Driving Impressions
The 2006 Kia Sportage provides a carlike ride while returning relatively sporty handling on par with that of most peers. Should you push too hard through a corner, the standard stability and traction control system will intervene to keep you headed in the right direction. Additionally, the Sportage's four-wheel independent suspension system helps smooth bumps without the jittery feel typical of many SUVs. Power from the standard four-cylinder is barely adequate, so we recommend you stick with the larger 2.7-liter V6. The four-speed automatic isn't quite as smooth as the five-speed unit in the CR-V or RAV-4, but it always manages to keep the V6 right in its power band.
See also:
If the engine overheats
If your temperature gauge indicates overheating,
you experience a loss of power,
or hear loud pinging or knocking, the
engine will probably be too hot. If this
happens, you should:
1. Pull off th ...
Door locks
Operating door locks from outside
the vehicle
• Turn the key toward the front of the
vehicle to unlock and toward the rear of
the vehicle to lock.
• If you lock the driver’s door with a k ...
THE VERDICT
Just a few years ago, the Kia Optima would have been a genuine competitor to
the American sedans in the family car category. Unfortunately for Kia, companies
like Ford and General Motors have made ...


