Opinions: Kia Sorento

[brandon184]

Howdy...

I'm looking for an SUV for the endless winter that I encounter once per annum. The RWD world isn't the greatest when no one cleans up the roads when they get iced or snowed over.

Anyway, I was looking at a Kia Sorento - and I was quite pleased. It seemed pretty solid, capable, was reasonably powerful and had a nice interior.

Does anyone know anymore about this vehicle? Experience with it, whatsoever?

The only other thing in the same kind of price range that I looked at was a Jeep Liberty .. but quality/fit and finish was the biggest concern there. The Kia was more impressive in that respect.

Also - is there anything else I should look at in that ~$20K category? I'm definately not looking for anything extravagant... Just something that is capable in the winter and that I can use to cart stuff around in the summer.

Thanks!

- Brandon

[Mike]

I like the Subaru WRX. That handles well in the snow. I was personally never a fan of a Kia.

[Chuckiechan]

I have a Montero Sport I got used from Hertz for around 19K (US), one year old (2001).

It could use a little more power in the hills, (it has a 3.0L, needs a 3.5), but overall I'm very happy with it.

Wouldn't hurt to see if you have a Hertz auto rental used car outlet anywhere near you.

[brandon184]

Thanks for the info, Chuckiechan.

Mike - I'm not a huge fan of the Impreza's looks. The pictures always look pretty good, but it seems kind of plain at the consumer-level. And - it'll be a frosty Friday before I ever "rice up" a car...

- Brandon

[Mike]

Chuckie: Brandon - driving something used? That ain't right man, can't joke about these things.

Brandon: Actually, it's a pretty powerful car, and not every Japanese car is, "rice."

[brandon184]

I know it's a powerful car, and it's quite capable.

What I mean though, is it's exterior styling is quite plain. And for me, sharp exterior styling is an important factor in deciding what car to buy.

[Mike]

Oh, come on now, that's the way they wanted it. Besides, modifying a car isn't considered rice. Especially if you know WTH you're doing.

[brandon184]

Besides, modifying a car isn't considered rice.

It is if you go too far. I have no problem with modifications, in and of themselves.

[Omardeth]

well first off the Kia Sorento is a very nice suv for its price . it might be one of the best in its price range . it ranks well in crash tests also . if you can go rent on for a week or 2 . that will give you a great idea of what one will be like . and the cost of the rental is good money spent .

also the hyundia santa fe is also a very nice suv and is in the same price range . it is also very highly rated . i would say take a look at that one also .

a great place to go a read about them both is www.edmunds.com

here is a link with some threads about the sorento
linky

here are some links for the hyundia santa fe linky

that place is great to do research on cars . its people that own the cars . and when you get info from people that own the cars you get the best info .

hope this helps

[brandon184]

Wowzers --

Thanks, Omar... Fantastic links.