Overview:
This week I drove the 2003 Kia Sorento 4X4 EX model Sport Utility from, of course, South Korea. Wow, is this world shrinking or what? And you know what? Korea is putting out some pretty nice cars.  I like this Sorento a lot. It is powerful, looks and rides like the more expensive SUV’s and priced extremely well. 

But Korea, you say? OK, I have to admit it entered my mind too. They simply haven’t been around that long as carmakers. But as I’ve watched these cars and driven them all from that country I have gained confidence over the recent past. But more than that feeling I put my money where my mouth was back in the early 1960’s when I bought a “Datsun” station wagon. Japan was a novice in car production then and it was a gamble. We all know how capable Japan proved to be in this market and industry and I have the same feeling about Korea. I can’t wait until we get some good Korean restraints here in America. If you know of any in the Los Angeles area, please email me.   

Not only does this SUV look similar to the Acura, it is put together well both inside and out, it is comfortable and overall a nicer SUV than anything in its price range. It was also more responsive than the supercharged Nissan Xterra I’m driving while writing this review. Impressive - Kia. 

Handling & Performance:
Powerful 3.5 liter V6 engine makes this one of the peppiest SUV’s out there. And it’s beefy like it’s larger competitors thus the solid ride and expected durability. It doesn’t have ABS so breaking is average.  

Styling:
I pulled up to the curb and parked, went into the bank and when I came out I noticed the SUV parked in front of my Kia Sorento was a very expensive Acura MDX. I had to do a “Double-Take” to be sure which was which since the color was very close as well. As I stood there looking from across the street it occurred to me that these were nearly twins in outward design. Boy was I anxious to do the comparison on these two. 

Fit and Finish:
As good as they get. Verrrry impressed. Way to go South Korea. Do you ever wonder what North Korea produces? As I recall, there isn’t much north of the 38^th Parallel.  

Cost:
Pricing is Spectacular for the vehicle. When this takes hold it is bound to go up in price, so now is the time if you like this as much as I did. 

Customer Recommendation:
If you are in the market for an SUV and $24,000 is your price range for a car, this is a fantastic alternative. Trust me, you have to test drive this one. It is well equipped including unseen things like airbags front and rear and 4-wheel disc brakes and quality assembly. And if you’re still concerned about it, you won’t believe the warranty on the power train. Are you ready for this? Ten (10) years or 100,000 miles. None better in the industry.

The Competition: (alphabetically)
Kia Sorento $19-24,000, Chevrolet Blazer $20-26,000, Ford Escape $19-27,000, Honda CR-V $18-22,000, Hyundai Santa FE $17-24,000, Isuzu Rodeo $18-31,000, Jeep Liberty $18-24,000, Land Rover Freelander $25-32,000, Mazda Tribute $18-24,000, Nissan Xterra $18-28,000, Saturn VUE $16-23,000, Suzuki Grand Vitara $19-20,000, Toyota Highlander $24-31,000.

Good News:
Great styling, powerful V6 and very well priced, fantastic power train warranty, great standard equipment package.

Bad News:
Korean’s are new to the automotive world so resale is a big question mark and fuel economy is only fair.
Standard Equipment:
3.5 liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel disc brakes, power steering with leather wrapped tilt wheel, dual front airbags and front and rear side airbags, car seat anchors, air conditioning, cruise control, power sunroof, power windows and door locks, power mirrors, radio with CD and Cassette players with wheel mounted controls, 8-way power drivers seat with lumbar support, 60/40 split folding rear seats with armrests, keyless remote entry, display for compass, temperature, barometer, roof rack, fog lights, tinted glass, underbody skid plates and lots of storage and center console. 

Gas Stats:
15 City and 18 Highway MPG.

Pricing:
MSRP $21,725.

Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@autolove.com
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