2003 KIA Sorento

Best Vehicle I've ever owned

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my 2003 Kia Sorento 4x4 automatic brand new in 2003. I'm the original owner and as of this posting has $120K miles. I've taken great care of the car. The engine and transmission suspension, steering have been solid as a rock. I've only had a few issues. It will no longer shift into 4x4, which I think a control module went bad, but it still operates in 4x2 mode. One engine sensor needed replacing the fuel temperature senors which I replaced myself. Other than that it has been the best vehicle I've ever owned. It's considerably fast for 190 HP, roomy, and feels very safe and controlled in the rain! Get one if you can!

Fun Car to Drive and Easy to Maintain.

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

I bought this car as a third owner in 2011 with 138000 miles. The car was poorly maintained. Thats what I got for the price I bought it for. But I am so glad I bought this car. I had to change the brakes and tires, some bulbs, oil change, and I had to change the spark plugs. The car started running like new. I had no major problems with the car, just maintenance. I had my check engine light on for a couple of months but later on I found out it was because of a faulty throttle position sensor which was easy to change. After that, the check engine light went away till this day. I had a A/C leak but I managed to find the leak and fixed it myself.

pleasantly surprised.

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This Sorrento was a replacement for my previous vehicle. It was used and abused. Previous owner did no maintenance on it. Spent a couple of hours under the hood cleaning MAF sensor, throttle body. Had my buddy replace the oil and all the tires. Not to mention complete brake fluid change( no charge for any of it. For which I am eternally grateful) it now runs like a champ. Roomy , comfortable, fun, and a pleasure to drive. Still needs to have a few little things done. The fact it ran as good as it did considering what wasn't done in it 255,000 miles of service is testament to its build quality. Called KIA about recalls. Booked in same day.

Big mistake

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

This was the worst vehicle choice ever!! We had it for 3 months and the radiator blew. Then all the window switches stopped working and the AC would not hold its charge. The transmission started going out when we hit 110,000 miles and when we traded it in, we only got $1500 for it. Thought that would be the last time I got a KIA that was build prior to 2005, but my wife tricked me and bought a 2003 Kia Spectra. We have had nothing but issues with that one also.

My 2003 Kia Sorento Best Car I ever have had.

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Minor problems like horn, clock not working. Had to replace the U-joint front and back. Everything else is fine and working. Minor leak in sunroof, was adjusted. Paint on side mirrors came off and the same for the tail hatch. Made out of plastic.

Hard on the wallet

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

Gorgeous on the outside. Useless on the inside. Of the hood, that is. Ran great until I hit 100,000 miles. Since, my power steering, fly wheel, transmission and ac have went out, not to mention a few other minor problems. I will never recommend this vehicle to anyone. I have taken great care of this vehicle, keeping everything up to date and new but it has not returned the favor. It would be nice if the vehicle was as cheap as its quality.

Great Little Truck

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this truck because of Nebraska Winters, its 4WD is what i needed to get through. I've NEVER had an issue with this truck. Only thing i've done is replace the battery and a blinker bulb! With reg oil changes i've had zero engine trouble. I bought it with 47,000 miles on it and am now at over 124,000 miles. It still runs like the day i bought it! I would recommend a Kia Sorento to anyone who is looking for a great 4WD. On highway travel i can get close to 27 MPG.

Piece of Junk

Performance: 1 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

Second owner of this Kia sorento. Bought this car @ 53k only $9800.00 in 07' over a highlander and rav4 due to looks and price. I guess I got what I paid for. Within 2 months of purchase, you would have to say hell came with this car. First Climate control malfunctioned, then Windows power control, then one window power motor, then wiper motor assembly broke off, then rotors warping, then headlamp and brake lamp every other month, then Radiator fan gone out, the Ac compressor gone out, then now the car just wouldn't start anymore. Don"t ever buy a Kia, they are cheap and expensive the repair and maintenance.

BEst Vehicle Made

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Vehicle is amazing in snow, I took this car up north where it proved to me the reliability of Korean 4x4 Engineering. Heavy Duty frame makes this car extremely stable being able to withstand any load of force. Driving is extremely smooth, feeling of complete control on the road.

Most car for the Money

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I installed a higher cranking amp battery and haven't 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.

