Used 2003 Kia Sorento Consumer Reviews
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Buy It
Bob, 04/02/2005
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After researching Lexus 330 and Arcura MDX the Sorento provided many of the same features for far less money.
better than I thought
pappitto, 03/25/2006
2003 Kia Sorento LX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
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The verdict is still out...
KIA4now, 12/19/2002
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had the SUV for a week know. This is my second Sorento...when I bought a 4x2 version I was told that ALL Sorentos came with a limited slip rear. This is not the case! Only 4x4 versions come with the limited slip. I'm pleased with the look, power, and standard features. I'm a little cautious about the reliability of the vehicle...I've had the drivers side window stop working...which was fixed by turning off the ignition and restarting. Also have squeaks where the back passenger seats connect to the release for folding down. The clock also runs slow....about 6 minutes over a weeks time. This was a big step for me...my first import. I'm really relying on this warranty!
Great Vehicle to Drive
TheWaTchR, 03/05/2004
2003 Kia Sorento LX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my Sorento for a year now and have just a little over 16,000 miles on it. I have truly enjoyed this vehicle. It is great around town and on the long trips to Florida. I have not had to return to the dealer for any problems. The price of the Sorento was excellent. Performance is great. Plenty of room for the wife and three kids. The gas mileage is comparable to the mileage that I was getting with the Explorer I previouslyowned and is more comfortable. If and when it becomes time to purchase a new vehicle the Kia Sorento will be at the top of the list. Thank you Kia for building a well built and affordable vehicle.
The Sorrento EX is a steal at 24K
Al Rava, 10/29/2002
2003 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A luxury SUV for half the price of the usual luxury SUVs
7 months now
kwhite138, 08/06/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I first posted here shortly after I purchased my Sorento. I had to be honest on questions like quality, etc., I put down 5s as it was too new to know. Now it's 7 months down the road and this vehicle more than I hoped for! In the winter, it was amazing (most snow in years). Gas mileage could be better, but it is better than the sticker suggested.
The best SUV ever
Kathy Allen, 05/31/2004
2003 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was thinking about getting a Toyota Sequia but then I decided to go look at the Kia Sorento and so I did and then I bought it right then on the spot.It is an excellent SUV. I havent had it in for anything exeppt for oil changes.
Love my sorento
GinnyB, 03/16/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Only have 2200 miles, and so far my Sorento is everything I asked for and then some. Living in the Northeast, this winter was a breeze after getting this car in February. Wished I had gotten it sooner. The only draw back so far is the gas milage.
i like my kia sorento
brenda lee, 08/20/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i cant ask for a better suv i love my suv
I almost bought an MDX
gecko89, 01/03/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We had a deposit on the Acura MDX, but it wasn't going to arrive until 2 months later. Our friend told us to look at the Sorento and at first we said "NO! Kia's are bad!" But we went to the Kia dealership anyway and bought the Sorento the SAME DAY! The sorento costed us $12,000 and the sorento luxury package is practically exactly like the MDX! We LOVE it, you will too!
I Love My KIA SUV!! Lks Btr thn a Lexus
Jamminjed, 08/27/2003
2003 Kia Sorento LX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The first time I test drove the Kia Sorento I fell in love it has wonderful performance and Its Fun to Drive. The only downfall is the Gas mileage but the Power is there. It's actually looks better than a Lexus RX 300 take the 2 side by side and the KIA takes all the attention away!!!!:)I strongly recommend the KIA SORENTO to SUV lovers.
Yes, it's a KIA!
rozebud, 03/17/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wow, I never thought in a million years I'd own a Kia! I researched this one to death and feel like a made a great purchase. I really enjoy driving this vehicle and I love the response I get from people when they ask what brand it is.Most say "really?" or "you're kidding!" It was a bit of an adjustment going from a Town & Country van(ultra smooth, luxury) to a rougher riding SUV. But Kia has really done a great job making this vehicle seem luxurious.Of course I got the lux package. I may consider buying smoother riding tires when it's time to replace the originals.
Happy New Owner
lilac0422, 03/10/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been researching to buy a new vehicle since November 2002. I saw the Sorento and fell in love. A test drive only confirmed how great this vehicle is. My dealer was great and I got a pretty good deal on my Black EX with Lux Package, ABS, Spoiler, Load Leveling, and Cargo Tray. Unlike other SUV's that I looked at, I feel like I got a lot of goodies for my money with the Sorento.
Sorento Squeaks!
James Bender, 12/29/2002
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Our sorento has started squeaking now with the cold weather. It appears to be the belts. We took it into the dealer 3 times thus far, the last time we took it in they replaced all the belts and made the comment, "Some cars do it and some cars don't, and if it keeps doing it we'll just have to live with it". Sorry, but KIA's customer SATISFACTION is way under par. -JB
Power Steering to be DESIRED
TFC Jason Thompson, 09/15/2004
2003 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Satifsied so far
joecal, 08/23/2003
2003 Kia Sorento LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've only owned my Sorento a couple of months, but so far I like it.The ride is very good, and it handles decent. The interior is very nice and the quality seems comparable to General Motors, if not better in some aspects. I guess time will tell how this vehicle holds up.
