Used 2004 Kia Spectra Sedan 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.
Great Car
bmh41202, 07/17/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is just an all around great car. From the 2.0 liter DOHC engine. To the sleak interior design.
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.
Good value Compact
kmnowak2002, 07/22/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The new design, 2004.5, looks more impressive and fun than the old model. The long warranty gives piece of mind. However, even though I bought the upgraded model, it still isn't a car I like to get in to every morning. The rebates and low payments were too much to walk away from. But if you can stretch a little more on payments, buy something else.
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
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.
good
darchey, 08/02/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
: o) Solid, reliable car for a good price.
What a Great Engine
Kia is the Best, 07/29/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has everything a person wants. especially the EX trim. Before considering a Honda, Toyota, or just any car, check out your Kia dealer because you'll get the best rebates and best service. This car has SIX AIRBAGS!!! can you believe it? Better than just any car in this planet. I love my new Kia. Kia is the Best!!!
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.
Best value compact sedan
Choon I. Lee, 08/17/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This new Spectra rocks. I needed a small econmic car for commute rather than driving my Suburban everyday. I got the most for my money compared to Mazda 3, Civic, Corola, and Elantra. It cost thousands dollors less with lots of standard features like side curtain air bags. This is a very important safety feature for me because I have two kids. It handles good on the freeway and the engine is powerful enough for the size. The body design looks good and the interior offers a large passenger space.
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.
Safety Warning!
Endangered Consumer, 08/24/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a safety warning for petite people or anyone who loves a petite person. The 2004 Kia Spectra has an airbag sensor for the front passenger seat that has a lower weight sensitivity limit of 125 pounds, which means the airbag may not engage during an accident if anyone who weighs under 125 pounds is sitting in that seat. Unfortunately, the local Kia dealership didnt forewarn me of this situation before I bought the car, and a Kia company consumer affairs representative stated that there is nothing we can do to fix the condition. So, buyer beware!
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.
Good purchase
tommyg, 09/05/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car is surprisingly good,and rates favorably with ford focus
Kia vs Honda
DCH60, 09/11/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Many more features vs the Honda Civic. I'm a Honda owner (2003 V6 Accord), but the civic's features vs the Spectra came up way short. And the warranty doesn't come close.
na
gainery, 09/11/2004
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
could get better gas millage and the take a very long time for the window to defrost or clear enough so you can see no heat for the exterri mirror and some time the eigen light come on and wont go off the car only has 17700 miles bought it new in 2001 i really dont think a car like this such have that many problem
Kia Spectra
Dennis M., 09/21/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This model is a marked improvement over the earlier models. It has a sporty look, but still has the room necessary to transport four people comfortably. I had purchased a new model in 2002 and there is no comparison. The new model has plenty of trunk space for traveling. I also appreciate the feel of a heavier car in terms of safety and blocking out the road noise.
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.
Great Car
Happy Kia Owner 2, 09/24/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far this has been a great car! The redesigned Kia Spectra is built solid, and the new motor is much better then the old 1.8. It's quiet, and gets great gas mileage. The inside is quite roomy front and back. Adults actually can be comfortable in the back!
Lots of kit for less dollars
Good value, 09/29/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
haven't had my Spectra long but I'm satisfied with it. The engine provides reasonable power but the automatic transmission could shift smoother. Good cabin materials and nice exterior. Some might have trouble finding a fully loaded model however.
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
Spectra Rating
R. J. Williams, 10/09/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Transmission Questioable- Problems required the Transmission be replaced twice in one month after the original failed.
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
new kia
tomanycars, 10/12/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car is great. I traded my mustang for it.Turns better,more comfort and head room.Handles on the interstate great.Not alot of road noise.Great sound system.Lots of room for my kids in rear seat.I am averaging 33 mpg.
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
good family starter
chrismaria, 10/16/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
looks good ,runs great
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
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???
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.
Not the best
Unhappy, 11/28/2005
2004 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Unless you get a newer model Kia, they are not one tenth as safe as they are supposed to be.
No Brainer
Mike, 11/04/2006
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car with a considerable rebate, and to date it is an excellent value. Outside of a couple of minor trim issues on the inside, and malfunctioning of an interior warning light which were promptly fixed, the car has been no problem whatsoever. The car looks nice, is comfortable, and does what it is supposed to do. With the warranty, it is a no brainer.
Best 1st Car I Could Have Ever Asked For!!
