The Kia Sportage is another one of those mini SUVs. The whole mini SUV market was designed to be give the driving experience of a powerful SUV and provide some fuel economy.
According to Edmunds.com the Kia Sportage first hit American streets in 1995. The body was on a frame of a compact SUV. It came with a 94-hp, 2.0-liter single-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission.
Kia also offered a part-time 4WD version. The Sportage came with a twin-cam 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 139 hp. The 4WD offered a four-speed automatic transmission as an option.
From the outside Kia Sportage does not appear to have much room. However, the inside there is plenty of headroom and legroom. Rear seats can fold flat for a level cargo floor to a whopping 67 cubic feet.
Safety features features include 6 standard airbags, including front- and side-impact airbags for driver and passenger, and side curtain airbags for front- and rear-seat occupants. Then there is traction control. Antilock disc brakes are standard on all four wheels.
In 2005 the Kia Sportage was upgraded. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine’s horsepower was increased to 140 horsepower. All models have the option of five-speed manual transmission, or four-speed automatic.
The Sportage LX, Kia offers a 173-hp 2.7-liter V6. It comes standard with the automatic transmission. The LX also gives you the option of FWD or 4WD.
At Automotive.com the list of recalls is scarier than a Halloween ghost. Parking brake, fuel system (gasoline storage), stability control, and lighting. It is good that these issues are getting fixed, but makes me wonder what other issues have not been recalled or fixed.
You can find a 2009 Kia Sportage ranging from 16,000 to just over 22,000. Older model go down in price at a slow rate. The 2005 models are sells used between $8,400 to $11,308.
Bottom-line: If you are looking at a Kia Sportage. I would do some hard looking around. There just might be some better choices for you.
My Friend Asked me to Read your Post Auto Recon – Kia Sportage « The Shopping Nazi on Tuesday.Your post was Well written.Please Keep it up .I Like reading on kia auto.
Hey there everyone i was just introduceing myself here im a first time visitor who hopes to become a daily reader!
Exactly specifics i was seeking out. Very well put as well.