Used 2003 Kia Sorento Consumer Reviews
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Head Turner
Bought base LE 4 x4 in January for $1,300 under sticker. I Did a lot of research and after test drives the decision was easy. Would buy again in a heartbeat. Local Boston just named it the best mid size SUV for N.E. weather.
What I did before I purchased the KIA
I spent many hours on the internet checking out all the SUV's in this segment. What I found was that you would have to spend 10 to 20 thousand more to get the same features. I have had mine for two weeks and in snow. The Sorento performed as expected and with KIA's drive it and forget it 10 year 100000 mile warrenty there is nothing to loose. The buying experience with HART MOTORS in Salem VA was so good and fast that it took longer to get the Sorento out of the showroom than it did to the paper work. I am very happy with my purchase.
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,995997 mi away
- EX 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,9951,403 mi away
- LX 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,7221,624 mi away
Sorento EX ,great suv for your money
My wife and I bought our Sorento in January, and it only has 1,300 miles on it,but so far it's been great.We test drove many other small and midsize suv's,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>
ABOUT TIME
WOW IT WAS A LONG WAIT, BUT FINALLY A WELL MADE VEHICLE AND A LONG WARRANTY, AND A GREAT PRICE.... AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS SUPER GREAT, ESPECIALLY AFTER THE SALE... THANKS KIA AND PHIL LONG KIA OF CHAPEL HILLSSSSS
the car is OK
i have a 2500 ccm CRDI diesel with 140 hp only in Germany .. it's OK :-))
Who would of thought?
Well I went and test drove just about everything in the 20k to 30k price range then I went to Kia. I was shocked I had never seen a Sorento, They looked great but then I drove it and WOW. Kia has made a believer out of me; I got the EX with everything except 4x4 and love it. All the other SUVs could not even come close, The Kia is a joy to drive and with all that leather and a nice 10 speaker sound I have to fight with my wife to drive it. It is by far the best bang for the buck and with their warranty you wont have anything to worry about for a Long time. So do yourself a favor and go drive a Sorento.
HAD NO IDEA WHAT A KIA SORENTO WAS...
I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP LOOKING FOR A RODEO, WHEN I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE SORENTO. FOR THE SIZE, STYLE AND PRICE IT IS A GREAT DEAL. I LOVE MY NEW VEHICLE, NOW ALL I NEED TO DO IS KEEP MY HUBBY OUT OF IT. BIG DIFFERENCE FROM MY LITTLE CORROLLA.
This is a great car!!!!!
I got my Sorento EX 4WD luxery package retailing for just under $28,500 about a month ago. This car is an excellent vehicle. I had no problem paying this price because i have heard nothing but good news about this car. Kia - you have done a great job in designing and building a great vehicle. Now just put some effort in building your other cars better. I love my Sorento. GREAT JOB KIA!!!
Can't believe I bought a Kia
My hubby is 6'2" and I'm 5'. This is to be my vehicle but we needed something my hubby could drive comfortably and also have leg room in the back seat. We were so surprised by the roominess in the cabin. The drive is great and the price was fantastic. Love the exterior also. It drives really smoothly and has plenty of power for both of us. After we purchased it my 'mocho' husband said "I can't believe I bought a Kia". We thought it would be cheaply designed but were very pleasantly surprised by the ammenities included. Sales experience was also great.
Test it at highway speeds
I 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) It's too new, we don't know what to do about it. 2) It has 16" wheels that are difficult to balance. 3) It is a truck, we don't 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.
Amazing value for money
I bought my sorento 2 weeks ago..I cannot believe how good this vehicle feels,looks and rides for the money..I owned a Suzuki Grand Vitara but the KIA is better by far..I was a bit skeptical before buying it because of the KIA brand but the warranty is amazing and the vehicle feels extremely good in terms of quality..I would definitely recommend it for anybody looking a luxurious and capable off-roader and is not just a brand-seeker.
Great Value for PRICE!
