By jshak43 on 09/04/12 15:33 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV
Review
We got this car when it was 2 years old and never had any major flaw. It runs as good now as it did brand new.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful
By OUCH!! on 08/03/09 20:21 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
I purchased my Sportage two years used- it had 39,000 miles-high. Owned the car 9 years and have only put 52,000 miles on. The dealer services do little to take care of the car-better to find a good independent. At 60,000 miles, it needed front wheel bearings packed,new timing belt,drive belts,& new battery. At 78,000 miles, the radiator overheated; I had replaced the radiator,thermostat,fan clutch,and a cooling system power flush-cost $1200. Car has always had poor, vibrating brakes that I've had repaired numerous times to no avail. The engine leaks oil - I've had this partially fixed twice for $$$ but still leaks. The 4 WD failed some time back but the indicator light says its working.
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By CP on 08/26/07 06:38 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 Kia Sportage EX 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
I have maintained the car's engine with oil changes and any recalls. Kia is good about informing owners for recalled parts. I never worry about getting home even with over a foot of snow on my long upward driveway. 4x4 is excellent. Torque for a 4 cylinder is ok and sustaining speed is excellent. I really like it and may drive it another two years unless offered at least 4K.
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By Joehello on 01/13/06 09:48 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1998 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
When I bought this car I knew I didn't spend $45,000 for a Lexus, $30,000 for an Explorer or even $24,000 for an Escape. When I keep that in perspective, I believe I got a very good car for the money. Has been very reliable, is awesome in 4WD for the bad CT winter weather, has decent ground clearance for off-roading, and gets me from point A to B with minimal fuss every day. Those who complain of a bumpy ride must have thought they were buying a car. This is not a car, this is a small truck, and is built like a truck. I bought this car new to the ridicule of my friends, but would buy another again. You get what you pay for, and I paid for what I needed and have been pleased with this decision.
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By KennyRayRay on 10/27/05 14:17 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
I've driven my '98 Sportage from day 1. 7 years now. It's had a few problems. Most annoying was that I had to replace the starter about 4 times. $300 bucks a pop. It's a cheap, little car. You didn't spend $50K on a BMW. You spent $12K on a Kia. It's been a great car for me. If it died today, I got my money worth. Repairs and all. Most people don't post things on this site unless they are REALLY happy or REALLY upset with a car. I was tired of listening to people moan about this particular car that has been good to me.
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By Jeckaroonie on 11/05/04 06:47 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1998 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
Great first car! Awesome for an 18-23 year old
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By C.BASS on 04/13/04 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
Mine is a 2000 model,Great 2nd car for
the household. When it snows the 4wd
works great to get you through
unplowed streets. The sportage also
has ample room inside for a small
family, two adults and two children.
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By Just My Luck on 02/19/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1998 Kia Sportage EX 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
Bought this after having a big Chevy
SUV. Didn't need the big gas hog but
this thing isn't that much better! The
big problem is when it needs repairs it
will cost you a fortune. I paid over
$200.00 for a rebuilt alternator and it
cost me $900.00 to have one of the
catalytic converters replaced. Another
problem is that auto parts stores don't
carry parts for Kia's. Just when I
think it's OK, something else goes
wrong. I should have spent more up
front for a Honda or Toyota.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful
By TJJTRUCKER on 01/13/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1998 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV 4WD
Review
DO NOT BUY, VERY UNSAFE, HIT POLE AT 25
MPH, TOTALED CAR, SPEND 1 WEEK IN
HOSPITAL, CAN NOT BELIEVE I PUT MY SON
IN THIS CAR. SPENT MORE TIME IN SHOP
THAN I DROVE IT. RUSTED OUT BACK END, 4
WD WENT OUT TWICE, DOOR HANDLES WOULD
NOT WORK, FUEL TANK, FUEL PUMP, SPARK
PLUGS, BATTERY, WIPERS, FRONT BRAKES,
COIL WIRE, STARTER, WASHER NOZZLES, YOU
NAME IT.
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By SciGuy on 11/11/03 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1998 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV
Review
I have had my Sportage for 6 years
now, and despite one problem in the
first year that they had trouble pinning
down, I have had no major issues
with my SUV. KIA gave me an
extended warranty after the initial
problem. The car rides great and fuel
economy is the same as similar
models. The factory CD player has
lots of great features, and interior is
very comfortable and user friendly.
The styling caught a lot of eyes and
there was quite a bit of interest in the
car when I first got it. Plenty of cargo
room, and headroom.
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