2003 Kia Sorento XS 2.5 diesel

Summary:

A pleasure to drive and own

Faults:

Various kia re calls x4.

Digital clock intermittent fault.

Black paintwork soft, scratches easily.

General Comments:

This is an update of previous review (Terrific vehicle)

Although performance was adequate I had the car chipped and is now more relaxing to drive at lower speeds. Seems that economy has also improved although has always been very good 28-37 mpg (average 32mpg)

Running costs have been very cheap. Tyres were replaced at 27k and were only half worn. Managed to get new replacements from local garage at £55 per tyre. Still on same brake pads. One set of wipers. Servicing costs between £130 and £230.Kia dealer at Braintree are excellent.

This car looks big, but is actually very easy to drive. It is comfortable and economical on long journeys. It feels safe and secure so my wife isn't intimidated on motorways by aggressive drivers. The leather seats are showing signs of use, but are very comfortable. Body roll is not as bad as you might think and the sorento can be good fun to drive if the mood takes you.

The sorento has been completely reliable and feels like it will always start and safely get you where you want to go. It feels secure in snow, stable when the roads are holding vast amounts of water or covered in mud.

Pity kia don't organize off-road events like some other manufacturers.

The warranty will be out in March 06 and I have been looking into other similar cars, but I honestly cannot find another vehicle which can give me so much unless I spend a fortune.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th August, 2005

2003 Kia Sorento SX 2.5 common rail

Summary:

A terrific vehicle

Faults:

Two manufacturer recalls regarding the oil sump.

Breather pipe gasket replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

We tested all the 4x4's on the market up to £35,000, and the KIA had the combination of strengths in a 4x4 we were looking for. Permanent four wheel drive, modern diesel engine, luxury interior, well built and good looking. The price was icing on the cake.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd December, 2003

31st Dec 2003, 10:59

Yes, it's the XS model, my apologies.

13th Jul 2006, 12:26

Someone mentioned "Permanent four wheel drive". I don't think the Kia Sorento has permanent four wheel drive as in centre-differential-4x4, like Toyotal Land Cruiser for instance.

Rather, the Kia Sorento has automatic computer controlled 4 wheel drive, like SUVs in general, but with the Kia Sorento additionally having a light-truck box-ladder frame and low-ratio gears.

So in fact it is more of a real light-truck-4x4 than just an SUV.

2003 Kia Sorento SE 2.5 turbo diesel

Summary:

Classy looks, but still affordable

Faults:

Gearbox changed at 4400 miles.

General Comments:

A great value, great looking 4x4 which punches it's weight in this competitive market area.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th October, 2003

2003 Kia Sorento XE 2.5 diesel

Summary:

A lot of car for your money

Faults:

Nothing yet, it's early days.

General Comments:

This car is a little bit sluggish when first pulling away, but soon builds up speed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th October, 2003

18th May 2014, 02:53

I have a 2003 Kia Sorento LX, which I bought last August 2013. After a few months of use I also noticed the slow pick up. I had it serviced -- changed oil, fuel filter, oil filter and air filter, but the pick up was still slow.

I met this mechanic and had my air flow sensor cleaned. This is located in the air filter box. The connectors were simply cleaned using a carburetor cleaner, which took about 30 minutes to finish. A lot of slime/sludge was removed.

My Sorento runs like new now.

2003 Kia Sorento XS 2.5 TD

Summary:

A tough 4x4 that drives like a car

Faults:

No problems so far.

General Comments:

I bought my KIA SORENTO in March 2003 as a replacement for the Renault Scenic, and it has proved so far to be a very competent car that seems to be very well thought out and well put together, with nothing left out. It has all the right goodies eg climate control, heated leather.

The 2.5L 4 cylinder 16v diesel engine pulls very well and does not feel "soggy". Even with the automatic transmission, the car is as at home on the motorway at 80 - 90 mph, as it is crawling on the school run (which is what most 4x4 are used for). Economy is pretty good too (average 25 MPG), considering the car weighs nearly two tons.

Since owning the car I have changed the standard fit audio system, as it was too fiddly to use safely on the move. Also I have fitted satellite navigation (vdo ms 5000) and side steps (to prevent car park dings from people who don't care when they open their doors).

My only complaint is not about the car, but about the dealers. The dealer we bought the car from was great, a good sales team that went the extra mile for us. But we moved house to a different area and went to another dealer, and they did not seem to know anything about the fitting or availability of accessories, and were no help whatsoever, but speaking to other KIA owners, they seem to have had similar trouble with their dealers.

KIA are a growing name in the UK, but I feel they are being held back by poor dealer after sales service.

My car is great and I am very pleased with it. I have now owned it for six months, and I hope will own and enjoy it for many years and miles to come.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th September, 2003

1st Oct 2004, 11:36

Would you go back to a Renault? If like me I wouldn't touch another Renault, but we love the Sorento, that is our next car... 'hopefully'.

Kind regards.

19th Jan 2005, 13:30

Kia Sorento 2.5 CRDi XS Auto... picked mine up in Jan 05, best car I have ever owned... and I've had a few! Superb build quality, style and comfort. Not interested in changing, only for another one. Dealer in Bexhill is brilliant, never met such a great guy and will do anything to sort sny problem. The 3 year bumper to bumper warranty is just that. Had a mark on leather seat... he ordered a new one there amd then. but hey, lets keep it quiet, best kept secret in the motor trade.

1st Dec 2005, 15:07

I purchased a Kia Sorento XS 2.5 Diesel in Dec 04. From a main dealer approx. 50 miles away as

Our local dealer couldn’t supply the colour and spec I wanted. Shortly after delivery the digital clock failed. All was great for about 3 months after that until the heater failed. Into he main dealer to be told no fault, just low water level in radiator. Another month later after consuming approx. 8 litres of water/antifreeze problem reoccurs. Back into main dealer again and told that the supplying dealer had poorly Pdi’d the vehicle. Topped up again and carried on. Week’s later problem reappeared! I had the vehicle recovered to supplying dealer, Who found a major problem with head and gaskets! 5 weeks later I get vehicle back somewhat disheartened with the whole episode. Last week the power steering pump failed leaving my wife stranded for four hours in subzero conditions. Away to the main dealer for yet another week! Vehicle now repaired again and waiting to be collected. Biggest problem now is my wife has no confidence left in the vehicle and is reluctant to transport our 2 young children anywhere in the car, in case something else major fails. Have found both Kia dealers to have extremely

Poor levels of customer service. But to be fair to them, their customer service is somewhat superior to that of Kia UK. I Will have to sell the Kia, to purchase a car we feel to be safe and reliable.