Used 2004 Kia Spectra Consumer Reviews
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Careful: The Bear Wants Christmas Money!
Jake, 12/29/2004
2004 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The compact hatchback is styled "right". The day I purchased my Spectra I had the check engine light reset. It has been back to the dealership two other times for the same thing, but I have been out in less than an hour each time. As a former line mechanic, I have reset the computer twice myself: once at high altitude above Sante Fe and the other on a foggy morning. It has a dash rattle which I may not get fixed unless it gets louder. I change my own oil and keep all receipts, but I really don't expect problems with the warranty. It is a great second generation vehicle which I rate behind a Corolla or Civic, but I paid an exceptional price-$3600 below MSRP-they met my earned interest rate!
Spectra Lover
NCZ9300, 06/12/2004
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Spectra... Best car Ive owned!
Nice Ride
Silverado, 04/22/2005
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this 2004 in April of 05. They were trying to get rid of the last of their 04s, so we got $4500 off MSRP. Got the car fully loaded, sunroof and all out the door for $12,600. What a great deal. Car drives very nicely, and is very quiet. Good power, smooth shifting manual.
Cars!!Cars!!Everywhere, Cars!!!
Junior, 07/04/2005
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my spectra. I'm 6'1 and fit in it perfectly. My friends range from 6' to 6'5 and fit in the back seats perfectly. There is a little dash rattle, but my music is normally high enough to where I don't recognize it. This is one of my first cars and I love it more than all of the others.
VERY ECONOMICAL
JUMPINSTEVIEG, 06/22/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR WITH THE NEW BODY STYLE AND ITS A BIG MAKEOVER FROM THE LAST ONE
Bust with Kia
terri, 06/17/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Was in shop 3 times before 3000 miles. Nothing but trouble at 14,000 now. Will never buy another, will not recommend anyone buy a Kia.
love my kia
sexiestinpink, 06/21/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
my new kia handles very well , corners highway ect.its good on gas although all cars could improve on that!the warranty is excellent.it is comfortable and the design is kind of sporty.the ride is very smooth. i havent had it long enough to know of any future problems,i feel very safe in my kia spectra. i will say it is a nicely designed car.im very happy with it. anyone who sais kia's are no good , they are wrong!!
If Kia keeps this up the Big guys better
Stylish, 07/23/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My second Kia in one year. I bought a 2003 Kia Sedona and love it, now I looked into the All New Spectra. I love it. Looks great, good on gas and the engine is peppy. If you're in the market give Kia a try. I paid $10,900 for the EX need I say more.
No Quality Control
tschux, 02/24/2004
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Spectra brand new, the air conditioner went out on the drive home. Parked it on my driveway and noticed a puddle of oil under the car, after owning the car for 30 minutes!!! The car has been in the shop 6 times in 9 months, all different things wrong with it. Spend a few extra $$ and get something other than this car.
do not buy
johnson kia, 07/27/2004
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
no pick up, poor gas milage.. dealship does not honor warranties, turn knobs for seat poositioning in poor location unable to use, car excellerates while at stop
my screamin' spectra
jimwags, 06/27/2005
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
so far at 3000 miles my spectra is on par with the 91 corolla i bought new then traded for the 05 kia. it has more power than i expected and highway manners are better than the 05 corolla i almost paid 2500.00 more for with less features than spectra. mpg hiway is now up to 36.8 i am looking for 38.5 @70 mph. great warranty on this car worth looking at seriously............
not bad
almedinaizemir, 07/31/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
it is a very nice and comfortable ride, very smooth and very fun to drive. It is very quiet and good on gas.
AWSOME
SherryBaby, 03/09/2004
2004 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its a wonderful car. I have not one complaint what so ever. I owned the Kia Shepia prior to my Spectraand im a Kia gal all tha way.
Kia Spectra is Great!
wa_wabbit, 01/25/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While my Kia is small, it is big on style, mileage, handling, safety, and fun-ability! The buying experience was first-class, and the warranty is unbeatable! The only thing I can find wrong with my Spectra, is that the front seat safety belts are tight on the hips. Other than that, I have absolutely no complaints for this entry- level car! It's an extremely user- friendly auto!
I Didn't Like It
friendstiltheend, 06/21/2004
2004 Kia Spectra GS 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car had little seats and was not the car i thought it was when i bought it. I thought it was a pretty color and thats about all. It was, in all, reliable, but it did not give me the feeling of safty when i drove it on the high way.
How can we all have the same problem?
