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 11 through 20 of 321.00-
CMB-Review - 2003 Kia Sorento
By Khodam - September 9 - 10:00 amThe car handles much better than the Honda CRV and the Hyundai and the Toyota RAV4 and is not sluggish at all. If only the fuel efficiency could be improved (i.e. technologiclally possible) then it would be really the best car for the buck. It has many amenities that are options on other similar category cars.
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Poor Quality Parts - 2003 Kia Sorento
By Scott - September 6 - 8:56 pmI have owned my Sorento for over five years now and for the most part I have been happy with it. However, It does have some re-occurring issues. For the first two years I had to replace the rotors every 6 months. All along the dealership telling me that it was my driving habits. I finally quit buying kia parts and replaced the rotors with after market part off the internet. I have not had an issue since. I have also had numerous electrical issues that the dealership can never fix because it doesnt occur when we take it in. Unfortunately if the cars computer doesnt tell them what is wrong, they are done looking. It is too bad because the vehical isnt that bad, it just needs better parts.
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Great Value - 2003 Kia Sorento
By Jim595909 - September 4 - 10:00 amThis is a solid suv and fun to drive. GM could take a few lessons from Kia. I always was buy American..Ive had bad expieriences with GM products costing much more then my Kia. The company should have more quality control and the uaw should figure that the rest of America cant buy products built by overpaid sloppy union workers. thank you!
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LOVING IT - 2003 Kia Sorento
By CONNIE T - September 4 - 10:00 amLOOKS LIKE THE LEXUS SUV...ONE CLOSE-UP PEEK INSIDE THE LUXURIOUS INTERIOR AND YOU WILL BE HOOKED TOO!
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So Far So Good! - 2003 Kia Sorento
By raggedyluver - August 29 - 2:00 amBeing a new Kia Sorento owner (2months), I can only state what I know now and so far, so Good! The car is comfortable to ride in and to drive & very smooth ride/ My test drive was on the roughest road around here and it was excellent. The seats are plushy and everything I need is right at hand, the only complaint so far is how close the front seats are to the gearshift and stoarge box. I love my new car and weve noticed how close the front hood looks like the very expensive Lexus around! It is top of the line for safety and the warranty cant be beat.I highly suggest you check this one out.We need to see more Kias on the road! Dgh
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Bang for Buck SUV - 2003 Kia Sorento
By yvmor - July 16 - 2:00 amI have been a GM man for many years and Im glad I took a chance on KIA. I had a GMC Jimmy prior to the Sorento and could not justify paying $10,000cnd more for a new Jimmy. My only complaint with the Sorento is that it is a pig on gas. I have driven trucks and SUVs for the last 10 years so I dont normally complain. But I will spend more on gas if it means having a vehicle with a real frame (NOT UNIBODY) and that has some towing power.
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Test it at highway speeds - 2003 Kia Sorento
By RC of NC - May 10 - 2:00 amI really love "most" everything about my Sorento, except one issue the dealership has yet to have corrected. It has a vibration at highway speeds. I first noticed this right after I bought it. The dealerships response: 1) Its too new, we dont know what to do about it. 2) It has 16" wheels that are difficult to balance. 3) It is a truck, we dont feel anything out of the ordinary. 4) The drive shaft is out 180 degrees. I go to have the oil changed at a different KIA dealership and they notice the vibration right away, and are contacing the factory for assistance, thinking it is the rearend.
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Shaky over 70 mph - 2003 Kia Sorento
By Kia Family - May 4 - 10:00 amWhen driving around town, it is very comfortable and performs well. However, I noticed since the night we brought it home, that if you go anywhere over 70 mph, the truck actually begins to shake. However, after reading some articles on the truck, Ive seen similiar complaints. The Sorento is a very nice looking SUV, that is so similiar in looks to the Lexus 300, it makes you want to park next to them and laugh at how much more they paid for their vehicle. Ive had my Kia Sedona for almost a year, and I absolutely love it!
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Excellent Choice - 2003 Kia Sorento
By Erich - April 29 - 10:00 amI was looking for a 4WD vehicle to deal with the past New England winter. After going through about (5) vehicles I caught a look at the KIA at my friends dealership. Everything about it appealed to me. The contents of the book complimentes the cover. One thing that really appeals to me is that the gas tank fill is on the passenger side. Good for all the Jersey natives.
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Please Be Careful! - 2003 Kia Sorento
By seaojoy - April 29 - 10:00 amI traded in my Hyundai Santa Fe for the Kia Sorrento LX, BIG MISTAKE!!! Poor gas mileage, over-steering, and by far the most DANGEROUS aspect to this SUV are the BLIND SPOTS that the Sorrento is plagued with. The front hood slope makes parking w/o hitting a curb or stall barricade impossible. Complete driver and passenger side blind spots. Finally, because the rear cargo hatch window is situated so high, you really cant see smaller cars directly behind you. Ive been driving for 34-years, and this SUV terrifies me.
