Another underrated smaller SUV you guys should review is the Montero Sport! 4WD, independent front suspension, All Terrain mode on some higher end models, and a load more off-road and luxury options. I currently own one with 256,330 miles and she still kicks like she's brand new!
Agree! Not to mention in the EU model which I own that is even more basic: 99hp 2.5 mechanically injected diesel engine (I get 26mpg doing 70mph), RWD with mechanical 4H and 4L selector, and absolutely no additional options.
@@gianniwilliams8811 Yeah absolutely no flex and getting tossed around driving over a pebble is so smooth...... With very few exceptions ifs is extremely stiff and never smooth. I only own 4 lifted vehicles and only go wheeling every weekend ya know. Certainly not speaking from experience at all...... Only someone who has absolutely no clue would say that IFS is smooth lol. Literally the stiffest style of modern suspension. Unless you spend 5-10k upgrading every component.
The 1st generation Kia Sportage had low range also, I ran Steel Bender, Gold Bar Rim, Poison Spider and then Golden Spike trail in Moab in my old 95 I had. I started UPYOURKIA and had a 4 inch lift and 31x1050x15.
MY sister had a 2004 V6 4x4 Sportage EX that she bought new. In 2015 she was ready to sell it and not buying it was the worst decision of my life, ha. At the time I needed something with better MPG so she traded it in.
I'm running a Kia Sportage front differential in my Mazda RX7. Turns out the bolt pattern is identical and it's a 4.77 ratio! They didn't have an LSD in the front (pretty obvious in this video that the Sorento probably didn't either) so I had to swap mine over from the stock 3.90 rear end.
@@chrishuyler3580 the Sportage 4 cyl was also used as upgrade engine for Mazda miata as they shared block and head design and bell housing pattern as well as mount location
First sportage was cute and nice. Too bad that diesel really sucked and most koreans got diesel because diesel was really cheap back then. And Kill all old diesel law swiped most of them now
Own a 2008 Kia Sorento. I had it sitting for 2 years. Changed the battery and still runs. It’s insane how great of a job Kia did with the Sorento. I’ve owned for 12 years. No regrets. Plan to modify it and make it pretty. Motor still great so no need to go upgrade just yet. 10/10 recommend if you can find one.
I had a 2001 Sportage that was lifted using Jeep Rubicon springs. Drove it from OR to MI twice, wheeled Moab. Loved that little rig. Basically a smaller version of the Sorento of that era. Fun fact the Sportage shared it's platform with a military vehicle KIA was building around that time. Body sheetmetal was different. But most the military parts bolted right on the Sportage chassis. Had about 250k on it when I got rid of it and never gave me any problems other than the usual maintenance items and I got it around 50k and BEAT on it, I loved it but showed it no love. Smashed the transmission pan first day I had it (installed full length skidplate next day) Kinda regretting replacing it with a newer Jeep since now I have to work on it all the time... thing always breaks.
I have a 2006 KIA Sorento EX. I've had it for 10 years and it's been a blast to own and drive. i have a sun roof in mine also. Everything works great and it has almost 150,000 miles on it. As a 4X4 it just goes through everything. I also own a 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk , and I drive the KIA the most.
Nice to see these things getting some respect! I first learned what they could do a few years back, almost bought one before I learned how bad they rust. If I remember right there's a crucial spot on the rear axle that rots and breaks on almost all of these eventually, and costs a fortune to fix.
@TFL KIA recommended using 2nd gear on the manual in the sorento to prevent wheel spin while in 4wd/mud/snow Conditions. In the EX trim model the auto has a snow button that uses 2nd gear as bypass of 1st from take-off to prevent wheel spin in slippery conditions. Some insider tips from a former KIA master tech and Sorento owner. Love the videos
I rented one of these years ago when family was visiting. We live in Alaska and went down some gnarly uneven washed out roads because of rental vehicle. Outside of the seat being the worst ever! We were truly impressed with the power and ability of that Kia. I have thought about buying one on and off over the years because they are so damn dirt cheap and stupid reliable.
4wd magazine in Sweden drove one of those back in the days, stock, from Stockholm to Beijing, through Mongolia. Only had to change a few tires. I think it was in 2005 or something
I owned one of these! They are just as cool as you'd think. Not a lot in the power depot and fairly problematic as first Generations are prone to be BUT I did love that thing off road.
I've got the 2.5 Diesel. Very capable and reliable and can tow 3.25t (can be exetnded to 3.5t). Still only a year-ish into ownership but the only thing I can find wrong with the car is rust at 120k km. Not a lot, I'll take a grinder to it and coat it before winter but that seems to be it. My diff seems to be working a little better than the one shown here (I think). But given this one's in a more 'rough and ready' state, really very good! I've seen some more mods available in Europe such as skid plates, lockers and lift kits. Also: on European roads this can feel like quite a large vehicle, so hearing you refer to it as a "tiny crossover" really put into perspective the average car size in the US vs Europe. Nice video!
