Review

Review: Kia Credos (1998-00)

2 stars

  • Flexible 2.0-litre petrol engine
  • Spacious interior
  • Suspension lacks compliance
  • Vague steering
  • Indecisive automatic transmission
  • Cheap interior

Overview

Released in May 1998, the Kia Credos was a mid-size sedan. Manufactured in Hwasung, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Credos was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. Furthermore, the Credos range consisted of a single GLX variant.

Engine

The Mazda-sourced 2.0-litre FE-DOHC petrol engine had a cast iron block, alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.2:1.

Dimensions

Based on the Mazda GE 626, the Kia Credos was 4731 mm long, 1770 mm wide, 1420 mm tall and had a 2659 mm long wheelbase.

Suspension

The Credos had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with dual lateral links.

Kia Credos specifications
Variant Engine Trans. Peak power Peak torque
GLX 2.0-litre petrol I4 4sp auto,
5sp man.
98 kW at 6000 rpm 171 Nm at 4000 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Kia Credos consisted of a driver’s airbag, with ABS available as an option.

Features

Standard features for the Kia Credos included 14-inch steel wheels, a six speaker Alpine sound system, air conditioning, front and rear fog lights, a 60/40 split and folding rear seat, central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, in-door courtesy lamps, front seat reading lights and an immobiliser.

From May 2000, the Credos was also fitted with 14-inch alloy wheels and a CD player as standard.

Related links

Back To Top