Basic Information Identification Make: Kia Model: Sportage Year: 1998 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact SUV, often positioned as an affordable and capable off-road oriented option. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Suzuki Vitara, Ford EcoSport (though later models are more direct competitors). Key Features Body Styles: Available in 3-door and 5-door body styles. Drivetrain Options: Available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. Engine Options: Primarily offered with gasoline engines, including a 2.0L variant. Manual Details Coverage Areas General Coverage: Complete factory service and repair Page Count Estimated Pages: 500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, troubleshooting, performance tuning Fuel System: Fuel injection, fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, evaporative emissions control (EVAP) Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fans, coolant specifications Ignition System: Spark plugs, ignition coils, ignition timing, distributor (if applicable) Exhaust System: Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, emission controls Transmission Manual: Clutch, gearbox, gear ratios, internal components, repair procedures Transmission Automatic: Torque converter, planetary gearsets, valve body, solenoids, repair procedures Drivetrain 4Wd: Transfer case, front/rear differentials, CV joints, propeller shafts, hubs Suspension Front: MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, alignment specifications Suspension Rear: Multi-link independent suspension (likely), trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs, alignment Steering System: Steering rack, power steering pump, steering linkage, steering column, troubleshooting Brakes Front: Disc brakes, calipers, pads, rotors, inspection and replacement Brakes Rear: Disc or drum brakes, caliper/wheel cylinder, pads/shoes, rotors/drums, inspection and replacement Electrical System Charging: Alternator, battery, charging system testing, wiring diagrams Electrical System Starting: Starter motor, starter solenoid, ignition switch, testing Lighting System: Headlights, taillights, interior lights, bulb types, troubleshooting Instrument Panel: Gauges, warning lights, indicator function, troubleshooting Body Electrical: Power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, wiring diagrams HVAC System: Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant, troubleshooting Body Exterior: Bumpers, fenders, doors, hood, tailgate, panel alignment, trim Body Interior: Seats, dashboard, trim panels, headliner, carpet, disassembly and reassembly Chassis Frame: Frame inspection, straightening (if applicable), corrosion protection Procedures Included General Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tire rotations, spark plug replacement Engine Overhaul: Piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, cylinder head gasket replacement, timing belt/chain service Transmission Rebuild: Complete disassembly, inspection of components, replacement of seals, clutches, bands Brake Service: Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement, brake fluid bleeding Suspension Repair: Replacement of ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, shock absorbers, springs Electrical Troubleshooting: Diagnosis of circuit faults, wiring harness repair, component testing using multimeter HVAC Repair: Refrigerant system leak detection and repair, blower motor replacement, evaporator core service Body Panel Replacement: Removal and installation of fenders, doors, hood, tailgate, quarter panels Diagnostic Procedures: Step-by-step troubleshooting charts, symptom-based diagnostics Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams. Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, suitable for printing all pages or individual sections. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: FE20 (likely for 2.0L OHC) Displacement: 1998 cc Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC Bore X Stroke: 82.0 mm x 93.5 mm (typical for this displacement) Compression Ratio: 8.5:1 (typical) Performance Horsepower Hp: 118 hp @ 5500 rpm (approximate) Torque Lb-Ft: 174 Nm @ 3000 rpm (approximate) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline Maintenance Timing Belt Replacement Interval: Every 90,000 km or 5 years (check manual for exact specification) Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission Features Gear Ratios Manual: Specific ratios detailed in the manual (e.g., 3.727:1 for 1st, 2.056:1 for 2nd, etc.) Gear Ratios Automatic: Specific ratios detailed in the manual Fluid Type Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for precise specification and capacity) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Kia Genuine ATF SP-II or equivalent (refer to manual for precise specification and capacity) Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 2650 mm (104.3 inches) Length: 4320 mm (170.1 inches) Width: 1795 mm (70.7 inches) Height: 1730 mm (68.1 inches) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 1500-1650 kg (3307-3638 lbs) depending on configuration Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Not specified, but typical for this class Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: Not rated or dated ratings not comparable to modern standards. IIHS Side Impact: Not rated or dated ratings not comparable to modern standards. Active Features ABS: Available on some models/trims Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags standard on most models. Seatbelts: 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants. Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Basic AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette tape, often with 4-6 speakers. Display: Basic digital or analog displays for climate control and audio. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on higher trim levels. Connectivity Bluetooth: Not available...
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution, suitable for printing all pages or individual sections.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
FE20 (likely for 2.0L OHC)
Displacement:
1998 cc
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC
Bore X Stroke:
82.0 mm x 93.5 mm (typical for this displacement)
Compression Ratio:
8.5:1 (typical)
Performance
Horsepower Hp:
118 hp @ 5500 rpm (approximate)
Torque Lb-Ft:
174 Nm @ 3000 rpm (approximate)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Maintenance
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 90,000 km or 5 years (check manual for exact specification)
Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Features
Gear Ratios Manual:
Specific ratios detailed in the manual (e.g., 3.727:1 for 1st, 2.056:1 for 2nd, etc.)
Gear Ratios Automatic:
Specific ratios detailed in the manual
Fluid Type
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for precise specification and capacity)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-II or equivalent (refer to manual for precise specification and capacity)
Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
2650 mm (104.3 inches)
Length:
4320 mm (170.1 inches)
Width:
1795 mm (70.7 inches)
Height:
1730 mm (68.1 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1500-1650 kg (3307-3638 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not specified, but typical for this class
Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not rated or dated ratings not comparable to modern standards.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not rated or dated ratings not comparable to modern standards.
Active Features
ABS:
Available on some models/trims
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard on most models.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with CD player or cassette tape, often with 4-6 speakers.
Display:
Basic digital or analog displays for climate control and audio.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on higher trim levels.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Not available on this generation.
Usb:
Not available on this generation.
Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil And Filter:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Not typically equipped on this generation, refer to manual if applicable.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific temperature range recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water (refer to manual for specific Kia coolant type)
Power Steering Fluid:
DEXRON-III compatible or specific Kia power steering fluid
Known Issues
Engine:
Potential for head gasket leaks, timing belt wear. Overheating can be an issue if cooling system is not maintained.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission can develop internal wear; clutch wear on manual transmissions is common.
Suspension:
Worn bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can lead to alignment issues and poor handling. Rear strut mounts can also fail.
Electrical:
Issues with power window regulators, door lock actuators, and instrument cluster illumination are reported.
Rust:
Corrosion, particularly on the frame, body panels, and wheel wells, can be an issue in areas with road salt.
Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Origins:
Kia Motors Corporation, established in 1944, originally a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts.
Model Evolution
First Generation Start:
1997
Generation Designation:
First Generation (JA)
Platform:
Shared platform with Mazda Bongo/Ford Econovan.
Production
Production Years:
1997–2002 (First Generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea
Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Initial Reception:
Generally received positive reviews for its affordability, off-road capability for its class, and practical styling upon release. However, some reviews noted interior quality and refinement as areas for improvement compared to competitors.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports ratings for this era would likely be mixed, with strengths in value and capability, but potential weaknesses in reliability and performance.
Certifications
Emissions Standards:
Designed to meet prevailing emissions standards for the late 1990s in its target markets.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.