Kia Sportage 2005 and newer

petec1

Just spoke with Kia Customer Service and asked about '06 model intro dates for the Sportage and the rep reported with caveats that new model intros will be this year rather than early '06.

tlanfri

I have just purchased a 2005 EX V6 and it only took me a quick listen to realize I will soon want to replace the included stereo system. As much as I commute, the stereo has to be tops. Kia shouldn't skimp on a stereo system and hopefully will offer a higher quality unit in their next release. At any rate, here's my question...do you think I will have any problems completely removing the manufacturer's stereo and speakers with another model? And who do you recommend being the best candidate to do this swapout without tearing up the interior. I mean, will any qualified car stereo retailer be able to handle this?

maverick1017

Any good stereo shop can do the install but it wouldn't be an easy install. Installer would have to splice into the existing harness, since a plug in harness is still not available, at least none that I can find.

Also an installation case need to be fabricated if you are installing a single DIN unit, since the OEM stereo is double DIN and KIA doesn't offer a DIN insert or a cover for the extra space.

It's do-able but I would wait a bit for at least a wiring harness to come to market so the install wouldn't be as much work.

Mike

xman2

I am from Toronto. All features KIA has put on 2005 Sportage EX V6 are just what I like. I am planning to buy it next week, but not sure what and how much I can negotiate based on what dealer provides to me. Can anybody from Canada give me some clue?

1. FDI: $1950CAD
2. Metallic Paint: $150CAD
3. Admin Fee: $399CAD
4. Air tax: $100CAD
5. Gas Tax: $200CAD
6. MSRP: $29500CAD

Thanks,

turksteritis

I checked the cost on that particular unit on carcostcanada.com. MSRP is about $2600 over dealer cost. I never pay Doc fee..it is a scam to get a higher profit. We don,t have that $200 gas tax in Manitoba either.

janetedit

Hi Xman,

I'm from Orangeville and bought my '05 Sportage LX in Feb. at Dixie/401 Kia in Toronto. A car salesman friend of ours said to go for $2000.00 (CDN) off the MSRP to start, and don't try and get money taken off the other stuff. Just get what you can knocked off the MSRP.

Of course they ummed and ahed, and oh my goodness, no way $2000. Then they settled for $1500 off. So I got mine for 23,500 instead of 24,995.

Try for the 2 grand off the MSRP. Then take it from there...

Janet

donatello57

I am a salesperson with a Kia dealership in Lakeland,FL. and I feel obligated to correct something in the article. The article stated Kia had a 5yr/unlimited mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. That is not right. The warranty is not unlimited it is for 60,000 miles. The unlimited warranty is the roadside assistance for five years. I guess this goes to show you can't believe everything you read.

czar44039

I live in northern Ohio and at least 2 dealers in area are offering buy 1 get 1 deals, ex: Buy a Sedona get a Rio at N/C. Anyway they also offer $5000 for push, pull or tow trade-ins. I've heard these ads off and on since the start of the year and it's the reason I am looking at the Sportage in the first place.

iluvmysephia1

deal is a real eye-grabber. If you're under on your trade does that mean they'll pay over it's value by $5000 when you trade your rig in on one of their new Kia's? Or they'll pay $5,000 no matter what your personal situation is on your trade-in? That deal right there would get me looking hard at one of their new Sportage's and/or Rio's and/or Spectra5's and/or Spectra sedans.

As far as Kia build quality goes I'm on my 2nd Kia in a row and it's real possible I'll go for a 3rd come trade-in time. That Warranty is unbeatable, it really works and I love the Kia body styling. Plus the low initial price is great, too. The low rating Kia always gets on problems-per-vehicle is barely worth mentioning to anybody who might want to listen. Basically hogwash when you get your car covered by a 5-year, 60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper Warranty for the ticky-tack items those surveys blow up out of real time proportion, eh?.

This new Sportage looks pretty good, they offer it in some great new colors, too. Gonna be a gas to shop for my next one.

norne

Make sure you read the fine print on those $5k minimum on the trade in. The dealers usually run those ads when a particular vehicle has high cash rebate promotion such as remaining 2005 Kia sedona to the tune of $4k.

jazzy88

Hi -

I just wanted to let you people know how much I love my new Sportage. I've got 600 miles on it and have had it for two weeks. It's an EX model in Natural Olive and I have to say that everyone who sees it just falls in love with the color - it's really sharp.

