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Used 2009 Kia Sorento Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
67 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Sorento, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sorento since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

great SUV

dani, 01/11/2010
2009 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

this is a great buy. seems to be solidly built. runs great both on the freeway and surface streets. i just own this for a few days but i already love it. would recommend it to anybody for its price and the car your buying. great job kia!

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2.75 out of 5 stars

I'll Never Buy Another Kia

Shannon, 11/03/2010
2008 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

I don't know where to start. This was my first new car purchase and I am so disappointed. I guess I'll just make a list: 1) recurring transmission problem (shifts hard) it's intermittent and the dealership can never replicate it so they won't fix it 2) passenger airbag sensor only works intermittently, they've changed the whole seat cushion twice, it still doesn't work 3) the air conditioning compressor has been replace twice and a pulley once 4) rear hatch rattling 5) horrible gas mileage, 6) terrible sound system 7) rear floorboard trim keeps popping off 8) air blows out all vents no matter what setting you have it on 9) headlights 10) valve cover gasket is leaking, I would not recommend it!

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5 out of 5 stars

2 questions

deb, 01/04/2010
2009 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 8 people found this review helpful

1st question. On the window it states that the vehicle has satelite radio, i called the no on the window and it states it dosnt have it. and 2nd question. it states it has mp3 player, im not sure if this means you can only play burned discs from a mp3 player or is there a plug in for the mp3 player somewhere hidden i cant find. the book states nothing.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

We love it

al roberts, 02/10/2009
2008 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The ride is rock solid, fun to drive and plenty of power, seems too tight and tough, enjoying it a lot looking froward to taking a nice long trip .

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Fast Fun and Sturdy

2x10, 02/26/2009
2008 Kia Sorento EX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am comparing this vehicle to the jeep liberty I owned for 3 yrs. The 3.8 is incredible. lots of power and very fun. The structure is much more sturdier and stiffer than the liberty which gives my family a safer ride. The styling is sleek and packed into a small structure but not too small. The gas mileage is better than the liberty and WAY faster and quicker. If you are looking for an SUV that is VERY VERY basic with ALOT of get up and go, this is a very cheap way to do it. The passenger air bag light staying on is typical of SUV's so no bother. For the price these things are going for now, you can't pass it up

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Best Choice I've made

Dennis, 02/26/2009
2008 Kia Sorento EX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just got my Sorento Ex a few weeks ago and couldn't be happier. Had Remote start installed and is awesome getting in the car in the morning and the seat already warm. Had looked at a CR-V and am really glad I didn't get it. Got MUCH more for my money at lower price. Rides GREAT. Had 5in of snow and had to get out before streets were plowed to check the 4WD. Hugged the road as if on dry pavement My ONLY complaint is gas mileage, but have not done any highway driving as yet, so sure it will improve when I do. LOVE sitting up higher, Just have to remember to step down..lol!!! A real pleasure to drive.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

4x4 ex Kia Sorento

bwinquist, 02/26/2009
2008 Kia Sorento EX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Purchased this Sorento ex 4x4..to it for a 400 mile test drive and found it to handle well on highway-no unreasonable vibrations, handles well, good turning radius, good acceleration. The seating however, is quite hard. Perhap this can be an improvement for future. Good legroom for driver and passenger, the steering wheel could perhaps elevate higher. The wheel base should be longer to allow for greater back cargo storage. The seats do not fold down well wihout adjusting the headrests.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Just over 1700 miles and loving it

JLCHL, 03/16/2009
2008 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Even though its been just 1700 miles I have to say that I am pleasantly surprised about this SUV. I had a hard time buying a KIA (I've always had Japanese cars before), but i have to say that so far it's been great. I already tested the off road capabilities of it and it handled great, it's a fun car to drive with a lot of power (something to keep in mind when evaluating gas millage). Overall a great buy for a very accessible price.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Good trade-up

P, 05/21/2009
2008 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased my Sorento and am luvin it. I had a sports car and got tired of it due to a lifestyle change.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Where should I start?

Barbara, 12/20/2009
2008 Kia Sorento EX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

There was a vibration when idling from the start. We took it to the dealer and they kept it off and on for about 5 weeks. They couldn't seem to find the source of the vibration. They replaced a couple of computers; then the transmission,then a module,etc. The vibration is better but still not as quiet as a new car should be. We get about 18/19 mpg. No seat belt light issue at all.The dealership has gone above and beyond to please us,but they now say this is not uncommon in the 2008 model. Why didn't they say that when we first complained? We are disappointed that our first new car in years has/had this problem that's not really fixed. We may trade it before something else happens.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

KIA-OK

Marsha L Edwards, 07/06/2010
2008 Kia Sorento EX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It rides smoothly and is easy to navigate in and out of traffic. My grown kids really like to drive it. I have had a lot of compliments even a couple who mistook it for a Lexus or Cadillac.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Bang for the Buck Truck

Rodney Allen, 04/29/2008
2008 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After looking at lots of V6 midsized SUVs, I bought an `08 Sorento LX two weeks ago and have been very happy with it--once I tracked down a rattle up front and a chain-like jingle coming from somewhere in the rear. The rattle was caused by the garage door opener compartment. I fixed it by putting two washcloths in it, which put some pressure on the plastic door, as well as providing some sound baffling. The chain-like jingle was coming from the latch on the rear hatch. Some silicone lubricant put an end to that. With those initial annoyances out of the way, I was free to enjoy the refined character of the Sorento--great looks, good performance, unmatched value. This truck is a real deal.

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4 out of 5 stars

Smooth Ride, Cheaply Made

Honee Dee, 01/18/2019
2008 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Got a very good deal on my 2008 Kia Sorento. Had less than 90K miles when I bought it in June of 2018. The door handles are not so good, they come off easily. I had my car for less than six months before the alternator went out. Cost me about 300.00 (parts and labor), but so far that's the only thing besides the brakes that need to be repaired. Motor has a slight chain-like/rattle noise, reminds me of a Hyundai. I really don't like the way that the dash is set up, the temperature gauge and gas gauge are way too close. I miss the details of my previous car, I had a Nissan Armada. This car is very basic and a few more up to date features would be helpful.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Protected me in a head on collision

Chloey , 01/10/2022
2008 Kia Sorento EX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

When in a car accident the correct airbags deployed, came out of car conscious with a few scratches, seatbelt left a mark but other than that the car has been super reliable for the time I had it for. Handling on the car was great and good first car!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love it !!!

Corey, 12/16/2009
2009 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV 4WD (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

Okay I will be writing back in about 6 months with an update.. Only having it for a few days I love it..

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best Value SUV

Todd Roberson, 03/17/2008
2008 Kia Sorento EX 4dr SUV (3.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

My wife and I just purchased our 2008 Kia Sorento. We had a 2006 Nissan Murano and was overwhelmed by the Sorento quality and price. We was able to upgrade to the top of the line including DVD, leather, sunroof etc. We took a couple of days to decide but that's just because of the color of the vehicle (midnight Blue /gray) and we could not be happier with our decision. Key issues was the turning ratio, torque, comfort and style of the exterior and interior. No complaints!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Bargain

Judy, 11/18/2009
2009 Kia Sorento LX 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I purchased my 2009 Kia Sorento just one week ago. What a great SUV for the price. I really thought that I would not be able to afford another SUV, but the pricing on this vehicle was great. Fun to drive, easy handling, and great look. I can't say enough about this vehicle. For under $20,000 you get a lot of truck.

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