Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
15 City / 20 HWY
Horsepower
192
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Sarah K
Kia Sorento 2004 best value.
Really awesome reliable car, not too much in maintaining it. Safe and lots of space for storage. Very roomy and comfortable too. It is a very sturdy car, east to drive and good field of view. Great air conditioner and heater works very quickly. I love this car and model so much.
accountCircle Amanda L
It is durable and rugged and it handles quite a bit.
The car is older so the ac does not work due to the air compressor being dead, there is also a leak in one of the hoses making it so I am constantly refilling the antifreeze. There is also a minor computer problem making some of the minor electronics not work.
accountCircle Crystal R
Kia Sorento is the SUV version of a truck
It has held up mechanically for 125,000 miles. I love how it handles. 4 wheel drive for winters. Seat sits up high above most vehicles. Large capacity to haul loads of lumber, fill up luggage for trips, and shopping room.
accountCircle Alicia L
Ac is very cold and has heated seats.
It's got plenty of room. It's good on gas. I've already had to replace the motor after only having it for a year.
accountCircle Nancy T
It's very safe. It gets me through winters awesome.
It is a very dependable car, it is great on gas, and it is roomy and easy to carry groceries from the store.
accountCircle Christina B
It is a very reliable SUV!! It has great mileage. . . This is very important!
This Kia Sorento is the 3rd Kia we have owned. With each of our Kia's we have never had any mechanical issues other than the regular maintenance that is required. Whenever anyone asks me what make of vehicle they should invest in, my answer is always Kia! Not only are the motors sound, but they get great mileage, they are super comfortable and (in my opinion) very handsome vehicles. When it is time to purchase the next vehicle, you can bet on it that I will definitely buy another Kia!! My current Kia was previously owned which really affirms how awesome Kia's are!!
accountCircle Amber R
Kia's are awesome cars. Reliable affordable and safe.
It is really is a reliable vehicle. Good on gas. Kia's are really good cars I have cruz control anti lock brakes power windows power locks it is really roomy drive great I also recommend to my family, friends and colleagues it is a awesome car and I am thinking about purchasing a new Kia in the near future.
accountCircle Sabrina S
Reliable car we love our car.
I like that it has a lot of space and is gas efficiency. It 'saves on gas and is very reliable and dependable.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Bobbie E
The cons of the Kia Sorento
Constant mechanical issues, had to replace the motor. Frame is shot. Absolutely a terrible vehicle, not to mention the roll over rate is terrifying! It even comes with a large warning on the driver side to notify you of this. I would not buy another unless it was 2016 or newer!
accountCircle Terri P
They are the most useless and unreliable vehicles on the road
The rear end is rusting out. Gas tank rusted out. Kias are useless vehicles and should be taken off the market
accountCircle Cutie lee B
The mileage is good and gas of the car also the quality of the car.
I like that it save me on gas. I like the drive. I like the feel of the car. I like the make of the car.
accountCircle Connie F
2004 Kia Sorento family car
It's a reliable vehicle can have issues with wheel bearings and rotors. It's not fuel efficient but it's a good winter cat with 4- wheel drive.
accountCircle gloria a
It is dependable. It always gets me where I need to be
My Kia has been a good vehicle easy to work on. If I could change anything it would be gas mileage. Only 14 miles per gallon
accountCircle Miranda D
Sun roof top window. Reliable transportation, comfortable suv. Radio and ac/ heat work.
My vehicle has leather seats. Enough room for all passengers. I love how it has a roof top window. I'm currently having some work done under the hood.
accountCircle Michael A
It's good on gas and sits up to 5 people but with limited trunk space.
It is a four door suv type vehicle with an automatic transmission. I like that it's good on gas but sometimes I dislike the fact that the motor can be an issue at times.
accountCircle Brenda E
My Kia Sorento: 15 year old car.
Durable. The only problem was that the alarm goes off even when the door is closed and ac makes a loud noise when I turn it on. It really never gave me serious problems. Most problem was because I never kept up with maintenance. The engine oil and steering wheel oil does not last long either.

