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2001 Kia Sportage Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Aimed at drivers looking for a sporty outdoor ride without putting too much pressure on the wallet, the Kia Sportage was one of the Korean automaker's first offerings in the U.S. Reflecting the new Kia/Hyundai partnership, the 2001 Sportage boasts the 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. It comes in both a two-door convertible and four-door SUV, with the latter available in base, EX and EX Limited (new for 2001). All models come with either rear-wheel drive or part-time 4WD with low range gearing for better off-road performance.
True mountain driving is compromised by the Mazda 2.0-liter I4 engine that puts out 130-hp and 127 lb-ft of torque. But its truck-frame body and Lotus-engineered suspension helps keep the ride smooth and balanced over rough roads. A 5-speed manual is standard on the convertible and base models, while a 4-speed automatic is standard on the EX and optional for the base. The four-door models are 14 inches longer than the convertible, offering more legroom for front passengers, but rear legroom is disappointingly limited in all models.
While power features, rear-wheel ABS, dual front and driver's knee airbags, and a security system are standard on the base SUV and convertible, the EX adds cruise control, leather trim, a roof rack, and a CD player. The new EX Limited adds keyless entry, side stripes and chrome exterior trim, platinum gauges, and an upgraded sound system. The optional leather on the EX is a two-tone leather on the Limited. The low cost, sporty handling, and 4WD capability are big draws for the 2001 Sportage, but it does suffer from a lot of mechanical problems. Owners report a lot of time logged at unhelpful dealerships for problems such as brake wear and faulty power windows. The rear hatch is difficult to close, the interior is cheap-looking, gas mileage is so-so, and the cupholders block the air vents. More horsepower would be appreciated.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2001 Kia Sportage
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by julio r
Nov 11, 2014
the car is very good on gas,plenty room for family of four,not a small and not a large car you can parking this car in almost any place,the best the air conditioner,feel very safe in this car.Nov 11, 2014
by Anonymous
Jul 04, 2014
We bought this used and are in the process of correcting the neglect of the previous owner(s). Nice and compact, half-convertible, needs some work though. Wish it had cruise control but perhaps we have just been spoiled. It is quite hot as the a/c has a difficult time keeping it cool in direct sunlight but the convertible top is nice so you can't have the best of both.Jul 04, 2014
by Joe F
Sep 21, 2009
Very functional car. It isn't much fun, it isn't pretty to look at. It has a small engine, and if it was an automatic transmission, it would be completely useless. The previous owner never serviced it well so i had to replace the whole front end once, but other than that, it runs non stop!Sep 21, 2009
User rating:
by julio r
Nov 11, 2014
the car is very good on gas,plenty room for family of four,not a small and not a large car you can parking this car in almost any place,the best the air conditioner,feel very safe in this car.Nov 11, 2014
by Anonymous
Jul 04, 2014
We bought this used and are in the process of correcting the neglect of the previous owner(s). Nice and compact, half-convertible, needs some work though. Wish it had cruise control but perhaps we have just been spoiled. It is quite hot as the a/c has a difficult time keeping it cool in direct sunlight but the convertible top is nice so you can't have the best of both.Jul 04, 2014
by Joe F
Sep 21, 2009
Very functional car. It isn't much fun, it isn't pretty to look at. It has a small engine, and if it was an automatic transmission, it would be completely useless. The previous owner never serviced it well so i had to replace the whole front end once, but other than that, it runs non stop!Sep 21, 2009
by Ruwanga W
Sep 12, 2009
Its a super car its comfortable and appearance looks good except the exterior look. Four wheel drive helps a lot and turbo super.But i dont thing you can go offroading in it but some doooooooooo. i really like the car its SUPER.Sep 12, 2009
by Jeannie M
May 09, 2009
All in all it's a good car handles well brakes good and shifts smoothly. The size is a little small on the older ones but it fits me just fine. Only problem is where they ran the vaccum hoses for the four wheel drive. They tend to break easily.May 09, 2009
by Janice S
Jul 29, 2008
Love the simple smooth deassign. Big chunky tires, built on a truck frame. Interior is comfortable, but could have more leg room in the back. It has more than 100,000 miles on it but still drives almost like new. My BF drove it and said it almost feels like your floating. Jul 29, 2008
by Greg U
Jun 19, 2008
Totally neutral, it works for meJun 19, 2008
by Jason D
Jun 03, 2008
I traded it in for something bigger for the familyJun 03, 2008
by Jason D
Mar 18, 2008
Get truck no bads, great tow vehicle for the sidekick and absolutely amazing in the snow with full size tires on it.Mar 18, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 02, 2008
You have to love this car, because it's small, it's slow and the gas consumption is terrible :-))) But it's all about the hart. There's nothing better then driving without your roof on. And the terrain it can go through .... I just love mine!!! :-)))Mar 02, 2008
by Cindy P
Feb 27, 2008
lots of room good for shopping and moving small and mediun thingsFeb 27, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 24, 2008
I feel safe in my Kia. It doesn't seem like I,m in a smaller vehicle and I love to drive it.Feb 24, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 22, 2008
Have had a lot of trouble with the electric and with the OLASTIC timing gearFeb 22, 2008
by Anonymous
Jul 06, 2007
I bought this vehicle after my 1996 Buick Century was totaled. State Farm bought me out and I had a check to buy a car of my choice. The Sportage was under the cost of my check and I bought it outright. After fixing a few minor problems, the car runs well. I just need to fix the a.c. and everything will be fine.Jul 06, 2007
What users have asked
Idler pulley allowing car to start when cold but not when it's hot?
Timing belt replaced 20,000 miles ago. Was told idler pulley could be cause of car not starting when hot. But it will after it cools off
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Where are the sparkplugs on a 4 cyl, 2001 Kia Sportage?
Where are the sparkplugs on the 4 cyl?
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Top Comparisons
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2001 Kia Sportage Pricing
Original MSRP
$15,140 to $19,840Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.77
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 4.77
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.77
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 4.77
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.77
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 4.77
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent