Used 2004 Kia Spectra Consumer Reviews
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Will stay with Kia
sargrebe, 07/25/2011
2004 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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 failing, seat is falling apart.
Cannot Align?
tommywebb, 03/18/2008
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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 so my car could be aligned. I thought they were just fishing for money. So I called the dealer and sure enough I had to buy an aftermarket kit. WHAT?I bought a car you can't get aligned! KIA said it adjusts, the dealer and the tech says no. Now I am stuck with a car I can never get aligned. Never buy another!
PROBLEM FROM DAY 1
debrastark, 04/23/2012
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
22 of 28 people found this review helpful
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 before we moved and they said "if the problem isnt occuring right then we cant see it"-I told them while it's still under 20,000 if I find its transmisison related later I wont be happy. In any case I now work at Honda (thank the lands) I have thus far replaced the alternator and battery. There are FIVE codes (all
I LIKE MY SPECTRA
KAYG, 12/03/2003
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
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.
NEVER AGAIN!
nothappy, 09/24/2009
2004 Kia Spectra GS 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
I dont know how or where to start. This car has been giving me problems from the start. The engine light goes on and off. The transmission has been replaced 3 times, the computer once, the alternator 1 time; the struts have been replaced twice. OMG! It has been my worse nightmare. I have missed so many days of work because of this. I wanted to sell it, but of course Kia does not hold their value. After I paid over 15,000 for this car, I only get $2,000 after 5 years with only 55,000 miles on it. I swear I would rather walk to work everyday before I buy another Kia. PLEASE do some research before you buy a Kia... They might be affordable, but you will pay so much at the end.
Good Little car-exceeded my expectations
Teri, 01/23/2019
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Well it is now a 15 year old car and it is still going strong. I am the original owner and I have kept up with all maintenance. It only has 50K on it ( iwork close to home) so it may not compare to a car with more miles on it. I have really beat the heck out of it and had no problems. I would take it on a long trip today and feel fine about it. So far I have replaced the back brakes and the timing belt. The latter I did simply as a preventive measure because of the mileage on it. There was one recall regarding the passenger airbag. It is a little rattly but it is an old car. Though a very simple car - no bells and whisles- I don't need anything fancy)-it has served me well and I intend to keep it til it dies. It has a big trunk and folds down back seats which have been handy. I replaced the tires with better ones. It gets about 30 mpg highway and 28 in town.The interior is very user freindly- I love the map lights and the sunglass compartment. None of the trim has fallen off or broken - door handles etc are fine etc-and it feel like a more sturdy body than my friendss 2013 corrolla whos trim has fallen off and my bumpers are definelty more solid than his car. I have had some dings and and bumps and it didnt fall apart - unlike some new cars that seem to be more fragile. It accellerates just fine- the transmission has worked well- and I drive it on curvy mountain roads regularly. So for a simple commuter car, it has been perfect. I think that the more complicated a car is- the more that can go wrong.I love that Kia gave a ten year 100 warranty on the car. That is not the case with other brands. Altho nothing went wrong that needed to be replaced. My mechanic said that will probaby get another 50-75k on it. It is not likely that there are many Spectras of this age that have such low mileage- but if you find one and just need a simple car-go for it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
KIA Motors Unfair to Consumers
Pirate62, 01/15/2004
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought a KIA and had the thing for 1 year. An electrical fire behind dash destroyed car. I called KIA and asked them to correct this issue. KIA refused.
Great first time car!
Rob Richter, 04/29/2009
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had my Spectra for 2 years now and not once have I been to the mechanic for any problems. I've put about 13,000 miles on it and so far so good. City mileage is about 22-23 not bad but could be a little better. Transmission is kinda rough shifting from third to fourth gear sometimes. If you can find a low mileage Spectra (the newer models are even better in my opinion) you will not be dissapointed!
Don't But a Kia
karen dowds, 05/02/2009
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
Experienced what felt like a transmission slipping problem before warranty was up - dealer test drove car with me and felt problem but wouldn't svc it without check engine light being on. Light came on finally and fun began. Murray, dealer, monkeyed with car 6 times and light kept coming back on - problem grew worse till car would stop. Had to go to Eastern Regional Office to open a case. After 6 more trips to dealer and a special kia tech having to come out to look at car (tech had to come out for other cars that Murray couldn't fix too) and replacement of wire harness ($900 part which did not correct problem), another tech FINALLY found o2 sensor problem, light off for 5 days.