I'm planning to get a Sorento by the end of the year, so I test drove a fully loaded 4x2. Very good car as far as could tell in the test drive, great interior /exterior design. The interior was very rich and plush! Very similar to Lexus RX 300 as far as looks but quality will be judged in time. The exterior was very nice and very appealing, it looks in better in person than the internet pictures. Engine could be a bit more powerful but for the price it's a great deal! Overall I had a great experience driving this car and I will be the owner of a Sorento very soon.
For the price, can't beat it
Well folks I read all the reviews here when I went to look at it and was very impressed. Most everyone loved it! Test drove a second time and was sold. Plenty of power, great ride, looks great, drives great, and saves me $100 bucks a month over my previous car the grand cherokee, with a fantastic waranty. I have never had so many people stop me to ask about the car I was driving.
Great ride
The Sorento rides and handles much better than the Xterra (which I was considering). The 4WD has gotten me out of sugar sand several times already. I put a vehicle through its paces as it is used for work, and the Sorento has met all challenges it has faced so far. From orange groves to woods to beaches to city streets, the Sorento is equally at home. I an getting about 17 mpg with mostly stop and go driving.
Just Purchased
Luxury Group and ABS for 25,485..500 dollars overinvoice..Had TO haggle dealers in Boston area...Herb Chambers was the best on price..Boch was horrible..Stay away from them. They wouldn't come down on price at all.They are actually trying to sell them for 2% over sticker price.
Sorento - The Best SUV On Earth
Love it! What a great value for the price. With the full option EXL package and EVERY Luxury imaginable, it is thousands less than GRAND CHEROKEE or MDX. Comfortable, stylish and very attractive from every angle.
class act....
well just got it 3 days ago no complaints did the research. think kia did a great job
My First SUV
I just bought my Sorento EX a couple of days ago but I am already very familar with the vehicle. It is very "user friendly". This is my first SUV so I am rather enjoying the view from up high. I went from a car with 260 hp to my Kia and I don't really miss the power. The Kia's engine is very responsive. It rides like a good sturdy car. You don't get beat to death going over bumps, etc. The turning radius is excellent. Very easy to turn, park, etc.
Love my Sorento!!!
This car gives you the best bang for your bucks!! We have been looking for a SUV for awhile now.. We test drove a Highlander, CRV, Forrester and Jeep Liberty. But they don't impress us enough. We have never heard of KIA Sorento until we walked into the dealership one day, just to look at the lots and see what they have. We met this excellent sales guy and he convinced us that Sorento is truely an amazing mid-SUV in the market right now. We check it out, test drove it... went home and did more research on the internet... we went back the next day and bought it. :D
Gotta get a Kia
I bought my new Kia EX loaded with leather package, moonroof, rear spoiler, ABS and Cargo tray after one test drive. My Nissan Pathfinder lease was up and I didn't want to lease again, but I wanted a reliable and fun SUV. The Kia has it all. I test drove a Saturn VUE and was not impressed at all. The Kia is an outstanding value for the money. I think we are going to see alot of Sorento's on the road very soon!
GREAT CAR
BEFORE BUYING THE CAR I DID MY HOMEWORK, AND WHEN I WENT TO THE SHOW ROOM I WAS REALLY IMPRESS, THE TRUCK HANDLE A LOT BETTER THAN EXPECTED, I COULDN'T GO BACK TO MY FORD, SO I TOOK IT HOME AND I HAVE NOT REGRETED FOR A MOMENT, THE WARRANTY IS THE ICING ON THE CAKE,FUEL THIRSTY BUT NOT MORE THAN ANY BIG V6...
i was a against it!
did not even want to look at this car. then i was forced to test drive and changed my mind. still took me a month before i realized it was the best deal! price, comfort, warranty, ride, ex features, couldn't ask for more....
A very good substitute
Looks like a Lexus RX300...priced like a Hyundai. Great price, great looks, not great gas mileage. Back seat ride is bumpy. Storage space limited. Knowing all this, would probably buy it again because of the price.