I've owned my JC Sorento now for just over a year, i live far up to the north with lots of snow during winter time, I'm amaized about how good the 4x4 works
I inherited a 2003 ex when a family member passed. Picked it up during the winter in Illinois and was surprised how capable it was on snow and ice with just regular tires. Got it with 138,000 miles and about 2.5 years later, just crossed 178,00 and she’s running strong. Dropped some cash on deferred maintenance (timing belt, radiator, valve cover gaskets, seals and other odds and ends). The seats are large and comfortable and ride quality is pretty smooth and cushy IMO. Not like these modern SUVs trying to be sporty with firm suspension and thin leather seats. Not particularly fast by any means, but plenty of power to do 80-90mph on long trips with no issues up and down hills. She’s my ride or die and my daily. Glad to see there’s a little community of people who appreciate the 1st gen sorrento. Going to throw on some meatier tires when it’s time and that should get me to pretty much any camp site. Highly suggest it if you can find a good example for sale. Cheers.
A true SUV. I hate that 99% of modern “SUVs” are just crossovers lying about being SUVs. An SUV should have solid rear axles, real transfer cases, offer real 4WD, and ideally be body on frame. They’re supposed to be based on a truck, not basically be a car like most of the modern ones.
@@DavidVoxDem yes my dad has a 2011 rav4 and while it kind of looks like an suv, driving it feels like a lifted corolla, I hate driving fwd “suvs, just feels off. Which is why I decided to only buy either RWD or 4x4 older suvs, like a jeep with the 4.0 and maybe considering one of these sorentos.
I owned one, a really great one actually and yeah, these were fantastic. Super comfortable in long distances and very roomy too. Sadly they don't make them like this anymore 💔
Owned one of these for years, ours was always mechanically rock solid. Started to rust earlier than I'd hoped, but it was a great vehicle. No complaints other than, for being a 4X4, ours was absolute crap in the snow.
Just because your vehicle has AWD doesn't mean it'll handle well in the snow. Tires make a huge factor when it comes to driving on the snow. A FWD vehicle with snow tires will drive better than an AWD vehicle with crappy all seasons.
I have a 1999 Dodge Durango that was a government spec unit. Full skid plates, limited slip dif and all Heavy duty package. For $200 you can do a 2 inch lift. Stock tires are 31x10r15 but you can fit 32s with the 2 inch lift. Plus a 360 V8 with lots of torque. I paid $400 for it at a local auction.
I actually have a 1st gen Kia Sorento LX manual 4x4 and with a diesel engine bought it used. The issue I hate about it, is the clutch pedal engages so deep about an inch when you lift your foot and I read in forums that it has been an issue for many sorento's.
I hadnt seen this video before but i just bought a sorento a week ago. What surprises me the most is how good it is on road (very quiet) also pretty smooth and quiet diesel engine. Great car if it holds up.
This car has a shortened version of the Hyundai Terracan chassis, which has the same chassis of a Mitsubishi Pajero 2nd gen. That’s why they’re not bad offroaders.
I have own Montero, Pajero, Terracan, Sorento and no...not much related between those 3 models. Pajero gen 1 with Hyundai Galloper are the same, Pajero gen 1/Galloper has 3 link rear suspension, Terracan and Sorento 5 link rear suspension, Galloper and Terracan front double wishbones and torsions bars (very similar borh), but Sorento front Mcpherson strut and 2 control arms similar to Toyota 4 Runner.
I would like to make a few corrections: This one is an LX, lowest spec and that's why it doesn't have much equipment inside. EX models also came with plastic painted fender flares and fog lights making them look better. In the US the LX model did not come with a limited slip differential, it only came with the EX package. In most of Europe all models had it.
I had one of these, mine was almost identical to the one shown including the stick shift and electronic transfer case. Actually loved the vehicle until it had lots of repair bills including the front passenger side wheel falling off the car.
I rented one in Costa Rica about 20 years ago...we took that thing off road and on the beach for 10 days loaded with 4 grown men and surfboards on top. Was very impressed.
I have 2 Kia Borrego, and they still going strong with over 250K on each of them, and they are body on frame too, i think the Borrego is a better SUV than the first generation Sorento.
My grandma had one. Its was 2 wheel drive and has been running to this day. I think she bought it new (2006) and it hasn’t needed anything out of the ordinary Or a transmission
I bought a 2008 model a few months back (in 2022), still 1st gen, but with the updated 3.8L V6, it has plenty of power and that 4WD system and rear LSD. Unfortunately it is an automatic, and it is not a very good auto when you let it select gears by itself. Fortunately Kia added "tiptronic" so I can select gears myself. It is a surprisingly good SUV and that's coming from someone that doesn't like SUVs that much. I got it for just $5K and it's definitely a great deal at that price.
I’m pretty sure that’s an LX. I seem to recall the EX was the upper level one. EX had wood grain interior, nicer cloth (or leather), standard auto, fog lights, alloys, some were even full time 4wd.
It looks like my current Suzuki Grand Vitara 2016. It was only produced for a select few countries(mostly 4x4 countries) after the modern, but less capable, Vitara came out. I got mine from Ukraine for 20k Euro. Still driving it now next to my Prado. I owned one in 2006(manual) too, which is now with my grandad. Still running strong. Never had any issues. Maintenance was 110 Euro a year. Replaced, shocks, breaks and a weld in the exhaust. In 16 years, not bad at all. Oh, 180.000km. I think it's definitely on par with this KIA and dirt cheap too. About 1500 Euro here.
As an european, hearing this dude calling a Sorento "tiny", it's just mind-blowing. Bro this thing is considered a tank here. A first gen Suzuki vitara or jimmy are tiny, but not this😂
I'll consider anything with a stick shift. I often search marketplace with just the manual transmission filter checked. I can safely say one of these has never turned up in my area. But I'm guessing parts are a little harder to find compared to a similarly priced Wrangler. This is totally the "sleeper" at your next off road jamboree.
