2001 Kia Sportage Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　Kia's Long Haul warranty, introduced late in model-year 2000, provides powertrain coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles, while a new Limited trim level includes lots of standard goodies over the already well-equipped Base and EX versions.

　　

zzdcar says

　　For young families and active singles looking to own a sport-ute without getting into financial servitude, the Sportage is worth a look.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Kia Sportage 2WD 2dr Convertible SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$213/mo  for Sportage Base

　　Sportage Base

　　2WD 2dr Convertible SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A) - $14,645 MSRP4WD 2dr Convertible SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) - $15,145 MSRP2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) - $15,545 MSRP2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A) - $16,545 MSRP4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) - $17,045 MSRP4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A) (Most Popular) - $18,045 MSRPEX 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) - $18,145 MSRPEX 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A) - $19,145 MSRPEX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) - $19,345 MSRPEX 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 4A) - $20,345 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Designed from the ground up to be a real truck and not some hopped-up, car-based mini-SUV, the Sportage sports tough ladder-frame construction, shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive, and a Mazda-based 2.0-liter, 16-valve engine that makes a rather meager 130 horsepower and 127 foot-pounds of torque. A standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic makes sure as much of that power reaches the rear or all four wheels as possible.

　　Three trim levels and two body styles are available for 2001, in either 2WD or 4WD. Convertibles come with Base trim, while four-door hardtops can be equipped as Base, EX and new Limited models. Even the least expensive Sportage is well equipped, including a full-size spare tire, theft deterrent system, power windows and door locks, power mirrors, tilt steering wheel, six-speaker sound system, and alloy wheels on 4WD versions. EX adds air conditioning, a roof rack, cruise control, a CD player, dark tinted glass and fake wood on the interior.

　　New for 2001 is the Limited, replete with 140-watt sound system, remote keyless entry, hard spare-tire cover, special wheels and paint, chrome exterior accents, platinum-faced gauges and unique striping. Costing just $545 more than the EX, Limited is also your entry ticket to a two-tone leather interior for an additional 800 clams. Four-wheel ABS is a popular option on any Sportage.

　　Though leather is available, interior materials are not the Sportage's strong suit, with headliner, dash panel and seat fabric quality well below that of competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute and Toyota RAV4. But none of those SUVs can boast of a knee airbag, such as the one found on the Kia.

　　Sportage looks rugged yet cute, perfect for family duty in the 'burbs or a jaunt along a coastline. On the pavement, we found the Sportage confidence inspiring and fun to drive. Lotus engineers worked wonders with the suspension, which includes a relatively sophisticated double-wishbone arrangement up front, and the Sportage is stable and comfortable. Off road, the short, sloping hood provides excellent visibility for climbing or descending hills, and the suspension soaks up ruts and bumps without bottoming out thanks to 7.9 inches of ground clearance.

　　Seating positions are high and upright, visibility is outstanding, and the layout of the dashboard and controls makes the Sportage easy to manipulate. Rear-seat riders get minimal legroom, but the "stadium style" elevated seating offers a clear view of the outside world. Cargo room behind the rear seat in hardtop models measures 25.8 cubic feet; with the back seat folded, that expands to 55.4.

　　A more powerful engine, along with higher-grade interior materials, would do wonders for this Kia's overall desirability. Still, you can't deny its substantial price advantage over the competition, not to mention the excellent powertrain warranty. For young families and active singles looking to own a sport-ute without getting into financial servitude, the Sportage is worth a look.

　　

2001 Sportage Highlights

Trim: BaseEXBase

　　

Base MSRP	$14,645
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	17 MPG
Cost to Drive	$213/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

　　

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