🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Kia Model: Sportage Generation: First Generation (JA) Codes Internal Model Code: JA 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact SUV / Sport Utility Vehicle Competitive Analysis Key Competitors Era: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Suzuki Vitara, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Ford EcoSport (early models), Jeep Cherokee (XJ) Key Features Unique Selling Points Era: Body-on-frame construction (early models), available diesel engine, practical interior, affordable pricing compared to some Japanese rivals. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Regions Covered: USA, Canada, Europe Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF, though physical format is possible for older manuals) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: 2.0L FE (MPI, DOHC, SOHC), 2.5L (VDT Turbo Diesel, J3), 2.7L V6 (2700) Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic (Kia KMX, A4BF2), 5-Speed Manual (Kia M5SR1) Drivetrain: 4WD (Part-time 4WD System), 2WD Suspension: Independent Front (Torsion Bar), Solid Rear Axle (Coil Springs) Brakes: Front: Ventilated Discs; Rear: Drums (Optional Rear Discs on some models) Steering: Power Assisted Rack and Pinion Electrical: Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Electronics, HVAC Controls, ECU/ECM Diagnostics Body And Chassis: Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Chassis Components Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake, Transmission, Differential), Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Belt Inspections/Replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic Procedures, Symptom-based Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical Schematics Interpretation Repair: Engine Overhaul, Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Replacement, Bodywork Repairs Diagnostics: OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics) Scan Tool Procedures, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Definitions and Resolution, Component Testing Technical Depth Depth Level: Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, common repairs, and complex system overhauls. Suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Likely PDF for digital distribution. High resolution for clarity of diagrams and text. Print Quality Image Quality: Excellent, featuring clear line drawings, exploded views, and photographic representations of components and procedures. Binding Type Binding For Physical Copy: Coil-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment (if a physical copy). Paper Type Paper Quality For Physical Copy: Durable, coated paper stock to withstand workshop conditions. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code And Type: FE3 (2.0L SOHC MPI I4), FE5 (2.0L DOHC MPI I4) Performance 2.0L Fe3 Horsepower: Approx. 120-130 HP @ 5500-6000 RPM 2.0L Fe3 Torque: Approx. 130-140 lb-ft @ 3000-4000 RPM 2.7L V6 (J3) Horsepower: Approx. 150-165 HP @ 5500-6000 RPM 2.7L V6 (J3) Torque: Approx. 170-180 lb-ft @ 3000-4000 RPM 2.5L Vdt Diesel Horsepower: Approx. 90-105 HP @ 4000 RPM 2.5L Vdt Diesel Torque: Approx. 140-155 lb-ft @ 2000-2500 RPM Fuel System Injection Type: Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) Engine Construction Block Material: Cast Iron Head Material: Aluminum Alloy Timing Drive 2.0L Fe Sohc/DOHc: Timing Belt 2.7L V6: Timing Belt 🔧 Transmission Standard Primary Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Optional Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic Transmission Features 4Wd System: Part-time 4WD with electronic engagement (button-activated, typically on the dash) Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid Type: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Check manual for specific Kia recommendation) Automatic Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron III / Mercon (Check manual for specific Kia recommendation) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Mm: Approx. 2600 mm (102.4 in) Length Mm: Approx. 4230 mm (166.5 in) Width Mm: Approx. 1790 mm (70.5 in) Height Mm: Approx. 1640 mm (64.6 in) Weights Curb Weight Kg: Approx. 1450-1650 kg (depending on engine and drivetrain) Towing Capacity Kg: Varies by market and configuration, typically around 1000-1500 kg (2200-3300 lbs). 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Crash Test Ratings: Information for this era is limited, but generally not rated to modern standards. Focus on structural integrity and occupant protection for the time. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger airbags (standard on later models, optional on early models) Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners Child Safety Anchors: LATCH system not present in early models; relies on seatbelt securing child seats. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Optional on many models, standard on some higher trims or later years. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Limited speaker configurations. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Optional on higher trim levels. Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Not typically available in this era; aftermarket solutions needed for modern audio input. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Engine Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on oil type and driving conditions). Timing Belt Replacement Interval: Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km). Critical replacement interval to prevent catastrophic engine damage. Coolant Flush Interval: Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate). Engine Oil Capacity Liters: Approx. 4.0 - 4.5 Liters (with filter, for 2.0L...
