2005 Kia Sorento Reviews - Page 2 of 5

Replaced (myself) a diode that fixed the interior lights, as they did not function in the "Door" position.

Passenger air bag sensor replaced by dealer under a recall.

Headlights have been replaced several times.

Very reliable vehicle so far. Gas mileage is not great, but not surprising given the EPA estimates.

Handling is decent, though the truck like suspension creates a bumpy ride at times.

Adequate power for a vehicle of this size.

Very comfortable on long trips, and plenty of room.

The rear end differential went at 51K miles.

I have replaced the battery 3 times in 4 years.

I have spent a small fortune replacing headlights, fog lights, turn signals and brake lights. I asked my dealer if there was any connection between my having to replace the battery so often and replacing the bulbs for all the lights, and he said I should only by KIA batteries and KIA replacement bulbs, which are much, much more expensive than what you get at the local autoparts houses.

I love my KIA, but I'm constantly worried about being stopped by the police for my lights being out.

I just purchased a Kia Sorento EX 2005.

First day the headlight problem. I read all of the comments here and did some research on this issue, and if you have this problem, check out http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_youreplace_headlight_in_kia_sorento_2005

Hope this helps and saves us all some money...

I am buying a 36 pack... or putting on the For Sale Sign.

The truck is really nice looking; Black, leather, sunroof. The person before put on running boards, all the extras. They can't all have these issues???

Frequently replacing bulbs.

Battery mysteriously goes flat.

Transmission is sluggish and bangs 4th gear engine braking in tiptronic mode.

Power steering rack leaking.

Occupant sensor for passenger airbag still malfunctioning.

TPS sensor replaced.

Complete brake system failure. New master cylinder, ABS sensor, calipers, pads and rotors.

Crank bolt sheared, taking out main crank pulley, harmonic balancer, crank angle sensor, and AC.

This is my wife's family car for getting the kids around. She is very easy on the car and has never had an accident. It looks good and only has 55,000 kilometers on it.

It is gutless, sluggish and gets worse fuel economy than my buddies Touareg. This vehicle has never missed a service and has always had preventative maintenance as well. What a disappointment. The dealers have been less than accommodating as well.

Front brake rotors needed to be turned 1/2007 and are bad again 2/2008.

Outside air temp went through several replacements.

Delayed shifting fixed with reflash of TCM.

Window rattle... went away on its own.

Static on radio AM stations.

Both rear brakes light bulbs burned out & replaced at 25K miles.

Max 50 mph up a hill... happened twice in Spring '06 with no repetition since. Trans reflash/service above may have resolved it.

Brakes squeaked 12/2005, but not since then.

Clock recall July 2005.

Sunroof noise (some blue plastic hadn't been removed) 4/2005.

Back seat spot fixed. 4/2005.

We had the battery mysteriously go dead a couple of times so we are skidish and make sure the radio and fan switches and interior lights are all off before turning off the vehicle.

Quiet and smooth ride.

Solid off road (just dirt roads). Reviews were very complimentary on off road capabilities. It has 8.2" clearance.

Nice interior.

My wife says it is "the cutest SUV out there".

Our gas mileage is as EPA advertised or slightly better.

We like the safety and the warranty. Coupled with the price, these were key factors in purchasing a Kia instead of a Honda or Toyota.

The trans requires special expensive Kia fluid which I don't like.

Rotors need a redesign as they warp too easily. The fronts are smaller than the rear? Why? They don't seem to up the brake or cooling or other systems if you select the tow hitch.

Should make the following improvements:

1) Better fuel mileage.

2) Better front brakes (eliminate premature rotor problems) and place rotors under warranty.

3) Solicit customer ideas for improvement and customer review data and other review data. Add competitor review data and customer likes. Add service department and sales department ideas. Add engineer data and make a minimum of 10 improvements with each new model.

4) Upgrade the warranty to better the best by a slight amount (5%).

5) Automatic day time running lights.

6) Make room for a second battery and any battery size.

7) Lighten the vehicle by 5-10% and unsprung wheel weight by 5%.

8) Duct air to cool brakes.

9) Add battery saver and solar battery trickle charger in roof.

10) Add true FlexFuel capability. Use turbo/supercharger air charge injection (maybe even compressed air from braking) and high pressure cylinder fuel injection and fuel type sensing to allow the use of diesel, gasoline, bio-diesel, and alcohol). Power the wheels with electric motors and power the motors with the internal combustion engine.

11) Accommodate/target customer groups like Ham radio enthusiasts (accommodate antenna and power and radio mounting needs).

12) Safety is paramount, with reliability next, then freedom from maintenance, lowest cost of owner ship for first 5 years, then resale value. Get beyond 5 star rating by being some percentage above the requirement. Research all Sorento accidents and find out what injuries were most frequent and severe and tackle those after you've reached the 5 star goal.

13) Add automatic tire pressure adjustment (or better good tires with no air to go flat! Goodbye TPMS cost and low tire pressure rollover safety issue.

14) Add sunburn proof window UV protection and IR reflecting coating that is increases with heat.