Okay, I won't click away, but I expect to be rewarded with videos about that barn find FJ40 you were posting about the other day. Yeah, those Kia Sorentos and Sportages were great because even when they were new you didn't care much if you bounced off a snowdrift on the way down Berthoud Pass after a day playing in the snow.
Had one with a ex 3.8 v6 it was extreamly beefy i used it like a f150 i had it for 10 years i only had an alternator failiure and a twisted driveshaft in the end i put 80k miles of abuse in the end it had 300k miles and i blew the headgasket which was the final break i sold it to a scrapper they fixed it and sold it
Fascinating video. I’d forgotten that it wasn’t that long ago that Kia’s weren’t just restyled Hyundais. I would suspect that the reputation of the early Kia Sportages as total garbage kept US buyers away from the Sorrento
These first-gen Sorento and the Mitsubishi Montero, are great little SUVs. My coworker had one and loved it. But as his family grew, he had to get rid of it to get his first (of many) Toyota Siennas. He really loved that car, but wifey said, "It must go!"
Had a 2007 Sorento EX for 7 years. I got it for $11k with 15k miles on it. Overall was a great vehicle mechanically, but had electronic issues with passenger air bag sensor not working correctly. Sold it because of that safety issue after replacing the seat multiple times. It also went through multiple door handles. For a off-roader it would be a good unit, but not something I want as a daily for my family. The maintenance required differential fluid changes every 18k miles…🤔
I believe they only offered manual in lx. And ex had fog lamps which this one lacks, so I think this one is lx. But this is great example of reliability has alot to do with how you take care of it as well. My uncle had this in diesel in Korea. Lasted long time and went everywhere with it. I had sportage when I was younger, I had a lot of fun with it back than. I wanted to get this one but ended up getting small car.
If you're looking for sleeper 4x4s, look for a Suzuki Vitara/Grand Vitara/XL-7. I had two of them back in the day and they were pretty capable body-on-frame trucks with a real transfer case and low range.
Ever seen or heard of the first generation Mitsubishi Montero? Know around the world as the pajero, and galloper, and dodge raider ? I have a 1989 with 150 k miles, body on frame, 4x4 manual 5 speed. Man they are rare and this one will never be sold.
I’ve got a 2009 diesel LX (the very last model of gen 1?) It’s got paint fade, the plastics are horrible, the engine is rattlier than a bag of spanners, and it has zero torque or throttle response below 2k rpm. But… it can tow 2.8t, it goes great on the highway, it has a sunroof, heated leather seats, cruise control, and is ok on fuel. Some compromises for sure, but I couldn’t afford the Toyota equivalent so here I am.
In Venezuela, back in his days, the Sorento had a 5 years warranty where everybody else was offering 2 years tops, and actually, the Sorento was competing with the Cherokee XJ, I saw a few Sorentos lifted and people doing crazy stuff with those things, also there was the Borrego with body-on-frame but with a V8. I don't know where the hate for the Kias comes from in the United States but they were pretty cheap and almost reliable, I owned an XJ and that thing kept me going into the car shop all the time. For the last 5 years, I have been driving a 2012 Sorento with 170,000 miles on it and it's doing just fine.
i worked at a Nissan/Kia dealership when Kia first came out. almost all the new Kia's were in the service center getting fixed under their warranty. i wouldn't touch them or wash them, they were trash. not until late, they became worth looking at. i mean only the Kia Stinger.
I would love to see you guys test the first gen jeep liberty, I own a 2006 liberty renegade that's becoming almost like a family heirloom. It's always there for whoever is in need of a vehicle and has been a very capable rig.
I'm still waiting on they day yall show off a '05-10 Grand cherokee WK. For well under $10k you can get a Hemi V8, 4lo with F/C/R eLSDs, factory skid plates/recovery hooks, 7200lbs of towing, and a good amount of interior creature comforts. Parts are cheap and available for them and the drivetrain is reliable. I just hit 200k miles on my '09 Hemi with QDII and use it to tow a 6500lb trailer around often.
You guys should buy a 2002 2nd generation subaru outback. I had one and I did some fun stuff out in the woods with it before the headgaskets went. Not to mention its fulltime awd with that permanent locked center diff so the power is split even and you could get the 5 speed chopstick. They are fun and dirt cheap for one that needs little maintenance. You should try one on your course.
My daughter has a 2003 Honda CR-V and it’s surprisingly capable. I think it would go through everything that Kia did. If you run across one I would love to see it try.
The strangest "off roader" I've ever seen belonged to a friend of my sister, he had an old (drumroll please) Mazda MPV AWD. Back in the day they were a RWD platform, but this kid had it lifted and stanced (naturally) with off-road tires, light bars, camo paint etc. It was truly a sight to behold and he got ridiculed everywhere he went but he never listened to the haters because that thing could hold its own. One of the first true crossovers, along with things like the AMC Eagle.
Next for the Korean Classic should be 1st gen Kia Sportage it has real 4wheel drive with high and low range transfer case, solid rear axle, independent front suspension
I have seen plenty of these around. It has a lot to do with region, here in Alaska there was a period of time that Kia was selling like crazy. The warranty, inexpensive price and they were actually reliable.
