Overview & Reviews
The Sportage is now in its eighth model year, so to help move its aged sport-ute along, Kia will offer the four-doors in just one trim level (eliminating the EX and Limited trim models) with more standard feature content than before, though you can no longer get leather upholstery. All Sportages are equipped with body-color door handles and an exterior latch on the rear hatch to ease loading cargo. A Two-Tone Package is available for hardtops; this option group contains two-tone cladding, bumpers and fenders and a cladding-color roof rack and hard-face spare tire cover. In addition, Kia has expanded the standard list of safety features to include seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters for the airbags. Finally, interested buyers should note that the Sportage will be going on hiatus for the 2003 model year (to make room for production of the new midsize '03 Sorento); a completely redesigned version (likely with unibody construction) is expected to return in the fall of 2003 as an '04 model.
- Budget price, impressive equipment levels, stout construction, high fun factor, convertible body style.
- Anemic engine, cheap interior materials, limited rear seat and cargo room.
User Reviews:
Showing 31 through 40 of 65.00-
This is a GREAT car! - 2002 Kia Sportage
By akbusdrvr - June 25 - 10:00 amI live in Alaska where we get lots of snow. This winter I did not have one problem getting around in the snow or ice. I like the auto lock hubs, no more getting out to turn the hubcaps! I also tested the automatic, and it did not seem to do as well as the manual transmission. Also, a person cannot beat the warranty on these cars. A great little UTE!
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Dont By it - 2002 Kia Sportage
By paqman21 - June 19 - 10:00 amI would advise you to stay away from this SUV. It is not worth the money. If you are not in a windy city it might be good for you. I didnt like going from the first lane to the fourth lane in one swift blow.
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user friendly - 2002 Kia Sportage
By oh ya - June 1 - 10:10 pmthe kia is an affordable and economicly sound purchase. It could use some more horses under the hood, but for the price its worth it. Powerful when in four wheel drive, still limited to slow accelaration.
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Luv my Kia - 2002 Kia Sportage
By iceman8147 - February 18 - 2:00 amI purchased (2) Kia Sportage convertables over a year ago. Both my wife and I love them. They are perfect for the Florida beach / rush hour traffic scene. You sit up nice and high, but can zip in and out of traffic. With the top off, you can enjoy the fresh ocean air. I have worked in the US automotive industry for 20 years, but after driving my little SUV, I am impressed. The fit and finish on our Sportages was as good as or better than vehicles that I have seen at the NA assembly plants. For the money, they are quite a value. If they had a small V6 in it rather than the I4, fuel economy would be better as the 4 cylinder is worked pretty hard.
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save your money - 2002 Kia Sportage
By worstchoiceevermade - November 5 - 2:00 amthis car sucks! it stays in the shop. 2 wks after i got it the window switch broke, the interior seat covers had to be replaced...the belts gave out..the brakes messed up, the air went out and now the windows dont work at all...no wonder they come w/that long warrenty..youll need it. how can i get rid of this piece of junk???
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Do NOT buy if you drive in rain or snow - 2002 Kia Sportage
By Lori - November 1 - 6:46 pmIts a 4x4, bt extremely dangerous to drive in rain or snow, doing below speed limit. The backend slides out constantly, regardless of having new tires because of it being a light weight vehicle. When problems arose w/ an oil leak, the dealer blamed express lube. I was given an attitude by the dealer. They were very expensive. When 4x4 wasnt working, th car was in shop for 3 days, returned unfixed and had to drop it back off for 3 mere days! I replaced the fan belts, alternator and starter. Another annoying fact, it would gt stuck in reverse all the time. I would have to roll a little in reverse, then put in drve for it to go forward from a parked position. It was very noisy w/ the soft top. Catalytic converter smelled going uphill, dlr sd normal
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Happy Man - 2002 Kia Sportage
By happyman - October 30 - 2:00 amI love this vehicle. 1999 Model Year. Bought it w/42,000 miles. Found that Prv owner brought it in for an electrical issue when doing lemon check, but no other issues. Fun to drive. Cant wait to take its top off!! These vehicles are hard to find used.
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Scammed - 2002 Kia Sportage
By cheated by dealer - August 12 - 10:00 amHorrible quality. Windows wouldnt go up, drivers seat not bolted securely, cup holder broke, dome light burnt out twice in 6 months. The scotch-guard on the seats didnt work, stains on them and there are parts already rusted! Cheap vehicle and now the dealer wont standy by it indicating I "only" bought a $20k vehicle and not to expect much. Getting rid of vehicle within 1st year and taking huge loss, worth only 1/2 of its value & will have to add remainder on new car loan.
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Great Value - 2002 Kia Sportage
By KiaOwner - May 12 - 2:00 amI am surprised that no one on this web site had anything nice to say about this vehicle. Several of my friends are Sportage owners and they all love it. It seems that only those who have something to complain about are doing the rating. Therefore, I am here to say that I love my Sportage and I am proud to be an owner of one. The appearance is far better than the CRV or RAV-4 and it has been reliable thus far.
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Good Truck! - 2002 Kia Sportage
By sportage1 - February 16 - 2:00 amI like my Sportage EX very much. It has proven to be much more reliable than my 94 version.
