🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sportage

First Generation Codename:

NB-7

First Generation Production Years:

1993-2003 (globally), 1995-2002 (North America)

Internal Chassis Code:

NB

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact SUV / Crossover

Target Audience:

Individuals and families seeking a versatile, capable, and affordable SUV for commuting and light off-roading.

Key Competitors:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Jeep Cherokee (XJ).

Distinguishing Factors:

Often offered with more robust body-on-frame construction (early models) and optional V6 engines, providing a more truck-like feel and capability compared to unibody competitors.

Body Styles:

Available as a 3-door and 5-door SUV, with convertible soft-top options in some markets/trims.

Drivetrain Options:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and part-time or full-time All-wheel drive (AWD) systems.

Powertrain Diversity:

Offered with a range of 4-cylinder and V6 gasoline engines, catering to different performance and efficiency needs.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Model Years:

1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

Regions Covered:

North America (implied by model year range and typical manual focus)

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000+ (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals of this era)

Manual Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF - implied by 'instant access' and common sales practices for older manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system (belt/chain), lubrication system, cooling system, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, fuel delivery.

Engine Control:

Engine Control Module (ECM) operation, sensor inputs (MAP, TPS, O2, ECT, CKP, CMP), actuator outputs (injectors, ignition coil, idle air control valve), fuel injection system (MPI), ignition system, emissions control systems (EGR, catalytic converter).

Transmission Manual:

Clutch system, gearbox assembly, gear shift mechanism, lubrication.

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, planetary gear sets, hydraulic control system, valve body, transmission fluid cooler, shift control.

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and All-wheel drive (AWD) systems, transfer case (if applicable to AWD models), front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints.

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent, likely MacPherson strut or double wishbone), rear suspension (independent or solid axle depending on configuration), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, anti-roll bars, bushings.

Steering:

Steering column, steering gear (rack and pinion or recirculating ball), power steering system (pump, lines, reservoir), steering linkage.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum configurations), brake calipers, brake pads, rotors, wheel cylinders, brake lines, master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnosis.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), ignition switch, fuses, relays, wiring harnesses, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), horn, wipers, washers.

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, panels, doors, windows, locks, hinges, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, underbody coatings.

Climate Control:

HVAC system operation, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, heater core, refrigerant system, A/C controls.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system operation, seat belt mechanisms, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) diagnosis.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid), spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit testing, component testing procedures, fault code interpretation (OBD-I/OBD-II depending on specific year and region).

Repair Major Component Overhaul:

Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul (manual and automatic), differential rebuild, brake caliper overhaul, radiator replacement, alternator replacement, starter replacement.

Repair Minor Component Replacement:

Spark plug replacement, fuel filter replacement, air filter replacement, brake pad and rotor replacement, CV axle replacement, exhaust system repair, suspension component replacement (ball joints, tie rods, bushings), wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement.

Body And Interior:

Door panel removal, seat removal, dashboard disassembly, headliner repair, glass replacement, seal replacement, minor body panel repair.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, connector pinouts, voltage drop testing, continuity testing, fuse and relay testing, component testing (e.g., fuel pump, power windows, door locks).

Wheel Alignment And Tire Service:

Wheel alignment specifications, tire pressure recommendations, tire rotation procedures.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, covering detailed disassembly, assembly, overhaul, and diagnostic procedures for all major vehicle systems.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Includes detailed diagnostic trees, flowcharts, and specific tests for identifying and resolving faults.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Provides crucial torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and performance data required for accurate repairs.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, enabling precise diagnosis of electrical issues.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Searchable text allows for quick location of specific topics and procedures.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans or digital originals, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Image Clarity:

Clear, legible diagrams, illustrations, and photographs.

Digital Binding Analogue:

Digital document structure with bookmarks and hyperlinking for easy navigation (typical for modern PDFs).