Sid, 11/26/2016
2004 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My mom bought this car new in 2004 and it has been in our family of five ever since Nov 2016. She passed the car along to me in 2012 and I am forever grateful to have been able to call this car mine. We put well over 260,000 miles on this car and I think that the car has definitely served it's purpose. Parts were always reasonably cheap and repairs were not much of an issue. However, in it's last years we were experiencing transmission issues (the car would jerk really hard and not switch gears properly). We also had problems with the odometer which would pick and choose whenever it wanted to tell us how fast or slow we were traveling. But other than those issues, the car was great and got us to and from our destinations safely. I recently bought the 2017 Kia Forte (the Spectra's replacement) because I love Kia so much and I could not be happier with it's performance.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
High gas use
Martha, 08/31/2009
2004 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love this car but it uses a lot of gas. I take very good care of the car and go every 3 months for oil change and maintenance. When I drive long distance I get 32 miles a gallon and that is nice but most of the time I drive it in town not more that 8 miles each time and I get only 18 miles a gallon.
I bought a Lemon
Garcia, 03/22/2006
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
This would have been great, especially for the price. Unfortunately, I bought a lemon. The car needed an alignment when we test drove it. That should have been a sign. But we liked the car and what it had to offer compared to the other compact cars. So that was the first thing wrong with this car. The O-2 sensor has gone out twice in the car. The odometer messed up so the whole dash had to be replaced. Countless times the check engine light has come on supposedly because the gas cap was not closed right. When you'd think we'd learn the by the second time how to put on a gas cap. Now to top it off right now our car is in the shop because the transmission needs to be replaced. LEMON!
Cleaned out my wallet
Bernice, 04/23/2010
2004 Kia Spectra 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
We bought this Spectra used at 32,000. Following year we put in a new clutch. We had 4 CV joints put in and now the Rack and Pinion is gone. Car is at 64000 miles. The dealership wants $1200 to replace. Called Kia and they offered no help. Have spent tons of money on this car and it always makes funny noises. I found a friend to replace rack with a used one for $250.00. I am stuck with this car for now but would never buy anything from KIA.
Love my little imported sports car
flipper, 04/29/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
We went on a 1400 mile trip with 300 hundred pounds of luggage and still got great gas mileage. This baby has more pep than my S10 BLAZER(V6)ever had. We are very satisfied.
The Totally Redesigned Kia Spectra !!!!
BaboonKikLore, 06/15/2004
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The new cars that Kia is releasing are the best, like the All-New Spectra, Amanti and Sorento. The Spectra has more power than the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. I recommend it to the people who want a peace of mind, comfort and best of all great gas mileage.
Amazing Car
LoveMyKia, 07/17/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had a 2000 VW Beetle that I traded in for my brand new Kia. The VW was a piece of TRASH and this kia is, in one word, amazing. The build quality, performance, and everything else far surpassed the VW. It is near silent on the freeway, it has SIX airbags, and yes, it's FAST. Don't waste your money on honda, toyota, or vw, Kia is by far the best way to go. Plus it's guaranteed for 10 years, who else can do that?
Kia rocks after 5 or 6 Toyotas
Pontiacprince, 11/09/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Much better quality than any of the Toyota Corollas I've had over the years.Bought i for the many extras at a much lower price than Honda or Toyot was charging for similar vehicle.Gas Mileage is not the best..average 25-27 in city.Car seems heavy at times.Seats need another few inches extension for comfort.Very smooth and ideal on open highways.
Great New Model!
R. Jones, 11/29/2004
2004 Kia Spectra LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
We traded in our gas guzzler Dodge Ram Van 1500 for the new Spectra! I just figured I would be giving up power for gas mileage. The Spectra completely changed my mind. It has plenty of power! I have a lead foot and will not look the other way when someone is wanting to see what my car has, this one really gives great performance! It is priced thousands less than the competitors (ION, Civic), and you get more power or room, or both than the others. The only other car to really compare it to is the Accent...YUK! It has some road noise, but no more than expected from a compact. Lots of room for a smaller car.
2004 KIA SPECTRA EX
Agram, 07/31/2005
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
2004 KIA SPECTRA EX Automatic. Bought May 2004 in Lodi, CA good buying experience. Good gas saver. Comfortable. Lazy automatic transmission. After just 10.000 miles my speedometer is dead. I ordered part; they say 7 to 10 days.
2004 Kia Spectra
kwitcherbytchn, 03/31/2007
2004 Kia Spectra EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second new car. I bought it for the warranty. And now I regret it. The gas mileage is horrible. I'm lucky to get 25 mpg. I had a Saturn and was getting 31 mpg. The trans kicks when accelerating, it makes funny noises on and off.