Overview & Reviews

The Sorento is an all-new SUV from Kia. Larger and more powerful than the pint-size Sportage (which is expected to return for 2004 after a 2003 hiatus, by the way), the Sorento straddles the emerging middle ground between small SUVs and midsize SUVs. And it does so while offering interested buyers true off-road ability. Key competitors are the Ford Escape, the Honda CR-V, the Jeep Liberty, the Nissan Xterra and the Toyota Highlander.

• Great value, class-leading warranty coverage, long list of standard features, solid construction, true off-road capability.

• Engine needs more power, subpar fuel economy, seat upholstery could stand improvement.

User Reviews:

Showing 121 through 130 of 321.00

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  2003 Kia Sorento - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By NPierce628 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I had an extended size van, so I am having trouble getting use to the smaller space, but love the way it handles like a car. Looks almost like a Lexus. Sharp looking.

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  Great Engineering - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Ernest Dockery - December 10 - 10:20 pm

  KIA has their engineering down pat. I had no problems until after 100,000 miles and then the car seemed to start coming apart. First the windshield wiper control arm came apart then several of the sensors quit working and lastly the bolt on the harmonic balancer sheared causing me to get a new engine. I love the way the car drives but the reliability stinks.

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  Best I found - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By stevengood - November 30 - 2:00 am

  this is the best ride i have found in the suv market. the downside is supposed to be the resale value but witn 50k a year the dollar savings has proven to be worth it. a great ride, nice style and over 17 mpg all that for 25000 dollars and the 100,000 mile warranty doesnt hurt

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  Sorento - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By sorentobill - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I am surprised by the solid construction of the KIA, the ride is above average, the interior is comfortable. The dealer and the sales rep were great to deal with and the car is great for the price.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever bought - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By todrikki - November 10 - 9:10 am

  The Sorento now has 38k on it. The cupholder in the back could have been built a little better. We get 22 plus on the highway. People whining about mileage should remember this is a body on frame vehicle. A truck on wheels. Look under a Sorento and you will be amazed at the heavy duty construction. Stereo is out of this world It rides like a big ol Cadillac. It does tend to be a little stiff on some bumps, but Im sure this is because it is intended for some off roading. Overall, I cant believe this is a Kia. Its the best thing Kia has ever put out. I was not even going to test drive one, because I figured it would be like the Sportage. The warranty is "THE BEST."

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  Sorento EX 4x4 - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By jcherin - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Let me get right to the point....wow. After driving all the competing models (Escape, Explorer, Tribute, CR-V, RAV4 [my wife has one], Santa Fe, Pathfinder and others....) I only drove 2 blocks and knew that the Sorento would be what I was going to purchase. Excellent exterior & interior design and quality combined with great ride and comfort (and a good sound system!) and there was no choice!

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  Great Value - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Spursfan - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Alot of SUV for the money. I agree with the main review that it could use a bit more punch at take off, but once you are rolling, you better watch your speed.

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  minor improvements - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By Tom Herron - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Best vechile on the road for the money.

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  Best inclass - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By statefan - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I was downsizing from an older Suburban and looked at all of the mid- size SUVs. Once I saw and drove the Sorento there was no question what to buy. The quality, appearance and options, regardless of the cost, was comparable or better than all of the others. When you consider the price (5K to 8K lower) and add in the warranty it becomes a no brainer. You just have to compare for yourself. I would recommend the luxury package too. It is worth the money. To get a better quality mid-size SUV you have to go the Acura / Lexus lines for about twice the money.

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  Love My KIA....If it werent in the shop - 2003 Kia Sorento
  By KimC31 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my beautiful 2003 Sorento EX Alpine Gray, side rails & pinstrip on 9-26-2003. Love everything about it accept that it has been in the shop three times 10-7-2003, Check Emissions Light -10-15-2003 Check Emissions Light - couldnt find a problem 10-21-2003, Check Emissions Light. They are replacing the thermostat now. I have the sinking feeling that I bought a lemon. Plus, the customer service at the shop sucks, which I have since reported to Kia Consumer Care. Otherwise, the performance of vehicle, the ride, look, everything is great. Contacted an attorney today to discuss the matter. It will get resolved one way or another.