Digital Paper Analogue:

N/A (digital format); if printed, equivalent to professional-grade paper for durability and readability.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Displacement:

2.0 Liters (1998 cc)

Engine 1 Type:

G4CP / FE (4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve)

Engine 1 Bore X Stroke:

82.0 mm x 93.5 mm

Engine 1 Compression Ratio:

9.4:1 (typical)

Engine 1 Horsepower:

122 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)

Engine 1 Torque:

127 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2499 cc)

Engine 2 Type:

G6CV / DOHC V6, 24-valve

Engine 2 Horsepower:

168 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Engine 2 Torque:

181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)

0-60 Mph Acceleration:

10-12 seconds (varies by engine and drivetrain)

Fuel Delivery Type:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane minimum)

Fuel Tank Capacity:

65 Liters (17.2 Gallons)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

AWD Engagement:

Part-time AWD system with driver-selectable 2WD/4WD modes and low-range gearing on some models.

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate clutch (manual transmission)

Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (manual); Dexron III or equivalent ATF (automatic)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4048 mm (159.4 inches)

Width:

1790 mm (70.5 inches)

Height:

1730 mm (68.1 inches)

Wheelbase:

2650 mm (104.3 inches)

Ground Clearance:

200 mm (7.9 inches) (approx.)

Curb Weight:

1500-1700 kg (3300-3750 lbs) (varies by configuration)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

2200 kg (4850 lbs) (approx.)

Towing Capacity:

1000-1500 kg (2200-3300 lbs) (depending on engine, drivetrain, and local regulations)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Results:

Limited data available for this era; generally rated average for its class at the time of release.

ABS:

Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on some trims.

Traction Control:

Not commonly available on this generation.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags standard.

Seat Belts:

3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seat belts for outboard passengers.

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced body structure with anti-roll bars.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Speaker configuration varies by trim. Aftermarket head unit upgrades are common.

Climate Control Interface:

Manual HVAC controls with rotary knobs for temperature, fan speed, and mode selection. Optional automatic climate control may exist on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Available on higher trim levels.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Optional ABS system enhances braking control during hard stops.

Connectivity Features:

Limited connectivity features typical of the era; primarily focused on basic audio and power accessories. No integrated Bluetooth or USB ports from the factory.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil And Filter Change:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes).

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) for standard plugs, or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum/iridium plugs.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years for the 2.0L engine. The V6 engine may have a timing chain, which typically requires less frequent inspection/replacement.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 API SJ/SL certified (refer to manual for specific viscosity for climate).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron II or III.

Engine Timing Belt Failure:

The 2.0L engine uses a timing belt that, if it breaks, can cause interference damage to the valves and pistons. Regular replacement is crucial.

Rear Main Seal Leaks:

Some models can develop leaks from the crankshaft rear main seal, requiring transmission removal for repair.

Cv Joint Wear:

With AWD models and off-road use, CV joints can wear out, leading to clicking noises during turns or acceleration.

Window Regulator Failure:

Power window regulators can fail over time, causing windows to drop or become inoperable.

Door Lock Actuator Failure:

Central locking actuators can malfunction, preventing doors from locking or unlocking electronically.

Rust And Corrosion:

As with many vehicles of this era, particularly in rust-prone climates, check for corrosion on body panels, suspension components, and exhaust systems.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Motors Establishment:

Founded in 1944, Kia is one of South Korea's oldest automakers, initially producing steel tubing and bicycle parts before entering the automotive market.

First Generation Introduction:

The first-generation Sportage debuted in 1993 in South Korea and was launched globally shortly after. It was designed to compete in the burgeoning compact SUV market.

Platform Shared:

Based on the chassis of the Kia Sephia sedan and shared its platform with the Mazda Bongo Friendee/Ford Econovan.

Design Philosophy:

Initially featured a body-on-frame construction, providing a more traditional, rugged SUV character, later transitioning to a unibody design for the second generation.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production in South Korea (Gwangmyeong), with some assembly in other international locations.

Production End Of Generation:

Production of the first generation concluded globally around 2003, with the North American market receiving the last models for 2002.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Initial Reception:

The Sportage was generally well-received as an affordable and capable compact SUV, offering good value for money. Some reviews praised its off-road ability (especially AWD models).

Value Proposition:

Often cited for its competitive pricing and feature set compared to established Japanese rivals.

Safety Certifications:

Compliant with US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for its model years.