The vehicle rides really nice - a very car-like ride. Contrary to what someone else said I think the stereo is really good, however I'm no audiophile but it works for me.

I guess the one minor complaint I would have is too much plastic in the interior. Even if it was vinyl it would soften it up a bit. But maybe they wanted it that way to make it easier to clean - I don't know.

Anyways, if anyone has any questions about it I would be happy to answer them.

See 'ya!

backy

The hard plastic is there because it's cheaper. But that's not a knock on Kia. All the automakers, even luxo brands like BMW, are turning more and more to hard plastic surfaces in interiors. Some cars do a better job hiding it than others, i.e. put padded vinyl where hands are likely to touch everyday. Personally I'd rather see Kia put the money into things like safety equipment, powertrains, seats, and switchgear.

kcrnmale

Traded in my Chrysler 300C (yes..the Hemi) for my sportage because I bought a house and was paying too much for my Chrysler. I live in Cleveland and wanted all wheel drive for the snow. I love this SUV. The ride is smooth, the AC will blow you out the back window and it looks great. I think the radio is terrific too. I have one problem: I can't always take the key out of the ignition without shifting it out of park and back. Small bug and will have the dealer fix soon. I bought the "smokey brown" color and it hides the dirt well. My dark blue 300 ALWAYS looked dirty. I hope this car proves to be a winner because people laugh (expected) when I tell them I bought a Kia. The steering has moderate understeer but otherwise this car is super nice and I have no regrets buying it.

artgpo

We have also experienced the ignition key bug you mentioned. I did not mention it to the dealer when I had it in for its first oil change. It is not really a big enough problem.

I agree with you about the a/c in the new Sportage. We live in the Dallas, TX Metroplex. It gets H-O-T here during the summer. So far the Sportage's a/c will freeze you out after a few minutes. The Sportage's a/c is the best I have experienced in many years of owning cars. This is my wife's car and she really likes it. I plan on looking at the all new '06 Sedona in the Fall.

lino1

Hi janetedit, thank you for the mileage check, just a question is yours the v6 or 4 cylinder motor? we were looking to buy a 4 cylinder auto.

janetedit

Mine is the V6. I have noticed that around town the mileage really sucks, especially with the A/C on. Maybe 400km to a full tank. Gas here north of Toronto was up to 93.5 cents a litre yesterday. I found a station with 90.2 cents and thought I had a bargain.

kiaguy2

This is my third Kia. I will stick with Kia until they turn into Junk or they raise their prices to meet market value.

1. '03 Kia Sedona
2. '03 Kia Rio
3. Last week '05 Black Kia Sportage LX (traded in my RIO cuz it had no air)

4. Also had a '00 Hyundai Sonota

Not one bit of trouble with any of them. MSRP for the sedona was $24,000 got it for $16,500. Not as good of a deal on the Sportage though. They were only willing to come down to invoice(Invoice=$17,900 MSRP=$18,400). Between three dealers in my area they only had 5 Sportages. They probably knew that too. Easier to get what they want for the cars when there are only 5 cars within 50miles for sale. Add on the chances of you getting the color you want and it is even more difficult. Awesome car just a little disapointed they were not willing to make a better deal. Also since I was so involoved in looking at the differences between the Sportage and the Tuscon I forgot the LX didnt come with Cruise or Keyless entry(Circuit City is installing keyless entry tomorrow for $100 for everything, its only $200 for remote start/keyless entry system). I cant beleive at that price every car doesnt come with cruise control standard. The dealer said they were willing to install Cruise Control for cost, but what is that cost...Cant wait to find out $200 ok, $600 not worth it to me. I would have to agree about the A/C, it is awesome, its even better than our sedona with rear vents. Also the sportmatic transmision is nice when you only have a 4 banger. Gives you a little more horsepower to help beat the traffic.

Let me know if anyone has had Cruise Control installed on an LX. Curious how much it is going to cost.

iluvmysephia1

is your Sportage an automatic or manual tranny?

