:
Front suspension (independent, double wishbone), rear suspension (multi-link), power steering, steering column
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (standard) or disc brakes (optional), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electricals, fuses, relays
Body And Chassis:
Body construction, panels, doors, interior trim, glass, frame repair, corrosion protection
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:
HVAC system components, controls, refrigerant handling, diagnostics
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, transmission, electrical, and other systems
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step procedures for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) system, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) definitions and clearing procedures
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, dimensions, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics
Engine Code 1:
FE-DOHC (2.0L Inline-4, SOHC)
Displacement 1:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke 1:
82.0 mm x 93.5 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.3:1
Horsepower 1:
122 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
180 Nm @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code 2:
G4CP (2.0L Inline-4, SOHC - Korean Market)
Displacement 2:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower 2:
118 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
173 Nm @ 4500 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code 3:
RF (2.0L Diesel Inline-4, SOHC Turbocharged)
Displacement 3:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower 3:
83 hp @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 3:
170 Nm @ 2000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (RON 91 or higher)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
60 Liters (15.9 US Gallons)
Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (M5/M5SR)
Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (A5S310Z/RE)
Drivetrain Options:
2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive), 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) with selectable transfer case
Gear Ratios Manual Example:
1st: 3.454, 2nd: 2.045, 3rd: 1.370, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.760, Reverse: 3.071 (Approximate for M5SR)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
Kia ATF SP-II or equivalent
Length:
4305 mm (169.5 in)
Height:
1620 mm (63.8 in) (2WD) / 1645 mm (64.8 in) (4WD)
Wheelbase:
2650 mm (104.3 in)
Ground Clearance:
200 mm (7.9 in) (approx.)
Curb Weight Min:
1550 kg (3417 lbs) (2WD Manual)
Curb Weight Max:
1750 kg (3858 lbs) (4WD Automatic)
Towing Capacity:
1000 kg (2200 lbs) (Braked)
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 700 - 1800 Liters (with rear seats folded)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Not Specifically Rated (Era Dependent)
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Generally considered below average for the era
ABS:
Optional on most models, standard on higher trims later in production
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard on most models)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pre-tensioners for front seats
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced chassis and roof structure
Engine Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
Oil Filter Replacement:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (critical component)
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (depending on climate)
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid Spec:
Dexron II or III ATF
Common Problems Engine:
Timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule, occasional head gasket leaks, valve stem seal wear leading to oil consumption
Common Problems Transmission:
Clutch wear in manual transmissions, potential hard shifting or fluid leaks in automatic transmissions
Common Problems Suspension Steering:
Worn ball joints and tie rod ends, power steering pump leaks, front end alignment issues
Common Problems Electrical:
Alternator failure, starter motor issues, power window regulator failures, gauge cluster problems
Common Problems Body:
Rust in wheel wells, rocker panels, and tailgate; door seal degradation
Kia History Context:
Kia's expansion into global markets during the 1990s, building its reputation for affordable and practical vehicles.
First Generation Launch:
Introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year in North America, replacing the Kia Sportage (JA) launched in 1993 in Korea.
Facelift:
Minor updates for the 2001 model year, including revised styling and features.
Platform Sharing:
Based on the Kia Sportage (JA) platform, which was developed in conjunction with Mazda (based on the Mazda B-Series truck platform).
Production Locations:
South Korea (Gwangmyeong, Hwaseong)
Production Years:
1993-2004 (JA generation worldwide)
Major Awards:
None widely publicized for this specific generation's market introduction, focused on value proposition.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated as average to below average for its time, particularly concerning older models.
Iso Certification:
Kia's manufacturing facilities adhered to ISO 9001 quality management standards.