Warranty is just a Word

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

Beware of the warranty, Kia really does not cover much at all. 10-Year 100,000 mile warranty really means that anytime you have a problem the dealer will attempt to explain why it is not covered. The warranty is garbage. Do not let the warranty enter into your decision to purchase this vehicle because the warranty is a big joke.

Poor Quality Parts

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I 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 doesn't occur when we take it in. Unfortunately if the cars computer doesn't tell them what is wrong, they are done looking. It is too bad because the vehical isn't that bad, it just needs better parts.

Love that truck...

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

It's a really nice truck with great styling inside and out with good fit, finish and quality... also plenty of power... great offroader, too... had no issues except a split overflow canister which was replaced under warranty... and break shudder comes into the picture once the rotors wear down... but can be avoided by installing better grade after market replacement rotors which are actually cheaper than the original ones...... otherwise my six year old Sorrento is still rock solid and running smooth... it is quiet on the road and comfortable compared to other SUV's out there... will replace it with the same model if it ever falls apart... but so far it's holding up very well...

Shoulda bought a 4 runner

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Wife bought the car new in 2003. We have 70K on it now and to be honest, I'm 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.

Great Car for the $$

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought the Sorento for my company car and 227,000 miles later am amazed at how it's held up. No it's not a Lexus, but with only minor problems in 5 years I am looking to buy another one. I have owned GM, Ford and Toyota cars and this Korean one has been by far the least trouble and the overall best ride. I have recommended it to many who were skeptical when I purchased it!

Kia unable to repair.

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

After driving my 1.5 year old 20,000 km Sorento for 10 meters in 50 cm deep water, it stopped running. The Dealer/Importer had the car for over 6 month in the shop and could NOT get it running again. I paid for a new Computer, but still, as of today it is not running. The location of the air intake is for an SUV on one of the most stupid places you can find in an 4 weal ATV. and so is the location of the Computer.

Rides like a sedan

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I 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.

Garbage

Performance: 2 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

I own a 2003 Kia sorento and it is garbage. I can't count how many times I have had to replace a headlamp. The clock resets constantly on its own. I have blown fuses galore. Changing the rotors is impossible unless you own or can get your hands on a impact wrench. And most of all, their Service dept. has been horrible, rude and deceiving. Don't waste you money. I get 17mpg gallon highway at 65mph if I am lucky. And yes, I have completed all their recommended, bogus service schedules. I hate it. Hope I save somebody the headache of owning a pile of junk like this. 100,000 mile warranty is a joke. Be careful

Our Kia Sorento

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I had never seen a Kia Sorento until June of 2003 when my wife and I drove past the dealership and my eye caught sight of an elegant new SUV. I got reverse sticker shock when I found out it was considerably less than the competition's and had elegant appointments. I took the car home for one day and could find NO bad points about the Sorento. Even the 15 MPG city is comparable (as it is a truck). I bought it the next day and have loved it ever since. I have owned it 5 yrs and 1 mo. Now and my only complaint was every bulb on the car has gone out at least once (most of them twice). It is smooth comfortable and responsive but keep in mind it's a truck so pot holes give ya a jolt..THX KIA

Great vehicle for almost 5 years

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We bought our Sorento new in May of 2003. In 56K miles, we've never had a problem. Only routine maint. and a brake job, along with one set of tires.

Kia doesn't honor warranty

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

Had a 2003 Kia Sorento for 5 years. Initially had an issue with a leaking gasket that was fixed under warranty. 5 years later, the catalytic converter has failed and Kia won't cover even though it is within the warranty window. Kia immediately looks for fine print excuses to not honor the warranty. We are stuck with about $5000 in repairs to transfer case, catalytic converter, spark plugs, belts etc. Basically, left with a cheap throw away car.

Expensive replacement parts great car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We've owned this car for over a year and have been pretty happy with it. It's got 104050 miles on it. The downside is the cost and availability of parts. The major parts (and some not so major like shocks) are only available through the factory or a dealer and are considerably more expensive than typical replacement parts. On this model year two different water pumps were produced and they are not interchangeable. We didn't find this out until it was at our mechanics to get the timing belt and water pump replaced. Just the parts cost about $500. Also, the coolant reservoir has a tendency to crack/split and costs about $150 to replace.

Excellent value and sporty looks

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Bought 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.

I love it

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I love my Kia. I have had no problems or issues.

