This review was extremely positive originally, but I have been forced to update my review. This goes to show you that you cannot judge a vehicle after owning it only briefly. Problems tend to reveal themselves over time, not in the first week. So please read below to see my evolution of loving the vehicle, liking it, then finally realizing Kia is not the best choice. At this point, I cannot recommend a Kia Sorento. Please keep this in mind when you read so many positive reviews from owners very happy with their new Kia vehicle (usually a Sorento).

Original review, with updates, to follow:

I have had my 2003 Sorento for about 2 months now, racking up around 3000 miles. To be honest, I am stunned at the quality of the vehicle for the price.

My choice was between a 1999 Lexus RX-300 and this vehicle. It was a tough choice, but the fact that the Sorento is new and has the lengthy warranty and the Lexus had none at all was the deciding factor. I chose the Sorento and am glad I did.

First, the negatives. I gripe quite a bit about the "Kia" logo on the grill. It's huge! Anyone else notice this? I think Kia must be very proud of the Sorento, because I've compared this logo to a Ford and Chevy logo, and the Kia is about twice as big! With the fact that Kia has such a bad reputation in the past, I see why they made the logo large, but it's just too prominent to be attractive. Also, this is conjecture based on past experience: Because of Kia's reputation for poor quality, I would expect future resale values to be very low. Every Kia so far has low resale values. The Sorento is a fine vehicle, but one vehicle is not going to overcome a reputation built by many years of poor quality. I think it's safe to assume the Sorento will not maintain value like the Japanese vehicles do.

Compared the Lexus RX-300, the interior isn't quite as luxurious. The dash has more of a "truck" feel, with the mid-section that includes the CD changer/receiver somewhat upright, as opposed to a cool sportcar-like slant that the Lexus has. Also, the interior has a fake wood that looks a bit cheesy. It's obviously plastic and looks cheap. It especially bothers me on the steering wheel, and in the winter it's freezing, while the leather-wrapped part of the wheel feels just cool. I've read a couple of reviews where people call the interior "Lexus quality." Don't you believe it!

Also, don't plan on running out and buying headlight covers! I have looked over dozens of web sites, talked to two dealers, various dealers/manufacturers like Billet and JC Whitney, and Kia itself, and they're just not made. Basically, the only accessories available are direct from Kia. There is a limited number of accessories, and they're not cheap.

Oh, and just because it's built on a truck frame, don't think you can get by with a 2 wheel drive for tough situations! It's a very heavy vehicle (over 4000 lbs), but it's rear wheel drive. I did a u-turn with a friend in the car during the rain. He said, "Hey, don't go off the road, we'll get stuck!" I said, "Nah, not in my truck!" Famous last words... we didn't get stuck, but it was close. I rocked us out of the mud, and there wasn't much mud there. It's a major improvement over my last Camaro, but I've slid on snow several times this winter, so the 2-wheel drive isn't ideal for offroad driving. But you probably could have guessed that.

There is a vibration when I first start the engine, which worried me initially. It just lasts a second. I've never had it in any other vehicle. After some research, it looks as if that is the ABS (anti-lock brake) system starting up.

Here are the positives about this vehicle:

When test driving the Lexus RX-300, I was amazed at the ride quality. I can't tell a lot of difference between the two when driving on smooth roads, but on rough roads I definitely felt the difference. My Sorento shudders quite a bit over rough roads. The Lexus is more refined, but worth $10,000 more? No way. Other than the interior complaints I mention above, I can't tell any different in built or interior quality. It sounds ridiculous to my own ears to compare a Kia and a Lexus, so I imagine it's a bit jolting to readers as well, but I'm a reasonable person. I honestly can't tell that much difference. My Sorento is very, very quiet. An open sunroof does make quite a bit of noise--a lot more than my '95 Eagle Talon did. When summer comes, I'm sure I will be complaining to myself about it. For now, however, the thing is QUIET. :) The interior is roomy, you have great visibility, and it's very maneuverable! The heated leather seats warm up within about 2 minutes, and the cabin warms up to room temperature within 5-8 minutes, even when it's 20-30 degrees outside.

The 6-disc CD changer inside is adequate, but the sound system has a bit of hiss that can probably be fixed by replacing the speakers. It's supposed to be a 10-speaker system, but I can only locate 6 speakers (which includes 2 tweeters). I am getting ready to install two subwoofers, but can't find a good place for the amplifier. It seems all the extra little spaces are taken up by compartments or containers of some sort! There are lots of little hideaway places to store things, as well as three power connectors for you to plug a radar detector or cel-phone charger into. I love it! I can finally be charging my cel-phone at the same time I have my radar detector plugged in! Have many vehicles can do this these days?

