Segment:
Compact SUV / Crossover
Launch Era Positioning:
Affordable and practical compact SUV, often positioned as a value-oriented alternative to Japanese and domestic competitors.
Primary Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra, Jeep Cherokee (XJ), Chevrolet Tracker/Geo Tracker
Body Styles:
5-door SUV, 2-door Soft-Top Convertible (less common)
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), On-Demand Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)
Covered Years:
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
Covered Regions:
Global (North America, Europe, Asia, Australia)
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 1500-2000 (comprehensive service manual)
Type:
Complete Repair & Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Control (ECU), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Transfer Case (4WD), Drive Shafts, Axles, Differentials
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front Disc, Rear Drum/Disc), ABS (if equipped)
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Electrical (Wipers, Horn, Power Accessories), HVAC Controls, Audio System Wiring
Body And Trim:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Seals
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks/Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Replacement
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Overhaul, Clutch Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper Rebuild, Steering Rack Replacement
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
OBD-II Codes, Engine Performance Issues, Transmission Shifting Problems, Electrical Fault Finding, HVAC System Troubleshooting
Component Replacement:
Alternator, Starter Motor, Radiator, Water Pump, Fuel Pump, Ignition Coils, Wheel Bearings
Body And Interior:
Door Lock Actuator Replacement, Window Regulator Repair, Bumper Cover Replacement, Seat Adjustment Mechanism Repair
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repair.
Engine Code 1:
FE (2.0L SOHC Inline-4)
Bore X Stroke 1:
82.0 mm x 93.5 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.4:1
Horsepower 1:
122-130 hp @ 5500-5600 rpm (market dependent)
Torque 1:
176-180 Nm @ 3000-3400 rpm (market dependent)
Engine Code 2:
G4CP (2.0L DOHC Inline-4 - some markets)
Horsepower 2:
128 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2:
179 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Code 3:
FE (2.0L Diesel - some markets)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) or Coil-packs
Length:
4035 mm (158.9 in)
Height:
1670 mm (65.7 in) (without roof rails)
Wheelbase:
2600 mm (102.4 in)
Ground Clearance:
200 mm (7.9 in)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 650 Liters (22.9 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 1500 Liters (53.0 cu ft)
Curb Weight Min:
1350 kg (2976 lbs) (FWD, Manual)
Curb Weight Max:
1550 kg (3417 lbs) (4WD, Automatic)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 1900-2000 kg (4189-4409 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Unbraked: 750 kg (1653 lbs), Braked: 1500 kg (3307 lbs) (check local regulations)
NHTSA Rating:
Not extensively tested by NHTSA for this generation. Likely comparable to other SUVs of its era.
IIHS Rating:
Not extensively tested by IIHS for this generation.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front wheels (market dependent)
Traction Control:
Not available on most models of this generation.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard on later models; side airbags were rare.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced body structure for improved rollover resistance.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player or CD player (later models). 2-4 speaker system.
Display:
Analog gauges, minimal digital displays for odometer/trip meter.
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels.
Auxiliary Inputs:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions may include FM modulators or cassette adapters.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Not equipped on most early models; if present, every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (standard copper plugs); 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum plugs (if applicable).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years (critical for interference engines).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher; SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for ambient temperature specific viscosity).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.2 Liters (4.4 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water. (e.g., Toyota Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4; SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III/Mercon compatible ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III compatible ATF or specific power steering fluid.
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear and cracking of engine mounts, leading to vibration and noise.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in control arm bushings and sway bar links, resulting in clunking noises and poor handling.
Timing Belt Failure:
Critical to adhere to replacement intervals; failure can cause catastrophic engine damage due to interference design.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
Oil leaks from the rear crankshaft seal.
Interior Rattles:
Common interior trim rattles and squeaks that can be addressed with sound deadening and tightening.
Headlight Hazing:
Plastic headlight lenses can become cloudy and discolored over time.
Kia Origins:
Founded in 1944 as a manufacturer of bicycle parts and steel tubing, Kia entered the automotive market in the 1960s.
First Generation Debut:
The first-generation Sportage (NB-4) debuted in 1993 in Korea and was launched globally from 1995.
Platform Shared With:
Shared its platform and many components with the Mazda B-Series pickup truck and Ford/Mazda compact SUVs of the era.
Design Influence:
Designed by Tom Tjaarda at Italdesign Giugiaro, featuring a boxy yet somewhat rounded aesthetic.
Production Period:
1993-2004 (with minor updates)
Assembly Locations:
South Korea (Kia's Gwangmyeong Plant), various CKD (Completely Knocked Down) assembly plants globally.