A treat to drive

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Excellent car! I have owned many four-wheel or all-wheel drive cars including an Audi A6. This is by far the best car I have owned. Reasonably priced and so much for the money. This vehicle is built on a medium duty truck chassis that the sell in Korea. Great off-road as well. Solid!

Bargain Luxury and Style

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

What began as a search for a luxury vehicle including such names as Lexus and Acura, quickly led us to a little known bargain of the Kia Sorento. The looks are comparable to the big two aforementioned, while the price wasn't half of equally aged vehicles. The 2003 Sorento EX is the "upscale" model. Our includes leather, tow, Harman Kardon sound, power everything, sunroof, etc. We got ours with slightly higher mileage for just under $12K. We did however opt for the additional extended warranty. The vehicle rides extremely smooth compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee we traded in. The luxury appointments are very well suited for a small suv class vehicle. All in all a bargain for the price and year

Great Engineering

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 2

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.

Best vehicle I've ever bought

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

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 I'm sure this is because it is intended for some off roading. Overall, I can't believe this is a Kia. It's 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."

Perfect Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My car now has 87,000 miles and I cannot say enough about how WELL this works. The only things with KIA is do not let the tank go below 1/4 in the cold of winter. The line will freeze.

Love my Sorento

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I was looking for a new SUV and found the Kia Sorento. When my wife and I drove the car we loved it immediately. The feel of the car was tight and responsive. The leg room was excellent, important on long trips that we take. There is plenty of space to store all the luggage. So we bought one. On several occasions at parking lots we got a lot of comments on "what is that car it's beautiful, is it a Lexus?" I told them no it's Kia Sorento; they couldn't believe it. So it's time to get a new car and as you guessed, it's going to be another Kia Sorento -- one problem, can't decide on the color. Anyone who buys this car will enjoy it as much as we did.

After all these years...love my Sorento

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I saw my new Kia at the local dealer and was immediately impressed with the design. After hearing it was a KIA I was a bit concerned, I knew nothing about the brand. I test drove and did my research, took the plunge and have been very pleased. I now have nearly 50K miles on her and I'm so impressed with the reliability. Not a thing has gone wrong in 3 years. My Sorento has been inexpensive to maintain as well. Overall this was a fantastic buy, especially at the $24K price tag.

the best suv ever

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased my Sorento almost three years ago, and it is the best SUV I have ever bought. I get more compliments on the styling of the outside and inside. I have over 50,000 miles on it, and have not had any major problems of any kind. I am now in the process of purchasing a 2006. I have sold many Sorento's in my neighborhood. Keep up the excellent work.

great car - 3 years and no regrets

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This has been a great car. I've had it for three years and so far, no regrets. I also have a 2005 Dodge Durango and I still prefer to drive my Sorento.

better than I thought

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

A very nice vehicle to drive, it loves to speed to an easy 70 mph. You'll need to keep an eye for the gas pedal; very soft.

I love it...except

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I really have enjoyed owning this car. Have had needed no service except routine. Just replaced the tires at 60,000. The only thing that could be improved is the recoil of the driver side shoulder seat belt, often doesn't return to original position and gets caught in the door. Otherwise ... love it.

Fun SUV!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

We downsized from a minivan to this and I have loved everything about it since the minute I sat in it. It looks and drives great. It was a mother's day gift for me, but my husband loves to drive it! He has compared it to other suvs in the same class, and there is no comparison. It drives like a sports car. I get so many comments about it by everyone. Only problems we have encountered is we can't have one window down at a time or it sounds like we're in a helicopter. It's also a tight squeeze for a family with 3 kids in car seats, but are able to make it work. Oh another thing - buy the 4 wheel drive. This cutie (we purchased the base model) does not like to drive in snow or ice!

GOOD SO FAR

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I recently purchased a used '03 Kia Sorento LX. I have only had it a month. Over all, "so far" I am satisfied with it. There are a few flaws however; at high speeds (anything over 50) the steering wheel shakes a bit, you can feel it in the steering, in the seats, and in the floor board and it does it even worse when using the brakes. But I do enjoy the interior and exterior design, similar to a Lexus SUV for far less price! Oh and a very quiet ride. All in all I would say to anyone considering buying a Sorento it is an excellent choice for the money!

