I bought my Sorento in December 02. I bought the 4x4 EX, with the luxury package and tow package.

I traded in a 2000 KIA Sportage in on the Sorento and so I had prior KIA experience. My Sportage was a 4x4 EX that never gave me any problems, the Sorento is leaps ahead of the Sportage in style and fit and finish, and if the Sorento is half as dependable as the Sportage was I will be happy.

I drove quite a few other vehicles before I bought the Sorento, including the Mercedes, Toyota Highlander, MDX and Explorer (sport trac). IMHO, the Sorento won all the battles. It had the most head and leg room, was the widest, and in the power dept., held its own. As far as cost, the Sorento saved me a minimum of $8,000 over the closest, like equipped, competition.

So far, I have had no problems. Though I would change a few things -- as I would on any vehicle I would buy. They make for the masses, not for me... The interior lighting is a greenish yellow, it's OK, but steal from VW and get that Indiglo!!! That would look very sharp!! The compass, altimeter, barometer overhead gauge is neat for about 5 minutes. I wish it was just direction and outside temperature -- maybe with the temp going from green to blue when it's almost and below freezing. My outside temp is located on the auto climate control and I have to press a button to see it.

Speaking of the auto climate control, you can have that. I would prefer the old knob or lever system. This is my first auto climate control system and if you like this type of thing, you'll love the Sorento's. It works as it should. However I never like hot air blowing at me and in winter, even if you set the temp at 62 degrees (its lowest setting), the Sorento will blast hot air at you until the car reaches 62 degrees. I'll probably love this thing in the summer, but most times I have left it off or on super low during winter driving.

My Sportage had a gas door lock, the Sorento doesn't??? Seems strange on a "high end vehicle."

A safety issue exists with the front turn signals. They are located under the headlamps, near the grill. Unless you are in front of the Sorento, they can't be seen. I think this is due to most foreign Sorento's having side marker turn signals -- which the US version lacks. The turn signals should be nearer to the side of the vehicle, or side marker lights should be included on the US version (I am having custom side marker lights installed).

My Sorento had to deal with the most snow in this area in years. I have the all-wheel-drive version. It is amazing. I could and did go everywhere. I passed stuck 4X4s all over the place and the Sorento drove as if it was sunny and 70 outside. I even played with it, such as accelerating then turning the wheel and slamming on the brakes. I had full directional control and it just would not spin or fishtail. My days of donuts and real snow play are over, I would have hated the Sorento back in those days as it refuses to play. Kudos to KIA here, you don't know how happy I was when I pulled a MDX out of a snow bank. There is an MDX owner harmed for life over that...

This vehicle is a charm on the highway too. The steering is a bit light and takes some getting used to, but once you get the feel it's wonderful. It tracks perfectly, has all the passing and onramp power you could need. After a 5 hour drive, you don't need to be placed on a stretcher either. Great seats, you can drive a distance and still feel fresh and ready to go. The cruise control and audio controls on the steering wheel are great. You never have to take your eyes off the road or take your hands off the wheel to fumble with switches. Even if you do, the radio controls are large and easy to use, you don't need a toothpick to change channels as you do on other vehicles.

The cabin is open and airy and visibility is great. Driving at night, the auto dim rearview mirror is wonderful. All those annoying idiots behind you are just greenish dim lights -- but there is no loss of visibility. If only the sideview mirrors auto-dimmed...

I drove a few friends around the other day and they loved the Sorento too. One asked if I would have bought it had I known what I know now... I said no, I would have bought it earlier.

This is a winner.

Funny thing is, KIA gets a bad rap and let's face it, KIA is not Mercedes or BMW. But the roads are littered with them. Every other SUV is a Mercedes, X5, or MDX. The Sorento is unique and turns heads. It gets the looks the X5 used to get. Almost every MDX driver takes a hard look at the Sorento, it's as if it's the newer version of their vehicle. Or perhaps it's this, they know I still have $10,000 left in the bank, 10K they blew to get a "Sorento" with a MDX badge.

Someone mentioned here that there are few accessories for the Sorento -- well it's new. But I just ordered a K&N filter... One of those improved the Sportage's pickup and gas mileage -- I think it will do the same with my new KIA. And as far as mileage goes, I am getting about 17 city, 19 highway. That should improve over time, it usually does as you put a few grand on the odometer. A buddy with a MDX is getting the same -- though he has a 2001 and so he is getting what he's going to get. Either way the "pan" on KIA for gas mileage is a fraud -- Just how much gas can "we" afford with an extra $10,000 sitting in the bank???

My guess is I am a Sorento fan, I am sure a few extra bells and whistles will be added over the years and I will trade this one in for another. Good job KIA!!! Just one thing... Make it about a foot longer so I have more space behind the rear seat, give it Indiglo gauge and interior lighting, and you will be making a vehicle for me, instead of the masses!! :)

Please to bring the CR Diesel in with a 5 speed -- that would be nice too.
Amount Paid (US$): 24950.00
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
Model and Options: EX 4X4 w/ Lux and tow package