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 21 through 30 of 321.00-
I may have a lemon according 2 other rvw - 2003 Kia Sorento
By Going Ape - November 21 - 10:00 amAfter reading all the other reviews I figured I coudlnt lose, great price, great quality, great warranty. So I went out and bought one. However, I have had several annoying things go wrong. Ive had it 2 months now and its been in the shop 4 times for several things. The most annoying is a vibrating feel and sounds and certain speeds and acceleration. I went through a car wash and water started dripping in through the top of the windshield. Most other things were minor. I like to drive it and the interior is really nice. But overall I like the vehicle. Plan on keeping it for a long time because depreciation is really bad.
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Everything Looks Good So Far! - 2003 Kia Sorento
By Donovan - October 17 - 2:26 pmMy wife and I bought a used 2003 Kia Sorento EX w/4WD from a dealer last week, and weve been impressed by it. The body feels solid, the steering is light and smooth (though an adjustment if youre used to more road feel), the acceleration is better than reviews suggest, and its loaded with amenities (power drivers seat -- a must, considering the clunky manual adjusters; sunroof; leather interior -- love that smell). Best of all, we got it used at a great price! They say that the low resale value of the Sorento is a bad thing, but not for us! Even new, though, the price cant be beat. Amenities, 4x4 ability, great looks, good cargo space -- cant ask for anything more!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Excellent value and sporty looks - 2003 Kia Sorento
By cybern - April 29 - 3:16 pmBought with 15,000 miles and was pleasantly surprised with the interior room and luxury. Performance could be better but is satisfactory for everyday driving. Get lots of compliments. Am anxious to buy a 2008 Sorento, entirely new and exciting styling.
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Worth The Money - 2003 Kia Sorento
By kia mama - April 16 - 10:00 amI passed a Kia dealership one day while out with my children. I saw the "back" of this SUV and said "what is that"? They said thats a Kia Sorrento. I had never heard of, or seen one before. I went back to the dealership to get a better look and really liked what I saw. Not wanting to be a guinny pig I was leary about buying a vehicle new to the market, but the warranty sold me along with the price. Nine months later, I am very happy with my Sorrento. I have, and would recommend it to others...for the price, you cant match it or beat it!
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So far, so Good - 2003 Kia Sorento
By Ivory_babe4u - March 15 - 2:00 amI just bought the Sorento 4x4 on the 14th of March 2003. I love it so far! www.kia.com Check them out. I went online and picked out features I wanted. Called my car company and they had the exact one just coming in. Is that service or what? like when you take the key out and you left your lights on, when you open the drivers side door the lights automatically go off! I have been caught more than 1x needing a jump. :-) I also like the features that windows work after key is removed from ignition until drivers side door opens. This is my second Kia vehicle.
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Yes, I bought a Kia! - 2003 Kia Sorento
By RRG - March 10 - 10:00 amYes, I bought a Kia! At first I was nervous about doing so, but after months of research and test driving other SUVs on the market, it became obviously clear that the Sorento was the SUV for us (the warranty helped ease my mind about buying a Kia as well. I love the way it looks (I call it my generic Lexus) and with the luxury package on the EX model, it has all the features you need in a vehicle. It rides very nice and the seats are very comfortable, it is an all-around great vehicle. Weve only had it for 3 weeks, but already have put on more than 1,000 miles and it seems to be doing great.
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davids sorento - 2003 Kia Sorento
By cybergasm - March 10 - 10:00 amso far with only 3k miles showing on the clock it has a flawless vehicle to drive so far. like the handling, hate the steering tho too light all the time absolutly love the stereo system in it too.