They sold a lot of them here also. There aren't any old ones around because they didn't last. A friend of mine works at Kia and he said they came in every week with 5,000 miles on them with blown motors and bad transmissions.
@@CraigSmith568 They were really reliable. 3.5 V6 had some issues with the camshaft pulley, but otherwise pretty reliable. 5 speed auto and manual are both bulletproof. Mine is with the 2.4 gas and manual, almost 300 000km and still going.
Mine is in pretty mint condition. Full black with not one scratch on it with the original alloy wheels and 160 000km. I put some Yokohama AT tyres on it and some good sound system. Looks pretty sick to me. And it's so overbuild you can't break it with normal use. Just have a look underneath one if you get a chance.
I have an '05 Sorento from hell. It has the 3.5L but has 4 cams. The starter is on the passenger side in which all others seem to be on the drivers side. the transmission is an automatic but no over drive and sure as hell not an over drive. It for damn reason has the factory towing package did that exist? Has a trans cooler. But when it does run it will lay you back in the seat.
You should check out a 1985+ Subaru GL wagon with dual range 4wd. That and a Geo Tracker/Suzuki Sidekick. I’ve owned both and they’re great cheap trail rigs.
I had the first gen spotage, solid axles front and back, tranfer case with 4 low, body on frame, I did a 2 inch Rancho lift and 30 inch tires......no lockers though
I am thinking I need to go find one of these to abuse. Put a light bar on a home made steel front bumper, bolt another light bar to an aftermarket roof rack, remove the back seat and put in a drawer system and a roll cage and GO! Call is SUPER K!
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You can bid on this very Sorento here: www.tflbids.com/?product=no-reserve-2005-kia-sorento
Another underrated smaller SUV you guys should review is the Montero Sport! 4WD, independent front suspension, All Terrain mode on some higher end models, and a load more off-road and luxury options. I currently own one with 256,330 miles and she still kicks like she's brand new!
IFS is garbage and it isnt anything special lol
Agree! Not to mention in the EU model which I own that is even more basic: 99hp 2.5 mechanically injected diesel engine (I get 26mpg doing 70mph), RWD with mechanical 4H and 4L selector, and absolutely no additional options.
I had an Olde Schoole Montero 4 door. It was a great truck.
@@travisatkison2550 It helps with going over rough terrain and makes the ride smoother genius lol
@@gianniwilliams8811 Yeah absolutely no flex and getting tossed around driving over a pebble is so smooth...... With very few exceptions ifs is extremely stiff and never smooth. I only own 4 lifted vehicles and only go wheeling every weekend ya know. Certainly not speaking from experience at all...... Only someone who has absolutely no clue would say that IFS is smooth lol. Literally the stiffest style of modern suspension. Unless you spend 5-10k upgrading every component.
The 1st generation Kia Sportage had low range also, I ran Steel Bender, Gold Bar Rim, Poison Spider and then Golden Spike trail in Moab in my old 95 I had. I started UPYOURKIA and had a 4 inch lift and 31x1050x15.
MY sister had a 2004 V6 4x4 Sportage EX that she bought new. In 2015 she was ready to sell it and not buying it was the worst decision of my life, ha. At the time I needed something with better MPG so she traded it in.
I'm running a Kia Sportage front differential in my Mazda RX7. Turns out the bolt pattern is identical and it's a 4.77 ratio! They didn't have an LSD in the front (pretty obvious in this video that the Sorento probably didn't either) so I had to swap mine over from the stock 3.90 rear end.
@@chrishuyler3580 the Sportage 4 cyl was also used as upgrade engine for Mazda miata as they shared block and head design and bell housing pattern as well as mount location
First sportage was cute and nice. Too bad that diesel really sucked and most koreans got diesel because diesel was really cheap back then. And Kill all old diesel law swiped most of them now
You’re the owner of upyourkia!!
Y’all still make kits?
Own a 2008 Kia Sorento. I had it sitting for 2 years. Changed the battery and still runs. It’s insane how great of a job Kia did with the Sorento. I’ve owned for 12 years. No regrets. Plan to modify it and make it pretty. Motor still great so no need to go upgrade just yet. 10/10 recommend if you can find one.
I had a 2001 Sportage that was lifted using Jeep Rubicon springs. Drove it from OR to MI twice, wheeled Moab. Loved that little rig. Basically a smaller version of the Sorento of that era. Fun fact the Sportage shared it's platform with a military vehicle KIA was building around that time. Body sheetmetal was different. But most the military parts bolted right on the Sportage chassis.
Had about 250k on it when I got rid of it and never gave me any problems other than the usual maintenance items and I got it around 50k and BEAT on it, I loved it but showed it no love. Smashed the transmission pan first day I had it (installed full length skidplate next day)
Kinda regretting replacing it with a newer Jeep since now I have to work on it all the time... thing always breaks.
I have a 2006 KIA Sorento EX. I've had it for 10 years and it's been a blast to own and drive. i have a sun roof in mine also. Everything works great and it has almost 150,000 miles on it. As a 4X4 it just goes through everything. I also own a 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk , and I drive the KIA the most.
Nice to see these things getting some respect! I first learned what they could do a few years back, almost bought one before I learned how bad they rust. If I remember right there's a crucial spot on the rear axle that rots and breaks on almost all of these eventually, and costs a fortune to fix.
