Overview & Reviews

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.

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

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 155.00

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  Meh...just a basic car - 2004 Kia Optima
  By shannonm1 - March 1 - 4:01 am

  This car is very reliable, but no fun. The style is very bland inside and out, there is no power behind acceleration, the V6 guzzles gas like an SUV or truck would. I owned a little 4 cylinder Hyundai Elantra before this car, and I really miss it. I went from filling the gas tank every 2 weeks to filling it every week now. This car is like a tank, heavy, safe, reliable, I would take it anywhere, but have no fun getting there. I just dont like the way it handles. I got this car with 75,000 miles on it, so Im probably stuck with it for awhile. It hasnt broken down on me yet.

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  Good Value - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Al2 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  We have about 7500 miles on the 2003 which was purchased in October. There were a few things needing attention after delivery but the Dealer has been good about servicing. Its a six, fully loaded with the exception of ABS. We bought because of the warranty and low pricing.

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  We get our new engine next week. - 2004 Kia Optima
  By cramer - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Weve had the car for three months, three weeks and 7800 miles. So far: Two check engine light issues, one moulding around the windshield issue, and one check engine, overheat, and oil light issue... resolution offered by dealer is new factory assembly line engine. Est. 10 days for installation. Needless to say, we are uneasy about the overall reliability.

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  Appealing Value, Poor Quality. - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Florian - June 20 - 2:00 am

  2004 Kia Optima LX 4-Cylinder Automatic: Dashboard Rattles along with steering wheel when car is on idle, and this is at only 8230 Miles on the Odometer. Trashy loud Engine, No ABS (even as an option), Vague Steering Feel. One of the poorest re-sale values on the market. Easily purchase the Suzuki Verona over this, its smoother has a comparable warranty and has more features for roughly or the same or even lower price, Korean cars are just not up to Japanese Standards. A Used Camry or Accord would also be smart. Dont let the Warranty fool you, how inconvenient to have the car in the shop.

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  This is a no go! - 2004 Kia Optima
  By TJ - June 16 - 10:06 pm

  I bought this 2004 4 banger in 2007 with 33,000 miles. I expect problems (serious) around what? 100K at the lowest. coil pack went out at 55,000. Gas filter something out at 63,000. Ok those are small things. But heres the big thing. I have only 74,000 miles on it and the engine roars at you like the tranny is going. I depend on this car. I need a car. I still owe 6100 on it and it is about to flop out on me i can tell that tranny is going! This car really sucks. I treated it well. Put lots of miles on it quickly, but drove it slow never raced it and still it causes to many problems and way to much stress! Way too Much

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  Dont Do It..... - 2004 Kia Optima
  By ramon - August 28 - 9:13 pm

  I bought my first Kia in 2004, Optima Lx,4 cyl, numerous problems, radio went out, power steering hose leaked, windshield wiper motor out, timing belt defective, overheating problem not yet fixed, had trouble passing emissions, crank sensor went out(which shuts down motor completely) Will never buy a Kia again.

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  My Car and its Value - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Robinson - January 6 - 5:16 am

  Driving this car is really good. I love my car the color is great it green. And it handle the road great, driving it is fun. My car has a sun roof a great feature. It has a great attaction to it. People love the look of my car. The price of the car is to high because it does not hold it value and it does have great potential.

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  So Far, So Good - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Jim - July 5 - 1:10 pm

  This car has been a pleasant surprise. I had to trade in my wifes Eddie Bauer Explorer to save money while I went back to school. Settled on the EX- V6 since we had gotten used to all the features on the EB. It has not let me down other than a few quirky issues mentioned below, the car has been a real pleasure to drive with great power, comfort and initial quality. Anyone looking for value should give this car consideration. I got mine with all the goodies for less than 17K. However, keep in mind the resale stinks so it is a real committment. If I can put 150-200K miles on the car with minimal service I will be exstatic. So far, it looks very promising.

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  What crap!! - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Jer455 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because it was all I could afford. I wanted an upscale family sedan like the Accord, Galant or Camry but it was too expensive. The result is that people think I drive a Jag (based on the style) but laugh when they discover its a Kia. Dont get it, the only good thing about it is the price. The rep sucks and so does the ride. It is such a boring car.

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  Bad Car to purchase - 2004 Kia Optima
  By fireman33 - October 7 - 6:39 am

  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 timing belt replaced along with the crank sensor, the cluthch has been replaced in it , 4 new tires put on it and thats because the control are was bent and it had to be replaced, it had had the fuel pump replace twice and the fuel pump assembly replace twice and its in the shop right now getting that done.