2004 Kia Optima Consumer Reviews

Kia owner for life

Written by: David Hatch on 06/03/2008

Vehicle

2004 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is the second Kia I've purchased - first was an '02 Sedona EX that has been so solid, my ex-wife fought for (and got it) in the divorce. I paid around 12K brand new as an '04 left over and have had very few problems. So far after 80K miles all I've done is oil changes, new brake pads, and two new tires (one a side wall puncture). Have not had to used the warranty on this one, but had to in the past on the Sedona (power window, rear wiper motor) and had no hassles in invoking the warranty. Great commuter car that also offers pleanty of interior room. My next car will also be a Kia, but by the way this one's going, that doesn't look like I'll be getting a new one for a while!

Favorite Features

Climate control, better than average audio system, back seat plenty roomy enough for the kids. Even though I didn't want them, mine came with the power moonroof & driver seat - and have had no problems with either.

Suggested Improvements

Real time exterior temp. display would be nice (have to hit a button to check temp.) Would like to have a travel computer/compass - but that's nit- picking considering the value of his car

Report inappropriate post

I'm a KIA lover now!

Written by: Tess68 on 05/31/2008

Vehicle

2004 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

My car just hit 68,000, besides a few dings (by others!) I have had no problems, just the rotors replaced. This has been a dependable family car, I drive 20 miles to work everyday through snow, ice, rain, and nice days without a problem. I am a very nervous person on the road in the Winter and this car has been great to me! Starting to make some rattles, and steering shake, I am praying this won't be a problem. I hear after 40-50,000 KIA'S are having problems. Anybody out there have any as of yet with this year?

Favorite Features

Smooth ride, pretty car (I have it in blue), love the little features; sunglass holder etc. ha ha. Really happy with it!

Suggested Improvements

Handles need to be painted more?? Not sure why they are both loosing their paint? When going uphill takes awhile for car to shift gears? All KIA dealers closed in area closest for me now is 1 hour away :(

Report inappropriate post

WOW

Written by: dntfeartareaper on 04/03/2008

Vehicle

2004 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this car with 9,000 miles on it. Great car for the price. This four cylinder moves, I've beat Camaros, v6 Cavaliers an Accord and a Volvo. I now have 40,000 miles on it and it's still going very strong. All that's been done to it since I've had it is that I put on a k&n filter, got a trans flush and oil changes. Sound system was good but I upgraded it. Design is awesome. Great car for college students or anyone for that matter

Favorite Features

everything: performance, gas mileage, ride quality, handling, i like it all.

Suggested Improvements

should get a lil more hp

Report inappropriate post

it ok

Written by: Terri on 03/23/2008

Vehicle

2004 Kia Optima EX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

seem to me I steering to the right a lot on this car. Maybe caused it have Low performances tires. Also the road noise is bad ain't a really big fan of that.

Favorite Features

Oh I Love my moon roof all was wanted one. Not a really big fan on leather seats either. but them seem not to bad.

Suggested Improvements

I don't like how it down shift hard at times.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Good Value

Written by: Ant on 01/22/2008

Vehicle

2004 Kia Optima EX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I didn't think that Kia would have a good car, but the Optima proved me wrong on the test drive. My 04 V6 has a good amount of power and the style of it makes it look like it might have cost a lot.

Favorite Features

For a stock sound system it sounds pretty nice. I like the sportsmatic. The auto lights I love. Gas mileage is pretty good for a v-6, open road and I got 400+ miles without the fuel light turning on.

Suggested Improvements

A stiffer suspension would be nice and some engine upgrades would be great (turbocharger or supercharger) for the guy driver like myself!!

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

New Purchase of Used Kia Optima

Written by: Doug Pierce on 04/02/2007

Vehicle

2004 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Just purchased a 2004 Kia Optima, I like the way the car rides and handles, engine seems strong and fuel economy so far is averaging appx. 25.6 mpg city and country driving. I wish the car had auto headlamps and auto door locking. Otherwise I am very happy so far, I just purchased the vehicle with 60640 miles on. Body and paint are excellent, interior is spotless. I like the way the driver's seat fits me, I am short however I can sit back from the steering wheel and still reach the accelerator and brake pedal. In my 97 Buick which this replaces, I had to sit much to close to the steering wheel, miss the power seat and dual AC. Otherwise a great vehicle. Thanks.