Kia 04.5 Owner, 08/16/2008
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reading the reviews I couldn't even laugh. I have replaced the dash (odometer problem - forgot about that until I read another review). C02 censor is being replaced (again 3x); car shakes (BADLY) at 70mph. Taking it in (AGAIN) so I can pass emissions test. I did not buy the extended warranty so I am out over $2K (YIKES). If I could have afforded $2K in repairs I would have stayed with Honda and put more money in the INITIAL investment. Looks like it is time to trade out before the transmission goes out. {sigh}
Better Than You'd Think
Vince Lucero, 02/02/2005
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Traded my car in for this car. Very Happy that I did it. Great on gas, excellent handling. Can't beat the price and warranty for this type of car. All I have to say is that before you go and buy a Honda, Toyota look into this. I believe you'll be satisfied.
21 year old who's content
Jeffd5151, 06/26/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
as my first "real" car, I was quite pleased with not only the purchase, but the actual car itself; I'm 21,which means I like fast. I got it. I'm 21, which means I like safety, I got 6 air bags, and side impact bars. I'm 21, and I love my car. It's stable in the wind, (upwards of 50mph winds today in austin,tx) and the design rolls the rain right off; no fear of water spots. fun to drive, weather it's my friends, or (gasp) my family.
Great Car for a Great Price
johndoend, 08/14/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was very hesistant about buying a Kia, but after having this car for a month, I'm not sure there's many better vehicles in this price range. The vehicle has awesome safety features and has a very quiet ride. I am 6'4" and my legs can actually move underneath the steering wheel, something I can't even do in a Subaru Forester. The interior and exterior are well designed and almost make the car look European. The EX model comes with several key features, like remote entry and power windows. This vehicle does well on the interstate and gets at least 30 miles to the gallon. The warranty is awesome. Kia has done an amazing job in making this car.
My cool kia
Chris hanaburgh, 03/23/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my kia. A lot of people don't give enough respect to the kia's but I'll tell you this much, when the gas prices rose I wasn't bothered by it. The spectra has to be one of the most comfortable sedans ever made.
Decent car
cayley6, 08/12/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car thinking good gas milage and so far I was wrong. Kia says 25 in city 34 on highway. I'm lucky to get 24 on the highway. Interior design is great and has way more power than the Rio.
kia spectra 03
robert9018, 12/13/2003
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
good family car for the low budjet
Great car, Great price
jbigs22, 08/25/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car, runs smooth. Very quiet ride with lots of room and safety features for my family. For the price, I could not have asked for a better car.
Not A Bad Car For The Price
thj, 03/30/2004
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I dont care what anyone saids about Kia I think the spectra is a good car for the price.
2001 kia spectra
Spickez334, 09/13/2004
2004 Kia Spectra GS 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i like the car a lot
KIA go back to making Bicycles
msiriodis, 04/18/2004
2004 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not worth the Money, service is null and even the service provider told me that we live and learn when I told him the car I had purchased.
Parameters of KIA Spectra 2004.5
kiasyracuse, 09/21/2004
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased car in May, 2004, have had problems with slow/hesitation on acceleration, grinding left front wheel, engine hesitation, shaking steering wheel, steering column, brake pedal and gas pedal. Service manager thought transmission; factory rep replaced computer instead. The engine slows down when the air, heat or defrost is on. Told that engine parameters are when engine reaches 50 degrees, the steering wheel shakes/vibrate until engine warms up. Live in Central New York, started having problems this July. In the past week, night temps gone to 42 degrees. When drive to work, engine warms after 10 minutes, steering wheel still vibrates.
Nice Car
Jackthegreatone, 12/13/2003
2004 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
its very nice, i had fun in it, its a fun car
kia gsx
darrell19712, 09/25/2004
2004 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
added a power sunroof and keyless entry which makes this vehicle fun to drive and practical, actually quite a value for the dollars notwithstanding the extended warranty
KIA - So far so good...
Atrac, 04/22/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I originally wanted a Daewoo, but was horrified to learn that they had filed for Bankruptcy a few years ago and the cars were "apparently" no longer available as new in the United States. I then set my sights on the KIA Spectra. I did have to take it in already to get it aligned, but other than that I like it! NOTE: I have since learned that Daewoo is really selling cars in the U.S., even today. Check out the Chevy Aveo, the Suzuki Forenza and Suzuki Verona -- they are all Daewoos!
NICE CAR FOR THE MONEY
LWC, 10/06/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
GREAT CAR FOR THE MONEY GREAT ON GAS HAS A LOT OF PICK UP FUN TO DRIVE VERY COMFORABLE TO DRIVE AND RIDE ITS A FUN CAR
Questionable reliability
FASV, 09/30/2010
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I still like this car; however; only after 55,000 miles the alternator failed and at 67,000 the ac compressor had to be rebuilt. The alternator repair was covered by the warranty but the ac I had to pay for it. Recently I replaced the brakes for the first time and the timing belt and engine belts. Tires twice and battery twice as well. Other than that I still like the car but will think twice again of buying another Kia. The 60,000 miles warranty is for a reason.
