2006 Kia Sorento Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.21/5 Average
88 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

For 2006, alloy wheels are now standard on all Sorento models.

Pros:
  • Great value, long list of standard features, high-quality interior materials, solid construction, true off-road capability, lengthy warranty coverage.
Cons:
  • Mediocre fuel economy, harsh ride over sharp bumps.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 88.00
  • Electrical systems from the 1950s - 2006 Kia Sorento
    By -

    Overall, a comfortable (Im 63") solid vehicle, but poor fuel economy and many electrical problems. Dome light diode (whoever heard of such a thing), door lock actuator (never had one fail even in the GM garbage of the 70s and 80s), heater blend door actuator, and crankshaft angle sensor ($900 repair to replace shitty magnetic pick up, but buried in engine). The sunroof plastic guide rail broke at 5 years with little use, so roof will slide but wont tilt. Temperature gauge has never worked reliably, even after 3 trips to dealer when new. I finally gave up as it wasnt important. Factory replacement windshield wiper blades last only 18 mos! Most of the problems are just annoying, but the crankshaft sensor problem is way too frequent...should have been a recall. Also, seat belt retraction springs are going bad. The build quality on the new models looks worse, so it will be a Honda, Nissan, or Toyota next time. I also have an 18 year old Infiniti with 70,000 miles, and have had less than one- fourth the problems! Update 8-22-16: Valve lifter (tappet) now ticks if the car sits more than a day or two without being driven. Not burning any appreciable amount of oil. Gas mileage down to 15 mpg using the E10 fuel now sold here (was 16 mpg with 0-5% ethanol). Have had to replace another failed electrical part, the A/C & heat temperature door actuator. Got the Kia brand part on the internet for about $70, replaced myself so no labor cost. Still driving the vehicle because it is much more comfortable to sit in (excellent leg room) than most others, and property tax is very low. Overall impression of an average quality SUV remains the same.

  • A Great Looking SUV - 2006 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I just purchased my Sorento LX and couldnt be more pleased. I have owned many new cars before and this one is a lot of fun to drive! The price, the warranty, and all the standard options that comes with the Sorento made this purchase a no brainer. Looks exactly like the Lexus SUV but without the price.

  • Love my Kia - 2006 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I was a little hesitant at first to buy a Kia, but once I drove it I knew their quality had improved dramatically over the years. Its a little rough over bumps, but it is a "truck" and otherwise an excellent ride. Long trips are more comfortable than any other car Ive owned. I am in love with it inside and out. I am very pleased and proud of my choice. I test drove an Equinox and thought that the seats were awful. Kia did not skimp on interior comfort. The turning radius is amazing for the size of the vehicle.

  • Great Value in a 4WD SUV - 2006 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I have had my Sorento 4WD for more than a year, and it has been a complete surprise. I never expected to obtain this kind of quality, comfort and driving fun out of an "off brand" Korean manufacturer. I never tire of folks asking me what I am driving after telling me how great it looks (I replaced the grill with a stainless billet model, and removed all exterior Kia emblems and replaced with Korean "K" script ones. My only complaint is the quality of the paint since it chips easily. I compensated by installing a 3M invisible shield on the front end, hood and mirrors and have had no paint chips since. A great value!

  • Very Decent But - 2006 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I have had this vehicle 11 months. I bought it with 37,000 and only have 41,000 on it now. I drive mostly small town, light traffic but lots of lights. Speed limits of 30-35 mph. Gas mileage is about 15.5. I am also having problems with headlights, brake lights, etc. Have replaced both headlights, a marker light, and one brake light twice. Luckily hubby is a mechanic but there must be something going on if lights keep burning out. On the other hand, lights are easily changed and cheap! But still.

  • KIA - 2006 Kia Sorento
    By -

    Very pleased to have purchased this vehicle. Amazed how smooth and quite it is. Its very easy to get the kids in and out of since the door space is large as well as the overall inside space. Makes road trips fun and just plain happy about it.

  • Loving my Kia!! - 2006 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I did a lot of searching and I narrowed it down to a Trailblazer, Sorento or Jeep Liberty. I am so satisfied with my decision!! This vehicle is awesome, the only complaint that I have is the seat belt sensor drives me crazy, it beeps non-stop until I put my seatbelt on! The gas mileage is decent for an SUV, but that could always be improved. I have plenty of space for myself and my 18-month old. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone!

  • Absoloutly love this car - 2006 Kia Sorento
    By -

    Love it, love it love, it. Very spacey and comfy have. Made many long trips in it and never a sore back or rear end. It handles great and is very quiet. Plenty of storage space between the two middle consoles and the under passenger seat console. Had it two years and has not been in the shop once except for regular maintenance. Upholstery repels stains very well. Have had a baby in it for 90 percent of the ownership and still no stains. Would definitely recommend this vehicle

  • Would buy 5!!! - 2006 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I love this car! It I has been my favorite! I bought it used, with 16500 miles on it. For an 06 I bought in 07, the one thing I have replaced on it and right now its 2014, is a battery! Knock on wood... Gas isnt really good but I put better gas in it rather than unleaded, that raises it almost double. I put injection cleaner in all the time! Keep it clean, all fluids good all the time. Best kinds, to make sure runs tip top! I could not ask for a better car.

  • Would not recomend - 2006 Kia Sorento
    By -

    I bought a 2006 Kia Sorento LX in 2010 and since then Ive had nothing but problems! I replaced the crank shaft sensor, cam shaft sensor and the AC. With labor and parts that cost me about 1,600. I have only put 20,000mi on it since I bought it! Therefore, I would NOT recommend a Kia to anyone!! My first experience as a Kia owner was nothing but a headache!

Kia Sorento Reviews By Year:
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