Era:
Late 1990s / Early 2000s SUV market
Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute
Platform:
Body-on-frame construction, shared with the Kia Sedona minivan of the time, providing robust capability
Drivetrain Options:
Available in 2WD (rear-wheel drive) and 4WD configurations
Body Styles:
Typically offered as a 5-door SUV
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, repair, and maintenance
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, diagnostics, and fluid service
Brakes:
Brake system inspection, repair, ABS diagnostics, and component replacement
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering system components, alignment procedures
Electrical:
Complete electrical system diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component testing, lighting, accessories
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, frame straightening, interior trim, exterior trim
Cooling Heating Ac:
Cooling system components, heater core, A/C system service and repair
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, emissions control
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, CV joints, differentials, 4WD system (if applicable)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting for various systems
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic codes, sensor testing, electrical system testing
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and diagnostic procedures
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Horsepower:
Approximately 126-130 hp (depending on market and specific tuning)
Torque:
Approximately 135-139 lb-ft (depending on market and specific tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Oil Type Recommendation:
API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for precise details)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change (refer to manual for precise capacity)
Spark Plug Type:
NGK BKR5ES-11 or equivalent
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
4Wd System:
Optional electronically controlled 4WD system with low-range gearing on some models
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for specific Kia part numbers and capacities)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia SPIII ATF or equivalent (refer to manual for specific Kia part numbers and capacities)
Length:
Approx. 167.1 inches (4244 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.3 inches (1786 mm)
Height:
Approx. 65.0 inches (1651 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.5 inches (2629 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,300 - 3,600 lbs (1497 - 1633 kg) depending on configuration
Towing Capacity:
Typically around 2000 lbs (907 kg) for properly equipped models
Standard Tire Size:
P215/65R16
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
Not extensively rated under current NHTSA standards for this era, but early SUVs often had lower ratings.
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
Not extensively rated under current NHTSA standards for this era.
ABS:
Available (Standard on some trims, optional on others)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD player with optional amplifier and speaker upgrades.
Dashboard Controls:
Basic analog gauges, climate control knobs, and physical button controls for audio.
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels
Phone Integration:
No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity. Optional dealer-installed hands-free kits may have existed.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months (refer to manual for severe driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months (refer to manual)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (refer to manual for specific plug types and checks)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Critical: Kia recommends replacement every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) due to its interference engine design.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, meeting Kia specifications. Typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for exact specification)
Timing Belt Failure:
Premature failure or stretching can lead to significant engine damage. Strict adherence to replacement intervals is crucial.
Cv Joint Wear:
Front CV joints can experience wear, leading to clicking noises during turns, especially on 4WD models.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Cracks in the exhaust manifold can cause exhaust leaks and a ticking noise.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Some units may develop leaks from the rear main crankshaft seal.
Company Origins:
Kia Motors Corporation, founded in South Korea in 1944, initially producing bicycle parts.
First Generation:
First generation Sportage launched in 1993, based on the Kia Sportage concept vehicle.
Year 2000 Updates:
The 2000 model year represents a significant update in its first generation, often referred to as the 'facelifted' version.
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (Kia's primary manufacturing base)