I agree about the Kia vehicle lineup, I love 'em, hence my nickname. I started
noticing while driving my '99 Sephia one day that this is a cool little car, with lots of spunk and pep in the motor and a body style that cleanly blew both Honda and Toyota out of the water for small sedans. I still feel the same way, although I'm cruising in a very cool little SUV called a Sportage 4x4, model year 2001. I have called upon my Sportage's 4WD two or three times in Missouri to get me out of my own driveway in an icy time. This will be my first winter coming up in South Dakota and they say it can get nasty cold here, so I'll be calling on my Sportage's 4x4 if I need it. Nice to have it. Yesterday I had 50,000 mile Toyo A/T tires put on the Sport. Get this: they replaced the OEM Hankook's on the Sportage and they had no less than 103, 090 miles on them. Not a single problem anywhere along my travels with them! How's that for OEM Kia products! Oh, I've also never had to replace a single light bulb on this car! I can't believe it! If I was still driving Ford's I'd be on about my 10th lightbulb change on a Ford Escape SUV by now, to be sure.

To all 2005 and newer Kia Sportage owner/operators: keep posting your results in here, OK? I'm readin' 'em all and making my mind up if our '01 Sporty will be traded in on a new one or not. Keep 'em coming!

kiaguy2

It is an automatic. All the manual tranys in stock dont come with A/C. I had 60,000 miles on my Rio and I had to replace the headlights. It was interesting, I changed one headlight and the very next day the other one went out. Next time I change a headlight I will change them both at the same time. I dont know if you guys have been reading the reviews by the "experts",I have not seen one negative review. They all give their pros and cons but everyone recomends it. I have even read a couple reviews that talk about how the suspension on the sportage is a little softer than the Tuscon which gives it a little smooter ride.

Still someone let me know if they have had Cruise Control installed on a Sportage LX and how much it cost.

hmlrht1

Any one out there have any problems with the A/C? Took several for test drives here in the Phoenix metro area and it seems that they don't get very cold. Any one else out there have that experience? Am I not pushing the right buttons? Looking to buy one maybe this Sunday ( July 10, 2005) Any help would be greatly appreciated. Other wise I love the vehicle

mvls1

We have the V6 LX with leather seats/sunroof and have put 11,000 miles on it so far. We live in the Palm Desert area so the temperatures will be similar to your area. This week 107 - 110 every day. Next week it will reach 115! We use the A/C every day and it has no problems once the interior is cooled down. Just let it stay in the max mode until it reaches temps to your liking, then switch to the normal mode. We do try to park in the shade when possible and use a sun shade in the front window to help keep the interior temps down prior to entering the vehicle. Otherwise we are very satisfied with the A/C output. Also, we paid extra and had a cabin air filter installed.

janetedit

I bought my car in Toronto, Canada and the cruise and keyless entry came standard on my V6/LX, as well as A/C. Car cost me 23,500 CDN. Wonder why they have different options available for Canada and the States, when we're both considered part of North America?

Curious: Do you have standard curtain side airbags as well?

kiaguy2

The options are not different. LX = No Keyless Entry No Cruise. However as soon as you add the V6 it does come standard. The dealers down here dont order V6/LX they jump you up to the EX if you want the V6. I didnt want a V6 since I drive 35,000 miles a year, the gas savings is more important.

boltguy

My LX V6 4WD (in the U.S.) has cruise control, but not keyless entry. I think it's an odd feature to not make standard equipment. But the EX was about $1800 more, and it wasn't worth it to me.

All U.S. Sportages have side curtain airbags standard.

mvls1

Small correction to my post. We have the EX model.

kiaguy2

The dealer told me that Cruise Control is standard on all V6 models. Cruise control is one of those things I think should be standard on any automatic. It obviously didnt stop me from buying it though.

Keyless Entry is not as important to me. I bought a keyless entry system at Circuit City for $55 and paid $50 for installation. Not a bad deal.

Im afraid Kia is going to charge me much more than that for Cruise Control.

oilerfan1

I wonder if their thinking is that the hitch use should be limited to carrying a bike rack. I doubt if 173 hp is sufficient to pull a holiday trailer. I want a hitch with mine (which is en route) but will want the wire harness to be able to pull a utility trailer.

radar

I actually use a smaller vehicle with less HP to pull our tent trailer and have been quite happy with it. As you might guess, the trailer is small but hey, it meets our needs. As far as the wiring is concerned, I finally received mine last week and is currently part of our Sportage. My dealer informed me that there are still a large number of harnesses on back-order. On another note, I visit the Dutch Kia site on a regular basis and noticed that the current delivery time for a Sportage is anywhere between 8 months to one year...

daddye

Car runs great. AC blows ridiculously cold. The high speed on the fan makes me feel like I am in a wind tunnel. Once the interior is cooled off, I have the fan on the lowest, and the air is too cold at max cold, and have to turn it more towards the red.

