For years, the compact Sportage was Kia's only SUV offering. In 2003, the Sportage is taken briefly off the market in order to introduce the new Kia Sorento, a small to mid-size SUV that features true off-roading capability. The 2003 Sorento is about the same size as the Mazda Tribute, with two rows of seating for five passengers. This means a little extra legroom for comfort. It comes in LX and the more upscale EX trim, each offered in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Powered by a 3.4-liter, 192-hp V6 engine and 4-speed automatic, power is adequate, but tends to complain a bit when accelerating on the highway. What makes the 2003 Sorento unique is its low-range four-wheel drive capability, giving it true off-road performance. A high ground clearance and skid plates also help in this department. The four-wheel drive comes standard as part-time, engaged by the driver. On the EX, there is an optional Torque-On-Demand 4WD that engages automatically when needed and can be used on dry pavement.
Kia has outfitted even its base model 2003 Sorento nicely, with full power features, cruise control, four power outlets, a CD player, and a multitude of storage compartments. Dual front-side and side-curtain airbags for both rows are standard. ABS brakes are only optional, and no traction or stability control is offered. The EX adds on power driver's seat, wheel-mounted controls, leather and wood trim, a garage opener, and a sunroof. Heated leather seats are optional on the EX. Rear seats fold down to expand the cargo area to 66 cubic feet, and the rear window opens separately from the hatch, for easy access.
Though just in its first year, most owners of the 2003 Sorento are happy with the smooth ride, comfortably seats, tight maneuverability, and the off-roading features of their SUV. They say it also feels safe and sturdy, and the price can't be beat, considering you get comparable features to other mid-size SUVs. Some complaints mention the lack of a third row, road noise, early brake wear, and the lousy fuel economy.
My car is a Kia Sorrento 2003 I just had one ignition coil replaced and just 3 days ago when I went from 40 mph to 65 mph the car lost power and went from 65mph to 0mph and stopped right on the road without power to even pull over to the side of the road. I keep doing maintenance and spending money on the car it seems that all at once everything is breaking...what could it be....? the battery is brand new, the tune up just done, is 140K miles.
I changed the drive shaft center support bearing thinking the vibration was coming from there. There was not play on U-Joints when in park, But I noticed play when engaged in neutral. Rotated tires, checked fluid level on differential everything ok, but differential is bit loud. Also jacked veh. up and checked drive shaft while veh. running and it doesn't look warped other than steady balanced spin. The freaking vibration still there hunting my wife. Last note: I engaged veh. on drive while suspended on jacks at over 3500 RPM without drive shaft and it did not vibrate at all. What do you think troopers?? cesarcruz@live.com
My 2003 kia sorento wont start. I replaced the camshaft pos sensor and the crank sensor. Everything is on the timing marks. It will turn crank but wont fire. Is there something else i could be missing. It was running before vut was acting up so i hooked my buddies code reader and it said camshaft position sensor fault. I replace that and it wouldnt start so I replaced the crank sensor also. I put everything back together correctly and it still wont start. It acts like it is trying to everynow and then while cranking. Any help is greatly appreciated!.
So when i turn on my car all the lights in the subject turn on but when i open my car door to get out suddenly all of them turn off, so to turn them back on i have to turn off the whole car, and start it up again can someone help why this is going on please and thank you
Stull trying to remain faithful to my 2003 Kia Sorrento,...jgot a brand new battery but now my dashboard lights turn off when I use the turn signal and my interior lights reminder on while my dashboard lights are off once I turn on my headlights.. Also the engine killed while waiting for traffic to move....
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.67
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 4.67 · Limited slip differential: rear · Transfer Case: electronic hi-lo gear selection
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather and wood
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.67
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
4WD Type: part time · Axle ratio: 4.67 · Limited slip differential: rear · Transfer Case: electronic hi-lo gear selection
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent