Basic Information Identification Make: Kia Model: Sportage Year: 1997 Codes Chassis Code: KJ Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact SUV Target Audience: Consumers seeking a versatile, rugged, and affordable SUV Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra Key Features Body Styles: 2-door convertible, 4-door SUV Drivetrain Options: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language: English Format: PDF Download Page Count Page Count Estimated: Hundreds of pages Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Yes Transmission Manual: Yes Transmission Automatic: Yes Drivetrain 4Wd: Yes Suspension: Yes Brakes: Yes Steering: Yes Cooling System: Yes Fuel System: Yes Exhaust System: Yes Electrical System General: Yes Lighting System: Yes Instrumentation: Yes Body Exterior: Yes Body Interior: Yes HVAC System: Yes Safety Restraints: Yes Procedures Included Maintenance: Yes Troubleshooting: Yes Diagnostics: Yes Repair: Yes Overhaul Rebuild: Yes Wiring Diagrams: Yes Specifications Torque: Yes Schematics Hydraulic Pneumatic: Yes Technical Depth Depth Level: Complete Factory Diagnostic and Repair Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution, printable Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: FE3 Engine Type: Inline 4-Cylinder Displacement: 2.0 Liters (1998cc) Valvetrain: DOHC, 16 Valves Bore X Stroke: 85.0 mm x 88.0 mm Compression Ratio: 9.2:1 Horsepower Net Hp: 122 hp @ 5,600 RPM Torque Net Lb-Ft: 135 lb-ft @ 4,500 RPM Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Octane Rating Recommended: 87 AKI Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Manual Optional Transmission Type: 4-Speed Automatic Features Transfer Case: Electronic 2-speed transfer case (4WD models) Dimensions Exterior Length: 167.7 inches Width: 69.5 inches Height: 65.2 inches Wheelbase: 103.7 inches Front Track: 58.9 inches Rear Track: 59.0 inches Weights Curb Weight Min: 3,225 lbs (2WD Manual) Curb Weight Max: 3,715 lbs (4WD Automatic) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr: 4,850 lbs Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs (with trailer brake controller) Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Front Impact: Not Rated NHTSA Passenger Front Impact: Not Rated Active Features ABS: Optional (Available on select trims) Passive Features Airbags Driver: Standard Airbags Passenger: Standard Seatbelts Front Pretensioners: Yes Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player Speaker Count: 4-6 speakers depending on trim Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on higher trims Connectivity Auxiliary Input: N/A (No factory standard) Usb Port: N/A Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval Normal Service: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months Oil Filter Replacement: With every oil change Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 miles or 12 months Spark Plug Replacement: Every 30,000 miles Timing Belt Replacement: Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (Crucial service for this engine) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SH/SG, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 Engine Oil Capacity: 4.3 US quarts (4.1 Liters) with filter Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water Transmission Fluid Manual: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil Transmission Fluid Automatic: Dexron-III / Mercon compatible automatic transmission fluid (ATF) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 Known Issues Timing Belt Failure: A critical failure point if not replaced on schedule, leading to catastrophic engine damage due to interference design. Rear Main Seal Leaks: Common for seals to degrade over time and leak engine oil. Radiator Corrosion: Can develop leaks or become clogged, affecting cooling efficiency. Exhaust Manifold Cracks: Can develop cracks leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises. Cv Joint Boots: Frequent failure of CV joint boots can lead to damage to the joints themselves. 4Wd System Actuation: Vacuum actuation lines or electrical components for 4WD engagement can fail. Vehicle History Brand Heritage Kia Founding Year: 1944 Kia Early Products: Bicycles, motorcycles, trucks Model Evolution Sportage First Generation Start: 1993 (Korea), 1995 (North America) Sportage Generation 1 Design Basis: Mazda Bongo platform Production Generation 1 Production Years: 1993-2002 Manufacturing Locations: South Korea (Asia Motors/Kia), various CKD assembly plants worldwide Awards & Recognition Recognitions Initial Market Reception: Generally positive for its utility and affordability, though build quality and refinement were often cited as areas for improvement compared to Japanese rivals. Ratings Consumer Reports Reliability: Average to Below Average (typical for early Kia models)