Used 2004 Kia Optima Sedan Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
I love my Optima
My 4 cylinder does not have a noisy engine. I've had no problems to date. People ask me all the time what kind of car it is (logo is on the back of car), because the body is so nice. It looks, feels and drives like a luxury car, but it was affordable for me. I love my car and I'm thankful for it. Time will only tell if it stands the test of time. I'm hoping it's overall performance rates like a Toyota or Nissan (engines last forever).
bbpyl
It's grace on the road
2004 optima
just got a 2004 optima after driving a 2000 sephia for three years it is qutie a improvement power,confornt,control,
I love this car
I love everything about the Optima EX. I've had a Mercedes 190D in the 70's and a BMW 7series in the 80's and wouldn't trade the Optima for either one. I traded a 2003 Spectra for this Optima and had absolutely NO TROUBLE with it. Kia is a great company and builds EXCELLENT, FAIRLY PRICED cars--- It's a shame America and Japan can't take note of this.
first new car in 20? years
I originally went for the least expensive, highest mpg I could find. The Rio was just to small and offered no extras to speak of. I purchased a demo with 15K on it already. Very Impressive functionality and preformance for a comfortable vehicle with 28.7 open road mpg.
kia works great
i bought this car because i commute 250 miles a day and wanted something with a warranty that would last the longest. the car is very comfortable and and good highway cruiser. it's got the necessary power when i need it. i just wish it got a little better gas mileage. other than that i think its a very nice car. i've had the car for 6 months and have put over 26k miles so far with no problems!
My Kia Optima is just excellent!
I really enjoy my Optima. The drive is excellent, smooth running engine. While most 4 cylinder cars I tested lost alot of power when I flipped on the air, you don't notice any lack of power with my optima. I love the interior features alot. And it was all at an excellent price. I would definately recomend the optima to anyone.
Underrated
This KIA is very comfortable and has plenty enough power to get anyone into trouble. It has all the bells and whistles of much more expensive cars. This is the Honda of the future. Remember when people laughed at Hondas when they first got here? The Japanese need to be looking over their shoulders.
My New Kia
I have found this Kia to be an excellent value for the money. The dealership gave over $4000 in rebates, bringing my cost to $11,987. You can't get used for that price.
2004 Kia Optima LX
I purchased the car used with 59K miles. I now have 63K miles and have already had to replace the power steering hose ($200 +) and now the power door locks are messed up and literally lock me in the car. I have had to climb out the window, this might be ok if I were Bo Duke. It does have a smooth ride. Sometimes when I first start the car it will stall or take a second to get going, sorta like it's not getting gas. The car looks pretty but looks can be deceiving. Don't buy. Run away.
Horrible!
Worst car i have EVER had. My 95' sat urn was better than this w/ 160,000 miles! My grandfather bought me a 2004 Kia Optima LX in June of 2006 for my graduation present. I LOVED the car when i first got it. Now i HATE it. I have to change out my headlights at least once or twice every three months. The belts on this car always break. The hoses don't last long AT ALL. My struts are always needing replaced. I always keep up on the maintenance on this car.. but it seems like i have spent MORE on this car for repairs than what my grandfather bought it for. I will NEVER EVER own another kia in my entire life. Stay away from these cares.They are crap!
Positive Choice
The Kia Optima in a price comparison with other makes and models won hands down both in quality and features. The car is well equipped with virtually all the accessories one would want. From a moon roof to ABS brakes, leather interior and a 24V-V6 engine. The engine is quiet and very responsive. Interior noise is low and the car gives a good solid feel during city or highway driving. Overall the form, fit and function of the car is outstanding, particularly at this price.
great buy
I drive my Optima EXV6 50 miles a day and I get great milage. The ride is always comfortable, both in town and on the highway. I also have the relief to know that I ride with the best warranty in the field. I highly reccomend this to anyone who is looking for a $30,000. ride for much less.
I lOVE THIS CAR
This was the first car I have ever picked out for myself and am I ever happy with it. It handles very smoothly and is sooooo comfortable for me....fits me well. I have followed the manufacturers suggestions on care and have not had any problems. It runs great and corners like an expensive sports car. I know, I drive on winding roads regularly. Very fun and inexpensive to own.
my kia optima
the 2004 Kia Optima is an affordable luxury mid size car. Great visibility and handling. Sleek lines and comfortable seating. The manual transmission is smooth and easy to shift and fun to drive! the extra defrost vents on the front doors are just one example of creative and useful engineering. and you can't beat the Kia warranty and customer service that Kia provides.
Optima
I bought my Optima with about 52000 miles. Overall, it is pretty reliable and fuel economy is good, however it could be better. So far the only things I had to replace are the power steering hose, batteries and the lightbulb in the headlight. At times when I start my car, the cars stalls and takes a couple of seconds to start going.
Nice Ride!!!!!
