Used 2004 Kia Spectra Hatchback Consumer Reviews
Used Spectra 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.
2004 Spectra
Clay Stephenson, 10/31/2004
2004 Kia Spectra GS 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Steering is very stiff and too tight. Interior could be up graded. Mileage is only fair for the size of the car. I get appx 24 city and 28 highway. Road noise on a scale of 1-10 would be rated at 6 for me. Problems within first five months of purchase. Frequently the speed will indicate as much as a 24 mph various higher than actual travel. Ok for a work car but not of the quality I expected. Previous Kia I owned was a 2000 Sophia and handling and mileage was much better. I will likely purchase a different make on my next purchase
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!
Made ME a Kia Spectra convert!
R R Keogh, 09/07/2018
2004 Kia Spectra GS 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I would not likely have shopped for a Kia, but picked it up cheaply from a friend, & I have been pleasantly surprised. The dashboard has warped some in the Arizona heat, & there have been a couple of electrical issues I've since discovered are common with this year's make/model, but for reliability & performance, it is recommended.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Don't trust their warranty
suckered, 07/18/2006
2004 Kia Spectra GS 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
They have two maintenance schedules. No one tells you that you are under the severe schedule until you need the warranty. Transmission failed at 38K. Kia won't cover because we didn't have the transmission fluid changed at 30K per the severe schedule. Normal schedule says look at fluid and replace if needed all the way to 105K. No customer support! No dealership support! A private transmission repair shop states that the fluid is fine & that the failure is due to part failure. Kia doesn't rebuild transmissions, they replace the whole thing and keep many in stock just for this reason. I think Kia is trying to avoid a recall. Wish superman would come to our rescue.