2005 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, high-quality interior materials, solid construction, true off-road capability, lengthy warranty coverage.
Cons
Mediocre fuel economy, harsh ride over sharp bumps.
What's New for 2005
The optional sport package now includes blacked-out headlamps and, on LX models, a premium audio system. A five-speed automatic transmission replaces last year's four-speed unit.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
KIA = GARBAGE
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Sorento LX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
This vehicle has had more issues than I know what to do with. Mostly electrical problems. It has been to the dealer for A/C issues 3 times. Eventually having the entire dashboard ripped out and a new harness put in. I have to buy headlights and taillights all the time. So bad that I keep a spare set in the car at all times. It experiences loss of power all the time and the transmission does not engage when in reverse sometimes. The car has had all maintenance done on or before its due. Factory radio also died right after buying it. Service departments are are the worst. Above all the resale value is absolutely horrible. If you buy one, enjoy it b/c you will be stuck with it. Absolute garbage
Favorite Features
The electrical gremlins that refuse to leave and the unprofessional dealership experiences. I also love the fact that ka Kia dealer won't even take one on trade due to the pitiful resale. They actually laughed in our face and said even though it is in good shape they sit on the lot forever.
Suggested Improvements
Stand behind your warranty and fix the car when it comes in your dealer for repair. Start making a quality product with components that last.
Great SUV, very dependable & comfortable
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Sorento LX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Purchased new, now have 50K+ miles, my daughter drives it. Never a break down! Very comfortable, and dependable. Typical maintenance issue you have with any car...change brake pads, tires, oil (no surprise) but never any big problems. Two items replaced under warranty...no big deal.
Favorite Features
drive quality and comfort. Very nice quality with switches, controls, etc.
Suggested Improvements
None...GREAT CAR and I have owned one since new!
Bulb Replacement II
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I stopped counting the number of headlight & taillights I've replaced. I've had several warranty repairs and each one was a LONG wait for parts to come in from overseas. One dealership I took it to did every thing but roll out the red carpet. Unfortunately, the one I purchased it from, which is 50 miles closer to me, has not been so accommodating. For the money, I have no regrets. But I will stay away from Kia in the future due to the servicing of their warranty.
Favorite Features
Price. I got a loaded Sorento for less than a base 4 runner. Rides smoother too on blacktop.
Suggested Improvements
service dept.
IRRESPONSIBLE AND PATHETIC
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 2 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I have over $6000 dollars in maintenance and service in my car. This does not include my rental car expenses because of the numerous times my car has been in the shop. I have replaced headlights, brake lights, parking lights, dome lights, fog lights and interior lights repetitively. I have replaced the timing belt, various ac parts, brakes, power seat motor, power locks, radio, battery, and car alarm parts. This is an attractive SUV with wonderful bells and whistles. It is an irresponsible and pathetic product. The 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty is useless and misleading. They do not stand by their product and it has awful resale value. Do not buy this vehicle regardless of the price!
Favorite Features
The exterior is very attractive and the bells and whistles are appealing.
Suggested Improvements
The entire mechanics of the product. I purchased a lemon with major electrical issues and the dealership would not take responsibility for a pathetic product.
Poor Sevice Department
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Bought new. 1 week later found out sunroof leaked due to poor manufacturing. Fought with dealership to fix (said we probably walked on the roof!) Finally fixed, but had paint overspray all over vehicle. Passenger air bag didn't work. Kia service told me to sit with legs tightly squeezed and it would work! Finally agreed to fix it. Sent seat out for repair. Scratched door jams really bad and gave me touch up paint to fix a new vehicle myself! Too many headlight changes to mention. Dome light motor replaced, electric seat motor replaced. Paint very, very thin and dents easily. Dealing with below surface rust on the tailgate now. Rims have corroded beyond belief and look terrible.
Favorite Features
Body style is very classy looking.
Suggested Improvements
KIA should stand behind their vehicles. No one should have to fight with service to have warranty things fixed. All vehicles are going to have problems, that is why service should be willing fess up to problems and FIX them. Would never buy another KIA because of service department.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2011 Kia Sorento
- 2009 Kia Sorento
- 2008 Kia Sorento
- 2007 Kia Sorento
- 2006 Kia Sorento
- 2005 Kia Sorento
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