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance, common repairs, and complex system overhauls. Suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
Likely PDF for digital distribution. High resolution for clarity of diagrams and text.
Print Quality
Image Quality:
Excellent, featuring clear line drawings, exploded views, and photographic representations of components and procedures.
Binding Type
Binding For Physical Copy:
Coil-bound or perfect-bound for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment (if a physical copy).
Paper Type
Paper Quality For Physical Copy:
Durable, coated paper stock to withstand workshop conditions.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code And Type:
FE3 (2.0L SOHC MPI I4), FE5 (2.0L DOHC MPI I4)
Performance
2.0L Fe3 Horsepower:
Approx. 120-130 HP @ 5500-6000 RPM
2.0L Fe3 Torque:
Approx. 130-140 lb-ft @ 3000-4000 RPM
2.7L V6 (J3) Horsepower:
Approx. 150-165 HP @ 5500-6000 RPM
2.7L V6 (J3) Torque:
Approx. 170-180 lb-ft @ 3000-4000 RPM
2.5L Vdt Diesel Horsepower:
Approx. 90-105 HP @ 4000 RPM
2.5L Vdt Diesel Torque:
Approx. 140-155 lb-ft @ 2000-2500 RPM
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Construction
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Timing Drive
2.0L Fe Sohc/DOHc:
Timing Belt
2.7L V6:
Timing Belt
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Primary Transmission:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Features
4Wd System:
Part-time 4WD with electronic engagement (button-activated, typically on the dash)
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Check manual for specific Kia recommendation)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III / Mercon (Check manual for specific Kia recommendation)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Mm:
Approx. 2600 mm (102.4 in)
Length Mm:
Approx. 4230 mm (166.5 in)
Width Mm:
Approx. 1790 mm (70.5 in)
Height Mm:
Approx. 1640 mm (64.6 in)
Weights
Curb Weight Kg:
Approx. 1450-1650 kg (depending on engine and drivetrain)
Towing Capacity Kg:
Varies by market and configuration, typically around 1000-1500 kg (2200-3300 lbs).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings:
Information for this era is limited, but generally not rated to modern standards. Focus on structural integrity and occupant protection for the time.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger airbags (standard on later models, optional on early models)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Child Safety Anchors:
LATCH system not present in early models; relies on seatbelt securing child seats.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Optional on many models, standard on some higher trims or later years.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Limited speaker configurations.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically available in this era; aftermarket solutions needed for modern audio input.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on oil type and driving conditions).
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km). Critical replacement interval to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
Approx. 4.0 - 4.5 Liters (with filter, for 2.0L engine).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a green antifreeze. Consult manual for specific Kia P/N.
Rust, particularly on wheel arches, rocker panels, and rear tailgate; door lock actuator failure; power antenna issues.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Kia Founding Year:
1944 (initially as a bicycle manufacturer)
Kia Automotive Entry:
1962 (with trucks and buses); passenger cars starting in the late 1970s/early 1980s.
Model Evolution
Sportage Introduction Year:
1993
Sportage Platform:
Based on the Kia Sportage JA platform, shared with Mazda Bongo/E-Series (later models)
Sportage Key Changes First Gen:
Introduced with body-on-frame construction (like a truck). Later model years (around 1998-2002) saw a transition to unibody construction for improved ride and handling, blurring the lines with the second generation.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (Gwangmyeong), Ecuador, Poland, Malaysia, Philippines
Production End Year First Gen:
2004 (in some markets, leading into the second generation)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Historical Awards:
The first-generation Sportage was often recognized for its value proposition and affordability in the burgeoning compact SUV market, though it did not typically win major awards against more established competitors.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.