I've owned my KIA Optima EX less than a week. Love the car, and can't wait to get off work to drive it home. This is my second KIA, first one being a Sephia. I was quite pleased with that vehicle, and had no trouble selling it. I decided to move up. My Optima has excellent features, and I love to look of the car. Doors have a nice solid sound when you shut them. Ride is quiet, and very comfortable. The V-6 is smooth, and quiet. My Optima is very spacious, and easy to get in, and out of. Love the hydraulic lifts on the trunk, and hood. Don't have the old fashioned arms crushing things in the trunk.
HORRIBLE piece of junk
Have had my Kia for about 2 years. Constant trouble. Timing belt, pully, power steering, and now the computer is out. Guess I will have to sell it on ebay for a few hundred bucks.
Great Commuter Car
I drive approx. 150 miles a day in my car. The ride is quite comfortable and I think I got alot of features for the money. For the $15.5K on the sticker I could either drive a stripped sedan either from the US or Japan. I am quite pleased with the quality "feel". -Good acceleration -Quiet ride -Around 30 mpg highway -Comfortable seating
Very good car
I have owned a Cadillac, a Lincoln Town Car, and several Chevy, Oldsmobile, and Chrysler vehicles. My 2003 Optima EX is as good as any of them. It has a nice ride, handles very well, and is quieter than my Town Car or Coupe de Ville were. On a recent 1000 mile trip, I got 33 MPG and the first 10000 miles have been totally trouble-free. I highly recommend this car.
2002 Optima EX-V6
For a 2002 it has had less problems than previous American cars I've owned but more problems than my last Honda. Overlal I am happy with the fit and finish of the interior and the amount of car for the money.
Try Anything Once!
I find that the accutaments included in this vehicle as standard equipment are far more than what seems to be available in any other offering I have run across. I really cannot comment on the gas milage, except to say that I don't believe it will be as high as the published estimates of 32/33mpg city/highway. Overall, this vehicle seems to be an exceptional value.
optimal luxury for a great price
The styling, comfort, quality, and performance are all there at an amazing price.
Happy kia Owner
After reading a few of these reviews I decided to post one of my own. I have owned my Kia less than 4 months and have put over 10,000 miles one it. While I must admit the engine is a little noise at idle the ride on the road is extremely quiet. Trying to figure out where other people get the noisy comment from. I have been extremely pleased with the ride and fuel milage from my Kia. It is a nice sedan to drive, not a sporty performer but I knew that when I bought the car. Over all for the money I think the car is a comfortable and quiet ride and an enjoyable car to own.
my car
I am a fan of economic dependability. I am very pleased with this car.
Watch out Nips
I have owned my KIA since 12/31/03 have not had a single problem with it. It rides well, is comfortable and looks more expensive. The fit and finish is as good as anything out of Japan. I don't know what some of the reviewers were talking about when it comes to wind noise. My Optima is very quiet. There are few things they could do to improve the car, but it is very nice as is. My car was loaded with all but leather and the sticker was $22.035. That is a lot of car for the money.
optima reiview
A good car overall and bang for you buck. I had some minor issues which the dealer took care and did not had to pay. The car has been very reliable however do notice a jurk from trans once in a while if I don't change the trans oil every year. Expensive to maintian the car because of parts and labour is costly. The handling is decent but the tires could have been bigger. Ride quality is excellent and comfy. The v6 engine is outstanding when exceling. Interior built quality could be more durable. But I am not complaining as I have 125K miles and the car is going strong.
I Love my Kia
This is my second Kia Optima in the last two years.(Kia Optima LX 02) and (Kia Optima SE-V6 03. I've enjoyed driving and owning both of them, but the V-6 is definately the Optimum. I like every thing about my car, and especially the fact that it's given me exceptional service and pleasure. Would I buy another Kia? Definately Yes. A Very Satisfied Customer
AWESOME CAR
I just love my car.If you buy the EX V- 6 leather interior you will hard pressed to tell it from a 30,000+ dollar luxury car.
Good Value
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.
Great car BUT.........
I bought an 04' Kia Optima EX 4 cyl. from a used car dealer in August of last year. This a GREAT car! I've been told it looks like from far away a Jag so I call it my Kia-Jag. Interior is great, power everything,leather, fog lights, wood grain, 6 speaker Infinity Sound system with a sunroof but I dont like the gas mileage. For a Kia I was thinking it was gonna be better but I should have done more research. 17/ city 23/highway was not what I was looking for, but hey you get what you pay for. Hope this was helpful
beware of 04 optima
I bought this optima in 2006 with about 22,000 miles. A friend, a kia service tech, said I would love this car. When used, the warranty only goes to 60,000 miles. After about 61,000 the air bag light came on, the cruise control and speedometer sometimes don't work and the transmission has gotten really rough especially in cold weather and on these cold spring mornings. It will have to be replaced. What started out to be a pleasure has started to become a nightmare.