Favorite Features

Seating, visibility, ease of handling fit and finish of all materials. Interior material fit and finish excellent as outside features.

Suggested Improvements

Power seat, auto headlamps on/off-dual AC and auto lock of all doors.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Looking for a good used car?

Written by: jim on 02/24/2007

Vehicle

2004 Kia Optima EX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I now have about 40K miles and over 2 years on this car (see my 7/02/05 review) and no major problems. I average about 23mpg in mixed hwy/city driving. I would definitely recommend this as a great used car buy (but only the V6). I have had a few minor things fixed at no cost under warranty: rattle in rear view mirror, license plate light cracked, and the keyless entry control unit stopped responding. The engine still purrs and It rides just as smooth and quiet as ever with no rattles. I am looking forward to the next 40K miles.

Favorite Features

I still love the leather and smooth powerful engine. The Infinity sound system is as good as you'll hear in any upscale sports sedan. All the woodgrain trim looks beautiful and wears well inside.

Suggested Improvements

A little more leg room for taller drivers and backseat passengers, all of which were fixed in the 2006 model.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Excellent - Best by Far

Written by: D Duke on 01/07/2007

Vehicle

2004 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Purchased this for high miles use and Kia warranty and outstanding value. 4th KIA owned - all excellent with high miles. Have never been left on the road walking by any of 4 Kia's owned. Currently own 2 Optima's. Emergency road service excellent when I locked key out of KIA 2000 model. Atlanta rapid response and back inside within an hour. Top ride and good gas mpg...30+. As a Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Ford, Chevy, Infiniti etc. owner who loves great cars, this is best overall for price, mpg, warranty, and reliability. On road all hours day and night and it gets me there. Always.

Favorite Features

Great ride-good mpg-warranty and service.

Suggested Improvements

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great Quality & Service

Written by: Capt 4 on 10/28/2006

Vehicle

2004 Kia Optima EX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)

Review

This is the first automatic I have owned in years. The car has style, a great sound system and is worth the money. Good value by far, for what you get. Many come up and ask me how do I like the car. Are there any problems? I tell them for about $9k less than the Japanese brands, with the same features and no problems it's a good value. I will say the service is by far # 1 on their agenda - they do a good job of pleasing the customer. The only bad feature is outdated colors for the newer cars. We had all the green and dark grey cars to last for another century. Especially when you want to attract younger buyers. Take a tip from Toyo and Nissan when it's color time Kia and Hyundai!

Favorite Features

Airbags all around and not as costly as a Saab or Benz. Gas mileage ahh? Great on the road, the dealer service the best. My pearl white is the best color. A whole lot of car for the money. Worth the test drive for sure.

Suggested Improvements

Suspension, too soft, on sharp turns it feels like a Lincoln. Brakes can be better. New paint colors, stop the madness with old colors. ABS worth the extra money. Keep the warranty, it shows you have a good car. Faster TSB's for the techs.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

GAS MPG

Written by: analyzerlx on 10/01/2006

Vehicle

2004 Kia Optima EX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

The odometer reads 34,400 so far and going strong. I commute pretty often now and I've been going from Georgia to Maryland, VA or NC. I recently checked my MPGs and was pretty happy to see it is around 32.4 MPG. I think that's great since the EPA highway is only supposed to be 27. The car has a few mysterious dings. Other than that it has been a very comfortable ride. I believe it should reach 100,000 with no problem. I plan on fixing the timing chain at 60,000 and will see if I have a problem after that.

Favorite Features

I like the smooth ride and believe the handling to be very good for its size and price. I enjoy the moonroof and the overall styling inside and out. I have to admit the new 2006.5 does look pretty good, too!

Suggested Improvements

I would have liked a little more HP and torque. 235+ for HP and torque would be enough. Metal panels should be more dent resistant.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post