🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Sorento

Year:

2004

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2004 Kia Sorento was positioned as a mid-size SUV, offering a blend of utility, comfortable ride, and value. It competed in a segment with established players like the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Competitive Analysis:

The Sorento aimed to differentiate itself with a more robust, truck-like construction (body-on-frame, initially) compared to unibody competitors, providing perceived durability and towing capability. It also often offered a competitive price point.

Key Features:

Available with V6 engine, optional 4WD, comfortable seating for up to seven passengers (depending on configuration), and a focus on practicality and affordability.

Vehicle Segment:

Mid-size SUV.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Vehicle operation, safety, maintenance, emergency procedures, specifications.

Page Count:

Estimated 200-300 pages (typical for owner's manuals of this era).

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (as implied by 'delivered by the new car').

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, drivetrain, brakes, steering, suspension, climate control, electrical system (lighting, wipers, audio), interior features, exterior features, instrumentation, controls.

Instrument Panel And Controls:

Detailed explanations of all dashboard lights, gauges, switches, and controls for climate, audio, lighting, and wipers.

Exterior Features:

Operation of doors, windows, mirrors, sunroof (if equipped), roof rack, and exterior lighting.

Interior Features:

Operation of seats, seatbelts, interior lighting, power outlets, cupholders, and storage compartments.

Procedures Included:

Daily checks, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire pressure adjustment, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement, fuse replacement, basic troubleshooting steps, emergency procedures (tire change, jump starting, towing).

Fuel And Refueling:

Information on fuel type, capacity, and safe refueling procedures.

Tire And Wheel Care:

Guidance on checking tire pressure, tread wear, and wheel nut torque.

Emergency Procedures:

Detailed steps for changing a flat tire, jump-starting the battery, and basic troubleshooting for common on-road issues.

Drivetrain Operation:

Explanation of 2WD vs 4WD operation, transfer case engagement if applicable.

Lighting Operation:

Details on headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, fog lights (if equipped), and interior lighting.

Technical Depth:

Basic to intermediate. Focuses on user operation and routine maintenance, not advanced diagnostics or repair procedures.

Troubleshooting Guidance:

Basic 'If you experience...' sections for common warning lights or minor vehicle issues.

Information Focus:

Focuses on owner responsibilities for safe operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Not a repair manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

N/A (Physical Print)

Print Quality:

Standard OEM print quality for owner's manuals of its time.

Binding Type:

Stapled or Perfect Bound (typical for owner's manuals).

Paper Type:

Durable paper stock suitable for automotive environment.

Completeness:

Comprehensive owner's manual covering all aspects of vehicle operation and basic care.

Searchability:

Index at the end of the manual allows for quick topic lookup.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.5L V6 (Lambda G6CU or G6CU-II)

Horsepower:

Approximately 192-200 hp (depending on exact engine code and market).

Torque:

Approximately 217-220 lb-ft.

Fuel System:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).

Engine Code:

G6CU (for initial models)

Engine Configuration:

SOHC V6

Displacement:

3.5 Liters (3497 cc)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Engine Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy (likely).

Bore X Stroke:

Approx. 3.62 in x 2.86 in (92.0 mm x 72.8 mm).

Compression Ratio:

Approx. 9.4:1.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

4-speed Automatic Transmission

Optional Transmission:

N/A (4-speed automatic was standard for most markets)

Features:

Electronically controlled with overdrive.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 106.3 inches (2700 mm).

Overall Length:

Approximately 185.0 inches (4700 mm).

Overall Width:

Approximately 73.4 inches (1865 mm).

Overall Height:

Approximately 67.5 inches (1715 mm).

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4100-4500 lbs (depending on drivetrain and equipment).

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Typically around 5700-6000 lbs.

Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:

Limited, approximately 10-15 cubic feet.

Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:

Approximately 30-40 cubic feet.

Cargo Volume Behind 1St Row:

Approximately 70-80 cubic feet.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Impact Rating:

4-star (for 2004 models).

NHTSA Front Passenger Impact Rating:

4-star (for 2004 models).

NHTSA Side Driver Impact Rating:

4-star (for 2004 models).

NHTSA Side Rear Passenger Impact Rating:

4-star (for 2004 models).

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS) (optional), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (introduced later in generation, less common for early 2004).

Passive Features:

Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags (optional), front seatbelt pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchors.

Tire Size:

Commonly 235/70R16 or 245/65R17 (depending on trim and options).

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x139.7 mm (5x5.5 inches)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

Basic AM/FM/CD player, optional cassette player, manual climate controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. ABS standard, Traction Control and ESC were optional or became more prevalent in later model years/trims.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No Bluetooth or USB connectivity in this model year).

Instrumentation:

Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, coolant temperature. Warning lights for various systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months with synthetic oil, per manual recommendation.

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Typically every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 5.5 US quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter change.

Transmission Fluid Specification:

Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent.

Coolant Specification:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (e.g., Dex-Cool compatible or specific Kia coolant).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Known Issues:

Some early models reported issues with automatic transmission shifting, potential for head gasket leaks on higher mileage vehicles, and occasional electrical gremlins. Rust can also be a concern in certain climates.

Maintenance Schedule Key:

Regular checks of tire pressure, fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, washer fluid), and visual inspection of belts and hoses are critical.

Transfer Case Fluid Capacity:

Refer to manual, typically around 1.5-2.0 quarts for 4WD models.

Differential Fluid Capacity Front:

Refer to manual.

Differential Fluid Capacity Rear:

Refer to manual.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Kia, a South Korean automotive manufacturer, has grown significantly since its inception. It has established a reputation for offering value-oriented vehicles with improving quality and features over time.

Model Evolution:

The 2004 Sorento represents the first generation of the model. It was initially launched as a more rugged, body-on-frame SUV, later transitioning to a unibody construction in subsequent generations.

Production Years:

First Generation: 2002-2009.

Manufacturing Locations:

South Korea.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The first-generation Sorento received generally positive reviews for its value proposition and utility, though often criticized for less refined on-road manners compared to unibody competitors. Specific awards are not prominently noted for this model year.