Good Car for the Price
lorijohnston, 07/21/2011
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am surprised at some of the other reviews. I bought this car used with 16,000 in early 2005. At the time, I needed an inexpensive and reliable car to get me back and forth between work, home and school. Six years later, I still own the car and I still love it. The only major expense was a timing belt change at 102,000 miles. Over the years I have had only one mysterious problem. The transmission at times would stick in one gear. Every time I have encountered this issue, I simply pulled over, put the car in park for a second, returned the car to drive and the problem ended. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone who needed reliability & affordability. I own 2 Kias today!
Not Bad!
twhnumber1, 08/12/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was very impressed with the warranty offered, as well as the price--the main reason I chose this car. I bought this 5/04 and already have about 6700 miles on it and average about 31-32 mpg. My fiancee is 6'6" and fits very well in the passenger side with plenty of room. The car has a different look to it, so I have lots of people checking it out. I am so far very satisfied with this vehicle! The back seat room is decent for a compact car and trunk space is pretty good as well. All buttons are easy to read and the night lights aren't too bright.
Car for those in the know
JWBB, 07/03/2005
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Its a 4D sports car with a sedan body like the BMWs, the Lotus Cortinas, Toyota Supra, but at a much more reasonable price. Yes, it has AC and few conveniencies. But its got the old soul: maneuverablility, torque and the tech. And, its durable and realiable. It ain't no Cadillac or a tricked out pimp ride, and its 2L DOHC Vortec, IFE has what it takes. Good for short as well as long hauls. Mac struts, 4Discs, Ind. sus., and its amazingly quiet. If you aren't a really experienced sports car driver, I might not recommend it. But its little sister, the Reo and bigger brother Amante are rated #1 for safety. Best ride for the money I've ever had.
Commute, it's off to work we go
wildbill, 01/28/2005
2004 Kia Spectra GS 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Have to drive 60 miles each way. Got a Spectra and it is satisfactory. No extra power, but I keep a steady 2900 rpm going 70 mph on the Garden State Parkway. That is when I am not in Bloomfield and Orange, NJ where the speed drops to 15 mph often. One queer characteristic has popped up once in awhile. The car forgets how to automatically shift. It usually occurs when I pass through the toll booth using EZ-pay. There I don't come to a complete stop, but go from 70 to 15 to 70 mph within a mile. The car comes up to speed, but the rpms go up too, up to 4500 rpm, then I take action. Well, the action is to go to the shoulder and stop the car. Restarting seems to reprogram the car fine.
Not to good
Edward, 03/14/2016
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had the car for more than three years. Firts year no problems except for radiator replacement $125 total not to bad Secund year a bunch of problem came out Alternator Power steering pump Axles went out Speedmeter gone Battery Third year sold it for less than 1000 dls Dont buy it
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great car, absolutely love it
Roger Henders, 06/27/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a nice car to drive, and very affordable, highly recommended:
2004 Kia Spectra
LLBinHOU, 04/10/2008
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this Kia used 8 months ago and I LOVE this car! It has smooth manual shift, feels sporty, great on the mileage and very fun to drive! No complaints. None!
Good value
K, 08/18/2008
2004 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my gsx used and I have had no problems at all with anything. Now has over 90,000 miles and still runs great. The performance is a little slow, but I have been adding some parts to it and they are making a big difference. I would highly recommend this car as a commuter or for performance car that you do not see very often although the part are only available from a few places.
Great so far
snbcdad, 06/07/2007
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used to replace my 12 year old Altima. It's much smaller outside, but just as comfy and more rear seat legroom (I'm 5'11"). Feels solid, peppy on take off, VERY respectable trunk size for its class, and cheap to buy. Gas mileage started out low (25.5 in mixed driving), but has steadily improved with warmer weather (31.6 in mixed driving). Not up to par with the Corolla for gas mileage, but rivals it everywhere else. Very happy with my purchase. Safety features were a sell along with price. Also, the outside styling is very nice.
Worst car I've owned
A. May, 07/18/2006
2004 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
We have had nothing but problems with this car. We seem to be constantly going in for repairs and most recently have been told we need a new compressor for $1200. This car is only two years old and should not be having so many problems. The dealer will not cover this problem. I will never buy a Kia again. Our other car is a 99 Hyundai and while it needs some repairs we are spending more on repairs on this new Kia.
Love my 2004 Spectra!