Turning sour on a lemon

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

We loved this SUV at first; great in the snow, nice interior and good price for features. However, now in its third year, it is falling apart. The transmission plug fell out, requiring a new transmission. Kia paid however we had to pay for the rental. Then one of the belt pulleys broke off requiring a new "lower engine block" This second repair took two weeks. Kia covered rental for this repair, but nothing for the inconvenience. Still like the vehicle, but I probably made a mistake buying it the first year out.

Buy It

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

After researching Lexus 330 and Arcura MDX the Sorento provided many of the same features for far less money.

Great Buy!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought the vehicle back in June of 2003 and 34,000 miles later we are still loving it. I have only had it in the shop for oil changes. Only complaint has been with the service department at the dealership - my husband has complained (almost every time) that they over fill the oil when changing it. We would like to buy another one, but will look at the new Sportage first.

Happy with purchase, would buy again

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

I owned a Kia Spectra before and it protected me in a serious accident. This truck is very sharp looking, I get comments about it all the time. Very roomy inside, lots of extra features. The clock doesn't work right but the dealer already knows. The car is a little skittish on wet roads.

Everything Looks Good So Far!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My wife and I bought a used 2003 Kia Sorento EX w/4WD from a dealer last week, and we've been impressed by it. The body feels solid, the steering is light and smooth (though an adjustment if you're used to more road feel), the acceleration is better than reviews suggest, and it's loaded with amenities (power driver's 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 can't be beat. Amenities, 4x4 ability, great looks, good cargo space -- can't ask for anything more!

I thought it was a good idea at the time

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I've 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.

Excellent

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We own a EX 2x2 purchased in July of 2003. I was initially afraid to buy a Kia. I took a test drive, studied the long list of standard equipment (even a full sized alloy mag spare), then purchased our first Kia. A comparably equipped Nissan/Toyota is $8,000 more. I was impressed with the engine smoothness & quietness at highway speeds. I believe the engine horsepower is under rated by at least 30HP. This SUV weighs over 4100lbs and stills merges with California freeway traffic (70-75 mph) with ease. I've only had one problem, a small rattle in a door, that was fixed in the first month. The styling, reliability and long list of outstanding features make this SUV the best buy on the planet.

Cold blooded comments

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my Sorento in September, 2003. Before that, I owned a Vitara V6. Much less roomy but reliable. Sorento is what it looks: a fine SUV. Plenty of room for five adults, and it's drive is very smooth and comfortable. Speaking of room, I travelled in the back seat of a Grand Cherokee Overland (costs 81,000 euros) and I'm happy I own the Sorento (costs 40.000 euros in Greece). Cruising even with 100 mph is effortless and reassuring. Enough power to move approx. 2 tons. True off road capability, couldn't ask for more. Let's not forget, it's a luxurious SUV, not a "tool". Everybody complains about gas mileage. What other cars with 3,5 L engines have SIGNIFICANTLY better mileage?

ONE GREAT SUV

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The Sorento is a great vehicle. We just love everything about it. This is our second Kia, our first one was a Spectra and we loved it also. I just cant belive how much you get for so little money. It is very capable off road and on road it is quiet and very refined. I work for a Jeep dealer and i think that the Sorento is every a lot better vehicle then a Liberty for a lot less money. As long as KIA continues to make top notch vehicles like the Sorento i will be a customer for life.

Power Steering to be DESIRED

Performance: 2 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 2

I have taken back to KIA Dealer 3 times, twice for power steering pump and after all this I can't even rate a 1972 maverick from the dealership to drive while they fix this reoccuring problem. The steering will be fine for a day or so and then its like driving a 1960 model tractor.

Sorento review after year 1

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

As promised, I'm back reviewing the Sorento after the 15000 mile mark, and I'm happy to report that the vehicle has performed flawlessly for the past year. Gas milage is holding at 19 overall (see previous post), and at that level, the cost savings averages out to $1100.00 per year over a Highlander and $1300.00 over a Lexus. By the way, I use those two as comparisons as they are the only vehicle close to the class that the Sorento truly competes in. Kia definately has a winner here, and I'll be back at the 30k mark to let you all know how things are going then!

Still Lovin' it!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I've 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 I'd 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 I'm taking it in to get it fixed. Probably just a sensor gone bad? I'm short and this vehicle fits me perfectly. My husband has a GMC Envoy, a great car too, but I hate driving it because of it's 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.