Cool But needs some Enrichments
Mustapha Selim, 10/10/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is a verywell car. but its interior materials r not so rich.... a cute exterior .. good Engine but some kinda heavy.. actually i got a 1600 C.C one .. but it is soooo Convenient
Poor quality and brake system
tootsietwo, 12/27/2003
2004 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle which I own 2001. The rubber seals around all doors was falling off when the car was 3 months old. The plastic inside door handles (can you believe plastic) have broken and I have replaced brakes around 10X and still are not good. I will never by this car again. Good price but I have put almost as much $$$$ in this car as what I paid for.
Nice
Trent a, 10/12/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We love the car
This is not the old spectra
Dottie Jackson, 10/25/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We I first talked to a salesmans about the spectra I didn't want one, because my son had a 2002 model and he really hated that car. Well when I saw this new Kia, it looked nothing like my son Kia. When I showed the Spectra to my son he was blown away by how good the Spectra now looks. I have been so happy with my Spectra, it drives great and it looks even better then it drives. Thank you Kia for making a great redesigned Spectra. Dottie Jackson
Fun To Drive
Sack, 05/09/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A Very Great car, love the whole car.
my new kia has bad wiring
DIXIE BELLVILLE, 01/21/2004
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
when ibought my car the clock did not work, after fighting for 1 1/2 mo i am told the wiring is bad . then i have to take a full day off work because they can't work with me for repair. i don't feel i should have to pay a deposit on a rental car when it's not my fault the wiring is bad. i lose $100 because i have to take aday off work. i would not recomend this dealership to my worst enemy,also i will tell anyone who ask me what ithink of it
Best deal we ever made
ry-guy, 07/04/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We used to have a 2000 Corolla without any extras. For some reason the check engine light kept coming on and we had to keep paying $80.00 to get it checked out. We finally decided to trade it in for the Kia with an awesome warranty and so far we have loved it. It has been the best deal we ever made. We got everything on it including sunroof, foglights, keyless entry, 6 airbags . . . the works! And we lowered our payments by 20.00 a month. It is a tad louder than the Corolla and the gas mileage is not quite as good but it definitely was worth the trade. Intererior quality is superb. Attention to detail is outstanding. Good job Kia!
Cheating on GAS Mileage
Unhappy user, 12/06/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For gas price over $2/g. Gas mileage is one of the most important factor when I buy car. Its sticker shows 25- 34 miles/gallon. But after driving 13,000 miles, I am only getting 27 miles/g_freeway. Is it only me or just like some Kia dealers say, need to break in. After 13,000 miles???
black and fully loaded
pbsigma93, 06/04/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the newly redesigned Kia Spectra. I have a 2004 Black Sedan fully loaded with a sunroof and very stylish.
2004 kia spectra
jcjnt, 01/13/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great warranty. Excellent price. But poor gas milage in first month. Not driving hard the gas mileage in regular conditions is 21-24 miles per gallon.
NICE CAR WITH A NICE PRICE
Frank_ur, 07/09/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THE CAR IS COOL AND COMFORTABLE
GREAT VALUE - GREAT CAR
JACK IN TACOMA, 05/01/2005
2004 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drove off the lot with a brand new 2005 Spectra LX, 5 speed - paying only $9450. What a deal !! The car drives great. The comfort and quality is on par with Toyota. My friends say "you bought a Kia" BUT when I show them the car, take them for a ride, and then tell them the selling price, they simply can't believe it. Everyone who sees the car is shocked by the quality, craftsmanship and the BANG for the BUCK.
Just a piece of my mind
Omy, 01/31/2004
2004 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While the car is beautiful in the outside and all I had to rate it low on performance because since I got the car, which by the way I bought it with only 21 miles on it, it has been giving me problems with the driver's side door window. The car has power everything and so the window opens by itself and many times while driving in the Highway, which scares me half to death.
Misleading Sticker
Asian Driver, 07/09/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car drives OK. Well handling. Sticker shows will drive up to 34MPG. But I am only getting 27MPG on most of freeway drive after 4000 miles. Is this only me or others getting the same?
Its a great little car
mark frye, 07/10/2004
2004 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its my wifes car for her work,but we took it for a little vac,& everything was fine.
my car
tnbluiis, 02/02/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its a cute car fun to drive and really cheap on gas
my magic kia ride
marc the shark, 07/10/2004
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for approx. $10,000 after the discounts. It is very comfortable and performs well. I do not notice any significant lack of power or braking deficits as reported. It came equipped with a cd player, auto and air and for my money is a better bargain than many of its counterparts. I have had the car for a year and I have had no problems with it.
2004 Kia
Mack, 07/06/2009
2004 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent Vehicle!! I only had to buy new tires and perform the regular maintenance for this vehicles since I purchased it. Not a problem with it. If you take care of this vehicle, it will take care of you. Many people do not take care of their cars and expect them to last a long time. I tell you what, I am keeping my KIA and if I need to buy another vehicle, it will be a KIA! It is cheaper, I have all the toys and it rides great!