Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Target Audience:
Individuals and families seeking an affordable, versatile SUV
Key Competitors 2001:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, Chevrolet Tracker, Suzuki Vitara
Vehicle Body Style:
Compact SUV, 4-door
Drivetrain Options:
Available in Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Design Philosophy:
Practicality, affordability, and a rugged, go-anywhere image
Engine Operation:
Engine system overview, controls, warnings, fluid levels
Transmission Operation:
Automatic transmission operation, shifting, fluid checks
Brakes And ABS:
Brake system operation, ABS functionality, parking brake
Steering And Suspension:
Steering wheel controls, suspension components overview
Electrical And Lighting:
Instrument panel illumination, exterior/interior lighting, fuses, battery maintenance
HVAC System:
Climate control operation, air conditioning, heater, ventilation
Infotainment And Audio:
Radio operation, speaker placement, antenna
Safety Features:
Airbags, seatbelts, child seat anchors (LATCH/ISOFIX), child safety locks
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure information, wheel specifications, spare tire operation
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic visual inspections
Do It Yourself:
Bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement, jump starting, tire pressure adjustment
Towing Considerations:
Towing capacity, recommended towing procedures, trailer wiring information
Emergency Procedures:
Breakdown assistance, hazard warning lights, changing a flat tire
Maintenance Scheduling:
Recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, and other routine maintenance tasks
Depth Level:
Owner-level understanding and basic maintenance tasks
Diagnostic Scope:
Explanation of dashboard warning lights and their meanings
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder
Engine Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998cc)
Engine Code:
RF (Mazda-derived, shared with Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape)
Horsepower:
126 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
135 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Engine Control Unit:
ECU (Engine Control Unit) with OBD-II diagnostics
Ground Clearance:
8.1 inches (approx.)
Curb Weight FWD:
3439 lbs (approx.)
Curb Weight AWD:
3583 lbs (approx.)
Towing Capacity:
2000 lbs (max.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
4586 lbs (approx.)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
27.1 cubic feet (approx.)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
66.9 cubic feet (approx.)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 2001 models)
IIHS Side Impact Rating:
Acceptable (for models with side airbags, if equipped)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (standard on AWD, optional on FWD)
Traction Control:
Not commonly available on this model year
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags (driver and passenger)
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts, front seatbelt pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Child Safety Locks:
Rear door child safety locks
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player and CD player (optional), 4-6 speakers
Display Type:
Basic LCD screen for radio display
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on some trims
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically standard; aftermarket solutions may be available
Oil Change Interval Normal:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months
Oil Change Interval Severe:
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (for frequent short trips, dusty conditions, towing)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (Iridium type recommended)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 API SJ or higher
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol (Green type), a 50/50 mix with distilled water
Washer Fluid Type:
Automotive windshield washer fluid (or water/mild detergent mix)
Common Complaints Prevalence:
While generally reliable, common owner reports include minor electrical gremlins, worn suspension components over time, and potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan gaskets.
ABS Sensor Wear:
ABS wheel speed sensors can be prone to failure, causing ABS warning lights.
Exhaust System Corrosion:
In rust-prone climates, the exhaust system can be susceptible to corrosion.
Cv Joint Boots:
Front CV joint boots can degrade over time, leading to potential joint failure if not addressed.
Kia Founding:
Founded in 1944 as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts, Kia entered the automotive industry in 1970.
Sportage First Generation Start:
The Kia Sportage was first introduced in 1993 (as a 1994 model year in some markets).
Sportage First Generation End:
The first generation ran from 1993 to 2004.
Second Generation Start:
The second generation began in 2004 (as a 2005 model year).
Global Platforms:
This generation of Sportage was built on a chassis shared with the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape, a result of the Mazda-Ford alliance at the time.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in South Korea by Kia.
Launch Recognition:
The first-generation Sportage, particularly in its early years, was often recognized for its value proposition and affordability in the compact SUV segment.
Consumer Reports Historical:
Historically, Consumer Reports ratings for this generation varied, with some praise for value but concerns in areas like reliability and driving dynamics compared to leading Japanese competitors.