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1998 Kia Sportage

1998 Kia Sportage

SUV
rear wheel drive
regular unleaded
Horsepower
130 hp
MPG Combined
–
MSRP
–
Torque
127 lb-ft
Reliability Score
94/ 100Excellent
Based on 558 NHTSA complaints

Should You Buy a 1998 Kia Sportage?

The 1998 Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that offers a unique blend of practicality and affordability. With a rear-wheel drive configuration and a 2.0L I4 engine producing 130 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque, it provides adequate power for city driving and light off-road adventures. The vehicle's fuel efficiency stands at a combined 19 MPG, making it a reasonable choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, potential owners should be aware of the vehicle's history, as it has received a total of 558 complaints to the NHTSA, with 31 related to crash incidents and 7 concerning fire incidents, though it boasts a reliability score of 93.8/100, indicating a generally dependable performance over time.

Ideal For

The 1998 Kia Sportage is best suited for budget-conscious individuals or small families looking for an affordable and practical SUV for daily commuting and light recreational use.

Strengths

  • +Affordable entry-level SUV
  • +Compact size for urban driving
  • +Decent reliability score
  • +Adequate power for daily use
  • +Simple maintenance and repair

Weaknesses

  • -Limited safety features compared to modern vehicles
  • -Higher number of complaints regarding engine issues
  • -Less powerful than competitors in the same class
  • -Fuel economy could be better
  • -Interior quality may feel dated

Known Issues (NHTSA Data)

The 1998 Kia Sportage has a notable number of complaints, particularly concerning engine and engine cooling issues, which account for 47 of the total complaints. Other significant concerns include hydraulic brake components and automatic transmission linkage problems. While there are no deaths reported, the presence of 19 injuries highlights the importance of thorough inspections and maintenance for prospective buyers. Overall, while the vehicle has its issues, it remains a viable option for those seeking an affordable SUV.

Top Complaint Areas
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE8% of complaints
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4% of complaints
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS4% of complaints
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT3% of complaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE3% of complaints

Performance

Horsepower
130 hp
Torque
127 lb-ft
Engine
2 L
Cylinders
I4
Transmission
4-speed automatic
Drive Type
rear wheel drive

Efficiency

MPG Combined
–
Fuel Type
regular unleaded

Dimensions

Length
–
Width
–
Height
–
Wheelbase
–
Curb Weight
3,186 lbs
Ground Clearance
–

Capacity

Doors
5
Seating
–
Cargo
–
Max Cargo
–
Max Towing
–
Max Payload
–

Estimated Value

Value estimate unavailable. MSRP data not available for this vehicle.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Estimated Annual Cost
$4,974
Per Mile
$0.41
5-Year Total
$24,870
Fuel
$2,211/yr
Maintenance
$700/yr
Insurance
$2,063/yr
Based on industry-standard estimates for this vehicle class. Fuel cost assumes 12,000 mi/yr at national average gas prices. Maintenance uses class-based intervals, not manufacturer-specific schedules. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.

Available Trims (6)

Sportage
4dr SUV (4-speed automatic)
130 hp
rear wheel drive
Sportage
EX 4dr SUV 4WD (4-speed automatic)
130 hp
four wheel drive
Sportage 2WD
RWD
Sportage 2WD
RWD
Sportage 4WD
AWD/4WD
Sportage 4WD
AWD/4WD

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