History: Kia, a Korean manufacturer, went from building bicycles in 1952 to motorcycles in 1961 and cars in 1974. Twenty years and 1.5 million cars later, Kia introduced the Sportage.

Type: Five-passenger truck-based sport utility vehicle

Base Price:

• 2-wheel drive (base) Sportage: $14,495

• 2-wheel drive Sportage EX : $15,390

• 4-wheel drive (base) Sportage: $15,995

• 4-wheel drive Sportage EX: $16,615

Price As Tested: $17,539 (amount includes California emissions of $70 and destination charges of $425)

Engine: 130-horsepower, 4-cylinder, 2.0-literdual overhead cam engine

Transmission: 5-speed manual (standard); 4-speed automatic (optional)

Fuel Economy:

• Manual transmission/2-wheel drive: 19 city/22 highway

• Automatic transmission/2-wheel drive: 19 city/21 highway

• Manual transmission/4-wheel drive: 19 city/23 highway

• Automatic transmission/4-wheel drive: 19 city/22 highway

Safety Features: Currently Kia offers only a driver's side air bag package, but their advanced system includes an "air-bag activation" knee bolster-style air bag, which is located below the steering column. When inflated, this 4.7-inch air bag protects the driver's knees and lower legs, as well as helping to prevent the driver from slipping down under the dashboard. As always, seatbelts are still a necessary part of every air bag system and should always be used.

Major Competition: Geo/Chevrolet Tracker, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV

Availability: Kia is currently sold at 210 dealerships in 22 states