2004 Kia Sorento Review
2004 Kia Sorento Review
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Used Sorento for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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.
Edmunds says
Good-looking, comfortable, rugged and well equipped, the Sorento is one of the best buys among small and midsize SUVs.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Kia Sorento LX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$277/mo for Sorento LX
Sorento LX
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Kia Sorento.
5 star(75%)
4 star(16%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
439 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Truly a comfortable, spacious and practical SUV!!
kandeemann2001, 12/15/2012
2004 Kia Sorento EX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
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.
3 out of 5 stars
buying a used first generation kia sorento
Conner, 11/28/2016
2004 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
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.
3.88 out of 5 stars
Love driving it - hate the recent fixes
Barb, 09/08/2010
2004 Kia Sorento LX 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5M)
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.
2.38 out of 5 stars
Please Buyer Beware
ambeaubian, 06/09/2011
2004 Kia Sorento EX Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
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.
2004 Sorento Highlights
LX
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $277/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 31.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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