@TFL KIA recommended using 2nd gear on the manual in the sorento to prevent wheel spin while in 4wd/mud/snow Conditions. In the EX trim model the auto has a snow button that uses 2nd gear as bypass of 1st from take-off to prevent wheel spin in slippery conditions. Some insider tips from a former KIA master tech and Sorento owner. Love the videos
I believe that the auto in the Kia was the same as in the ssangyong rextons of that era and was a Mercedes 722.6 5 speed auto.
All autos have that button. Without exception.
I rented one of these years ago when family was visiting. We live in Alaska and went down some gnarly uneven washed out roads because of rental vehicle. Outside of the seat being the worst ever! We were truly impressed with the power and ability of that Kia. I have thought about buying one on and off over the years because they are so damn dirt cheap and stupid reliable.
4wd magazine in Sweden drove one of those back in the days, stock, from Stockholm to Beijing, through Mongolia. Only had to change a few tires. I think it was in 2005 or something
"back in the day" "2005" fuck I'm old... Tbf I'm only 25, so I was just a kid in 05, but still
I'm 33 years old and I quite frankly they don't make vehicles like they used too
The way it blasted through the trenches without traction aid is quite impressive.
I owned one of these! They are just as cool as you'd think. Not a lot in the power depot and fairly problematic as first Generations are prone to be BUT I did love that thing off road.
I've got the 2.5 Diesel. Very capable and reliable and can tow 3.25t (can be exetnded to 3.5t). Still only a year-ish into ownership but the only thing I can find wrong with the car is rust at 120k km. Not a lot, I'll take a grinder to it and coat it before winter but that seems to be it. My diff seems to be working a little better than the one shown here (I think). But given this one's in a more 'rough and ready' state, really very good! I've seen some more mods available in Europe such as skid plates, lockers and lift kits.
Also: on European roads this can feel like quite a large vehicle, so hearing you refer to it as a "tiny crossover" really put into perspective the average car size in the US vs Europe. Nice video!
I've owned my JC Sorento now for just over a year, i live far up to the north with lots of snow during winter time, I'm amaized about how good the 4x4 works
I inherited a 2003 ex when a family member passed. Picked it up during the winter in Illinois and was surprised how capable it was on snow and ice with just regular tires. Got it with 138,000 miles and about 2.5 years later, just crossed 178,00 and she’s running strong. Dropped some cash on deferred maintenance (timing belt, radiator, valve cover gaskets, seals and other odds and ends). The seats are large and comfortable and ride quality is pretty smooth and cushy IMO. Not like these modern SUVs trying to be sporty with firm suspension and thin leather seats. Not particularly fast by any means, but plenty of power to do 80-90mph on long trips with no issues up and down hills. She’s my ride or die and my daily. Glad to see there’s a little community of people who appreciate the 1st gen sorrento. Going to throw on some meatier tires when it’s time and that should get me to pretty much any camp site. Highly suggest it if you can find a good example for sale. Cheers.
A true SUV. I hate that 99% of modern “SUVs” are just crossovers lying about being SUVs. An SUV should have solid rear axles, real transfer cases, offer real 4WD, and ideally be body on frame. They’re supposed to be based on a truck, not basically be a car like most of the modern ones.
It all started with the Rav4 and people who don't know s*** about cars haven't realized the difference ever since
Actually it all started with the Lexus RX
You are so right! And body on chassis 👍🏼
@@DavidVoxDem yes my dad has a 2011 rav4 and while it kind of looks like an suv, driving it feels like a lifted corolla, I hate driving fwd “suvs, just feels off. Which is why I decided to only buy either RWD or 4x4 older suvs, like a jeep with the 4.0 and maybe considering one of these sorentos.
@@V8orNoCar I have a 4wd sorento, and it is amazing off road, with an extremely capable system. Fantastic overlander.
I owned one, a really great one actually and yeah, these were fantastic. Super comfortable in long distances and very roomy too. Sadly they don't make them like this anymore 💔
The first gen Sorento wasn't a 'Blob', imo. I thought it looked pretty good, for its time. I didn't know that it was a body-on-frame though.
funny. if he calls this a blob he must think the same of the ml series mdx and rx300.
Same. I like how the look, through this one looks pretty bad because it's the LX and completely white.
I’d love to see you guys get a Geo/Chevy Tracker and off road it
The sound Tommy made at 5:15 😜
great respect for you guys …
Word lolll, but yes always great content
He's having an intense moment.
Nice pick.
Also would look at Suzuki Sidekicks and Geo Trackers - Actual light trucks, 4x4, low gearing.
And the grand Vitara that replaced the Sidekick.
Kia Sportage 1st gen, the diesel wasn't that bad either
As someone who daily drives a Geo Tracker, yes. It is a remarkably capable 4x4. TFL has made fun of them in the past, and then they post this? Ironic
Owned one of these for years, ours was always mechanically rock solid. Started to rust earlier than I'd hoped, but it was a great vehicle. No complaints other than, for being a 4X4, ours was absolute crap in the snow.
Tires plays a big part as does actual skill, lol
Zbigniew
Just because your vehicle has AWD doesn't mean it'll handle well in the snow. Tires make a huge factor when it comes to driving on the snow. A FWD vehicle with snow tires will drive better than an AWD vehicle with crappy all seasons.
Snow performance is ALL about the tires.
