Market Position:
The Kia Sportage, particularly in its first generation, was positioned as an affordable and capable compact SUV, often appealing to budget-conscious consumers seeking utility and an elevated driving position.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, and Chevrolet Tracker/Suzuki Vitara.
Key Features:
Body-on-frame construction (unique for its class at the time), available 4WD, versatile interior, and a relatively simple yet robust mechanical design.
Coverage Areas:
Full vehicle service and repair
Page Count:
Estimated 1500+ pages (based on typical comprehensive service manuals for this era)
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Software/Digital (likely PDF or proprietary software)
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, starting and charging
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, transfer case, drivetrain, axles, driveshafts
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front disc, rear drum/disc), wheels and tires
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wipers, horn, power windows/locks, audio system, HVAC controls, engine control module (ECM) wiring diagrams
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, dashboard, interior trim, HVAC unit, exterior trim, bumpers
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, belt replacements, spark plug replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing procedures
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and wiring diagrams.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder
Engine Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
82.0 mm x 93.5 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower:
122 hp @ 5,600 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
135 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not rated or Not available for this specific model year and certification.
ABS:
Available on select trims or optional
Traction Control:
Not typically available on this generation
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system not standard on this generation
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/Cassette player, optional CD player.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 4 speakers (front doors and rear pillars).
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels.
Auxiliary Input:
Not available on factory units.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (crucial for engine integrity, interference engine)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, or SJ grade SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.3 US quarts (4.0 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III/Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron II or III
Common Wear Items:
Suspension bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, exhaust system components, clutch wear (manual transmission).
Engine Specific Issues:
Timing belt failure can cause catastrophic engine damage (due to interference design), potential for head gasket leaks.
Electrical Common Issues:
Window regulator failures, alternator issues, intermittent electrical gremlins due to age.
Rust Corrosion:
Prone to rust in areas with harsh winters, especially on frame rails, rocker panels, and wheel arches.
Brand Origin:
Kia Motors Corporation, South Korea
First Generation Introduction:
1997 (globally), 1999 (North America)
Design Basis:
Based on the Kia Sportage concept and often cited as having influences from the Mazda Navajo (which was a rebadged Ford Explorer Sport Trac in some markets).
Production Period:
1997-2002 (First Generation JA)
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea, Ecuador, Poland, Vietnam
Industry Awards:
While not showered with awards, the Sportage was recognized for its value proposition and off-road capability for its segment at the time of its release.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally rated average to below average for reliability, with specific issues noted in transmission and electrical systems in older reports.
Emissions Certification:
Meets EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for its model year.