MLom, 02/28/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am shocked to see what a lame review was left on the Spectra. That is what prompted me to give you my HONEST opinion of the 2004 Spectra. Its fun to drive, handles really well, has a great sound system, no rattles, very reliable, quiet, and cute to top it off. Not to mention the warranty is the best you can get. I LOVE MY KIA!
spectra
matt d haynes, 12/13/2003
2004 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The kia spectra is a very nice car. It is the most reliable car that i have bought in a long time.
Overall good
L. Roberson, 05/21/2006
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like the car, although it fails to have enough leg room for medium to tall height drivers. It has a slow start-up speed but once it gets past about 30 it's smooth sailing. For an economy car, it's overall good.
Kia my kind of Car
Tim Monaghan, 03/26/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love this car, excellent price for all it offers
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.
how my kia feels
roby, 12/13/2003
2004 Kia Spectra GS 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car is very low to the ground.had bad gas mileage. has no pickup for a 4 cyl. car.
horrible service/vehicle
cjhammen, 07/27/2006
2004 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not only have we had to fork out over $1000 on repairs but Kia finally decided to put a new transmission in at only 58K, but that took 25 payments for them to do that. There is NO power to the vehicle. The seats are uncomfortable and if I didn't drive 50 miles each way to work and needed something to use as a "throw away vehicle" I would never have bought this piece of JUNK. I will not even give it to my 16 year old son to drive.
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.
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............
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.
So far,so good
No4Mk1, 04/18/2004
2004 Kia Spectra GS 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought a new Spectra. First new car I have ever owned (was about time). So far, so good. Gas mileage has been consistently around 30mpg. Shifts very smoothly. I have now put nearly 3000 miles on it. Looks like it'll need a set of studded tires for the winter. Enough room for my kids in the back - better than a Rio.
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.
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
i love my kia
adp1650, 12/13/2003
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i bought my kia in august 03 as the first new vechicle i have owned since 1974. i am very satisfied with it's performance altogether. it has very good furl economy, handles well,and good pickup. the only things i'm not crazy about is that there no ashtrays in the back seat and when in park the front ashtray is almost inacessiable.
Under-rated car, 5speed GSX is KING!!
natedawg, 05/03/2004
2004 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very fun, economical, practical and sporty car. I really am pleased with the car. The hatchback GSX allows me to throw whatever I need in there. I've had a few electrical problems with the cruise control and dash lights but both are fixed now. The car warms up quick in the winter, very economical to drive (40+mpg) driving it nice. No transimisson problems with the 5 speed!
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.
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 - 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!
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.
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.
Great Card for money
rogerr, 04/29/2004
2004 Kia Spectra GSX 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great car for the money, cheap yeah, but i like it, and unique in its look.
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
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.
Wow
lesan6, 01/07/2004
2004 Kia Spectra GS 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am impressed with this one! Gotta hand it to the Euro's; they can make a car; Kia's selling like hotcakes over there. My vehicle warm's up fast in the winter, idles quietly, handles well on the road, has good radio,sound quality! If the Koreans are offering a warranty like this, it tells me that they have engineered one heck, "see, we told ya' so!" of a car. Easy on the wallet! Maybe it's a "Honda clone."
My Kia Spectra
Mayday, 05/21/2004
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
An over-all wonderful vehicle. Excellent price and runs with the big dogs. Why pay thirty-thousand dollars for a luxury car when the Kia Spectra is equal to those cars if not better? Any vehicle will get you where you need to go, so why not be the smarter consumer and pay half the price for an equal amount of standards? And with gas prices soring, the Kia Spectra is perfect on gas. So when you can't see around that big SUV in front of you, just remember that soon they won't be able to afford gas and that will leave you on the open road to try out some power! My next new car will again be a KIA!!
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.
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!
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!
Kia Spectra
Jdowns37, 01/18/2004
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Slow Take off Speed Tire poor traction Lacks sporty look need two door version arm console weak needs beefed up
Overall pleased.
kiaveteran, 09/01/2008
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car when I was driving a predominantly city commute, and the gas mileage was rather disappointing (no higher than 29, mostly 25-27). However, I've moved, and I have a more rural cruising commute, and gas mileage has gone up to 30-32. Nice comfort, interior and storage space for a small car, and reliability has been excellent. I get in, and it starts up the first time every time. A little too much lean in the corners with any semblance of speed, but a comfy ride. A great commuter car, and the safety features are a class above the price class. Kia is worth checking out, and it seems the word is getting out about that.