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 1 through 10 of 65.00

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  I like it but....... - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By Irishgirl - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I do like my Kia, but i have had a few problems, my rear window would not go up or down, every time i shut the trunk door the panel would fall off, a part was missing, both were repaired by dealer. I am hoping i made the right choice in purchasing my kia, time will tell.

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  One year old and nothing but problems - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By angry KIA owner - October 17 - 10:00 am

  We owned the Sportage six months when the bottom section of the cupholder fell off, spilling hot coffee on me while driving. A month later, the cover for the sun visor mirror fell off. Last winter the back passenger window stopped working, and about the same time, during freezing rain with my kids in the vehicle, the wipers stopped working. Now, after 35000 kms (30000 of those highway kms) it needs new front brakes and the rotors are trashed. Never had a vehicle needing brakes this soon before! Its highly unfortunate we leased this vehicle as we are now stuck for another three years costing us nothing but problems and money.

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  Wont Buy Again - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By chevylover - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Have 2002 Kia Sportage convertible. Recently bumped a large rubber trash can at 5 mph, and passenger mirror broke off. Check engine light comes on intermitently. Air bag light blinking random pattern for months. Wont go to dealership because service is terrible. Quality is poor, but then again thats why the price is low. Read here about recalls, havent received any notifications at all. Been a chevy buyer all my life, will not go back to Kia. Sneeze and a dent appears in the outside panels, paint chipping in doors, molding in windows not secure. Tailpipe broke off w/ only 27K miles. Seems low to me to have exhaust issues. It was an experience that I wont repeat.

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  love car not service - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By lovehate - October 10 - 10:00 am

  the kia i have is a 2000 loved 4 wheel in winter great tractin in snow then heat shield started to rattle. dealer said they normally rip them off to stop the noise after 7 months they finally replaced the whole exhaust due to corrosion. front bearings,wiper arm failed and needed replaced.bring it back because the rear differential leaking seal.noticed alot of rust on the frame. cheap rugged suv for people with a budget , just thought the vehicle would be better made. all repairs have been covered by warranty dealer attitude has been terrible.

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  Lots of Fun - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By llpacal - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Had a couple of problems at the beginning that were fixed not enthusiastically yet the car is rock solid and super fun to drive. The seating position is fantastic and very cofortable.The engine is very peppy and the ride is firm but verry grippy.I now know that most people use this format to complain which I think is legitamate,but your normal satisfied consumer will never take the time to write a review.

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  Rollover Deathtrap - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By Soisi - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Simply put, these vehicles are too narrow, too short and thus rollover too easily. My wife turned one over four times after a gust of wind hit the Kia broadside in a heavy rain. Aggressive driving manuevers, such as trying to correct after a skid will flip these vehicles. I do not suggest them for anyone.

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  Cheap, Fun 4x4 - 2002 Kia Sportage
  By aleksg - August 28 - 10:02 am

  I bought my Sportage for 350 dollars, so I wasnt expecting perfection. It has 228k km on the clock, and the manual transmission is noisy, the synchros are worn, so it shifts hard when cold, but still works. All of the door handles were loose or broken when I got mine, but these problems are easy to fix for a weekend warrior because the door panels are a cinch to remove. The window switches are a common problem, but also very easy to fix. Basically this is a car you can buy for REAL cheap from someone who doesnt know how to fix small problems. Then you fix them yourself and boom, perfectly good car.