It's also got several HomeSite electronic device controllers built-in. I use one to operate my garage door, but you could use another to operate a home security system. It's pretty nice, although I have to hold the button down briefly, and I never had to with my old garage door opener.

The rear view mirror will also auto-dim, although I've not had the opportunity to see this yet (no one has bright-lighted me so far). The mirrors have automatic defrost.

The warranty is pretty attractive: 60,000/5 year bumper to bumper coverage. 5 years unlimited free roadside assistance. 100,000 powertrain warranty. That's hard to beat.

Some random thoughts:

The wheels are great big (possibly 17") Michelin. I haven't checked on the price to replace one yet, but I can guarantee a bargain price will be $100-$120. It's not a cheap tire.

I think maybe I like the Lexus RX-300 appearance just a tad better, but the Sorento is attractive in it's own right.

If you'd like to see my Sorento, go to: http://bellsouthpwp.net/b/k/bkdsl/images/mysorento.jpg (Kia logo intentionally deemphasized in the photo.:)

The wheels, luggage rack, fog lights, and chrome accents are all part of the appearance package. Leather, heated seats, 6-disc CD changer, fake wood interior are all part of the luxury package (about $1300 for the 2WD and $1800 for the 4WD).

Make sure to compare prices online before going to buy. I did, but my dealer still screwed me with a $300 "documentation fee", $500 destination charge, and $500 Marketing Allowance ("AMA"). Ridiculous!

Oh, and the Vavoline Instant Oil change guys didn't know what to make of it. Crutchfield also didn't have any speaker information on it. It's just too new at this point. I had to tell the oil change place what type and weight of oil to use!

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me.

Thanks for reading!

-Brian

*** 2-18-2003 UPDATE ***

My Sorento got stuck in the mud on Sunday! This didn't surprise me much, as it's a 2 wheel drive model, but what did surprise me is that the "roadside assistance" that Kia provides with your purchase does NOT cover towing--unless it's because of a mechanical breakdown, and then they only take it to the closest Kia dealership. :(

*** 3-1-2003 UPDATE ***

I've had one minor problem show up now. The rubber seal around my driver side door came loose, and I easily fixed it back with my hand. I don't think this is a permanent fix, since it came loose once, it will probably do so again. Although annoying, this wasn't a major problem, so for now I won't lower my rating.

*** 4-21-2003 UPDATE ***

No problems so far! It's running like a dream so far. I'm glad to say the worst thing about a Sorento is the Kia reputation! (And maybe that damn logo on the grill.)

*** 4-25-2003 UPDATE ***

I'm pretty frustrated with the lack of accessories available for the Sorento. A customer service guy from Billet just laughed, saying there has to 100,000-200,000 vehicles on the road in the US before Billet would make a part for the vehicle, and he said there probably aren't 50,000 Sorentos in the WORLD, much less 50,000 in the US.

*** 6-16-2003 UPDATE ***

Over 6000 miles and still going strong. Seems to be a good, solid vehicle, although the black grille has a flurry of chips around the same spot. I can only guess a rock got caught there and beat the crap out of it. I'm not sure it was smart of the designers to make the grille black.

*** 6-16-2003 UPDATE ***

I'm not sure how to feel about this... there is a very sharp replacement grill available at www.suv-tuning.de at a great price, but the site is based in Germany. With the help of http://www.freetranslation.com/ I was able to place an order, but at the end they didn't ask for a credit card number. I believe the translation said something about a bank transfer! :( I'm not sure how I feel about sending my money across the world. I've sent them an email with questions about payment.

*** 7-25-2003 UPDATE ***

Whew!!! I just got finished with a whirlwind vacation, mostly spent in my Sorento. I drove from Kentucky to Charleston, South Carolina, then up to the coast, stopping at Ocean Isle and again at Nags Head, North Carolina, then finally all the way across North Carolina, up through Tennessee, and finally home to Kentucky. There was a ton of driving and I am happy to report my longest straight drive (11 hours) was pleasant and easy. It was TONS better than traveling in my convertible Camaro, which I always considered comfortable. I feel like I didn't really know the meaning of the word!

