Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
15 City / 18 HWY
Horsepower
192
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Connie B
This car that looks great, handles well and is a great value!
I love my Kia! It has been a good car for me. It rides smooth and handles well. It is an older car so of course I have had some problems, but nothing that I think wouldn't happen to most cars as they get older. I am looking to get a new car because of the gas mileage. It is not really great on gas but not as bad as others either. I just want to go smaller and more fuel economic. I would highly recommend the Sorrento to anyone looking for a good family car at a great value!!
accountCircle Taylor C
Great Reliable Mom Car with Plenty of Trunk Space
My Kia Sorento has been nothing but reliable. It is a 2003 and the only thing I have had to get serviced was the air one time. The alarm system sometimes goes off at random times. That is the only problem I have had to deal with. It is very roomy inside. I am able to fit two car seats in the back seat and there is plenty of truck space for a stroller along with some groceries.
accountCircle Roxanne M
Good looking stylish SUV and very reliable.
We purchased a Kia Sorento when they first came out. We have owned this car since 2003 with no problems aside from the normal oil changes, brake replacement, tire replacement, etc. This car has taken us on a lot of road trips throughout the years with no issues. Our family has very pleased with out Kia! Comfort, smooth ride, roomy interior with lots of legroom.
accountCircle Tonya W
Love my 2003 Kia Sorento, it's been a great and reliable car.
I haven't had any real problems with my car in the 15 years I've owned it. I've kept up the maintenance and had to replace some wheel bearings over time but other than that, it's been a great car!
accountCircle Mikayla E
Its safe, smooth driving nice cooling system.
I love my car because of how safe it is. The miles are amazing and runs great. The dislike I have is that since it is so old the parts are old.
accountCircle Pamela H
Keep oil changed and low mileage.
I still have a lot if original equipment on vehicle. I keep oil changed and try and keep it clean. It's good on gas and does not have many highway miles. I have had no serious problems.
accountCircle Amy C
An interesting detail about having this Kia is can handle rough mountains.
I have drove my car to Atlanta and back. I love it because it is comfortable for travel. I have used my vehicle for going in large amounts of traffic and the brakes work well. I use the air it works really well. I have a sunroof and that is another nice feature. I drove my mother around and she was comfortable in the car.
accountCircle Brenda M
Nothing much it's a great car wish I had one a little newer.
Parts can be expensive overall big gas saver. Its very spacious inside have had to put about 1000 dollars into it since we got it. But that's been in 5 years.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Katy J
Kia is not for me unfortunately
The Kia is rear wheel drive which is terrible in any kind of weather, AC broke, heater is now starting to go out, you have to change your headlights (which is quite extensive due to the model of the car) every 3 months or so, and the windows have stopped working. The thing also goes through about $20 worth of gas every 2-3 days.
accountCircle Michelle A
The black Kia Sorento. /SUV
Runs good not to many problems. Fits the family well. It is. A good car /SUV. Perfect for a small family. Mine is black. 2003 love the fact it has a sunroof. Lots of room. Has been a reliable car me and my family for months now. Only problem. Is my motor in the windshield wiper does not work.
accountCircle Felicia H
Very common problem in these Sorento is the crank sensor.
I love the space, and comfort it provides. I dislike how much gas I go thru in a very short trip. Also does not have a very big gas tank.
accountCircle Morgan W
My car fits 5 people and has a large back area so it's great for road trips, even though the MPG is a little low.
My Kia is decent enough, it gets me from A to B with AC and a radio. But I don't love it. It has pretty low MPG and there's several pretty large blind spots.
accountCircle Amanda K
It has a lot of issues that require fixing.
I like the size and comfortability. I also like the shape and color of the car. I hate all the issues with the engine and starter and how unreliable it can be.
accountCircle Morgan R
Reliable, comfortable, great vehicle!
My vehicle has always been reliable. Headlights have always shorted out frequently. Wish it had better gas mileage. Replacing anything is quite expensive. Comfortable seats, great in the winter time. Able to haul a lot when the back row is down. Great first vehicle and has a safe feel to it. Lots of room!

Kia Sorento Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
LX
192 HP 17-17 MPG 5 Seats
car
EX
192 HP 17-17 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2003 Kia Sorento Owner Reviews

4.07
29 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 34%
4 stars 45%
3 stars 17%
2 stars 0%
1 star 3%
accountCircle Camille S on May 11, 2021
My truck is red and makes me feel great and I can sit high.
My truck is still in great running shape, I do not have any issues with how it drives, my ac or heat work great. The only off putting thing about my truck would be the leather is worn and I would need to get that upholstered and making it look new again. I love my truck and love to drive it.
accountCircle Roxanne M on May 11, 2021
Good looking stylish SUV and very reliable.
We purchased a Kia Sorento when they first came out. We have owned this car since 2003 with no problems aside from the normal oil changes, brake replacement, tire replacement, etc. This car has taken us on a lot of road trips throughout the years with no issues. Our family has very pleased with out Kia! Comfort, smooth ride, roomy interior with lots of legroom.

Ranks #9 Midsize SUV by Owners

The 2003 Kia Sorento has an average owner rating of 4.07 out of 5 which ranks it #9 of 16 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
4.67
2
car
4.56
9
car
4.07

Ranks #7 Midsize SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2003 Kia Sorento has a combined MPG of 20 which ranks it #7 of 16 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
27 MPG
2
Tie
car
24 MPG
7
Tie
car
18 MPG

Is The 2003 Kia Sorento A Good Car?

Yes the car has been driven to Atlanta Georgia and driven to South Carolina with no problems. I keep the upkeep and the oil changes current,
Hannah D.

How Reliable Is The 2003 Kia Sorento?

My Kia is reliable because it has been driven out of town several times. I never had to put it in the shop for repairs.
Liz C.

Is The 2003 Kia Sorento A Good Value?

The retail value might be 2000.00 dollars but it cost 12000.00 dollars which I paid off. I think the value is $2000.00.
Crystal K.

Related Articles for 2003 Kia Sorento

From the Vehicle History blog

car
Kia Sorento Problems Worth Looking Into

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2003 Kia Sorento fuel filter location?

Answer: As the owner of a 2003 Kia Sorento, You may be having some issues with finding the fuel filter for Your vehicle. It is relatively easy to find, in the engine bay. The first thing You should do is go to the...

2003 Kia Sorento: What is the oil type and capacity?

Answer: The 2003 Kia Sorento uses SAE 5w-30 fully synthetic motor oil to run its engine smoothly. The car has an oil capacity of 4.6 quarts in itS3.5 liter v6 engine. You can purchase 4 bottles of one quart oil from...

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety