Overview & Reviews

The optional sport package now includes blacked-out headlamps and, on LX models, a premium audio system. A five-speed automatic transmission replaces last year's four-speed unit.

• Great value, long list of standard features, high-quality interior materials, solid construction, true off-road capability, lengthy warranty coverage.

• Mediocre fuel economy, harsh ride over sharp bumps.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 255.00

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  first new vehicle in 40 years - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Armand - August 15 - 8:13 pm

  As an avid auto enthusiast building race cars and street rods, I always bought used and altered to what I wanted. Getting older now so I wanted a vehicle I wouldnt have to work on. After inspecting workmanship and seeing warranty I decided this was vehicle worth my money. Can be driven anywhere at any time with no worries. Vehicle has a sporty feel with a little more road feedback that I find important in a vehicle. Being driven daily and handles well.

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  Never ending story - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By njones - October 16 - 3:00 pm

  Bought this new. Had problems right from the start. ICV problem caused engine replacement. Now shifter ($500) fell off in my hand. Next I get news from dealer main computer board needs replacement ($900), Kia refuses to accept any responsibility. These problems in now way could be caused by our use. Kia customer service the absolute worse.

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  crankcase and mnemonic balancer - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Ontario - June 8 - 3:10 pm

  I purchased new in 2005. Overall, Im satisfied with this vehicle. Two things of disappointment: Fuel milage and the Crankcase Mnemonic Balancer bolt broke at 104000 Km. Imagine! It was fabricated out of a cheap aluminum by-product. It cost us $1200.00 to replace! Not happy, at all, about that. Would I buy another one? Yes, because of the dealerships unmatched customer service and the price point.

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  So far, not quite happy - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By mr. moo kow - April 21 - 2:46 pm

  I bought this vehicle about a month ago.The clock doesnt work, the air bag light sometimes works and sometimes not. I took it back to the dealer only to hear them say "Your name is on the waitng list. We are still waiting for Kia to come up with a new part". Very disappointed.

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  new Kia owner - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By kia - March 8 - 1:10 am

  I have a 2005 Kia SUV. After the first service I had a flat tire after leaving the garage and had to pay almost $200 for a new tire. Then immediately the electronic key kept turning on the emergency horn and required more than 24 hours in the garage. Im not too happy with this car to date. I had a Honda for more then 10 years and never experienced this.

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  Bulb Replacements - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By B Spiller - October 31 - 4:40 pm

  Ive had my Sorento for 4 years and I had to replace the low beams, high beams, tail lights, etc, about 2-3 times per light every year. So far this year (this is March), Ive replaced the low beams twice in the driver and once on the passenger side. I just replaced the driver side yesterday and the tail light is now out. The battery has been replaced 3 times since Ive had it, at 70% of the cost. Does anyone else have these problems? The dealer says there is nothing wrong.

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  Safety defect in manual transmission - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Rick - April 15 - 11:00 am

  We have a highly intermittent problem with manual tranny. From time to time we cant shift gears or get the car to move which puts us in a dangerous situation (has happened downshifting in intersections, upshifting pulling out into traffic, etc.)/ As this is a safety defect we are seriously concerned & have reported the problem to KIA & NHTSA. Due to it being an intermittent one, unfortunately when KIA has test driven it they cannot duplicate the problem and refuse to take further action to diagnose the transmission and related components. We are concerned if we trade/sell we are passing an unsafe car to another unsuspecting consumer but we may have no other choice due to KIAs indifference.

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  ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By avengers2 - January 10 - 2:41 am

  Bought new in 05. Engine light came on when I got home from the dealer. Sensor out. Head lights go out about every 4 months. The back windshield wiper blade runs for about 5 minutes every time you start the car. I had the car checked out. They said I have 3 electrical problems. The air conditioner went out 2 years ago.

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  05 Sorento - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By Jim T - December 24 - 3:06 am

  Overall, I give it a B-. Lets face it, its no Lexus. That being said, my criticism is this. I am 6 foot tall and 195 lbs. The emergency brake handle is a nuisance, being constantly buried in my right leg. Also, the intermittent wiper switch is noisy and the wiper on the upstroke stops dead center of drivers vision. Paint finish also a little suspect, easily chips. Gas mileage average, 16.5 mpg combined. Nothing has gone wrong mechanically to date, no complaints.

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  We need a new engine in our new car - 2005 Kia Sorento
  By sorento - September 27 - 10:16 am

  On the highway the engine light flashed and went off and stayed off. The Sorento was chugging a bit after that, so we took it to the dealer. They said the Sorento needed a new engine. Engine is in, waiting for parts so they say. This is the 3rd week without the SUV. Driving a loaner VW. Until then we loved it. Only 10 months new. Luxury package.