I thought it was a good idea at the time
MonkeyMan, 12/16/2004
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Great Value
Jim595909, 08/26/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a solid suv and fun to drive. GM could take a few lessons from Kia. I always was buy American..I've had bad expieriences with GM products costing much more then my Kia. The company should have more quality control and the uaw should figure that the rest of America cant buy products built by overpaid sloppy union workers. thank you!
the best suv ever
still luv my kia, 05/27/2006
2003 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
GET ONE NOW!!
jason sheets, 01/01/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
EVERYTHING I WANTED< NOTHING, ELSE COMPARES...PRICE, WARRANTY, SAFETY... ASK FOR MIKE WATSON!!!
Turning sour on a lemon
cm in boston, 08/24/2005
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
LOVING IT
CONNIE T, 08/26/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
LOOKS LIKE THE LEXUS SUV...ONE CLOSE-UP PEEK INSIDE THE LUXURIOUS INTERIOR AND YOU WILL BE HOOKED TOO!
Fun SUV!
Becca, 12/18/2005
2003 Kia Sorento LX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Very satisfied Kia owners!
PaulandKelly, 08/29/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love my Sorento! My husband has an Xterra that I can't stand! It's uncomfortable and drives like a truck and I vowed not to have that when I bought an SUV. I found everything I wanted in my Sorento and more! One thing I wish I had gotten...the luxury package!
Love my Sorento
Victor, 06/14/2006
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
great car - 3 years and no regrets
Ernie Hobbs, 04/13/2006
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
I may have a lemon according 2 other rvw
Going Ape, 08/29/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After reading all the other reviews I figured I coudln't lose, great price, great quality, great warranty. So I went out and bought one. However, I have had several annoying things go wrong. I've 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.
After all these years...love my Sorento
Diane Babcock, 06/11/2006
2003 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
New Sorento Owner
Ag, 01/05/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just picked up our Kia Sorento and love it so far. Great vehicle for the money. Many standard features only available as options from other manufactures. Only complaint so far is vibration or rumble while at highway speeds (50mpg or greater). Seems like tires but unsure.
wow
TGuess, 08/31/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I first looked at the Sorento I was impressed. After two months of looking around, Icould not find anything better. But a KIA? After owning the Sorento now for almost two months. All I can say is: If you want a GREAT SUV get to KIA and buy one!!
Sorento Rocks!!!!!!
Galadriel, 03/22/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just picked up my Sorento last night and I'm sooo happy I ditched my minivan for a Sorento! I went grocery shopping right after picking up my Kia, parked right next to a Lexus SUV; I think my car looks just as nice! I looked long and hard at Jeep, Toyota, and Mazda before getting a Kia. I challenge anyone to try get as much from those guys (Jeep, Toyota, or Mazda) for $25,000 as you get in a Sorento EX.
So far so good
Placeman, 11/13/2002
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm very happy with my decision to buy the Sorento. The fit and finish is very Honda-ish, without the price. I did have a power lock relay break the day I picked it up. I believe it was blown before I picked it up though. Either way, my new Sorento spent its first night in the shop. Oh well. I just hope that this is not a premonition of what is to come.
1500 miles - so far so good
Brooklyn1951, 01/05/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased our Sorento after considering several other SUVs. The Sorento was the only vehicle I was "excited" about buying. The deciding factors, in rank order, were- build quality, features, price and warranty. Gas mileage for highway driving is about 19 mpg so far. The Torque-on-Demand 4WD system and limited slip rear differential have worked great in our last 18" snowfall. The engine is wonderfully quiet and smooth. The transmission and 4WD system operate invisibly (that's good!). People are amazed at the quality and features of this loaded $26K SUV.
Sorento - a must L@@k for a SUV buyer
IowaRyans, 08/30/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Sorento after considering the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Santa Fe. Without question, the Sorento was an excellent value and a quality vehicle. Everyone asks..."Is that a Kia?" For +/- $8,000-$10,000 less than the Highlander...Toyota better keep their eye on this Korean manufacturer!! Buy one...You won't be sorry.
I Love My Kia Sorento
White Hott Sorento, 09/06/2003
2003 Kia Sorento LX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Sorento has style class and luxury at a reasonable price us working class people can afford. The service at the dealer ship is great! The Sorento has a lot of great features on it's Lx model and you feel good cruzin down the road! Ilove my Sorento! It's the second Kia I have owned!
Great value, great warrantee
colokiaguy, 03/23/2003
2003 Kia Sorento LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Solid vehicle loaded with standard options including key safety features like side curtain airbags. Performed great in recent blizzard. Very roomy compared to others in its class. Can't beat this value. Other than the rough ride this is a great vehicle.
