Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking an affordable, capable, and rugged compact SUV with off-road potential.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
Construction:
Body-on-frame construction, providing robustness for off-road use and towing.
4Wd System:
Part-time 4WD system with selectable 2WD/4WD modes, often including a low-range gear for challenging terrain.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block assembly, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (gasoline and diesel), emission control systems.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission service, automatic transmission service, transfer case, drive shafts, differentials, CV joints, hubs.
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), rear suspension (multi-link), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering pump), wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes (some models may have rear discs), ABS system (if equipped), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Battery, starting system, charging system, ignition system, lighting, instrumentation, wipers, horn, power windows, power door locks, central locking, fuses and relays, wiring diagrams.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hoods, tailgates, interior trim, bumpers, chassis frame repair, exhaust system, fuel tank.
Maintenance:
Oil change intervals and specifications, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, air filter replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, common fault diagnosis for engine, transmission, electrical, and chassis systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components, including detailed torque specifications.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostic (OBD-I) system information, fault code interpretation, component testing procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Engine Code Gasoline:
FE-DOHC
Engine Displacement Gasoline:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Engine Configuration Gasoline:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)
Fuel Type Gasoline:
Unleaded Gasoline
Horsepower Gasoline Approx:
130 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Gasoline Approx:
135 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Displacement Diesel:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Engine Configuration Diesel:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), Turbocharged
Fuel Type Diesel:
Diesel Fuel
Horsepower Diesel Approx:
85 hp @ 4000 rpm
Torque Diesel Approx:
130 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Gasoline Fuel Injection:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Diesel Fuel System:
Indirect injection (IDI) with turbocharger
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
Not rated or unavailable for this model year.
IIHS Crash Test Performance:
Limited data, generally considered basic for its era.
ABS:
Optional on some trims, typically rear-wheel anti-lock brakes (RWABS).
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A and B pillars, though the body-on-frame design inherently offers some structural rigidity.
Engine Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first).
Engine Oil Change Interval Diesel:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), especially under severe conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement Gasoline:
Every 30,000 miles.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years (for FE-DOHC engine, crucial to avoid catastrophic failure).
Engine Oil Type Gasoline:
API SJ or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 depending on climate.
Engine Oil Capacity Gasoline:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter.
Engine Oil Type Diesel:
API CG-4 or CF-4, SAE 15W-40.
Engine Oil Capacity Diesel:
5.5 Liters (5.8 US quarts) with filter.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF.
Common Wear Items:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings, wheel bearings due to off-road usage and age.
Engine Timing Belt Failure:
The FE-DOHC engine is an 'interference' engine, meaning timing belt failure will cause piston-to-valve contact, leading to severe engine damage. Regular replacement is critical.
Diesel Engine Glow Plugs:
Glow plug issues can affect cold starting performance on the RF diesel engine.
4Wd Actuation:
Potential for wear in the manual hubs or transfer case engagement linkages over time.
Kia History Context:
Kia was a developing automotive manufacturer in the 1990s, seeking to establish a global presence with robust and value-oriented vehicles.
Sportage Introduction:
The first generation Sportage (KJ) was introduced in 1993 globally, and 1997 in North America, marking Kia's entry into the SUV market.
Platform Sharing:
Based on a modified chassis derived from the Mazda B-series pickup truck and the Kia Sephia sedan.
Production Years:
1993-2004 (First Generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (Hwaseong), Ecuador, Philippines, Poland, Russia.