2000 Kia Sportage Consumer Reviews

Great for the price

Written by: Dan on 11/29/2007

Vehicle

2000 Kia Sportage 4 Dr STD 4WD Wagon

Review

Great for off road with the compact design. Have yet to be left behind when out wheeling with other. The 4cyl does ok. It's not for hauling. If you have some heavy passengers you can feel the lose of power but hay its a 4cyl. Don't care for the swinging spare tire on the back, it takes two hands to close. Overall it's great for the dollars spent on it. We have a family of 4 right know and it works great for us. When we expand we will look into a newer version. A little bigger and the v6 :)

Favorite Features

Shift on the fly 4WD. Great when the road suddenly gets icey or the snow.

Suggested Improvements

Get the spare off the swing arm in back.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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2000 Kia Sportage

Written by: B.Z on 04/16/2007

Vehicle

2000 Kia Sportage 4 Dr STD 4WD Wagon

Review

I have put more money into it than it is worth! Bought it used from Kia (was a rental car in Alaska) and I didn't get the warranty. The warranty should be for the car not the first owner. I have had the rear tire hinge rust and break, the gas door lock break, the air conditioning break at least 3 times, the window fell down (couldn't roll it up or down), the locks lock and unlock themselves whenever they want, the windows won't roll down when I want them too, the child lock doesn't work, and the engine has had its own problems leaving me stranded in 110 degree weather. Even with 4WD and studded tires it's horrible in winter! I will never buy another Kia ever!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

6 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Love This Car

Written by: Grandpappybear on 04/01/2007

Vehicle

2000 Kia Sportage 2 Dr STD 4WD Convertible

Review

All used cars have their bugs, so far mine have been small problems, dealer service is expensive, but I still love this car. Most comfortable seats I have ever sat in! I'm a big guy, 300 lbs, so that's great for 6'1". I have a few little noises going on, haven't quite figured out what they are, but so far they have caused no problems. I bought it used also.

Favorite Features

Seats, front room, size, 4wd.

Suggested Improvements

Change back from passenger to small pickup area. Close in behind front seats. Leave length the same but alas they no longer make this model so I'll do it myself ?

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Not the Greatest, But it gets you there.

Written by: R. Eubank on 02/06/2007

Vehicle

2000 Kia Sportage 4 Dr STD 4WD Wagon

Review

This "Economy" car is one of few that I can fit comfortably in. I'm 6'2" and the driver's cabin is roomy for a small car. The backseat is even OK. Not very powerful, but use 4WD in the mountains...it gets you there; not quickly, but it gets you there. I thought that the 4-cylinder would get better gas mileage, about 19 in town and 22 highway. All in all, I would but another Kia. Mmaybe the "Sorento." Hmmm, now there is a car.

Favorite Features

Room for Big Guy!

Suggested Improvements

Better fuel economy and more power in the engine. Maybe a 6-cylinder.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Love it!

Written by: Rae on 08/01/2006

Vehicle

2000 Kia Sportage 4 Dr STD Wagon

Review

I purchased my Sportage used, with a little over 44K miles. In the 2 years I've had it, I've put 51K on it, and enjoyed every minute of it. My mileage has stayed between 19 & 22 mpg. The few problems I've had have been things designed to wear out, like the battery, brakes, etc. I've kept it maintained and have not had any major surprises. I chose it for the car-like interior, with the height of a small truck, and not for towing or anything heavy duty, knowing that the engine is small and pretty easily taxed. I have truly enjoyed this car more than any other I've ever owned, and have put the miles on it to prove it. :)

Favorite Features

Size, mileage, fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Larger engine (I know this would compromise mileage though).

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Awesome for the money!

Written by: Big Doug A on 04/23/2006

Vehicle

2000 Kia Sportage 2 Dr STD Convertible

Review

Absolutely a joy to drive! Nimble and quick, it is the perfect commuter car. Great for parking in parking decks around the college campus, the automatic tranny is a pleasant feature of the car. It shifts well and the pick up is outstanding for a vehicle its size. There is plenty of room (I removed the rear seat because I had no need for it) and plenty of power.

Favorite Features

The convertible top makes this little car a joy to drive. With the rear seat removed there is plenty of hauling capacity in the back for various small projects.

