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 61 through 70 of 321.00-
I thought it was a good idea at the time - 2003 Kia Sorento
By MonkeyMan - September 13 - 8:30 amIve had the Sorento for a year and a half now. It was in the shop for a total of 35 days and needs to go back again. Most of the time in the shop I think was due to dealer incompetence, although the transmission problem never was resolved. The vehicle shutters/buffers ALWAYS when cruising between 45-50mph. The vehicle also shimmys when applying the brakes. Also all the black plastic parts on the truck are now so faded they are almost white.
-
Rides like a sedan - 2003 Kia Sorento
By Marion - September 8 - 11:00 pmI bought this car used and have been happy with it. It has the smoothest ride of a SUV I have ever experienced. The backseat is very roomy for a smaller SUV. The main annoyance I have with it is that it burns through lights like crazy. I am replacing bulbs about every 2 months. I have been pulled over for it also. It is hard to keep up with replacing the bulbs. Check your lights for proper working order on a daily basis.
-
Sorento EX ,great suv for your money - 2003 Kia Sorento
By trawets20 - September 7 - 2:00 amMy wife and I bought our Sorento in January, and it only has 1,300 miles on it,but so far its been great.We test drove many other small and midsize suvs,before we finally settled on the Sorento.It is very roomy, and the interior is very well constructed,compared to others we test drove.People often give compliments on the sharp styling and 16"alloy wheels.For the price of the ex sorento ,we got alot more suv,and features than any of the other makes we looked at, like (SaturnVue,Mitsubishi outlander,Ford escape,Honda crv,Hyundai sant fe).We are very satisfied with our Sorento>
-
love my kia and hyundia - 2003 Kia Sorento
By rkress3338 - August 28 - 10:00 ami purchased a hyundai last year and a kia this year. i love them both. run great and have had no trouble with either. jealous of my wifes Kia. think it looks better than mine. as a matter of fact it looks inside and out almost identical to a Lexus
-
His & Hers Sorentos - 2003 Kia Sorento
By Susan & Will - August 15 - 2:00 amMy husband and I both bought 2003 Sorentos in February, 2003. Weve owned an Expedition, Jimmy, several Blazers, and a Grand Cherokee Laredo. We both agree by far that the Sorento is the best value for the money. It is comfortable, peppy, handles well and is solid. Just a fun vehicle to drive. I thought before test driving that it would feel cheap and plastic like...NOT! My husband calls it a Lexus knockoff. I plan to drive mine until the wheels fall off! Enjoy!
-
Shoulda bought a 4 runner - 2003 Kia Sorento
By QCYNCY - August 7 - 3:36 pmWife bought the car new in 2003. We have 70K on it now and to be honest, Im surprised it has been as reliable as it had been. Still, the maint schedule is unreasonable, $$, and he dealerships are completely incompetent. Last three times I needed to take the car back after maint because of dealer error. Will say the car has been off road on NE beaches all 5 summers about 60 trips in all and never had an offroad perf problem. Bought this over 4 runner because it offered leather,moonroof and warrnty for a few grand less than 4 runner. Stripped 4 runner is now worth 4K more at trade in than this though! if you can do w/o some options, there are better cars with better resale than KIA.
-
Satisfied User - 2003 Kia Sorento
By boombats - July 22 - 10:00 amVery satisfied ,wanted a 4 Runner but bought instead for cost.Didnt want a wimpy crossover SUV because of lack of real 4w/d.Excellent fit & finish in & out. Great styling,nice interior.Ride a little choppy but its a truck.Easy to drive and fun.Power is good but sure would like the 245 h/p like Honda.Cruises great & no problem passing or entering highway.
-
Great vehicle with electrical problems - 2003 Kia Sorento
By KB in NM - July 16 - 10:00 amThis is a rugged, yet comfortable and good looking SUV. Just pulled a loaded 1500lb pop up and it did very well, better than my old Cherokee - Load Leveler really works. Love the sun roof, heated leather seats and comfort. Dont like the intermittant electrical problems the dealer cant find - clock changes to 1:00, radio stations change by themselves, bad interference in AM stations even with the device thats supposed to fix that problem. Audio controls on steering wheel are badly placed because Im always accidentally hitting them. But still a great vehicle worth owning, and the warranty makes the decision easy!
-
exelent - 2003 Kia Sorento
By Bob Hoskins - June 14 - 2:00 amthis suv drives like a car is also very comfortable. the look is fantastic.
-
WHAT A DEAL! - 2003 Kia Sorento
By Bob Smith - June 14 - 2:00 amAs many have said, the styling, solid feel, attention to detail and man many extras made this the best choice out the field of competitors. I did find that I knew more about this vehicle than most of the sales staff or managers where I shopped. Armed with knowledge ( thanks to Edmunds.com and some others) I managed to purchse my KIA for UNDER invoice my a substantial ammount. The Dealer split the hold back with me which is 2 percent of the MSRP on this vehicle. Better catch them on a good day to get that thrown in!