I have a 1999 Dodge Durango that was a government spec unit. Full skid plates, limited slip dif and all Heavy duty package. For $200 you can do a 2 inch lift. Stock tires are 31x10r15 but you can fit 32s with the 2 inch lift. Plus a 360 V8 with lots of torque. I paid $400 for it at a local auction.
I actually have a 1st gen Kia Sorento LX manual 4x4 and with a diesel engine bought it used. The issue I hate about it, is the clutch pedal engages so deep about an inch when you lift your foot and I read in forums that it has been an issue for many sorento's.
I hadnt seen this video before but i just bought a sorento a week ago. What surprises me the most is how good it is on road (very quiet) also pretty smooth and quiet diesel engine. Great car if it holds up.
This car has a shortened version of the Hyundai Terracan chassis, which has the same chassis of a Mitsubishi Pajero 2nd gen. That’s why they’re not bad offroaders.
I have own Montero, Pajero, Terracan, Sorento and no...not much related between those 3 models. Pajero gen 1 with Hyundai Galloper are the same, Pajero gen 1/Galloper has 3 link rear suspension, Terracan and Sorento 5 link rear suspension, Galloper and Terracan front double wishbones and torsions bars (very similar borh), but Sorento front Mcpherson strut and 2 control arms similar to Toyota 4 Runner.
I have a 2005 sorento automatic transmission though. I like to drive up and put the 4wd pickup guys in their place while off roading
that's the best thing to do with them. that and turning up at remote camp sites and having everyone ask "you drove _that_ in here?!?"
Apparently ARB makes a locker and you can get OME lift and long travel kits. Neat
*made. it's out of production. only locker you can find for a sorento now comes from a one man outfit based in Athens, Greece.
I would like to make a few corrections:
This one is an LX, lowest spec and that's why it doesn't have much equipment inside. EX models also came with plastic painted fender flares and fog lights making them look better.
In the US the LX model did not come with a limited slip differential, it only came with the EX package. In most of Europe all models had it.
The limited slip saw only available on the 2wd version
@@senyashchukin391 My 4wd Sorento has one, and it seems to work pretty well.
I had one of these, mine was almost identical to the one shown including the stick shift and electronic transfer case. Actually loved the vehicle until it had lots of repair bills including the front passenger side wheel falling off the car.
This Sorento, and the Kia Borrego are actually REAL, capable SUVs and no one realizes it.
Kia were considered untrustworthy back then, 1st Gen Sportage was decent 4WD too
Love my 2009 V8 Kia Borrego!
@@jamescraig4479 Hey fellow Borrego owner! I've got a V6, so close to 200K on the odo. Such a great SUV!
@@ThoinFrostaxe Good luck with your Baby B! Looks like you've put her to good use! I've only got 88k on mine...
@@ThoinFrostaxe In have 2 Borrego with over 250K on each of them, rock solid SUV, and a lot cheaper than a 4Runner.
I just bought A manuel one of these and absolutely love it
I have diesel first gen Sorento with a sunroof and leather ... Id probably keep it til I die ... its great both on and off road
I rented one in Costa Rica about 20 years ago...we took that thing off road and on the beach for 10 days loaded with 4 grown men and surfboards on top. Was very impressed.
I have 2 Kia Borrego, and they still going strong with over 250K on each of them, and they are body on frame too, i think the Borrego is a better SUV than the first generation Sorento.
Finally the 1st gen Sorento is getting some love!
3.5 in those were ticking time bombs. Timing belt service was a nightmare. 06 and up 3.8 solved a lot of the issues. My old 03 was toast at 160k
How about the diesels?
not sure i dont thin North America had them@@hubalahu
Back in the day was a risk to buy a Kia, but that one it has proven to be very reliable.
Yeah, both kias we've had blew engines, luckily both covered by warranty.
@@bldontmatter5319 The Sephia 😳
only in the US. every other market they're seen as exceptional because of their reliability. USA just cuts corners.
Tommy was having a great time !! I'd like to hang out with Tommy, seems like good people.
My grandma had one. Its was 2 wheel drive and has been running to this day. I think she bought it new (2006) and it hasn’t needed anything out of the ordinary Or a transmission
I bought a 2008 model a few months back (in 2022), still 1st gen, but with the updated 3.8L V6, it has plenty of power and that 4WD system and rear LSD. Unfortunately it is an automatic, and it is not a very good auto when you let it select gears by itself. Fortunately Kia added "tiptronic" so I can select gears myself. It is a surprisingly good SUV and that's coming from someone that doesn't like SUVs that much. I got it for just $5K and it's definitely a great deal at that price.
I’m pretty sure that’s an LX. I seem to recall the EX was the upper level one. EX had wood grain interior, nicer cloth (or leather), standard auto, fog lights, alloys, some were even full time 4wd.
My mom has one of these. It's been a solid vehicle. Horrible blind spots but it's definitely a good option for a low cost 4x4.
I have one and yes there is a blind spot where the windshield meets the driver door
I agree I'm on my 2nd sorento had jeeps n landrovers I love the sorento just as much they crazy reliable to
It looks like my current Suzuki Grand Vitara 2016. It was only produced for a select few countries(mostly 4x4 countries) after the modern, but less capable, Vitara came out. I got mine from Ukraine for 20k Euro. Still driving it now next to my Prado. I owned one in 2006(manual) too, which is now with my grandad. Still running strong. Never had any issues. Maintenance was 110 Euro a year. Replaced, shocks, breaks and a weld in the exhaust. In 16 years, not bad at all. Oh, 180.000km. I think it's definitely on par with this KIA and dirt cheap too. About 1500 Euro here.
