Brand-elitists suck.  Hyundai/Kia build quality has improved *significantly* over the past few years.  That being said...
The Kia Sorento is a nice SUV.  If I were in the market, I wouldn't mind owning one.  :beer:
 
 
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2005 Kia Sorento:
Editors' Rating: 
8.6
Consumer Rating: 
9.4
Pros  	
Great value, long list of standard features, high-quality interior materials, solid construction, true off-road capability, lengthy warranty coverage.
Cons 	
Mediocre fuel economy, harsh ride over sharp bumps.
What Edmunds.com Says
Good-looking, comfortable, rugged and well equipped, the Sorento is one of the best buys among small and midsize SUVs.
Overview
Introduction: Named after a city in Italy, the Sorento has set a new standard for value among small and midsize SUVs since its introduction: For the price of a mini-SUV, you get a crisply styled midsize sport-ute with spacious accommodations for five adults. Taking a page from the Honda playbook, Kia offers the Sorento in two well-equipped trim levels: LX and EX. The LX supplies the basics -- those being air conditioning, a CD player, cruise control and power windows, mirrors and locks. The EX adds the would-be-nice features like keyless entry, a power driver seat, a sunroof and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A luxury package for the EX provides upscale items like leather upholstery, automatic climate control and a six-disc CD changer. A 192-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 propels every Sorento, and buyers have their choice of two-wheel drive (rear-wheel drive, that is) and part-time four-wheel drive. Those who opt for a luxury package-equipped EX model get the automatic Torque-On-Demand 4WD system. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard, though Kia offers a manual gearbox as an option. However you equip it, the Sorento has adequate power in most situations, though with a curb weight of over 4,200 pounds in 4WD form, don't be surprised if it feels a bit taxed when you load up the family for a road trip. Fuel economy is rated at just 15 mpg in the city. Unlike some of its competitors which are based on cars, the Sorento employs rugged body-on-frame construction, and this, along with the low-range transfer case in 4WD models, gives it greater off-road capability than most buyers will ever need. Of course, this means that its ride and handling characteristics aren't as refined as the Honda CR-V's, but its road manners surpass the Jeep Liberty's. Overall, the Sorento is a well-rounded effort from Kia that, apart from its thirst for fuel, has a lot going for it. Perhaps the greatest compliment we can give a particular vehicle is to say that we'd seriously consider buying one if we were shopping in that market segment. The Sorento has earned that accolade.