🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sportage

Year:

1995

Generation Code:

JA (First Generation)

Chassis Code:

JA

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Compact SUV / Crossover

Target Audience:

Enthusiast owners, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops.

Key Competitors 1995:

Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Isuzu Rodeo, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Suzuki Vitara.

Vehicle Design Philosophy:

Body-on-frame SUV offering a blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability, often perceived as a more rugged alternative to car-based crossovers.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides essential technical data for maintaining and repairing the first-generation Kia Sportage, crucial for owners seeking to preserve their vehicle's longevity and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable Digital File

Page Count:

Estimated 800-1200 pages (typical for full factory service manuals of this era)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (carbureted and EFI), ignition system, emission control system, engine specifications, torque values.

Engine Performance:

Troubleshooting engine performance issues, diagnosis of common problems.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission overhaul, clutch system, shifting mechanisms, gear ratios, maintenance procedures, torque specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission overhaul (if applicable for specific models), hydraulic control systems, torque converter, shift control, maintenance, fluid specifications.

Drivetrain 4Wd:

Four-wheel drive system operation, transfer case, front and rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, hub mechanisms, troubleshooting.

Suspension:

Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (solid axle/independent depending on variant), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment specifications, troubleshooting.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering gear, steering linkage, column, troubleshooting, fluid specifications.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc/drum), hydraulic system, brake fluid specifications, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, calipers, brake pads, rotors, parking brake system, ABS (if equipped), troubleshooting.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, ignition switch, troubleshooting.

Body And Chassis:

Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, locks, glass, bumpers, hood, tailgate, chassis frame, underbody, rustproofing.

HVAC:

Heating system, ventilation system, air conditioning system components, refrigerant, troubleshooting.

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance checks, oil change intervals, filter replacements, lubrication points, fluid level checks and top-offs, tune-up procedures.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults across all vehicle systems.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for disassembly, repair, and reassembly of all major vehicle components and systems.

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for EFI systems, electrical system diagnostics, component testing procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, factory-level detail covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including diagnostic strategies and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing.

Searchability:

Expected to be fully searchable text content for quick access to specific information.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans or digitally rendered pages suitable for home or professional printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 1:

Inline 4-Cylinder

Engine Displacement 1:

2.0 Liters (1998 cc)

Engine Code 1:

FE (Mazda origin/related)

Valvetrain 1:

SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 16 Valves

Bore X Stroke 1:

86.0 mm x 86.0 mm

Compression Ratio 1:

8.5:1 or 9.0:1 (depending on variant)

Horsepower 1:

Approx. 95-103 HP @ 5000-5500 RPM (depending on market and fuel system)

Torque 1:

Approx. 117-124 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 RPM (depending on market and fuel system)

Engine Type 2 Optional:

2.0 Liter Mazda/Kia FE-DOHC DOHC 16V (with Dual Overhead Cams)

Horsepower 2 Optional:

Approx. 122 HP @ 5500 RPM

Torque 2 Optional:

Approx. 135 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM

Engine Type 3 Optional:

2.0 Liter Turbo Diesel (Europe/other markets)

Engine Displacement 3 Optional:

2.0 Liters (1905 cc)

Horsepower 3 Optional:

Approx. 83 HP

Fuel Delivery Primary:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Delivery Optional:

Carburetor (early models or specific markets)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as specified in manual)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) with Selectable 2WD/4WD and Low Range

Clutch Type:

Dry single plate (Manual Transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4245 mm (167.1 in)

Width:

Approx. 1770 mm (69.7 in)

Height:

Approx. 1670 mm (65.7 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2650 mm (104.3 in)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 200 mm (7.9 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1450-1600 kg (3197-3527 lbs) depending on configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model and configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

Niosh Crash Test Rating 1995:

Data not readily available for this specific model year from official NHTSA/IIHS archives as typically presented today. Early SUVs often had different testing standards.

Anti Lock Brakes:

Optional ABS available on some models.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger airbags were becoming standard or optional equipment during this period, check specific vehicle configuration.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners (driver/front passenger) and three-point rear seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional CD player available on higher trims.

Speaker Configuration:

Typically 4-6 speakers.

Cruise Control:

Available on some higher trim levels.

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions required.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions).

Oil Filter Replacement:

Replace with every oil change.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 24,000 miles (36,000 km) or 24 months.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Every 24,000 miles (36,000 km) or 24 months.

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for specific climate recommendations).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.2 Liters (4.4 US Quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant (typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water).

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Dexron III or equivalent ATF.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

ATF Dexron II or III.

Common Problems 1:

Timing belt wear and potential failure (if not replaced on schedule, can cause catastrophic engine damage), oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket.

Common Problems 2:

Front suspension component wear (ball joints, bushings, tie rod ends) due to vehicle weight and off-road use. Power steering pump leaks.

Common Problems 3:

Corrosion on the chassis and body panels, especially in regions with road salt. Exhaust system rust.

Common Problems 4:

Door lock actuators and window regulators can fail over time. A/C system leaks or compressor failures.

Common Problems 5:

Automatic transmission issues such as hard shifting or slipping can occur with high mileage or lack of fluid maintenance.

📚 Vehicle History

Kia Origin:

Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, initially as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts, later expanding into trucks and passenger vehicles.

First Generation Launch:

Introduced in 1993 in South Korea, with international launches beginning in 1994. The 1995 model year represents an early phase of this generation.

Development Partnership:

Developed in collaboration with Mazda, sharing some platform and mechanical components, particularly with the Mazda Navajo (a rebadged Ford Explorer) and Mazda B-Series truck derivatives for certain powertrain elements.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily South Korea (Kia's Hwaseong plant).

Production Years Gen1:

1993-2002

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Early Recognition:

While not a recipient of major awards as a luxury vehicle would be, the Kia Sportage was recognized for its affordability and practicality in the emerging compact SUV market of the mid-1990s.