Used 1996 Kia Sportage Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1996 Sportage, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sportage since its last redesign.
This car won't leave you stranded
Lena LaFaye, 11/29/2008
1996 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for six years now. It has never once left me stranded. If you treat this car well it will run. Repairs I have done were normal considering the age. Timing belt, front wheel bearings, harmonic balancer, starter, fan clutch, brake drums and other scheduled maintenance. This car has lasted multiple cross country road trips and does exceptional on the highway. Even now, with it being 12 years old I get 23mpg city and 30mpg hwy. The new model sportage is put to shame by this. People mention to me my car doesn't accelerate fast. I don't mind this because I'm not a fast driver. I like that it's high enough that you can step into it not stand up or stoop down.
Pros and Cons
Troy, 06/03/2008
1996 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have a 96 Kia Sportage and The Kia is good in most cases until it breaks down. For the do it your self mechanic there is NO shop manual avalable, Because KIA wants you to bring the car to them. I am currently having to replace water pump, timing, and work on lifters without a shop manual. Hoping i can find all the timing and torque specs i need. I hope in the future Kia allows a shop manual and more after market parts for the do it yourself mechanic. Hopefully after i am done i can get better fuel mileage.
Love my Sportage!
toki, 06/05/2002
1996 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I saw this SUV in Korea when they first came out in '95 and I've liked them ever since. I take it up in the mountains and out to the desert and it's never let me down. It's very sure- footed in Utah snow. Plus it's cute and sporty yet easy to get in and out of.
Great small SUV
ree, 09/08/2002
1996 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a great car for anyone who wants to graduate to an SUV, but doesn't want the expense or very low fuel economy of a bigger SUV. This is a comfortable, reliable vehicle. With scheduled maintanence (oil changes, tire rotation, belts, hoses and filters), this car needs nothing but gas!
Fun Versatile Runabout/SUV
dirtroaddave, 05/29/2003
1995 Kia Sportage 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Considering the low price I paid new for this vehicle it has been great value as well as comfortable convenient and fun to drive. I like the interior layout which is more like a car than a truck and the higher seat position is perfect for me not too high like many trucks or too low like all cars. It's ideal for a single person or couple plus gear to go and explore the great american west. Gets reasonable highway mileage but can go anywhere.
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