Overview & Reviews

For 2008, the Kia Sorento gains a new V6 engine for the base and LX trim levels. At 3.3 liters and 242 horsepower, the new power plant is smaller and less powerful than the 3.8-liter V6 found in the EX trim. In exchange, it offers somewhat improved fuel economy.

• Impressive list of standard features, solid construction, high-quality materials, decent off-road capability.

• So-so fuel economy, ride can get bouncy over broken pavement, mediocre braking performance in demanding situations, disappointing side-impact crash results.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 42.00

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  Best Value SUV - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By Todd Roberson - October 26 - 9:03 pm

  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 thats 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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  a lemon - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By notveryhappy3 - July 7 - 3:46 am

  I bought a 2008 Kia Sorento brand new. After 6 months i had to take back to dealer and the rotors had to be resurfaced so $150 later I had to take it back a couple of months later the throttle sensor went out. From there was every sensor in the car. I had to take it back to the dealersip every 3 months for a year, It has been 1 problem after another with this car. I started haveing a problem with the car when I would crank it of a morning it sounded like the motor was gonna come out of the car. I took it to the dealership and they told me it wsa just over due for an oil change (not) then they put some oil additavies in the car told me to drive it for a week and it would be fine (not) took

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  Ill Never Buy Another Kia - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By Shannon - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I dont know where to start. This was my first new car purchase and I am so disappointed. I guess Ill just make a list: 1) recurring transmission problem (shifts hard) its intermittent and the dealership can never replicate it so they wont fix it 2) passenger airbag sensor only works intermittently, theyve changed the whole seat cushion twice, it still doesnt 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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  100,000 miles in and alls well - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By kudosk9 - March 25 - 3:44 pm

  Now that Ive written this review everythings probably going to go the heck. I purchased this brand new, off the lot, with less than 100 miles on the clock. It now has over 100K. This car has been a solid work horse for me. Ive had to have it in for just one service that I wouldnt be considered wear and tear, and that was when a sensor went out at about 4mon and essentially meant the gas pedal wouldnt work. Apart from that, its been the usual things that happen to a 6 year old car that has 100k on the clock.

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  Wish I had read the reviews - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By lsunburst - February 22 - 9:05 pm

  I bought a used Sorento with low miles a little less than a year ago. The car has been in the shop for a faulty transmission sensor 3 times without much of an explanation from the service department (the positive is all repairs have been covered under warranty). I wish I had read the reviews before purchasing, as the HARD shift and the passenger air bag comments would have alerted me I might not be happy with the choice. I have lost my faith in this car due to the transmission issues, and am looking at trading it in.

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  Great Value - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By Dave - August 27 - 12:53 pm

  Love it so far. We tested similar foreign and domestic vehicles, and found the Sorrento to be the best value overall. It has everything we need for a family of four. The instrument panel has a clean look and the dashboard controls are simple and straightforward. The ride is quiet at all speeds, and so far is very comfortable in the seating area. For this size vehicle, the cargo area is adequate for everyday use, and the rear fold down seats are easy to operate. The powertrain is strong and easily accelerates even at highway speeds.

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  Mistake - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By kia girl - August 7 - 11:06 am

  I had a 2006 Sorento just loved it! Then Nov 4 2008 my dealership called w a great deal. I went for it the car had all I wanted in the 2006. The very next day had to take the car back it stumbled and then I had now RPMs. Turned it off then restart then off I go. They replaced the throttle sensor. Weeks later take it back for the same thing the clean a rodent nest they sold me, out of the air intake. lets just say have had this dang car in every week since ownership. Its going back in the AM its done it again and I have had it back for 6 days. I just paid my second payment I am sorry for making this trade.

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  Passenger side air bag issues - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By redmymail2 - June 17 - 4:40 pm

  My Kia is fun to drive, handles like a dream, I just wish the passenger side airbag sensor light wouldnt come on when there is someone in the seat. I too have had the seat repaired only to have the light come on again. My service tech has recommended that I call Kia directly to ask for help. The 5 star crash test rating, a main reason for buying the Kia, obviously doesnt account for a defective sensor. I would heartily recommend the vehicle to anyone if not for this issue.

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  This is a great SUV for the money - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By Christopher - April 14 - 2:36 am

  I love my Sorento. The gas mileage is abysmal. Once you get over that, and the fact that the stereo is a bit weak, it is terrific in all other respects. It is very well put together with intuitive controls, an attractive interior, great seats, nice exterior design, nice wheels and terrific paint quality. I also like that they dont try to make this a seven seater but instead are very thoughtful with the storage area and addl storage throughout. If Kia could get a better stereo, nav option and work on the gas mileage, this would be the best SUV in its class.

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  Where should I start? - 2008 Kia Sorento
  By Barbara - March 17 - 3:46 am

  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 couldnt 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 didnt they say that when we first complained? We are disappointed that our first new car in years has/had this problem thats not really fixed. We may trade it before something else happens.