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 1 through 10 of 321.00-
Most car for the Money - 2003 Kia Sorento
By Dick H - December 30 - 1:46 amI installed a higher cranking amp battery and havent replaced any lights since. At 99400 miles the rear U-joint caused vibration at higher speeds then at low speed. It was replaced fully under warranty. In fact, KIA replaced the total driveshaft and support bushing with all related parts free. These reports stating bad warranty are incorrect. KIA is very good! Another car with the same equipment would cost over $30,000.00 compared to $20,000.00 for a new 09 Sorento. Great car fun to drive sure feeling great pickup. Not easy on gas though. Only draw back.
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Satisfied so far - 2003 Kia Sorento
By Joe Cal - October 16 - 10:00 amIve only owned this suv a few months, but Im very pleased so far. I think it rides very nice, more like a carlike ride and handles nice. I also like the fact that it has a full frame, not a unibody like most suvs in this class or in a more expensive class for the matter. I think the quality is comparable to GM, and maybe better in some areas. I was somewhat hesistant to buy a Kia at first, but for the price I couldnt resist and am glad I did so far.
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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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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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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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who would have guessed! - 2003 Kia Sorento
By gilligan - January 21 - 2:00 amsimply put, what a greatvehicle. I am a street saleman in my car all day. A joy to drive, and the car turns heads. Have had more comments than i can count. Well put together, great performance.
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Nice vehicle - 2003 Kia Sorento
By sar34 - January 21 - 2:00 amBefore buying I tested the Nissan Pathfinder and Murano, the Infinity QX4, and Exolorer. The Sorento had the best ride, although the Murano was close. But a comparably equiped Murano is $7K more.
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Still Lovin it! - 2003 Kia Sorento
By Rozebud - November 22 - 10:00 amIve had my Kia for a year and a half now and I still love it! I wrote my first review in March of 03 and never imagined Id still feel the same farther down the road. It still feels like a new car. The steering and transmission is still tight and nothing has broken or worn out. The airbag light did come on recently and Im taking it in to get it fixed. Probably just a sensor gone bad? Im short and this vehicle fits me perfectly. My husband has a GMC Envoy, a great car too, but I hate driving it because of its size. It is a little hard to get in and out of, especially for my seven year old. I think I might buy the available running boards.
