Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size SUV, often marketed as a sport utility vehicle with car-like handling
Key Competitors:
Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Vehicle Platform:
Body-on-frame construction, shared platform with Hyundai Terracan
Drivetrain Options:
Available in 2WD (rear-wheel drive) and 4WD (part-time or full-time system with electronic transfer case)
Seating Capacity:
Available with 5 or 7 seats (optional third row)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, exhaust, engine management
Drivetrain:
Manual and automatic transmissions, transfer case, drive shafts, axles, differentials, AWD system
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic, ABS), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instrument cluster, body electrical, power accessories, HVAC controls, infotainment, ECUs
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, glass, structural components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, overhaul procedures, sub-assembly repairs
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Depth:
In-depth coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical system diagnostics
Transmission Type Gasoline:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4-speed manual also available in some markets)
Transmission Type Diesel:
Not applicable for this model year in many markets (though diesel was available in others)
AWD System:
Electronically controlled full-time 4WD system (Active AWD)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia ATF-SP-II or equivalent (refer to manual for exact spec)
Automatic Transmission Capacity Qts:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (check manual for exact capacity)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger) - for 2004 model year (check specific test data)
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Acceptable (for 2004 model year, check specific test data)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium audio system with subwoofer
Navigation:
Optional dealer-installed or aftermarket navigation systems were available.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary input jack for external audio devices may be present on some units.
Oil Change Interval Miles:
7,500 miles or 12 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions (refer to manual for severe conditions)
Engine Air Filter Replacement Miles:
15,000 - 30,000 miles (check manual)
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
100,000 miles (for iridium spark plugs, check manual)
Engine Oil Specification:
API SM/SN or ILSAC GF-4, SAE 5W-30 (check manual for temperature range)
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water), compatible with Kia specifications (e.g., Genuine Kia Long Life Coolant)
Engine Oil Capacity Qts:
Approx. 5.1 quarts with filter (check manual)
Engine Misfires:
Can be caused by faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors. Often accompanied by Check Engine Light.
Transmission Slipping:
Potential issues with valve body or torque converter in automatic transmissions, often related to fluid degradation or low fluid level.
Suspension Noise:
Worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or bushings can lead to clunking or rattling noises, especially over bumps.
Brake Wear:
Normal wear and tear, but premature wear can sometimes be related to sticky caliper pins.
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean manufacturer, has a history dating back to 1944. Known for its growing global presence and value-oriented vehicles.
Sorento Generation 1:
The 2004 Sorento represents the first generation (codename SJC), which debuted in 2002. It was Kia's first mid-size SUV and was built on a traditional body-on-frame chassis.
Manufacturing Location:
South Korea (Hwasung Plant)
