2000 Kia Sportage Trims and Specs

Adding a touch of outdoor sportiness, the 2000 Kia Sportage Convertible is a 2-door, rear-wheel drive version of the compact SUV, with an open-air option over the rear seats, while the front seats remain covered with a fixed hardtop. Otherwise, the 2000 Sportage Convertible is similar to the base models in terms of features, but it does not offer a roof rack, for obvious reasons. The wheelbase is smaller, meaning a more cramped backseat, and the cargo area holds anywhere from 13 cubic feet to 39 (with the rear seats folded), a full 16 inches less than in the 4-door.

Powered by a 2.0-liter, 130-hp DOHC I4, the 2000 Sportage Convertible comes only with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Full power features, a security alarm, intermittent wipers, a tachometer, and dual front airbags and a knee airbag for the driver are included. A rear spoiler is not available, but you can add cruise control, a CD or cassette player, remote entry, 4-wheel ABS, and air conditioning. The soft top is moderately easy to remove, though it requires removing the rear window as well, which can be cumbersome, say drivers. They like the handling, tight turning ratio, and sporty style for a low price. Drawbacks include an underpowered engine, cupholders that block controls, and problems with the power windows.

The 2000 Kia Sportage 4WD Convertible is a compact 2-door SUV that seats four people in two rows. A soft top over the rear seats can be removed, leaving a fixed hardtop over the front seats. Part-time 4WD capability with low-range gearing allows the 2000 Sportage 4WD Convertible to go off-road for more sporty adventure. Drivers say it handles equally well in the snow and in rough weather conditions. Built on a truck platform, the 2000 Sportage 4WD Convertible is powered by a 2.0-liter, 130-hp DOHC I4 engine, matched only with a 5-speed manual.

Standard equipment is minimal (no air conditioning), but includes dual front airbags and a driver's knee airbag, full power features, intermittent front wipers, a security system, a new driver's side footrest, and 15-inch alloy wheels. This helps keep the base price down on the 2000 Sportage 4WD Convertible. Spending a little more gets you air, a CD or cassette player, keyless entry, cruise control, and 4-wheel ABS brakes. A roof rack is not offered on the convertible. Owners like the size, for easy city maneuverability, and the 4WD performance. Affordability is also a big draw. Downsides include a sluggish engine, some road noise, and frequent repairs.

One of Kia's first U.S. vehicles back in 1995, the 2000 Kia Sportage STD sees few changes this year. The base version of this four-door, rear-wheel drive compact SUV comes with a 2.0-liter, 130-hp, 16-valve DOHC I4 engine and choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. It rides on 15-inch steel wheels and features two rows of seats for four people. The rear row folds nearly flat to expand the 26 cubic foot trunk to 55 cubic feet. Headroom is roomy for this class of SUV, even with the raised rear seats.

Dual front airbags and an industry-leading driver's knee airbag are standard in the 2002 Sportage STD, along with full power features, tilt steering, power steering, intermittent wipers, a tachometer, and a security system. Rear-wheel ABS is included, but 4-wheel is optional. Other options add on air conditioning, cruise control, remote entry, a CD or cassette, and a rear window wiper. A rear spoiler and roof rack are also available. Problems with the power windows, brake wear, and transmission are common on the 2000 Sportage STD, and drivers wish it had more power for acceleration. On the plus side, they like the style, roominess (for a compact), handling, and low price for an SUV.

The 2000 Kia Sportage STD 4WD provides off-roading capability with its part-time, driver-engaged 4WD that includes low-range gearing. Drivers say it handles well in snowy conditions as well. Much like the rear-wheel drive version, the 2000 Sportage STD 4WD has a 130-hp, 2.0-liter DOHC I4 and standard 5-speed manual, with a 4-speed auto tran optional. The 4WD adds tinted glass and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Air conditioning is only optional on the 2000 Sportage STD 4WD, but standard equipment includes power windows, locks, and mirrors, a tachometer, tilt steering wheel, and intermittent front wipers. A rear window wiper is extra. Dual front airbags and a driver's knee airbag are also included, along with rear-wheel ABS brakes. 4-wheel ABS will cost you more. Rear seats fold nearly flat for more cargo area (55 cubic feet), and an optional roof rack gives you more versatility. New this year is a footrest for the driver, to improve comfort on long rides. Other options include keyless entry, cruise control, a rear spoiler, and a CD/cassette player. Drivers like the affordability and the easy maneuverability for city driving. The small size lets this SUV fit in smaller parking spaces. But the 2000 Sportage STD 4WD is plagued with problems with brake rotors, power windows, and other mechanical repairs.

Loaded with a few more features, the 2000 Kia Sportage EX is the top-end trim for this compact SUV. Equipped with rear-wheel drive and build on a truck platform, the 2000 Sportage EX is a capable utility vehicle whose small size makes it adaptable to city driving and parking. A 2.0-liter, 130-hp I4 engine and choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic sits under the hood, delivering about 18/23 mpg. Two rows of seats fit four, and the rear seats split-fold to expand the 25 cubic foot trunk to nearly 55 cubic feet. The rear seats also sit up higher for a better view. A roof rack is standard on the EX.

New this year is a standard CD player, which joins air conditioning, full power features, 15-inch alloy wheels, a security system, tachometer, and intermittent wipers in the list of standard equipment. On the EX only, you also get cruise control, rear-wheel ABS brakes, and leather wheel and shifter trim. Passenger safety is handled by the dual front airbags and segment-unique driver's knee airbag. Like the base model, options include 4-wheel ABS, keyless entry, a rear spoiler, and keyless entry. An EX-only option is leather seats. For its low price, drivers like the features, headroom, 4WD capability, easy handling, and style of the 2000 Kia Sportage EX. They don't like problems with the brakes, inadequate tires, and power window failure, and wish gas mileage were better and the cupholders didn't block the air vents and controls.

Adding part-time, driver-engaged 4WD with low-range gearing to the 2000 Kia Sportage EX 4WD lets this compact SUV live up to its sport-utility name. Snowy paved roads or bumpy unpaved back roads are handled equally well, and the 2000 Sportage EX 4WD also offers a lot more standard equipment than the base models. It is powered by the same 130-hp, 2.0-liter, DOHC I4, and comes standard with a 5-speed manual, rear-wheel ABS brakes, 15-inch alloy wheels, and dual front airbags and driver's knee airbag. A 4-speed auto tran and 4-wheel ABS are optional.

Additions this year include a driver's footrest and a standard CD player. The EX also features air conditioning, cruise control, and a roof rack (optional on the base) and leather interior trim, along with intermittent front wipers, a security system, full power features, a tachometer, and tilt steering wheel. The roof rack expands on the 55 cubic feet of cargo area (with the split-folding rear seats down). A rear spoiler, leather upholstery and keyless entry are some luxurious extras. Though owners of the 2000 Sportage EX 4WD like its low sticker price, it does not retain its value and any savings are offset by lengthy repairs. Inadequate brakes and tires hamper the decent 4WD, and the engine needs more power. Drivers do like the style, maneuverable size, and roominess, however.