Good Value
We have about 7500 miles on the 2003 which was purchased in October. There were a few things needing attention after delivery but the Dealer has been good about servicing. Its a six, fully loaded with the exception of ABS. We bought because of the warranty and low pricing.
Luxury @ Half the Price!
I have the top of the line Kia Optima and it is every bit as luxurious, inside and out, as the Lincoln LS. As a matter of fact, they look identical on the inside. I love my Kia and would reccomend it to anyone looking for a new car.
Katie Kia
I love this car! I travel significantly in this comfortable, fuel efficient car. It looks professional and much more expense for an economy car.
love my kia
I absolutely love my kia. It is fun to drive, looks great, and is laid out for easy use and convenience. I can not say enough about how much value I have received for what I've paid for it.
Be careful
I loved the car when I first got it, but I had so many little issues with it. First, I believe i replaced the head lights about 17 times, its OK on gas but now that the Car is 5 I have lots of rust the paint is going on it, the power steering has given me so many problems, and to get it replaced the cost is unreasonable for a vehicle that is suppose to be a good investment for your money... You pay for it in the end. I am looking for another car.
Very Pleased
Looked at the Optima as a last resort as a more resonable alternative to the higher priced imports and have been more than pleased with my decision. Excellent price, outstanding warranty, and best dealership support I've seen. You a get a lot of car for the price. I would recommend this car to anyone looking at the higher priced foreign imports and domestics.
KIA Optima (2004)
I love my new KIA Optima. It has a ton of features for under 20 thousand. I haven't made it to my first oil change yet but I still love to walk outside and see it in the driveway. It's pretty spacious and I love the safety features, especially for my kid. (Child Safety Locks, Side Airbags, etc.) All in all it's a very nice car for the price. I would recommend it.
2004 Optima EX 2.4L
Just bought the car on 12/05. So far the only "problem" is how to program the homelink to open my garage door. Very good build quality
Review of Kia Optima
My wife and I bought this car knowing that we had a baby on the way. This car has been great for our small family with plenty of rrom for the car seat, a great sound system and a smooth ride.
Kia's are GREAT
I traded in a brand new Nissan Sentra to get this car. The dealer went out of their way to put me in this beautiful silver V6 with power everything. So far my only problem is the battery is dead in my key FOB already. I can live with that -- the car came with two FOBS.
optiam
This my 3rd kia optiam we love them.I get from 25 to 30 miles per gallon.We enjoy driving them.We have the same features as more expensive cars.good car for the value.
Get it a try!
I have been toying with the idea of buying Korean. I like the tweeks made in the exterior design for the '04 Optima. The 6 cylinder moves out plenty fast enough for me to collect some pricey tickets. I am 6'1" and my only complaint is that my head is very close to the headliner in the car. The steering wheel needs to be telescoping for long legged people.
Great Little Car
I bought this car new in 2004. Aside from a CV axle issue starting around 50K miles, I have had no problems. I have bought tires, replaced the front brakes and done routine maintenance and that's it! She just rolled over 140,000 miles this past weekend and we're still rocking along. I'm looking forward to my next purchase: the 2011 Sorento.
best car for the money
For the money, it is the best car I ever owned. Underated by the media. Ready to buy their new, best model now. KIA is gaining momentum very quickly.
2004 KIA OPTIMA EX ,V6,4DR SEDAN
THIS IS MY FIRST KIA AND I AM REALLY IMPRESSED WITH THE QUALITY AND PREFORMANCE. IT IS A PLEASURE TO DRIVE AND VERY ECONOMICAL ON GAS. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO MANY YEARS OF KIA PLEASURE.
Very Reliable, Fun to Drive Car
I was hesitant about buying a Kia, I had originally wanted an Accord but I needed a more affordable car. I have to say this car has changed my opinion of Kia - it's been very reliable in the nearly 2 years I have owned it. I purchased the car with 56K and now have nearly 78K on the odometer. I consider this car a lot of fun to drive because my previous car was a 1994 Buick Century! I think if you keep up to date with maintenance (and don't get stuck with a lemon like some people on here must have) then you will have a great car on your hands.
The continuing evolution of Kia
Traded my 2000 Kia Sephia, the worst car ever made in the history of the world, for the '04 Optima. Had decided to give Kia another shot at showing me they knew what they were doing. Excellent move - I now drive a car with styling that makes BMW and Mercedes owners turn their heads, performance is excellent, and the build quality (unlike the '00 Sephia) is exceptional. Other than having to replace the factory-original Kumho tires at 18,000 miles (Kumho - these things disintegrate early and often), I've had to do oil changes and that's it. Fantastic reliability.
still new
I only just bought my Optima a bit over a week ago but having 26 years of driving experience i think I can rate it so far. It drives very well especially on the highway. Though the 4 cylinder isn't the peppiest i've driven it's sufficient for getting up to speed in a timely manner. The interior is comfortable and easy to manage. The styling I think is what stands out most, it looks better in my opinion that most Accords and Camrys. So far so good for a comfortable new car under 20 grand.