*** 9-7-2003 UPDATE ***

I've noticed that the dash material is very easily scratched. I've put the key in the ignition, but accidently had it a bit off so that it touched the dash twice now, and both times it put a white scratch on the dash material. This also happened on another part of the dash, although I'm not sure how that scratch got there. It looks as if the dash coloring is very thin. That's a bit disappointing, but so far, in other respects the vehicle is fine.

*** 12-31-2003 UPDATE ***

No problems so far. Still running like a top.

*** 12-21-2004 UPDATE ***

Two years and my Kia Sorento is running strong, baby! It's been a great vehicle. Still runs like new. I do have one tiny gripe, though. The fuse box cover keeps falling off. I can't do anything to make it stay on. I may take it back to the dealer, but what a stupid thing to complain about! Maybe I'll just tape the thing back on and forget about it.

*** 7-12-2005 UPDATE ***

Okay, 2.5 years and I'm not quite as happy as I was. I had those small problems I mention above, but now I have a new problem: my brake lights are dead. I changed the fuse and the bulbs, but they're still dead. A local mechanic said Kias are known to have electrical problems, so I've got an appointment with him later this week. Before I talked to him, I talked to my dealer service department, and they first told me there is another fuse under the hood, but after checking and calling them back, Ivana in service said she couldn't tell me which fuse it was (even after consulting a book and having me on hold 10 minutes). I told her my feeling about the poor service that they give, and for the second time since I've had this vehicle she recommended I lie to Kia and attempt to get my vehicle towed for free. I'm still okay with the SUV, but I'm very unhappy with the dealership.

*** 5-22-2006 UPDATE ***

Okay, I've had it. About a year ago, I started having problems with my heater not working in the dead of winter, and my rotors had to be resurfaced despite the fact that I am very easy on my brakes. Also, the leather on my seats is cracking(!), yet Kia considers this normal wear and tear for a 2.5 year old vehicle. That was all about a year ago, and now, today...

My rotors are bad again, and this time my local Kia dealership (Car-Town Kia, Nicholasville, Kentucky) refuses to fix my rotors, citing that if the brake pad is less than 50% of original life remaining, then the rotor is not covered under warranty (from Jennifer, Car-Town Kia). I called the Kia 800 number and spoke with some customer service rep that basically said anything they deem as wear and tear is not covered. He could neither confirm nor deny the 50% rule that my dealership cites. He had no clue, but rather resorted to saying that if the dealership said it, it must be true. He did at least admit that the resurfaced rotors should have given me more than 10,000 miles, but unfortunately, still says the decision to cover the rotors under warranty is up to my dealership.

I'm done with Kia. This is my last Kia ever.

*** 4-27-2007 UPDATE ***

Now, roughly 5 years after buying my Sorento, this will be my last update. I haven't had any new problems with my Sorento. My emotions have had time to settle down, and I guess overall the experience has been an average experience. I finally replaced the original battery last winter, but it didn't fail on me--it was just getting noticeably weaker. Other than the rotors, the vehicle has been dependable and reliable.

*** 1-23-2008 FINAL UPDATE ***

Okay, I thought I was finished with updates, but the last six months has been so dissatisfying that I feel I must post one last update. My rotors are bad yet again, my roof is leaky, and I have an engine problem with my plenum. Car-Town Kia in Nicholasville, Kentucky said they fixed the roof leak, but didn't. They also refuse, yet again, to fix the rotors. And there is a dispute about the purchase date of the car. They are saying I bought it on the 14th, but in fact, that was a completely different vehicle and my paperwork is misdated, so I am probably screwed. I filed a Better Business Bureau complaint, which did not help at all. In fact, it didn't even hurt their rating. Nobody at the BBB really cared.

The bottom line, to me, would be this:

I would not recommend a Kia Sorento, or any Kia for that matter. If you buy one new, then I am confident it is only a finite amount of time before you encounter problems. And then you are really in trouble because Kia does not stand behind their vehicles. You are headed for headache after headache of arguing with car lot personnel who will do nothing to fix your problems, citing everything as being "within acceptable Kia parameters" or simply not covered under warranty.

If you buy it used, you bypass the headaches associated with trying to get Kia to honor their warranty, but then you have a vehicle that will no doubt require regular repairs... much more repair work than my experience has been with Toyotas, Hondas, or even GM vehicles.

Most of the positive reviews of Kia Sorentos are by people who got them and immediately posted a review. My review is the cumulative experience of owning the vehicle for over 5 years. Do not buy a Kia Sorento. You will regret it.

Take care,
Brian
Amount Paid (US$): 23500
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
Model and Options: 2003 Sorento EX Auto 2WD with ABS