While Sorento Receives Quality Awards J.D. Power IQS Rates Kia Brand Poorly
Kia is adding yet another award to its name. Earlier this year, the New England Motor Press Association named the Kia Sorento the Best SUV under USD $25,000. Also, it was the Best in Class in the Standard Mid-Size SUV category for the 2003 Vehicle Satisfaction Award presented by a top automotive consulting firm, Auto Pacific Inc. Furthermore, the Sorento holds the title of Best Overall SUV Value and Best SUV under USD$25,000 given by the Northwest Automotive Press Association at its annual Mudfest competition.
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| The Kia Sorrento holds the title of Best SUV under USD$25,000 and highest consumer quality rating. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Now, the impressive mid-sized SUV holds the highest consumer rating voted by new car buyers in the 2003 Strategic Vision Total Quality Index (TQI). In addition, the Sorento just happened to tie for first place with the ever popular Toyota 4Runner in the medium-sized SUV category.
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| Peter M. Butterfield, Kia's president and CEO commented, "Quality is one of our highest priorities and the Sorento is a great example of that commitment." (Photo: Kia) |
So how does this voting take place? Strategic Vision, a respected market research firm that operates out of San Diego, CA, measures overall new car buyer's experience owning and driving their new vehicles. The company performed the survey on more than 31,000 new vehicle owners, who bought new vehicles between the months of October and November, 2002. The TQI is measured by analyzing the complete ownership experience with regards to attributes, expectations, and emotions.
Peter M. Butterfield, Kia's president and CEO commented, "We are extremely pleased that the Sorento is ranked so high among our toughest critics--new car buyers. Quality is one of our highest priorities and the Sorento is a great example of that commitment."