ILUVMYSORENTO
A good buying experience ended in a good purchase. Good quality SUV. I did all the research possible before buying. I would finish the salesperson's sentences, I could probably sell them myself. I was very confident going into this buy with all the knowledge possible. It is a great looking SUV. I get a lot of looks driving it. I love all the special features. Mine is semi-loaded, with leather interiors and the wood-grain package. Window visors and bug- deflector finish off the look.
first new car
I've been searching for a mid-size SUV for a year. I found the Sorento online and thought it too good to be true. Great looks and well built! Handles just as good or better than my wife's 99 Honda Accord. Fuel economy suffers. The best warranty and standeard features you can find for the price.
no comparison
I bought my EX model three weeks ago. I had looked at all the luxury SUV's. There is no difference between this vehicle and the Lexus RX300, or Acura MDX. I felt I couldn't afford not to get this car. Between the warranty, the price and the absolute quality and luxury of this car I am thrilled with my purchase. It rides like a dream and I have every luxury imaginable. This time my husband was right!
We love our new Sorento
We bought the sorento after looking at the Nissan Xterra, Honda CRV and Toyota Rav4. A big plus for us was the exterior body style. I was also very SUPRISED with the performance and the fit and finish of the interior. I never dreamed i would purchase a KIA for anything other than a work car. The warranty is icing on the cake.
Best Looking SUV Out There
1 week old. Love the comfortable ride. Slow off the line unless you hit pedal hard which isn't a big problem because most of my driving is in town. Still think it's the best looking SUV out there. The 1st ride on the highway was fantastic. At 70mph ride is smooth. Gas guzzler though, but I knew that when I bought it. Very safe vehicle with all the extras. Engine noise a little high but bearable.
LEXUS RX300 CLONE
HAVE OWNED MANY NEW AUTOS, FROM MARK 7'S CADILLACS, BONNIEVILLES ETC. THIS EX MODEL HAS EVERYTHING. IT HAS TO BE A CLONE OF THE RX300. THE QUALITY IS AS GOOD AS THE RX300 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LEATHER SEATS. ONLY 1" DIFFERENCE IN THE LENGTH, 300 LBS HEAVER, 20 HP LESS AND $14,000 LESS. VERY NICE RIDE AND THE POWER IS NOT LACKING FOR A V6. I STILL CAN BELEIVE HOW GREAT A CAR IT IS FOR THE PRICE.
This little beast kicks serious %$*^!
I've been the proud owner of a Kia Sorento for 6 mos and love it more every day. I fondly refer to it as "Beastie" because of how efficiently it devours the road. It looks so good too, at a price way below the competition. Do yourself a favor and before you buy anything, try the Sorento! (Have you seen the movie "Seabiscuit"? Well, this tough little SUV is Seabiscuit!
Wow - I love my Sedona
Awesome so far, I love it
Great vehicle for almost 5 years
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.
Great SUV
Anyone looking for a midsize SUV should take a look at the Kia Sorento. I at looked them all and th Kia was the best value. I bought the EX model fully loaaded. I have had it for a week and so far my wife and I love our Sorento. Don't be put off by the fact it is a Kia, the warrenty sold me. I will keep you posted on how my Sorento is doing,
Sorento
This car is the best value in it's class. If you want an SUV without a giant price tag this is your car.
Love it so far-3600 miles
Got Sorento based on specs review/comparisons and features included in price (Black/beige EX 4X4 with Leather, ABS,Tow package, rear spoiler as options and "ventshades" added). Had concerns over HP but test drive proved adequate 'pep'. Style is great and, after adding gold pinstripes, got comment of "best looking one I've seen". On freeway @ 65-75 mph got 21.6-22 mpg with plenty of reserve accel. Steering wheel controls are helpful. Wife was comfortable on long trip and, although hearing impaired, enjoyed the stereo. With temp about 90 deg we were comfortable with open roof and partially opened windows - without A/C or excessive noise.
Excellent Value
Have only had my Sorento for a few days, but I already know this is a keeper. Excellent styling inside and out! Awesome features for the price. Overall I think I have made a wise decision to buy the Sorento
Lexus?
No its a Kia Sorento! for the Past 3 years I have drove a 1999 Lexus Rx300, decided in stead of trading it in for another Lexus RX330 at 41000, I opted for the Kia Sorento 4x4 ex luxury Package for 27,500 fully loaded! It rides if good or not better than my Lexus RX300. With the money I saved I am driving my Kia Downtown!
