I am new to the board and have a problem with my 2000 Sportage. When I am accellerating, there is a very loud whistling or squealing noise that starts at about 2k rpm. Also, the 2-2.5k rpm range is where I have peak power now. Max speed right now is about 65mph on a flat road and as soon as I hit an uphill stretch, I'm hosed. A slight incline will cause my speed to drop from 65 to about 50 or less. Also, when I am driving along the highway and my transmission drops a gear trying to get more power, the tac will jump to 3.5k and will stay between 3.5k and 3.75k but my car will drop about 5mph within 3 seconds. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Also, just as an FYI, just had ignition coil and O2 sensors replaced about 6k miles ago. Also had a tune up with new plugs and wires at the same time. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Ok, a little more info I was able to gather. I popped the hood and listened as the engine was revved and it sounds like it is coming from the timing belt. It has been suggested that it may be just loose. Any thoughts? Is this something common on the sportage?

OK now. I did not experience this personnally, but this is largely talked about at 4x4Wire. It seems it may come from the Idler or/and tensioner pulley...several users have replaced these components and,,by the way, if the belt is over 65000 miles it is suggested not to wait any more and replece it as well while you are there.
Since there is ample documentation, photos and other stuff about this subject, I suggest you pay a visit there. http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/
register and search in KIA about timing belt.
Recent posts - in hte last 2 weeks - are about precisely that.

Check this :
www.avigex.ca/kiasport/timingbelt.pdf

..and a problem in that area might mean the belt has slipped , which relates to the loss of power.....

my sportage is making a whistling noise only when put in reverse.. could this be the same problem? its somewhat new as far as car years go only 2 years old.