As an european, hearing this dude calling a Sorento "tiny", it's just mind-blowing. Bro this thing is considered a tank here. A first gen Suzuki vitara or jimmy are tiny, but not this😂
I'll consider anything with a stick shift. I often search marketplace with just the manual transmission filter checked. I can safely say one of these has never turned up in my area. But I'm guessing parts are a little harder to find compared to a similarly priced Wrangler. This is totally the "sleeper" at your next off road jamboree.
Okay, I won't click away, but I expect to be rewarded with videos about that barn find FJ40 you were posting about the other day. Yeah, those Kia Sorentos and Sportages were great because even when they were new you didn't care much if you bounced off a snowdrift on the way down Berthoud Pass after a day playing in the snow.
Had one with a ex 3.8 v6 it was extreamly beefy i used it like a f150 i had it for 10 years i only had an alternator failiure and a twisted driveshaft in the end i put 80k miles of abuse in the end it had 300k miles and i blew the headgasket which was the final break i sold it to a scrapper they fixed it and sold it
I daily drive my 2000 ISUZU VehiCROSS IronMAN edition 4X4 that is modded w/ 2" lift, mud tires, Alpine Supercharger kit w/ custom CAI. Currently @ 315K miles.
Fascinating video. I’d forgotten that it wasn’t that long ago that Kia’s weren’t just restyled Hyundais. I would suspect that the reputation of the early Kia Sportages as total garbage kept US buyers away from the Sorrento
You're probably right
@@jrtaylor2288 I was shocked that Kia didn’t retire the name Sportage for it’s subsequent SUVs after how awful the 90’s 1st generation was
Loved it had one in the early 2000 for a couple year's. In Europe we compared it to the mercedes m class. Best part you had 3,5 tonnes for towing
This video gave me a new love for my first car. Thank you man
Isuzu rodeo is what I bought and love it. Cheap. Reliable. And 4x4 kicks butt
These first-gen Sorento and the Mitsubishi Montero, are great little SUVs. My coworker had one and loved it. But as his family grew, he had to get rid of it to get his first (of many) Toyota Siennas. He really loved that car, but wifey said, "It must go!"
If I am not mistaken, the Korean military used this vehicle as their non-tactical vehicle similar to the CUCV Blazer.
Had a 2007 Sorento EX for 7 years. I got it for $11k with 15k miles on it. Overall was a great vehicle mechanically, but had electronic issues with passenger air bag sensor not working correctly. Sold it because of that safety issue after replacing the seat multiple times. It also went through multiple door handles.
For a off-roader it would be a good unit, but not something I want as a daily for my family.
The maintenance required differential fluid changes every 18k miles…🤔
I believe they only offered manual in lx. And ex had fog lamps which this one lacks, so I think this one is lx. But this is great example of reliability has alot to do with how you take care of it as well. My uncle had this in diesel in Korea. Lasted long time and went everywhere with it.
I had sportage when I was younger, I had a lot of fun with it back than. I wanted to get this one but ended up getting small car.
must be lx. no body cladding.
and the steelies.
i mean lx can be had with the cladding. but the ex couldnt iirc.
If you're looking for sleeper 4x4s, look for a Suzuki Vitara/Grand Vitara/XL-7. I had two of them back in the day and they were pretty capable body-on-frame trucks with a real transfer case and low range.
My friends moms had one of these back in the day.
fun fact: the 3.5 is a hyundai built mitsubishi designed engine. 6g74. so the montero block with dohc heads.
Ever seen or heard of the first generation Mitsubishi Montero? Know around the world as the pajero, and galloper, and dodge raider ? I have a 1989 with 150 k miles, body on frame, 4x4 manual 5 speed. Man they are rare and this one will never be sold.
0:24 folks that's where you click out.
I’ve got a 2009 diesel LX (the very last model of gen 1?) It’s got paint fade, the plastics are horrible, the engine is rattlier than a bag of spanners, and it has zero torque or throttle response below 2k rpm.
But… it can tow 2.8t, it goes great on the highway, it has a sunroof, heated leather seats, cruise control, and is ok on fuel.
Some compromises for sure, but I couldn’t afford the Toyota equivalent so here I am.
In Venezuela, back in his days, the Sorento had a 5 years warranty where everybody else was offering 2 years tops, and actually, the Sorento was competing with the Cherokee XJ, I saw a few Sorentos lifted and people doing crazy stuff with those things, also there was the Borrego with body-on-frame but with a V8. I don't know where the hate for the Kias comes from in the United States but they were pretty cheap and almost reliable, I owned an XJ and that thing kept me going into the car shop all the time. For the last 5 years, I have been driving a 2012 Sorento with 170,000 miles on it and it's doing just fine.
Thanks for this review, many look down to this proper SUV. We love ours, its reasonably reliable and very capable with very little modifications.
i worked at a Nissan/Kia dealership when Kia first came out. almost all the new Kia's were in the service center getting fixed under their warranty. i wouldn't touch them or wash them, they were trash. not until late, they became worth looking at. i mean only the Kia Stinger.
There's a mechanic near me that put his on 37' Maxxis Creepy Crawlers mostly body lifted
I love my 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4. Does all the same things off road as the over priced poorly built Jeeps
Congrats, but this is about Kia…
@@pinut187 so what, like he said there aren’t many hidden gems of off-road vehicles, I happen to mention another one.
