Used 2004 Kia Sorento Consumer Reviews
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Truly a comfortable, spacious and practical SUV!!
kandeemann2001, 12/15/2012
2004 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
41 of 41 people found this review helpful
I bought a 2004 Sorento EX Luxury from a private seller with 75,000 miles. Vehicle was in immaculate condition, but was plagued with issues in the beginning. Had to replace the drive shaft, throttle position sensor, spark plugs and brakes - but after all repairs were done and a thorough fuel injection cleaning service, it drives like brand new. This is truly a remarkable SUV. I'm a law student and wanted a comfortable vehicle to last me for a few years, and even though I had those repair issues, I have no regrets. It's good-looking, spacious, super comfortable and has more than enough power. Shifts are buttery smooth and engine performance is really impressive for an 8 year old vehicle.
buying a used first generation kia sorento
Conner, 11/28/2016
2004 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
30 of 31 people found this review helpful
Here are some tips for test driving a used Kia Sorento. Feel the transmission shift to make sure they are smooth. If you buy the car, don't drive it too hard. My transmission needed to be replaced after 5 years around 100,000 miles. After allowing the engine to warm up check for coolant leaks or faint amounts of steam coming out of the engine block. At 150,000 miles, mine has a leak that causes the cabin to smell like a sweet burning oil/coolant, but you may be able to get rid of the smell by recirculating the AC. As long as the coolant doesn't leak as a liquid onto the pavement it should be small enough to ignore. Feel the suspension, power steering and braking to insure that they feel normal for a car of this age. Spongy brakes are common if the brake fluid has not been flush. Lack of power steering may also be a result of poor maintenance. Make sure that you have the fluids flushed out and replaced properly. If the engine light is on and the code is for a low range switch you should be able to get away without repairing it. that code has been on my car for 5 years no problems. Any major or minor repairs are done at the best price if you go to the dealership, even if the warrenty expired. Kia dealerships have the best repair prices. I got 14 mpg driving in the city on regular gas.
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Love driving it - hate the recent fixes
Barb, 09/08/2010
2004 Kia Sorento LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
Original owner. 140,000. Other than the headlight and coolant reservoir issues that ALL 04 Sorentos seem to have, I've replaced the throttle position sensor. Has been reliable and though mostly highway miles, it has never needed brakes (knowing how to drive a stick has helped with that). Doesn't eat tires, and get about 21 mpg. However, PCV and Catalytic Conv. need replacing now. Will be paid off next month and has NO resale value. Will drive it 'til the wheels fall off (fun off road), but hope I can get the parts for my mechanic for the current and upcoming fixes. Almost all must be purchased at the dealer.
Please Buyer Beware
ambeaubian, 06/09/2011
2004 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
34 of 39 people found this review helpful
I foolishly purchased a 2004 Kia Sorento EX, in 2009, to date I have replaced the following, Crankshaft, rings, bearings, head qasket, radiator, oil pump. At a tune of 5300.00, at that time is how much I owed to pay it off. I now have a burning smell and smoke every morning that I drive it..No mechanic knows why it occurs, Also have the lights to be replaced rear and front, at least 6 times, my dash lights do not come on at all. Then the paint is chipping off of the hood. If the car stays running, its semi-reliable . If there is another two grand I have to put in this car. I will be buying a new one...A Ford.
Disappointed owner
Tanya DeMyer, 08/06/2010
2004 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I've had nothing but problems with the electrical - head/tail lights out every 3-4 months, clock, interior lights, thermometer for outside temp all stopped working. Exterior paint started chipping when the car was only 2 yrs old.
Piece of Junk
badluckbetty1, 09/19/2012
2004 Kia Sorento LX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
36 of 43 people found this review helpful
I have the 2004 Kia Sorento and nothing but a piece of junk! Every since I bought it has been nothing but a headache and not minor things major costly items.. water pump, the ignition fried and would start BY ITS SELF!! The relay box went bad, all the belts had to be replaced and now the mechanic at my near by kia dealership says the timing chain is going bad and the car will be ruined if not fixed! The headlight and tail lights go out every other month. Kias are pieces of crap and I will never buy another if you are looking into buying this vehicle please dont save your time and money! ohh by the way my vehicle only has 81,000 miles on it and still falling apart!
Great Value
kalkoala, 09/28/2003
2004 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
17 of 20 people found this review helpful
The more I look at the my Sorento the more I fall in love. It is a beautiful car that unfortunately gets bad gas mileage. The reason for the poor gas mileage is the ratio between horsepower and weight. If you don't mind the gas mileage its a good buy.
FUEL MILEAGE 20+
harleydad87, 09/30/2013
2004 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
I just purchased an 04 Sorento EX w/ 105k on it. After reading about fuel mileage, we almost took our other vehicle on our day trip Saturday. 309 miles, mostly highway, cruise control at 75, w/ several stops, I still managed to get 20.5 mpgs. So, while 2 mpgs aren't much, I am sure that I could have got 22-23 had I kept speed at 65-70. Way better then the 18 from review.
Great car with 239K miles
Paul, 11/11/2010
2004 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
239,000 Miles and is still going strong. I am still very pleased and had no major mechanical issues. It rides very comfortably and has not developed any annoying squeaks or rattles. The interior has held up as well if not better than my previous Acura and Volvo. Great sound system. Maintenance has been about average and I have replaced the timing belt twice at 80K miles and 160K miles. If you are considering the '04 Sorento be sure that the 2 recalls (crankshaft pulley bolt and the intake manifold butterfly valve) have been done. Replace the coolant tank with the redesigned one. no increase in oil use even with 239K miles. Average about 20- 21 MPG HWY. Better than the 19 listed.
Never again
Wyllies, 10/20/2010
2004 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 50k miles. I had issues within the first week and Precision made me take it to Kia (warranty) and they said we were good. Then it has been down hill. Headlights go out constantly, 4wheel drive constantly on (when the switch is off) check engine light and airbag light is constantly on. I have put money in this car that I don't have and the last time I took it in there were 6 new recalls within it. I will never by a Kia again. The worst part is the trade in value is not good either. So instead of paying this off and using it I will have to get another vehicle and continue making payments. I am stressed driving this car especially with my kids in it.
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