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-
Good car, so far! - 2002 Kia Sportage
By Breezy - November 14 - 10:00 am13000 tough miles on this car in just seven months with no serious problems (the drink tray floor broke, but it still holds most cups and mugs). I like the fuel efficiency, which is the upside of less than stellar engine power. Its nimble in city traffic, and with its tight turn radius, short wheelbase and ample ground clearance, you can always find creative places to park. Weve had no trouble on dirt roads and gravel, but stay out of the snow, mud or sand unless you have the 4wd. If you plan to drive on such roads, consider getting a skid plate to protect the oil pan & vital parts.
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Never Again - 2002 Kia Sportage
By AmKorean - May 28 - 10:00 amI actually bought a 1999 model but I am sure that it still applies. I wished I had read the reviews on this SUV before I bought it. I think I would have thought it out a little more had I read the other reviews. In the first six months of my having this SUV the battery died. The cars transmission was recalled in the first year. One of the rear seat belts broke in the second year. This year there is a missing washer on the rear drivers side door which sounds like the window isnt closed, that sound of rushing air all the time is annoying! My mother told me to never buy another Korean made car, and we are Korean!
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Daughter Might not get the Kia!! - 2002 Kia Sportage
By Patrick McCloskey - May 10 - 2:00 amI was in the market for a car to drive to work for a couple of years then turn over to my (now 14 yr) daughter. With the cash-back, warrenty, and the fun driving this was a great pick. I have had no problems with the car, which I bought at one of Memphiss leading dealerships. I might have to get my daughter another car!!
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Excellent! No problems! 60,000 miles! - 2002 Kia Sportage
By Krp321 - February 13 - 2:00 am2000 Sportage 2-dr. Convertible 4x4. Almost 3 years old, almost 60,000 miles, and i have not had a single problem with anything important. Driven hard on-road, off-road, and in-between, the only thing wrong at all was the drivers side power window switch failed. I read a lot of complaints about other Sportages, i know some people received a Lemon. That happens with every make and model. Your cupholder broke, so you rate the vehicle as "Poor"? Realize you get what you pay for...this is one of the least expensive SUVs you can buy, not a Mercedes! Besides, the THOUSANDS of happy owners dont complain here. Only the people who have a complaint post here!
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Kia Sportage - 2002 Kia Sportage
By Mac Daddy - January 19 - 10:00 amI love this car
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Decent value for a second vehicle. - 2002 Kia Sportage
By Dan O - May 7 - 10:03 pmLooked around for an inexpensive second vehicle for the wife. Considered sedans(e.g cobalt, g5, focus & corolla), but eventually I stumble upon a fully loaded kia sportage. It was exactly what she needed to get around town, it had 4x4, lots of room and 4 doors. Sure it was a little underpowered, but around the city she really didnt really need to be a speed demon. The 4x4 works great in snowy conditions, the storage capacity in the back is functional (Fit a dresser in the kia, even with the back seats not able to lye flush with the back). The aluminum rims can be a pain, especially with air pressure loss. This vehicle is fun, practical, and for us has been a valued purchase.
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Awesome 4x4 - 2002 Kia Sportage
By georgia_bunny69 - April 10 - 10:33 amI love my kia sportage 4x4, its small on the outside, but has way more room than you would expect inside. And the 4x4 has gotten me out of some tough spots. I took it through a creek with the tail pipe submerged in three feet of water, and my truck never once cut out or stalled.
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buy a better car - 2002 Kia Sportage
By thisis the worstcar - January 19 - 2:00 amthis is the worst purchuse of a car i have ever made. the sportage looked like a good value at the dealership and in ads but was i wrong. 3 weeks after i bought it the ac gave out and the power windows broke. it has been all downhill since that. i will never buy a cheap kia again
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What I would expect... - 2002 Kia Sportage
By Vince - June 28 - 5:53 pmGood entry level SUV. On par with Geo Trackers and the like. The 2002 year has worked well. I have heard the horror stories from earlier models. Company has web site so I have been able able to do most repairs myself (weekend warrior) including the timing belt without too much effort. Good values available in the used market.
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Lots of truck,little price - 2002 Kia Sportage
By xlr8hard - June 14 - 2:00 amThis thing is great. Ive had it a year now and have not had any problems, though I read some pretty bad reviews. Maybe I got lucky or they had unreal expectations of this truck(yes it is a truck). It has plenty of power considering the way people actually drive. I mean, I find myself leaving cars behind when starting off from a light. The automatic does have power problems due to its gearing. The 5spd is fine. In slippery conditions not having tons of power makes it easier to control wheel spin and keep traction.
