2004 Kia Spectra Review

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Kia Spectra model years

Kia Spectra for Sale

Kia Spectra types

Sedan
Hatchback

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Long range warranty, redesigned version sports a spunky engine, well-finished interior and standard side-curtain airbags.

Cons

Suspension a bit soft, weak performance on outgoing model, ABS optional only on most expensive models.

What’s new

Kia introduces a completely redesigned and much improved Spectra as a midyear 2004 model. However, both the old and new versions are available this year.

Edmunds says

The redesigned Spectra is a major leap ahead of its predecessor in terms of comfort, safety and value.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$185/mo

$183/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Kia Spectra.

5 (52%)

4 (25%)

3 (10%)

2 (12%)

1 (1%)

4.1

116 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 116 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Will stay with Kia

sargrebe, 07/25/2011

2004 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

We bought our first new car in 04. It is technically an 04 model, with an 05 body style. We loved this car so much that when my husband wanted a new one we bought an 08 manual for him. Great Gas mileage! Great starter car for a young family. The only cons are that the gas tank straps failed after 5 years, and I had to have those replaced, scary! And the interior after 8 years is …

Cannot Align?

tommywebb, 03/18/2008

2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

When I got the car it needed an alignment, should have made them fix it then. We loved the car. We paid cash for it. Well.........I took it to get new tires and an alignment in Oct. of '07 and the alignment tech told there is no camber adjustment on the KIA so he could not align the car. WHAT? He then proceeded to tell me I had to buy an aftermarket kit and it would cost $200 to install …

PROBLEM FROM DAY 1

debrastark, 04/23/2012

2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)

I purchased this vehicle from a Barrie Ontario dealer in Sept 2004..it had 18000 on it (I was told it was a rental car b4 I bought it)-in any case the check engine light was on from day one. The most disturbing is when you would go it would hesitate and not seem to "catch" a gear..no power-you would turn it off turn back on and it would seem to reset itself. I took it to Barrie Kia …

I LIKE MY SPECTRA

KAYG, 12/03/2003

2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

I have had my new car for little over three months and I love driving it. Even with a four cl. On the open highway it handels good, I love the style. The only neg. thing I can say is the sterring when turned to sharp it screams.

See all 116 reviews of the Kia Spectra

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2004 Spectra Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$11,820
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$185/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver3 / 5
Passenger3 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
RolloverNot Rated
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Poor
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Poor
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

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2004 Kia Spectra Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Kia Spectra.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Will stay with Kia

Cannot Align?

PROBLEM FROM DAY 1

I LIKE MY SPECTRA

2004 Spectra Highlights

Safety

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2004 Kia Spectra Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Will stay with Kia

Cannot Align?

PROBLEM FROM DAY 1

I LIKE MY SPECTRA

2004 Spectra Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2004 Kia Spectra info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Kia

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}