Great So Far
Overall great value, it hasn't snowed yet to test the 4WD, but it works well off road. Can't beat the price, warranty, or overall value in this class of SUV's. Get one and enjoy. Kia is going to win alot of people over with the Sorento!
Love My Kia
We traded from a Forrester to a Kia. I was looking at used thinking I couldn't afford a mid-sized SUV but I was wrong. I love the size and my family of 4 actually have room to move around now.
Just purchased
I just purchased my Sorento yesterday, so mileage, build quality, etc., can't be judged. However, I traded my 2000 Kia Sportage in for the Sorento (pur. 10/99). I never had any problems, so I think the quality will be good.
Excellent Choice
I 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 friend's 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.
Just bought and hot to trot
I love this truck, for the money I spent, I am so glad that i didn't pick one of the other trucks i was concidering.Not that the others were bad and belive me i drove almost everyone of them. but to tell you the truth none of them would even come close to the performance and styling that i have found in my new SORENTO
KIA SORENTO - GREAT BUT NOT FILLING
JUST CAME OFF A 5000 MILE vacation trip THRU THE ROCKIES. NO OFF ROAD TRAvel. The KIA SUV handles like a dream, rides like a dream, and it is very quiet. I road in a Mercedes c320 wagon recently and it was noisy and it road very hard like a pick-up truck. I wouldn't trade even up. At $ 20,000, 10 year/100,000 mile warranty (best in the business) it's a steal. We used to have a Suzuki SUV V6. Cute car, but it would have had to struggle up those mountains on this trip and it road much harder. The KIA SUV is truely a Luxury machine. It's quick too! BEST VALUE ON THE MARKET. BELONGS IN THE TOP 10 OF SUV's. I got 20 mpg, but IT weighs 4000#s.
Great vehicle with electrical problems
This 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. Don't like the intermittant electrical problems the dealer can't find - clock changes to 1:00, radio stations change by themselves, bad interference in AM stations even with the device that's supposed to fix that problem. Audio controls on steering wheel are badly placed because I'm always accidentally hitting them. But still a great vehicle worth owning, and the warranty makes the decision easy!
Great SUV for Good Price
I had been looking for an SUV that was safe, comfortable, reliable and fit within my budget. I test drove the RAV4, Saturn, CRV, Santa Fe, and Tribute before driving the Kia Sorento. I was impressed by the styling, similar to the Lexus RX-300, and the fit and finish. The engine had plenty of power and the quality seemed better than the Saturn and on par with the others. I placed my faith in buying a Kia on the success of the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sedona minivan. I'll keep interested parties informed of my long term experience in the Sorento town meeting group. Overall... a very enthusiastic thumbs up.
My first SUV
I decided to buy this Sorento as a family car. I didn't waste much time to make my decision. I just saw the TV commericals, went to the auto show, test drive and did some research from edmunds. I like the styling. It has a Lexus RX300 look. It is very comfortable for rear passengers. Every buttons are soft touch and easy to use. Best price for a fully loaded SUV.
GREAT VEHICLE FUN RIDE
IT HAS LOOKS PERFORMANCE AND GREAT HANDLING.RADIO AND CD PLAYER HSA THE FASTEST RESPONSE WHEN CHANGING STATIONS OR CDS.OVERALL I WOULD RECOMMEND THE KIA EX.WELLWORTH THE PRICE.
excellent
I am so glad that they have made and affordable SUV. The vechile drives great. It has alot of standard features that you would have to pay extra on other SUV. I love my Kia. I would recommend this vechle to anyone. Great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I Luv my Kia
I have had the chance to drive my Kia in the snow this weekend and it did an amazing job! I love the look and the feel of my new SUV...and people even say it looks like a Lexus!
Wow, what a deal
I love my Sorento. I am so impressed, it's the luxury of the Lexus, RX300, the off-road of a Jeep for thousands less and a better warranty. The quality is impressive for the price, and we'll see about long term quality. But so far, It's worth the money.