Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, professional mechanics, fleet owners
Key Competitors 2002:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Xterra
Vehicle Highlights:
Body-on-frame construction (older models), available V6 engine, robust AWD system
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth, factory-level repair information for owners and technicians alike.
Engine:
2.0L FE DOHC, 2.7L Delta V6 DOHC
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control (OBD-II)
Transmission:
4-speed Automatic, 5-speed Manual
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system diagnostics and repair
Suspension:
Front independent strut, Rear multi-link suspension
Brakes:
Front vented discs, Rear discs (ABS system included)
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, fuses, relays
Body And Chassis:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, chassis components
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelt systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) code interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing
Specifications:
Torque specifications, tolerances, clearances
Depth:
Detailed, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine 1 Name:
2.0L DOHC Inline-4 (FE)
Engine 1 Displacement:
1998 cc (122 cu in)
Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Engine 1 Compression Ratio:
9.6:1
Engine 1 Horsepower:
128 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
135 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Engine 2 Name:
2.7L DOHC V6 (Delta)
Engine 2 Displacement:
2656 cc (162 cu in)
Engine 2 Bore X Stroke:
86.7 mm x 75.0 mm
Engine 2 Compression Ratio:
9.3:1
Engine 2 Horsepower:
173 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
177 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane Recommended)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity 4Cyl:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
4.8 US quarts (4.6 L) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (50/50 mix)
Transmission 1 Type:
5-speed Manual
Transmission 2 Type:
4-speed Automatic (4-Speed Automatic Transmission - SPORTMATIC)
Automatic Features:
Electronically controlled, Sportshift mode
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent
Manual Transmission Capacity:
2.2 US quarts (2.1 L)
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
7.0 US quarts (6.6 L) total (pan drop)
Length:
172.8 inches (4389 mm)
Width:
70.5 inches (1791 mm)
Height:
66.1 inches (1679 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.5 inches (2629 mm)
Passenger Volume:
97.5 cu ft (2761 L)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
27.1 cu ft (767 L)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
67.1 cu ft (1900 L)
Curb Weight FWD:
3300 - 3500 lbs (1497 - 1588 kg) approx.
Curb Weight AWD:
3450 - 3700 lbs (1565 - 1678 kg) approx.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4700 - 4900 lbs (2132 - 2223 kg) approx.
Towing Capacity:
1500 lbs (680 kg) with trailer brake, 1000 lbs (454 kg) without
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not Rated / Acceptable (refer to specific test results)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not Rated / Acceptable (refer to specific test results)
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Marginal (for early models, testing varied)
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Traction Control:
Optional on some trims
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags (standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional cassette tape player
Speaker Configuration:
4 or 6 speaker systems
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels
Auxiliary Input:
N/A (typically no standard auxiliary input or USB)
Gauge Cluster:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel, coolant temperature; warning lights
Oil Change Interval Typical:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement Interval 4Cyl:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (standard spark plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval V6:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (iridium plugs)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval 4Cyl:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (critical replacement)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent
Common Issue 1:
Timing belt failure in 2.0L engine if not replaced on schedule (causes severe engine damage)
Common Issue 2:
Rear main crankshaft seal leaks
Common Issue 3:
CV joint wear, especially in AWD models used off-road
Common Issue 4:
EGR valve clogging leading to rough idle or stalling
Common Issue 5:
Power window regulator failure
Kia Founding:
1944 (originally manufactured bicycle parts and steel tubing)
Kia Automotive Entry:
1962 (motorcycles), 1970s (commercial vehicles)
First Generation Start:
1997
Second Generation Start:
2005
Sportage 2002 Positioning:
End of the first generation, offering a more rugged, body-on-frame SUV experience compared to car-based crossovers.
Manufacturing Location Korea:
Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Production Years:
1997-2004 (First Generation)