Kia Sportage

[surgtech1956]

Does anyone own a Kia Sportage? I'm in the market for a new vehicle and I've made a list of vehicles - Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento, Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Liberty. 4X4 is a must. I like the crossovers/suv.

[Koronin]

The only one I've even ridden in is the RAV4. My sister-in-law owns it and I would not rate it due to her driving it when I road in it. (She's not a great driver, and I get sick in any vehicle if she is driving it). It does look nice both inside and outside. Our 4X4 is a Ford Ranger.

[Crankin]

I drove a Sorrento when the BMW dealer gave me one to use when I brought my car in for service. I compared it to the Toyota 4 Runner I had, as that is the only other SUV I have owned (although I have had 2 other 4WD or AWD cars).
It had plenty of room to put my bike in the back without taking the back wheel off. I drove it about 75 miles one day, to a group ride start that was far away. It was fine on the highway, but overall, it felt kind of "plasticy" and cheap compared to the Toyota. I think it has been upgraded,though since I drove one.
Have you though about looking at a Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe? My son has a 10 year old Hyundai that has been abused to no end. Great service and mileage and a 10 year warranty. He is looking to get a new car and I am trying to convince him to spend the $ for one of their 4WD cars, since he has a longer commute now.
Overall, I would go with the Toyota, if all other things compare. I loved my 4 Runner, I just wanted a smaller car. It is the only car I have had where nothing ever broke.

[malkin]

I had a 96 sportage and it was pretty awful. Actually, I had two of them, because I rolled & totalled one in the first month of owning it. We all survived the crash, so I replaced it with it's twin.

Let's see-- a hub cap fell off; it leaked fluids, always had belt noises and had some other kookie stuff wrong. The dumbest thing was that the latch to release spare tire rack on the back broke (twice) and it was like a $500 repair because they had to disassemble half the car to gain access to the cable. When it broke again, I just took the stupid spare tire rack off of the car, because the stupid thing blocked access to the hatch back.

[badger]

I drive a '99 first generation CR-V and love it. When it's time for a "new"er car, I'll likely trade for a second generation CR-V, then third, etc etc.

CR-Vs have been around for 16 years now, and I see the first gen running around EVERYWHERE still.

I'd say the only beef I have is the fuel efficiency. It's not bad, it's actually comparable to the little Mazda Protege I drove for 15 years.

[Jolt]

Have you looked at the Suzuki SX4 crossover? It's a small but taller hatchback with AWD; looks a little like a mini-SUV. I just got one (yesterday!) and really like how it drives, and the driving position is higher than the typical small car (the seat is higher). It also has a feature where you can select 2WD when the weather is such that you don't need the AWD on, and that helps the gas mileage. The rear seat folds down and flips forward for when you need to carry large items. Having only had it less than two days so far, I can't comment on reliability other than to tell you Consumer Reports rates it above average. As for your other possibilities, Toyota and Honda both make really good cars as we all know; I'd stay away from Kia although supposedly they have improved greatly in the past few years.

[jessmarimba]

I dream of a Honda Element. Some day (used, for sure). Others on here have mentioned that their cargo weight capacity is relatively low, but they are amazingly easy to clean after a day at the beach.

The only experience I have with the Kia Sportage is with the older ones, but they were prone to just undiagnosably dying. I imagine the newer ones are more reliable since Kia has become a better all-around company. I can tell you that my sister has a brand new Soul and LOOOOVVEESSSS it, particularly b/c it came with a lot more options than comparable vehicles.

[crazycanuck]

If you want a REAL 4X4..a Landcruiser or a Defender. Unbreakable (well, the guys on the mine sites here can't ;))

[Atlas]

I have a 2004 Jeep Liberty and I love it. I can get a lot of stuff in it with the seats down, it has great 4x4, and it's really fun to drive. The gas mileage is not good (especially now that's gas is skyrocketing) and it drives like a truck - not the smooth car-like ride others offer. I had most of your vehicles on my list as well and I ended up with the Jeep because of a great deal. I also liked the Honda CR-V and I know several people who've had great luck with newer Kias.

[surgtech1956]

Thanks everyone. Since I have a Jeep I'm probably going to get the best deal with another Jeep(Liberty). Just got a Kia Sportage in the mail today. I've got about 3 months before my lease is up. I'm going to start actively looking the end of March - its takes me awhile because I research things to death. :)