Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking an affordable, versatile, and capable compact SUV for both urban and light off-road use.
Key Competitors 1998:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Explorer (smaller trims), Nissan Pathfinder (smaller trims).
Drivetrain Options:
Available in 2WD and 4WD configurations.
Body Styles:
Primarily offered as a 3-door or 5-door SUV.
Value Proposition:
Known for its rugged construction, off-road capability (for its class), and competitive pricing.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, disassembly, assembly, and diagnostics for all engine variants.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, sensor testing, ECU diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Disassembly, assembly, adjustment, and repair of manual transmissions.
Transmission Automatic:
Operation, diagnostics, fluid service, and internal component repair for automatic transmissions.
Drivetrain 4Wd:
Transfer case operation, front/rear axle assembly, driveshafts, CV joints, and differentials.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, diagnostics and repair.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), hydraulic components, ABS diagnostics (if equipped), bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, accessory circuits.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass replacement, chassis lubrication.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all systems.
Component Repair:
Detailed instructions for removing, disassembling, repairing, and reassembling major components.
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine overhaul procedures, including torque specifications, clearances, and assembly sequences.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Use of multimeters, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic scan tools; interpretation of wiring diagrams.
Tune Up:
Ignition timing, fuel mixture adjustments, emissions testing and adjustments.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics for engine, transmission, and ABS systems, including symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Specific Procedures:
Includes procedures for crankshaft seal replacement, cylinder head gasket replacement, timing belt replacement, and clutch replacement.
Engine Code Gasoline 1:
FE (2.0L)
Engine Displacement Gasoline 1:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Engine Configuration Gasoline 1:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves
Bore X Stroke Gasoline 1:
82.0 mm x 93.5 mm
Compression Ratio Gasoline 1:
9.6:1
Horsepower Gasoline 1:
120-128 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (varies by market and exact spec)
Torque Gasoline 1:
170-180 Nm (125-133 lb-ft) @ 4000-4500 rpm (varies by market and exact spec)
Top Speed Est:
160-175 km/h (100-109 mph)
Acceleration 0 100Kmh Est:
11-13 seconds
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
60 Liters (15.9 US gallons)
Length:
4020 mm (158.3 in) - 5-door; 3750 mm (147.6 in) - 3-door
Height:
1760 mm (69.3 in)
Wheelbase:
2650 mm (104.3 in)
Ground Clearance:
205 mm (8.1 in)
Curb Weight Est:
1500-1650 kg (3307-3638 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
2000-2150 kg (4409-4740 lbs)
Cargo Volume Seats Up Est:
Approximately 650-700 liters (23-25 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Seats Down Est:
Approximately 1800-1900 liters (63-67 cu ft)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not specifically rated by NHTSA for this model year in many markets.
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not specifically rated by NHTSA for this model year in many markets.
ABS:
Available on higher trims or as an option.
Traction Control:
Rarely available on this model year.
Airbags Driver:
Standard driver airbag.
Airbags Passenger:
Optional or standard depending on market and trim.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts (center lap belt may be 2-point).
Engine Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plugs Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (typically copper core plugs).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years, whichever comes first (critical maintenance item).
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (depending on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.0-4.5 Liters (4.2-4.8 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically a green formulation. (Consult manual for exact spec).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent).
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron II or III (or equivalent).
Transfer Case Fluid 4Wd:
GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90.
Differential Fluid Front 4Wd:
GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90.
Differential Fluid Rear:
GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear (manual), universal joints and CV joints, front suspension bushings, exhaust system components.
Engine Reliability:
Generally considered robust, but timing belt replacement is critical to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Electrical Quirks:
Age-related electrical issues such as faulty window regulators, door lock actuators, and minor sensor failures can occur.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, and chassis members in areas with heavy road salt usage.
Kia Founding:
Founded in 1944, Kia Motors Corporation is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles.
First Generation Launch:
The first-generation Kia Sportage (JA) was introduced in 1993, with significant updates leading into the 1998 model year.
Platform:
Based on a modified chassis derived from the Mazda Bongo/Ford Econovan platform.
Production Period:
1993 - 2004 (First Generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (Kia's Gwangmyeong plant), also assembled in other locations under license.