I would love to see you guys test the first gen jeep liberty, I own a 2006 liberty renegade that's becoming almost like a family heirloom. It's always there for whoever is in need of a vehicle and has been a very capable rig.
Also regarding kia, an 09 rio with the Manuel took abuse for years like no other. One of the best inexpensive cars I had ever owned.
I'm still waiting on they day yall show off a '05-10 Grand cherokee WK. For well under $10k you can get a Hemi V8, 4lo with F/C/R eLSDs, factory skid plates/recovery hooks, 7200lbs of towing, and a good amount of interior creature comforts. Parts are cheap and available for them and the drivetrain is reliable. I just hit 200k miles on my '09 Hemi with QDII and use it to tow a 6500lb trailer around often.
A guy around the corner from me has one of these lifted up on 32's, I think, it looks really cool.
Here in Costa Rica you can get them with a 2.5L CRDI turbo Diesel with the manual Tranny. There are plenty of them and quite cheap
It's almost a rebadged Mitsubishi Pajero at the time. Which explains the capability and fair reliability despite having Kia badge!
You guys should buy a 2002 2nd generation subaru outback. I had one and I did some fun stuff out in the woods with it before the headgaskets went. Not to mention its fulltime awd with that permanent locked center diff so the power is split even and you could get the 5 speed chopstick. They are fun and dirt cheap for one that needs little maintenance. You should try one on your course.
What a gem piece, full of surprises.
The Dacia Duster made by Renault is pretty capable!
Based on the capability in your video it reminds me of the first gen Geo Trackers
Times are getting tough..now seeing 3 ads instead of two before the video 😂
Thanks for a great review as always Tommy, I have been looking at some of these and would love to find a good one.
My buddy used to follow me everywhere in his manual serento. Thing did pretty good on the trails.
My daughter has a 2003 Honda CR-V and it’s surprisingly capable. I think it would go through everything that Kia did. If you run across one I would love to see it try.
I think they're unibody and lacking 4x4 along with no solid axle
Thts cool it's got a steel frame😃...had no idea... really thought they were all unibody...I was impressed!! What year is it? Missed tht part..
2005
@@brendanao Thanks😀
I like the steelies
The strangest "off roader" I've ever seen belonged to a friend of my sister, he had an old (drumroll please) Mazda MPV AWD. Back in the day they were a RWD platform, but this kid had it lifted and stanced (naturally) with off-road tires, light bars, camo paint etc. It was truly a sight to behold and he got ridiculed everywhere he went but he never listened to the haters because that thing could hold its own. One of the first true crossovers, along with things like the AMC Eagle.
So close! I was guessing Kia Borrego before the vid started! Which I think is even more rare and a better off roader given it’s frame and t case.
Welp couple minutes in… I’ll be damned!
It’s funny to me this is a surprise for folks knowing several who raced them in Baja
Next for the Korean Classic should be 1st gen Kia Sportage it has real 4wheel drive with high and low range transfer case, solid rear axle, independent front suspension
It's hard to find a good one when they were new. There's a reason there aren't many of these around today.
I have seen plenty of these around. It has a lot to do with region, here in Alaska there was a period of time that Kia was selling like crazy. The warranty, inexpensive price and they were actually reliable.
They sold a lot of them here also. There aren't any old ones around because they didn't last. A friend of mine works at Kia and he said they came in every week with 5,000 miles on them with blown motors and bad transmissions.
@@CraigSmith568 They were really reliable. 3.5 V6 had some issues with the camshaft pulley, but otherwise pretty reliable. 5 speed auto and manual are both bulletproof. Mine is with the 2.4 gas and manual, almost 300 000km and still going.
Thanks for always bringing these interesting finds to us!
Mine is in pretty mint condition. Full black with not one scratch on it with the original alloy wheels and 160 000km. I put some Yokohama AT tyres on it and some good sound system. Looks pretty sick to me. And it's so overbuild you can't break it with normal use. Just have a look underneath one if you get a chance.
“Ashtray, so your kids can smoke”!! Hilarious!!
I have an '05 Sorento from hell. It has the 3.5L but has 4 cams. The starter is on the passenger side in which all others seem to be on the drivers side. the transmission is an automatic but no over drive and sure as hell not an over drive. It for damn reason has the factory towing package did that exist? Has a trans cooler. But when it does run it will lay you back in the seat.
ohh man... the manual transmission has me staring at the "Your Bid" box
Back on thats days, the things are simple and effective. Manual trans, 4wd system winning combo for realiability and last
I have one!
if rust doesn't kill it on you, it's a very capable car for mild off road.
but they rust away like crazy :(
You should check out a 1985+ Subaru GL wagon with dual range 4wd. That and a Geo Tracker/Suzuki Sidekick. I’ve owned both and they’re great cheap trail rigs.
Very good content here, great video on a rig I was totally unaware of. 👍👍👍
Right?
I had the first gen spotage, solid axles front and back, tranfer case with 4 low, body on frame, I did a 2 inch Rancho lift and 30 inch tires......no lockers though
Sportage never had stock front solid axle was independent.
I am thinking I need to go find one of these to abuse. Put a light bar on a home made steel front bumper, bolt another light bar to an aftermarket roof rack, remove the back seat and put in a drawer system and a roll cage and GO! Call is SUPER K!