I am liking the stereo more these days, I have it tuned well now.

I do believe however the Sportage was designed for a slightly smaller frame than me (6'1"):
Can't stretch legs out all the way, although this is not a problem or uncomfortable. The bottom part of the seat almost digs into my thighs. The visors, when flipped down, cover too much of the mirror, and it is hard to see traffic lights--for instance when driving west at sunset.

However, I kind of feel like I am almost looking for something to complain about. I still haven't noticed any downsides to the engine and transmission: today I was on an on-ramp going kind of slow behind someone, then had to step on it while I was doing about 50 to get to 65 MPH. I didn't even use the sportamatic, and the engine-transmission down shift into second was seemless--no intial lug.

-e

rdillier

Just how different are the Sportage and the Tucson, since Hyundai owns both? Thinking of buying one or the other since our '98 Merc Sable died yet AGAIN. Have put one transmission in it (Mechanic said it needed another, too), replaced CV everything, radiator, etc. etc. It is the wheeled version of the Money Pit. Wife works for a catering company, and would probably use the SUV to cart stuff to jobs. Wouldn't be any off-road driving. I'd like 4WD capability for winter ice, etc. But I'd really like to know significant differences between Sportage and Tucson. Haven't tested either one yet. Thanks for any comments. Bob

backy

Major differences: exterior, interior (although layout is similar), suspension tuning (reviews say the Sportage isn't as soft as the Tucson, a bit more sporty feel), equipment levels (e.g., A/C and remote locking extra on low-end Sportage, but they come on every Tucson trim level albeit at a higher starting price). Powertrains are the same.

czar44039

East or West sider? What kind of deal? Am currently looking for Kia Sportage but the wife likes the Sedona.

kcrnmale

Purchased mine at Spitzer Kia on Brookpark road. Hard to tell my deal because I had negative equity. I did buy an extended (7/100,000) warranty through the dealer but I don't think Kia offers one-the dealer uses an aftermarket that requires you to have the work done at the dealer.

czar44039

Did they have a large selection? What options were included? I'm a little further west and have been looking at Halleen on Lorain Rd. Very limited selection, only about 5 or 6 Sportages and not one in Jade or Olive. All of them tended to have the leather interior which I am not crazy about. There any talk about dealer incentives?

kcrnmale

Large selection....no....they're selling these cars pretty fast. Same reason for no incentives. I don't care for the leather either in the Kia. Actually, I don't care for leather period. There was no options on my car, but it came with a sunroof, 4X4 and V6. There's a Kia dealer in Brunswick/Medina area on Pearl road. They have 9 in stock but don't list the colors.

limeygirl

Hi - maybe someone else is having this problem. I have just purchased a 2005 Kia Sportage in Canada. I got the LX Convenience FWD 2.0L 4 cylinder. I specifically asked if it was good enough to tow and/or pull a single harley. I was told absolutley it has a towing capacity of up to 1500lbs. Well I just took it in to have the tow package installed only to find out.....WAIT FOR IT. That since I purchased in March they have just put out a Bulletin stating that the hitch harness for the wiring is only to be used on V6 models.

Okay so I can tow 1500lbs but I can't have lights hooked up for the trailer ! And if I do it will void by electrical system warranty! What the.....? I am so stressed and frustrated as I am leaving for Sturgis in 2 weeks. ANY SUGGESTIONS. I have calls into Kia Canada but no response yet. Any one else heard of such b.s.HELP

iluvmysephia1

what's not to like about this SUV?



As far as hooking up your '05 Sportage's for trailers and towing goes, I would think you're all set to tow at least 1000 pounds, probably more. I have a hitch installed on my '01 Sportgage 4x4 and we towed at least 1000 pounds of our stuff from Washington state to mid-Missouri in 2003. We bought a 4'x8' utility trailer and loaded up and covered everything with tarps and bungee tie straps. Worked like a champ. The only problem was the occasional bungee strap coming loose and needing re-tied down. The little SUV performed flawlessly with the amount of weight to tow. You guys shouldn't be having any problems with getting hitches installed and matching up to trailers at all.

tidester

what's not to like about this SUV?

Since you asked - it looks a little tippy to me!

Sorry, I couldn't resist!

tidester, host

kiaguy2

a little tippy????? Its an SUV. SUV's are a little more tippy than a car, so what, that is what I would expect with a higher center of gravity. Want to talk about tippy, go drive around a conversion van. It looks more stable than alot of these other SUV's. And dont forget about the Stability Control that comes standard on all models.

