Used 2004 Kia Optima Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used Optima for sale
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.
beware of 04 optima
mike fletchinger, 04/14/2010
2004 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Al2, 12/31/2003
2004 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Try Anything Once!
E.D.B., 11/08/2003
2004 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Get it a try!
Mark1016, 01/01/2004
2004 Kia Optima EX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Leila, 04/13/2010
2004 Kia Optima EX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
mack11, 01/03/2004
2004 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
clsdee, 01/05/2004
2004 Kia Optima EX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
sdanie18, 04/22/2010
2004 Kia Optima LX V6 4dr Sedan (2.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Mike, 10/22/2005
2004 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
RIchris, 01/13/2004
2004 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.