2003 Kia Sorento Review
2003 Kia Sorento Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+66
Used Sorento for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Great value, class-leading warranty coverage, long list of standard features, solid construction, true off-road capability.
Cons
- Engine needs more power, subpar fuel economy, seat upholstery could stand improvement.
What’s new
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.
Edmunds says
Good-looking, comfortable, rugged and well-equipped, the new Sorento will force consumers to view Kia in a new light.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Kia Sorento LX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$266/mo for Sorento LX
Sorento LX
vs
$196/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Kia Sorento.
5 star(80%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
326 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Fun Car to Drive and Easy to Maintain.
mikesay22, 07/14/2014
2003 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
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.
3 out of 5 stars
A workhorse not without a few issues
raymoto, 12/19/2014
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
I bought my 2003 Kia Sorento EX 4x4 automatic brand new in 2003. I was the original owner and as of this posting (2017) had $130K. I've since sold the Sorento in favor of a Toyota 4Runner because the new Sorento is no longer a body-on-frame truck platform. The new Sorento is a unibody car platform. I wanted something more rugged and durable and the 4Runner is a true SUV. I took great … care of the Sorento which is the main reason it lasted 130k miles. The engine, transmission, and suspension, steering have been solid as a rock. Even after 130k miles, all the rubber suspension bushings looked like new condition! I've only had a few issues. The transfer case stopped shifting into 4x4 due to lack of use, but still operated in 4x2 mode. One engine sensor needed replacing, along with normal hoses, and the fuel temperature senor and thermostat which I replaced myself. It also needed new shocks, which is normal for the age. (Get Bilstein shocks, they are the BEST shocks!). Other than that it has been a workhorse, and reliable. The engine has considerable low end torque so it appears fast for 190 HP. It is spacious inside, with plenty of cargo room. With the proper wet traction tires the Sorento feels very safe and controlled in the rain. Without proper winter tires it is terrible in snow and ice. As a used vehicle the first generation Sorento is a great bargain. Just make sure the timing belt and water pump have been replaced. The BIG Achilles heel for the Sorento is the CRANK SHAFT PULLEY BOLT. There is a recall due to it being weak. If it breaks or timing belt breaks, either can destroy the engine. There is a new, stronger crank shaft bolt replacement. MAKE SURE this has been replaced and if not sure than factor that into your after purchase expense, and replace it right away! If considering a Kia Sorento of this era, talk to Kia service to determine the cost to replace the timing belt, water pump, crank shaft pulley bolt, and drive belts if they have not already been replaced recently. Talk to Kia about that crank shaft pulley bolt recall. UPDATE: six months after I sold the Sorrento - After driving my 4Runner for a while I now realize how stiff and harsh the Sorrento suspension springs really were. With the first generation Sorento you will feel every bump, every pothole, every imperfection in the road. However, the trade-off with a tight suspension is that you will gain precise, controlled steering. The Sorrento does not wander or weave and tracks straight on the road even in a torrential downpour. If you want safety and handling more than ride comfort then the first generation Sorento is for you. I must say though that the new Bilstein shocks that I installed enhanced the precise accurate steering but did not compromise ride quality. The very stout and stiff stock Sorento suspension springs are what causes the harsher ride. In contrast my 4Runner has less precise steering than the Sorento, however the the trade-off is the ride quality in the 4Runner is smooth and comfortable. So it's a trade-off with vehicles - Precise, tight handling and stiff suspension with a harsher ride, or pillowy soft ride and mushy handling. Some newer vehicles have what is called "Active Handling Suspension" that solves this issue and combines great handling and comfortable ride, but those systems are expensive to fix. So, In conclusion, a well-cared-for, first-generation Kia Sorrento is a good vehicle choice - Just know the issues, get a pre-purchase inspection, get any issue fixed, keep up the regular maintainance and you should have a good vehicle for years to come.
4.38 out of 5 stars
pleasantly surprised.
lhasadaddy, 08/23/2013
2003 Kia Sorento LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
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.
4 out of 5 stars
My 2003 Kia Sorento Best Car I ever have had.
sorento2012, 03/03/2011
2003 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
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.
2003 Sorento Highlights
LX
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $19,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $266/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 31.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Sorento include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
People who viewed this also viewed
3.7 average Rating out of 16 reviews. |
Starting at $35,990 |
4.6 average Rating out of 13 reviews. |
Starting at $27,090 |
4.3 average Rating out of 114 reviews. |
Starting at $29,500 |
Related Used 2003 Kia Sorento info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Ford F-150 2019
- Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2010
- Used Kia Optima 2018
- Used Audi S3 2016
- Used Volkswagen Atlas 2022
Shop similar models
- Used Ford Edge
- Used Jeep Grand-cherokee-l
- Used Hyundai Santa-cruz
- Used Ford Explorer
- Used Volkswagen Atlas-cross-sport
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Kia Sorento 2019
- Used Kia Sorento 2020
- Used Kia Sorento 2018
- Used Kia Sorento 2011
- Used Kia Sorento 2017 For Sale
- Used Kia Sorento 2013
- Used Kia Sorento 2014
- Used Kia Sorento 2015
- Used Kia Sorento 2012
- Used Kia Sorento 2016
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Volvo XC60 2024
- 2023 Volkswagen Atlas
- 2023 Durango
- Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid
- 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Toyota Corolla Hatchback 2023
- 2023 RAV4 Prime
- BMW X5 2024
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
- Chevrolet Camaro 2024
Research other models of Kia
- 2023 Kia Spectra
- 2023 Niro
- 2023 Kia Sorento
- Kia Forte 2023
- Kia Sportage 2023
- Kiaev6
- 2023 Kia Rio
- Kiasportage Hybrid
- Kia Niro Ev
Research similar vehicles
- Used Subaru Ascent
- 2023 Toyota Venza
- CX 50
- XT4
- 2024 Defender
- Jeep Renegade
- Audi Q5 Audi
- 2023 Subaru Forester
- 2023 Enclave
Other models
- Used Ford Transit-Connect in Malvern, PA
- Used Pontiac Sunfire in Media, PA
- Used Infiniti QX56 in Annapolis, MD
- Used GMC Sierra-2500Hd-Classic in Chantilly, VA
- Used Audi A4-Allroad in Janesville, WI
- New Honda HR-V for Sale in Harker Heights, TX
- Used Mercury Mountaineer in Caldwell, NJ
- New Honda Odyssey for Sale in Agoura Hills, CA
- Used Lincoln Blackwood in Springdale, AR
- Used GMC Terrain in Bessemer, AL