starter? solenoid?
My car makes a grinding/whine noise only in the park position. At first i thought starter maybe flywheel. But the noise goes away in drive or reverse
122 views
2008 Kia Sportage Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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We love you just the way you are. So says Kia about its 2008 Sportage, which receives no changes or updates this year. The compact SUV went through a facelift in 2005, based on the Tucson unibody platform and reappearing with a sportier profile and a more refined interior, all still at a price lower than its competitors. Matched with Kia's long-term warranty, extensive 5-star safety features, and improved reputation, many drivers are switching to this affordable family car.
The 2008 Kia Sportage comes in two trims -- LX and EX. LX models start out with full power features, cruise control, and a CD player, while the EX adds leather trim, a sunroof, foglights, and remote entry. Both trims are available in either front-wheel or on-demand four-wheel drive, which defaults to a 50/50 torque split. The lack of low-range gearing means the 4WD is meant for slippery surfaces rather than off-roading. There are two engine choices. A 2.0-liter, 140-hp I4 with choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic comes with the LX, while a 2.7-liter, 173-hp V6 with 4-speed automatic is standard in the EX and optional for the LX. The 2008 Sportage earns five stars in all crash test categories except for rollovers, where it earns three stars. Standard equipment includes ABS brakes, dual front-side and side curtain airbags, traction and stability control, and 16-inch wheels.
The 2008 Sportage seats five in two rows, with both the rear row and front passenger seat able to fold flat, expanding cargo capacity from 23 to nearly 67 cubic feet. The rear tailgate opens separately from the rear window, and a roof rack adds more storage versatility. Headroom is plentiful, though rear legroom can feel cramped if the front seats are moved back. An important family travel feature, cupholders, abound in the Sportage. There are eight total in front and back. Highlights for owners include the car-like handling, comfortable seats, versatility and spaciousness for cargo, the safety features, and the low price. The most notable downside is the lack of acceleration power in both engines and the lack of a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 Kia Sportage
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Sally T
Mar 07, 2021
Have always loved compact feel but so much the space it lookMar 07, 2021
by Tony H
Oct 21, 2020
I got a good deal and just what i was looking forOct 21, 2020
by Torrin S
Oct 27, 2014
My Kia Sportage is a fun and very reliable SUV. Has plenty of space for the family or hauling things. Manual transmission is fun to drive and it handles really well. Radio is pretty good too. Gas mileage is great.Oct 27, 2014
User rating:
by Sally T
Mar 07, 2021
Have always loved compact feel but so much the space it lookMar 07, 2021
by Tony H
Oct 21, 2020
I got a good deal and just what i was looking forOct 21, 2020
by Torrin S
Oct 27, 2014
My Kia Sportage is a fun and very reliable SUV. Has plenty of space for the family or hauling things. Manual transmission is fun to drive and it handles really well. Radio is pretty good too. Gas mileage is great.Oct 27, 2014
by Adam S
May 31, 2014
The low mpg was a surprise to me (I didn't do my research) as I was expecting 25-30mpg from a newer 4 cylinder engine but this only gives me 18 on a good average day! Add to that a small transmission (covered under warrantee) and a ac compressor that went out t a65K miles, and I am startin g to worry about overall reliability of this car as it starts to age! My warrantee ran out at 60k miles since I did not buy it new, if it took me to 100k I would be happy.May 31, 2014
by Anonymous
Sep 22, 2013
No issues with the vehicle. Well maintained. It's a good student car for short trips to high school and running errands for parents. You can park it anywhere.
Great Color for night driving. Reflective Silver Metallic is a good choiceSep 22, 2013
by Kelli S
Jan 30, 2012
I like the comfort level and appearance of this car, it's also pretty easy to keep clean. It has plenty of storage. Gas mileage is decent. I've really enjoyed this SUV, and it has gone above and beyond the needs of my little family.Jan 30, 2012
by Anonymous
Aug 03, 2009
The car handles great around town; and has sufficient pickup on the highway. Though a little noisy, the cargo space is excellent for trips. Controls within easy reach. Disc brakes work great; people comment postiviely on the appearance of the car.Aug 03, 2009
by Raphael d
Jul 12, 2009
It's an okay starter car. Isn't that exciting? The
Performance is okay. The Build Quality is Okay. I like
the speakers. It looks Okay. Would you like to know
what isn't okay? This quiz. Apparently I'm Poetic. I
wrote 40 words, yet I can't save this quiz. I spy a
glitch!Jul 12, 2009
by Jesse W
Jul 31, 2008
WOW!! My parents got this car and I thought it was a joke...until I drove it. This car has the pick and go power. The steering is soo on point. It has the utility of a nice size SUV but gets the gas mileage of mid-size car. It gets 24 MPG with us. Jul 31, 2008
by Erik W
Jul 30, 2008
The performance of this small SUV isn't great considering its a 4 banger butthat being said it had no problem driveing over the malahat.
Fuel Mileage isn't bad we get about 460 KM to the tank Highway. in city its a little worse but its still affordable.
have not yet taken it off road to see how well it drives on gravel or how the ESC (electronic stabillity control) works. Jul 30, 2008
by Emma W
Jun 27, 2008
I love how comfortable it is and how much higher it is than my old Rio 5.
The Sportage is alot better for me because of a baby being on the way.
I LOVE MY SUVJun 27, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 03, 2008
im looking for fog light"s for a 2008 kia sportageMar 03, 2008
What users have asked
Non working headlight
Replaced the headlight on the passenger side still nor working. Low glow to it. Replaced the fuses also
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Has anyone had a problem with sudden acceleration in a Kia Sportage?
Sudden, involuntary acceleration has happened twice in our 2008 Kia Sportage, both times while braking to slow down for a stop light or to pull into a parking spot. I was able to keep the vehicle from moving into the intersection the first time, but unable to control it the second time and crashed into a concrete wall. FORTUNATELY no one was injured in either incident, but we have damage from the most recent incident that happened on 2/29/2012
5265 views
2008 KIA SPORTAGE AFTERMARKET VS OEM CATALYTIC CONVERTER
I had my catalytic converter stolen and cut out. The mechanic is going to have to replace not only the catalytic converter, but also the manifold and the exhaust pipes. Mechanic says that I need to go with the OEM catalytic converter because if I don't I will have the O2 sensors starting to act up causing check engine light problems and the aftermarket is only warranted for 1 year and the aftermarket will go out in a year. Insurance wants to replace with only aftermarket. Can you tell me if the mechanic is giving me a story and I will be ok with the aftermarket or if the mechanic is right and the insurance is wrong? Thank you.
63 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2008 Kia Sportage?Compare this car
2008 Kia Sportage Pricing
Original MSRP
$16,050 to $22,895Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: grocery bag holder · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.63
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Roof
Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.53 · Locking differential: center · Transfer Case: electronic
Exterior Features
Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Roof
Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.04
Exterior Features
Grille color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Roof
Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.41 · Locking differential: center · Transfer Case: electronic
Exterior Features
Grille color: black · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Roof
Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: rear
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: grocery bag holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.04
Exterior Features
Bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo net · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.41 · Locking differential: center · Transfer Case: electronic
Exterior Features
Bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 40-60 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rack color: black
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Tires
Type: all season
Towing and Hauling
Tow hooks: front
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up