I guess time will tell as to where it ranks with other SUV's in the number of roll over accidents. Allthogh I would expect more roll overs from CRV, Rav4, Escape owners because they are generally more stupid than Kia owners since they would rather have that more well known symbol on the front of the car than save $2000-$4000 by buying a kia.

hmmm. Stay out of our forum :mad:

stever

With the camera angle of the photo, it looks like it's about ready to fall into our laps! I think Motor Trend was wishing they had access to the banked track at Indy for that photo op.

Steve, Host

iluvmysephia1

I liked that "tippy" angle and how well it shows off the new handsome front end on the 2005 Kia Sportage. It has a great looking set of headlights, with all of the mirrored lights and that grille looks great, how they separate the trimwork and such. A work of SUV art IMHO!

tidester

and how well it shows off the new handsome front end on the 2005 Kia Sportage.

Perhaps they should have tipped it all the way over so we could admire and appreciate the fine artwork of the undercarriage!

tidester, host

iluvmysephia1

when I see it and you're jealous, tidester!

I know, it is a SUV hard to resist.

tidester

and you're jealous

Well, okay, you got me there! It is kinda neat.

tidester, host

hmorse

I can't hardly wait for stronger after-market sway bars. It's not "bad" but it's too light to sway as much.

boltguy

I can understand if you want flatter cornering, but to compare the Sportage against any other SUV (and I've driven a few), I don't consider it tippy. Personally, I think you'd have to go to a Forester, a station wagon imo, if you want carlike handling. It's worlds better than my 03 Santa Fe, and better than my sister's 02 RAV4.

kcrnmale

I have this intermittent but everyday problem with my new Kia where the key won't turn all the way to the off position while the transmission is in park. Sometimes, I shift it out and back into park and the key will move to the off position and allow me to remove it on the first try.....and sometimes it just won't. I've actually left the keys in the car and the car won't allow me to lock it either (with the key in the ignition).

I take it to the local Kia dealer who can't duplicate the problem. They write on the service invoice that I'm not putting the transmission all the way in park. Meanwhile, I've slammed the thing in park many times! (Note that the steering wheel isn't the cause either). I take it for a quick drive and return to the dealer when it starts acting up again. I turn off the engine, the key won't move to the off position and show the service guy. He agrees there's a problem but states if it doesn't happen again, he can't fix it. I leave the car and drive by late at night and early the following afternoon and notice the car is still sitting exactly where I parked it. The same guy tells me it hasn't acted up all day and maybe it'll get worse so they can figure out what's wrong another time.

They never made any attempt to fix the problem! I can see if it's an intermittent electrical problem that flares up occasionally, but this is a mechanical problem that the service tech witnessed himself. I guess now I have to try another Kia dealer....the one where I bought the car....but it's much further away. Am I unreasonable to think I received pathetic dealer attention?

Has anyone had the same problem? If so, can you tell me what the dealer fixed or replaced? Thanks! I really love this car but I can't stand this annoying bug with the ignition interlock.

artgpo

I think this problem is widespread. There have been other postings on this same topic. My wife's '05 Sportage does this same thing from time to time but with no pattern and we can always get the key out. It seems it might be related to the Park - Brake interlock. I am certain Kia will eventually come out with a TSB on the subject so be patient and try to work around the problem. You might want to try another dealer too.

kcrnmale

I've been all over the internet looking for others with the same problem (other than you) and have been unsuccessful.

My other problem that occurs occasionally and I can live with for now is my ESP OFF light comes on for no reason. Hitting the ESP switch does nothing. It resets itself when I turn off and on the engine. This will be a tough fix unless it happens more often. I may bring my camcorder and start recording all of my problems. I'll burn it to a CD ROM or DVD and take it to the dealer or send to Kia corp.

I really like this car and still have faith it won't be a repair nightmare. Does Kia corp offer an extended warranty? I couldn't find any info on the Kia website and my dealer sold me one from an outside warranty company that makes you take it to the dealer only for repairs. Thanks for your help artgpo.

artgpo

There have been two recalls so far related to the 2005 Sportage. The ESP is one recall for a programming error. If your Sportage has not been recalled and the reprogramming accomplished then you need to have it corrected as it might just solve your problem. The second recall is for the gas tank.