I can't believe I bought a Kia!
CnB, 03/23/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I still can't believe I bought a Kia! My husband and I just had a baby and we refused to buy a four door car so we started shopping around for SUV's we looked at every one of them and almost bought two, the Xterra and Santa Fe. Thank God we didn't. I love the space, the way it drives and the way it looks! We call it our cheap Lexas! I would recommend it to anyone! I LOVE IT!!!:)
So far it's been great!
artiejoe, 01/06/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far I am very happy with the new Sorento. It has a lot more than an older S-10 Blazer I own (1992) that I bought new. If the Sorento holds up close to the way the Blazer did, I wil be a very happy camper.
Kias aren't supposed to be this good.
sgtstress, 09/06/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When originally shopping for a SUV, my wife and I were looking at Tahoes, Expeditions and the like.A Toyota Highlander at the least. We test drove a Sorento just because my wife thought it was "cute". Well, after testing everything else out there, I was floored after driving the Sorento. This was too good to be true. We have been on vacation to another state since we bought our Kia. I still can't believe how good this thing is. Smartest decision of my life(except for marrying my wife). Kia. Who would have thought?
I love it
swood515, 02/05/2007
2003 Kia Sorento LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Kia. I have had no problems or issues.
A treat to drive
Paul, 02/03/2007
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Satisfied so far
Joe Cal, 09/06/2003
2003 Kia Sorento LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've only owned this suv a few months, but I'm 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 suv's 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 couldn't resist and am glad I did so far.
Surprised!!
NowaKiaman, 03/27/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We test drove several different SUV's and honestly were not giving KIA any thought. My wife saw the KIA SUV on the road when we were test driving the MDX. She wanted to drive it. I of course was hesitant, but allowed (quite honestly just to amuse her). Imagine our, especialy my, surprise when the salesman started talking about the SUV. The smooth ride floored me. I did not know what to say, or do; the best SUV I had driven was a KIA? Though it did not have all the pleasantries of life (ie automatic windshield wipers)we decided to buy the Sorento, and still very much love the SUV. Highly recommended to any one in the mid-size SUV market.
KIA
Dave61, 09/10/2003
2003 Kia Sorento LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just purchased a new KIA Two weeks ago. I took it on a trip up to Reno NV and It preformed wonderful in every respect. It had plenty of power for the many hills. Everything worked perfect.
Great Looking SUV
JJWALKERS, 11/15/2002
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After Looking at Different SUV's, WE decided on the Kia Sorento EX 4X4.We loved the exterior look. It has that Lexas look. The price was good for all the features it has. It seems to be pretty quick. It's hard to review everyting about the Sorento right now as we have only had it a few days. One negative comment I have right now is the ride. On the highway, I didn't find the ride as smooth as I thought it should be. I felt too much vibration. The dealer said it was the short wheelbase, and too much air in the tires. It rode a little better after reducing the pressure to 30psi. Let you know more later.
Initial Reactions
John Deane, 01/08/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2003 Kia Sorento on 12/13. So far, the experience has been excellent. The 3.5 liter engine is ok so far, but it feels underpowered. I do not yet know how the vehicle will handle when I am towing my 2,000 camping trailer. We will see this summer! For the most part, I am please with the initial performance.
You gotta drive it
Packer, 03/28/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm 57, car nut..owned everything there is..practically. In December, I was looking to replace my 1998 Expedition..told my wife I wanted to downsize a little.I brought the Sorento home and she was kind of blown away. "Are you serious?" 8000 miles on the odo and its as smooth as can be. Got the EX loaded. Quiet, plenty of power, gets about 15-16 in town with a fairly light foot..steady 20 mpg @ 80 on the highway. Check it out. Dont be scared by the "Old" Kias. This one is beating the Japanese at their own game..sorry Steve for stealing your line. Phil
Something to think about.
dbgiles, 04/04/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Why would I look at a KIA? That was my first reaction when it was suggested. . I started doing some research on the KIA Sorento (of course begining with Edmunds).I couldn't believe all the favorable reviews. I then test drove it and it was very smooth and for the money you pay the features and warranty can't be beat.When the only downside to a vehicle is that it's gas mileage is about 10% worse than other models that is not at all much to complain about. if serious about purchasing neg. via the internet and you can usually get your best deal. I got mine that way for $200 over invoice well below even the Edmunds TMV.
Another new happy owner.
KIAguy, 09/09/2003
2003 Kia Sorento LX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Most SUVs I looked at were practical but really did not excite me. I liked the Lexus but it was too steep for me to justify. The KIA was a stand out. For 20 grand I'd feel foolish buying a Lexus. I really like the look and feel of the car from day one. And one month later this KIA continues to grow on me. This is my first new car and I feel really good about this car!
A great value!
JCG, 04/08/2003
2003 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After owning other SUVs that cost far more, it was a pleasure to find the KIA Sorento - it's loaded with features, well made, fun to drive - and it comes at a very reasonable price!