Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Target Audience:
Active individuals, families, and off-road enthusiasts looking for a versatile and rugged vehicle
Key Competitors 1995:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Suzuki Vitara, Ford Explorer (smaller trims)
Rugged Design:
Body-on-frame construction, available 4WD, higher ground clearance
Versatility:
Suitable for both daily commuting and light off-roading
Affordability:
Often positioned as a more budget-friendly alternative to established competitors
Engine:
Comprehensive diagnosis, repair, and overhaul for all engine variants (e.g., 2.0L FE-DOHC, 2.0L B-series Diesel)
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic Transmission service, repair, overhaul, and troubleshooting
Drivetrain:
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) system, transfer case, differentials (front and rear), driveshafts, CV joints
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (if equipped), brake fluid, lines, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake
Suspension:
Front suspension (independent, torsion bar or coil spring), rear suspension (independent multi-link or solid axle, depending on variant), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack/box, tie rods, linkages, steering column
Electrical:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injection system (MPI), fuel pressure regulator
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, controls, refrigerant type and procedures
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seats, trim, dashboard, exterior/interior trim removal and installation
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups, lubrication
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation
Overhaul:
Complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuild procedures
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system information, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, sensor testing
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, wear limits, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic owner maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilding, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIYers
Engine Code Gasoline 1:
FE-DOHC (2.0L)
Displacement Gasoline 1:
1998 cc
Configuration Gasoline 1:
Inline
Valve Mechanism Gasoline 1:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Power Gasoline 1:
Approx. 122-126 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (varies by market/tuning)
Torque Gasoline 1:
Approx. 128-130 lb-ft @ 3000-4500 rpm (varies by market/tuning)
Engine Code Diesel 1:
B2500 (2.0L Diesel)
Displacement Diesel 1:
1998 cc
Configuration Diesel 1:
Inline
Power Diesel 1:
Approx. 68-70 hp @ 4000 rpm
Torque Diesel 1:
Approx. 105-110 lb-ft @ 2500-3000 rpm
Fuel Delivery Gasoline:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type Gasoline:
Unleaded gasoline, Octane rating 87 (minimum)
Fuel Type Diesel:
Diesel fuel
Length:
Approx. 4025 mm (158.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1735 mm (68.3 in)
Height:
Approx. 1625 mm (64.0 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2650 mm (104.3 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 190-200 mm (7.5-7.9 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1350-1500 kg (2976-3307 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1900-2000 kg (4189-4409 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Varies by market and configuration, typically around 1500-2000 kg (3300-4400 lbs) with appropriate towing package
Wheel Base Layout:
Front Engine, Rear Wheel Drive or Four Wheel Drive
NHTSA Front Driver:
Not extensively rated by modern standards, early SUV safety data is less comprehensive.
NHTSA Front Passenger:
Not extensively rated by modern standards, early SUV safety data is less comprehensive.
ABS:
Available (optional on some trims/markets)
Traction Control:
Generally not available on this model year
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags typically standard or optional depending on trim and market
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts
Rollover Protection:
Body-on-frame construction offers inherent rigidity, but specific rollover ratings are not widely publicized for this era.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (5,000 - 8,000 km) or 6 months.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Fuel Filter Replacement Gasoline:
Every 30,000 - 45,000 miles (48,000 - 72,000 km).
Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement Gasoline:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for FE-DOHC engine. Typically every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 145,000 km). Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH rated, SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Asian vehicle specific coolant recommended.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Power Steering Fluid or ATF Dexron II/III (confirm specific recommendation)
Engine Mounts:
Wear and tear leading to vibrations felt in the cabin, especially during acceleration or deceleration.
Timing Belt Failure:
Critical failure point if not replaced at recommended intervals on FE-DOHC engines, leading to piston-valve contact.
4Wd System Engagement:
Potential issues with vacuum actuators or electronic controls for 4WD engagement, requiring diagnosis and repair.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common on older SUVs, particularly in the rocker panels, wheel arches, and chassis components, depending on climate.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components in window regulator mechanisms can become brittle and fail.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged or fail over time, affecting performance and emissions.
Kia Founding:
Founded in 1944, Kia is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of vehicles.
Kia Early Focus:
Initially focused on bicycles, motorcycles, and trucks before entering the passenger car market.
First Generation Start:
The first generation Sportage (NB-1) was introduced in 1993 in South Korea and globally starting in 1994/1995.
Design Inspiration:
Based on the Kia Sportster concept and initially shared platform components with the Mazda Bongo and later the Kia K-Series trucks.
Body Styles:
Available as a 5-door SUV, a 3-door soft-top convertible, and a 3-door hardtop.
Production Location:
South Korea (primarily) and potentially other assembly plants depending on market.
Production Years 1St Gen:
1993–2002 (globally)