2004 Kia Optima Review

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Used Optima for sale

$3,995

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Kia Optima model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Excellent warranty, pleasant highway ride, lots of features for the price.

Cons

Noisy four-cylinder engine, some cheap interior bits, ABS isn't available on four-cylinder models.

What’s new

The Kia Optima receives only minor revisions for the 2004 model year. The grille has been revised, 16-inch wheels are now standard on V6 models and the alloy wheels on the EX (last year's SE) have been redesigned. Finally, an in-glass antenna replaces the old power mast style unit from last year, but only on the EX and the LX with the optional cassette/CD audio system.

Edmunds says

The Optima trails its Japanese competitors when it comes to overall polish, but those seeking a stylish, well-equipped family sedan for less than $20K will find this Kia appealing.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$181/mo

$176/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

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

5 (67%)

4 (22%)

3 (7%)

2 (3%)

1 (1%)

4.5

162 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Bad Car to purchase

fireman33, 08/08/2011

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

I have read alot of reviews on this car and some are good and some are bad. The ones that are good i hope it keeps going good for you. Well i have an 04 kia optima and I thought it was going to be a good car. I thought wrong , I have had nothing but problems with it since i got it. I have had it for a year and a half and bought it with 78k on it and now it has 99k on it. I have had the …

Great reliable car, awesome gas mileage, low maint

Carrie, 09/08/2015

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

I bought a 2004 used Kia Optima LX 4cy, front wheel drive, back in 2006 or 2007. It had 47k miles on it. This car was bought from a reputable dealership, one owner, and the cost was about $10,000 dollars. It had air conditioning, powered windows and locks, cd player and radio, powered mirrors, and rear folding seats, with a console to pull down in the back for 2 cup holders. And 2 cup …

Overall Good Car

Anthony J., 10/26/2010

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

Purchased car in 2005 when we had addition to our family. Looked at Altima, Malibu, Impala & Accord but they were more than we were willing to pay. Some how ended up on Kia lot and that's where the story begins. Took car for test drive:nice interior, sunroof, good power, auto-stick. I was really surprised. I haven't had a single problem with it since I've owned the car besides getting …

My best decision

Suhail Sood, 08/26/2010

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

I bought it used with 67,948 miles on it. Replaced transmission fluid and stock Infinity stereo with pioneer DEH- 2200UB and boom it sounds great with stock speakers and tweeters. Engine goes silent after 5 minutes of drive. I get about 23-27 mpg on regular commute. My Optima has California state emissions and don't have to worry about timing belt change until 105,000 miles Last time …

See all 162 reviews of the Kia Optima

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2004 Optima Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$15,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$181/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the Optima include:

Alarm

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
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
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
Acceptable
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
Poor

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2004 Kia Optima Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Consumer reviews

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

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Bad Car to purchase

Great reliable car, awesome gas mileage, low maint

Overall Good Car

My best decision

2004 Optima Highlights

Safety

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2004 Kia Optima Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Bad Car to purchase

Great reliable car, awesome gas mileage, low maint

Overall Good Car

My best decision

2004 Optima Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2004 Kia Optima info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Kia

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Kia Optima LX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}