2004 Kia Sorento Review
Fuel Economy
15 - 16 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Good-looking, comfortable, rugged and well equipped, the Sorento is one of the best buys among small and midsize SUVs.
Pros
Great value, long list of standard features, solid construction, true off-road capability, lengthy warranty coverage.
Cons
Mediocre fuel economy, harsh ride over sharp impacts.
What's New for 2004
The LX model is now available with a sport package that includes a new five-speed manual transmission, side step bars, Michelin tires, alloy wheels, roof rack, leather-wrapped steering wheel and keyless entry. A two-tone gray interior color scheme is also new, and metallic interior accents replace last year's wood grain accents.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Saying Goodbye to my Kia
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have had my Kia for almost 5 years now. I really loved my Kia, it was a lot of car for such a reasonable price. I replaced my headlights and tail lights twice a year. A/C has never worked right (which can isn't good when you live in AZ). Dealership always tells me that it's running fine, so I have given up. The last two years I have put in a lot of money into the vehicle (I can't even remember all the things I have had done and of course not covered by warranty any longer).I am afraid that I will only be putting more into it the near future, so it is time to say goodbye. Dealing with the dealership was a joke and the overall cost to own this vehicle was much more than I had expected.
Favorite Features
Love how smooth it drives. Especially love how roomy the interior is especially with two car seats in the back. We have take camping and could fit so much into the back, especially with the seats folded down.
Suggested Improvements
Headlight and tail light issues- I have never had to replace these items in other cars I have owned. And to have to keep lights on hand to replace these twice a year is a bit much. Other mechanical items that I don't have enough room to itemize.
I'm Pleased Overall
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I"ve had the car for over 5 years now. I wanted to get quality and resale. However, the resale and problems are not that must different than American cars which I've always purchased. Not too many problems, but, as usual, when taking the car in for the minor problems, under warranty, they "cannot duplicate condition." However, now that my warranty has expired, they seem to find the issues ricght away when I'm paying for the repairs. Go figure. Probably my last Kia. Problems included: leaking radiator overflow tank, Air-Bag light, outdoor temperature guage (ner repaired by the way). Gas Miliage is terrible. My wife's Cheyy Avalanche gets better miliage!
Favorite Features
Looks. Extra Features.
Suggested Improvements
Gas Miliage! Confort of seats. Maybe I'm getting old but Ford/Chevy have softer leather seats!
Initial enthusiasm has drained
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 4 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
After overcoming many minor problems (tail lights burning out, clock not working, door ajar constantly coming on, etc.), I thought that overall I enjoyed driving my little SUV. Heat has now stopped working and I think it to be a cracked coolant reservoir which seems to be a recurring problem with Kia Sorento. This needs to be a warranty issue - if you don't fix the problem - your engine will overheat!! Crankshaft bolt failing three times and the numerous times I've had to spend trying to get all of the minor things fixed, my patience is waning. Problems are getting more serious and my time is too valuable to be spending in the shop. Love the style, fun to drive - but wouldn't recommend.
Favorite Features
Style, fun to drive.
Suggested Improvements
All the nagging electrical issues (fuel gauge, lights, clock, sensors, etc.). Coolant reservoir cracking is a major issue. Crankshaft bolt shearing is a major problem.
Great except for headlights
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Kia Sorento LX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have 78K miles on my 2004 Sorento. I have had great luck with the engine and original brakes and tires both lasted 75K miles. But I have replaced front headlights 9 times. Different bulb types, with gloves on, both at the same time, but they never last more than 6 months. Frustrating!!
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Don't Waste Your Money
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
At 80000 miles, the ICV valve broke and damaged the engine. After 2 months of warranty work, there is a persistent oil leak that the only dealership within 30 miles cannot fix. I spent $600 on auto rental during warranty repair. It just isn't worth owning. Run away from KIA!!
Favorite Features
The Sorento is a fun vehicle to drive when it is drivable.
Suggested Improvements
Poor build quality. Poor gas mileage. Poor timing belt (plastic) Need KIA mechanics who can actually fix KIA vehicles.
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