🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sportage

Year:

1996

Vehicle Identification Number Vin Format:

Standard 17-character VIN

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact SUV / Crossover

Target Audience:

Consumers seeking a versatile, affordable, and capable compact SUV for light off-roading, daily commuting, and family use.

Key Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Pathfinder (first generation), Ford Explorer (early models), Jeep Cherokee (XJ).

Body Styles:

Available as a 3-door and 5-door SUV.

Drivetrain:

Available in 2WD (Rear-Wheel Drive) and 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) configurations.

Powertrain Options:

Primarily offered with a 2.0L gasoline engine.

Off Road Capability:

Body-on-frame construction and available 4WD system offered decent off-road capabilities for its class at the time.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system (belt/chain), lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system (mechanical aspects).

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starting system, charging system (alternator, battery), engine control unit (ECU) operation, sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, oxygen, coolant temp), fuel pump operation, emission control systems.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch operation, gearbox assembly, gear ratios, shift mechanism, driveshafts, differential (if applicable), fluid specifications, troubleshooting.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, planetary gear sets, valve body operation, hydraulic system, electronic controls (if applicable), fluid specifications, shift control, troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system (disc/drum), hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake booster, ABS system (if equipped), bleeding procedures, component replacement, troubleshooting.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), power steering system, steering column, wheel alignment specifications, troubleshooting.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, central locking, wipers and washers, horn, battery, fuses, relays, diagnostic connector.

Body Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, seats, dashboard components, HVAC system operation, body repair procedures.

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:

Refrigerant system, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, control panel, cabin air filter replacement, troubleshooting.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, belt inspections, brake servicing, and other routine maintenance tasks.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, including symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault codes (OBD-I/OBD-II if applicable), and diagnostic flowcharts.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major vehicle systems, including torque specifications and specific tools required.

Diagnostics:

Information on diagnostic tools, test procedures for sensors and actuators, and interpretation of diagnostic data.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, illustrating component connections and wire routing.

Depth:

Comprehensive coverage from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Image Resolution:

High-resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations.

Binding Method:

Digital (PDF format)

Paper Quality:

Not applicable (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

FE20 (or similar designation for 2.0L)

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC

Displacement:

1998 cc (2.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

80.0 mm x 98.0 mm (approximate)

Compression Ratio:

8.5:1 (approximate)

Horsepower:

Approximately 118 hp @ 5,500 rpm

Torque:

Approximately 168 Nm (124 lb-ft) @ 3,000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating typically 87)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

60 Liters (15.9 Gallons)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

Transfer Case 4Wd:

Two-speed transfer case with 2WD/4WD High/4WD Low selectable modes.

Gear Ratios Manual:

Specific gear ratios available within the manual for each gear (e.g., 1st gear: 3.55, 2nd gear: 2.00, 3rd gear: 1.37, 4th gear: 1.00, 5th gear: 0.79, Reverse: 3.30, Final Drive: 4.10).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4020 mm (158.3 inches) (3-door), 4275 mm (168.3 inches) (5-door)

Width:

1770 mm (69.7 inches)

Height:

1630 mm (64.2 inches) (3-door), 1635 mm (64.4 inches) (5-door)

Wheelbase:

2650 mm (104.3 inches)

Ground Clearance:

Approximately 190 mm (7.5 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1390 kg - 1530 kg (3064 lbs - 3373 lbs) depending on configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Varies by model, typically around 2000 kg (4400 lbs).

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:

Approximately 450 Liters (15.9 cu ft)

Cargo Volume Rear Seats Folded:

Approximately 1450 Liters (51.2 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Information for this specific model year and region may be limited. Generally, vehicles of this era had basic safety features.

IIHS Crash Tests:

Information for this specific model year and region may be limited. Generally, vehicles of this era had basic safety features.

ABS:

Available on some higher trim levels or optional.

Traction Control:

Not typically available on this model year.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts, pre-tensioners for front seatbelts.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced body structure for improved rollover resistance compared to older SUVs.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM stereo with cassette player and optional CD player. Speakers typically located in doors and rear quarter panels.

Display:

Minimal digital display for radio presets or clock. No advanced screen-based interfaces.

Cruise Control:

Optional on some trim levels.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard. Aftermarket solutions may be available.

Bluetooth:

Not available.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.

Oil Filter Replacement:

At every engine oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years, as it's an interference engine. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (depending on climate). Check owner's manual for exact specification.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.3 Liters (4.5 US Quarts) with filter.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mixture with distilled water. (e.g., Kia Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent).

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III/Mercon ATF.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III/Mercon ATF or specific power steering fluid.

Timing Belt Failure:

One of the most critical maintenance items. Failure can lead to severe engine damage (bent valves, damaged pistons).

Rear Main Seal Leaks:

Common to experience oil leaks from the rear main crankshaft seal.

Exhaust Manifold Cracks:

Exhaust manifolds can develop cracks due to heat cycles.

Body Rust:

Rust can be an issue, particularly around wheel wells, rocker panels, and the chassis, especially in regions with salted roads.

Automatic Transmission Harsh Shifting:

Some units may exhibit rough shifting or delayed engagement over time, often related to fluid condition or internal wear.

Window Regulator Failure:

Power window regulators can become weak or fail.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Motors Founding:

Founded in 1944 as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts, Kia entered the automotive industry in the 1960s.

First Generation Launch:

The first generation Kia Sportage (index 'NB-7') was launched in 1993 in South Korea and 1995 in North America. It was based on the Kia Sportage concept vehicle unveiled at the 1991 Tokyo Motor Show.

Platform:

Built on a monocoque chassis derived from the Mazda Bongo/Besta platform, differentiating it from many body-on-frame SUVs of the era.

Manufacturing Location:

South Korea (initially).

Production Years 1St Gen:

1993-2002

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Specific Awards:

The Kia Sportage was generally considered a value-oriented option in its segment. Specific awards for this 1996 model year are less common in major automotive publications compared to more established competitors. It was often recognized for its affordability and utility.