Suggested Improvements

I agree, with a previous review; a sunroof would have been all that was needed to make this the perfect vehicle however, that is remedied easily enough. We love our Kia Sportage!!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Not an American Car

Written by: Driver61 on 08/23/2005

Vehicle

2000 Kia Sportage 4 Dr EX 4WD Wagon

Review

2.0L with 5 speed, keep it in 2nd and 3rd to 5500 rpm to get on interstate. Too busy at 70mph/3200 rpm, but runs all day. Gets 25-26 mpg with air on. Once in a while 27 mpg. Runs & drives OK with full load (800#). Warranty service exceptional. No problems out of warranty except vacuum lines for 4WD hubs - a cheap fix, but a bother. Nothing but scheduled maintenance. Not a great car for the Interstate, but excellent for 55 mph rural highway. Will climb a goat trail in 4WD. This is a little truck, but excellent suspension and brakes. It deserves good tires, don't skimp. I use Michelin Harmony passenger car tires. Good in rain and snow. AC works OK, but with all the glass it gets hot fast, takes awhile to cool down.

Favorite Features

Real 4WD when you need it. Real 2 speed transfer case. Excellent upright seating position, easy to get in and out. Back seat folds to FLAT cargo area. Super ground clearance for small SUV. Kids love high rear seat.

Suggested Improvements

Spare tire on bracket behind rear hatch is a bother. A bigger gas tank would be nice. 2.0L engine has power in upper RPMs but little torque. A 2.5L 4 cylinder would be better. Add sixth gear (2nd overdrive) for interstate. Front brakes put dust all over front wheels. Tinted windows with big glass area.

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Bargain car, Bargain performance

Written by: FDE - Savio on 02/08/2005

Vehicle

2000 Kia Sportage 4 Dr EX 4WD Wagon

Review

Going on one year with my 2000 Kia Sportage EX 4WD and I must say I'm really pleased. Acceleration from 0 to 60 is slow (13.0 seconds), but once up to speed it handles well (thanks in part to the Lotus tuned suspension). If your Sportage lacks a limited slip rear differential you might lose grip in rain or snow, depending on the type of tires you have. I plan on installing a Phantom Grip LSD conversion in the front and rear differentials to help increase traction. Front hubs and bearings had to be replaced (common Sportage problem due to design); all repaired under warranty. I've read other peoples "horror" stories, but glad to say I am 100% HAPPY with my Kia Sportage.

Favorite Features

I really enjoy the sound system in the Sportage. The Lotus tuned suspension is great. Easy on the wallet with gas.

Suggested Improvements

I think everyone will complain about the cup holder placement in the Sportage. Also the fuel filler door release should be relocated, because your foot can hit it easily (causing it to open). The tail gate is also another issue. (All problems answered in the 2005 Kia Sportage :-) )

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Best Car I Have Ever Owned (for the $$$)

Written by: Will on 12/06/2004

Vehicle

2000 Kia Sportage 4 Dr STD 4WD Wagon

Review

We bought our Sportage used with about 18,000 miles on it. We're at 90,000 now. There have been no significant problems with this SUV. It's GREAT in snow. We've driven coast to coast in it twice, and it's never let us down. No, it's not a Porsche Cayenne or something. Yes, it would be nice if it had a V-6 (hey, they make them that way now). But overall, when you consider how economical it is to buy and own, it's a great value. Of the approximately 25 cars I've owned over the years, this is my favorite, at least when you consider VALUE in the mix.

Favorite Features

Fantastic city car. you can fit tons inside, but it turns on a dime. And it's easy to parallel park.

Suggested Improvements

More engine power and figure out how to keep the brake dust from gathering on the front rims. But I can deal with both of those, given the low price.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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A Bad Choice

Written by: audio on 08/23/2004

Vehicle

2000 Kia Sportage 4 Dr EX 4WD Wagon

Review

This vehicle are a sad excuse for a SUV. It is not reliable nor does it have a resale value. The vehicle repair costs are as high as my Land Rover. Have had overheating problems... it eats brakes...has no power... and the cupholder is a bad joke. The 4WD kicks out when needed...the fuel economy is poor given it is such a small motor. The rear hatch is hard to open... takes 2 hands. The body dings easily.

Favorite Features

The cost at first... but own one for awhile and the repair costs make up for it.

Suggested Improvements

Start over.... lousy quality control. Poor customer care!!

2 out 7 people found this review helpful

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