Kia Sorento Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
LX
192 HP 18-18 MPG 5 Seats
car
EX
192 HP 18-18 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2004 Kia Sorento Owner Reviews

4.03
38 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 50%
4 stars 18%
3 stars 21%
2 stars 5%
1 star 5%
accountCircle Leon L on March 22, 2021
Great gas mileage on the highways.
My vehicle is very reliable and dependable, easy on fuel and great gas mileage, twenty five to a gallon. Ride great, good air conditioner, an.
accountCircle Jenny F on January 19, 2021
Overall I like my Kia Sorento, but I wish that the rear seating was more comfortable. I also have had a few electrical issues, that are very costly to repair.
It's not comfortable for longer car trips. The back seats are not adjustable.

Ranks #13 Midsize SUV by Owners

The 2004 Kia Sorento has an average owner rating of 4.09 out of 5 which ranks it #13 of 18 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
4.66
2
car
4.61
13
car
4.03

Ranks #7 Midsize SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2004 Kia Sorento has a combined MPG of 21 which ranks it #7 of 18 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
27 MPG
2
car
26 MPG
7
Tie
car
20 MPG

Is The 2004 Kia Sorento A Good Car?

It was pre owned so no, I have a lot of problems with it. My problems include leaking, the brakes being bad and the car in all is just bad on gas.
Mike P.
Yes, it is a great road trip vehicle for our household. I feel safe in it, and it is just the perfect size for making everyday things easier.
Kayla M.
Not at all, the stability of this vehicle is awful and the roll. Over rate is terrible. Would not recommend
Morgan R.

How Reliable Is The 2004 Kia Sorento?

I wouldn't say it’s reliable. I have broken down twice since I've had it and I've only had it for a few months but I'm not sure how long it was previously owned for.
Kayla H.
Yes it has been a very reliable car for me so far, it has not let me down. I feel safe driving it on the road to work everyday.
Kim M.
No. The engine had to be replaced. The serpentine belt keeps falling off and running the flywheel. The frame is rotting out.
Kay S.

Is The 2004 Kia Sorento A Good Value?

I am not sure how much it originally cost. I bought mine pre owned for 1000 dollars. I would say if it was new it might have been good value.
Ryan F.
I bought my Kia Sorento used and it was for sale for $3200. I thought it was a great deal. I did have to put some work into it but that was expected for a used car.
Val J.
It costs roughly $1500 and I would say not at all. For such a cheap used vehicle you can get much better ones.
Fernandez F.

Related Articles for 2004 Kia Sorento

From the Vehicle History blog

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2021 Kia Sorento Review: Reasonably Reliable Midsize SUV With Average Ownership Costs
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2020 Kia Sorento Review: Reliable Midsize SUV With An Excellent Ten-Year Warranty
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2019 Kia Sorento Review: Reliable Midsize SUV With Reasonable Ownership Costs
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2017 Kia Sorento Review: Extremely Unreliable Midsize SUV With Expensive Ownership Costs
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2018 Kia Sorento Review: Reliable Midsize SUV With Affordable Ownership Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2004 Kia Sorento transmission fluid type?

Answer: The 2004 Kia Sorento transmission fluid is a dexron VI. This is the recommended fluid suggested by the manufacturer. It is always a good idea to follow this, if You want the best performance of Your...

What's the 2004 Kia Sorento transfer case control module location?

Answer: The transfer case control module on the 2004 Kia Sorento is a bit susceptible to failure, and it's not cheap to have replaced -- the average mechanic's cost hovers between $1,000 and $1,500. Fortunately, the...

What's the 2004 Kia Sorento life expectancy?

Answer: The life expectancy for the 2004 Kia Sorento depends on how well it is taken care of. If You take good care of the car and follow the maintenance schedule then it should last around 200,000 to over 400,000...

What's the 2004 Kia Sorento fuel pump reset switch location?

Answer: The 2004 Kia Sorento fuel pump reset switch is located under the hood, left side below the radiator reservoir, and between the intake filter and left fender. You will see a black button about the size of a...

What's the 2004 Kia Sorento ecm location?

Answer: The 2004 Kia Sorento ECM is located on the driver's side of the firewall in the engine compartment near the battery. Always make sure You disconnect the battery before trying to remove or replace the ECM. To...

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Not Rated

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety