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

• 

  Used 2004 Kia LX V6 - 2004 Kia Optima
  By s4templeton - December 5 - 7:50 pm

  I used to have a Civic so the V6 is a lot of power for me and I love it. Gas mileage has been 27 with mixed but mostly highway driving. I like this car a lot because of the price. If it holds up, I feel its a great car for the price. Everything Ive read says the Kia is quality and shouldnt fall apart on me. V6 is quiet compared to our 4 cylinder Spectra and as a young couple we feel like weve bought an adult car. The best selling point is the price. I bought used for $10,300 with 24,500 miles on it. Reliability is yet to be seen.

• 

  Optima - 2004 Kia Optima
  By KIA - October 9 - 3:43 pm

  I bought my Optima with about 52000 miles. Overall, it is pretty reliable and fuel economy is good, however it could be better. So far the only things I had to replace are the power steering hose, batteries and the lightbulb in the headlight. At times when I start my car, the cars stalls and takes a couple of seconds to start going.

• 

  Kia Magentis 2004 Model - 2004 Kia Optima
  By alfybio - September 29 - 9:17 am

  I have found this car great value for my almost meagre spend on it. The car starts effortlessly, almost before the ignition is turned, its silent, and just purrs when running. In motion it is very stable, and appears to bounce when it hits a bump.

• 

  The headlamps - 2004 Kia Optima
  By The Captain - August 1 - 2:40 am

  The 2004 Optima has an issue with the headlamp lenses. It is sort of a cataract on the lens itself. After a while you will not pass an inspection As I found out and too late they refused to warranty this item since it is there problem, the dealer strung me along to come back and replaced light bulbs. SO that I would have to pay for new lamps Check your Kias and get it done before the warranty is out. I Like the Kia , but do to the poor quality of service networks I will trade for a better brand name next time.

• 

  04 EX V6 Optima - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Matt Tyndall - May 4 - 6:40 am

  Ive had the car for 5 months and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Its only shortcomings are sup-par fuel mileage and raw acceleration. Everything else has exceeded my expectations. The car appears to be solidly built and hasnt burned a lick of oil for the first 10K miles.

• 

  great car for the money - 2004 Kia Optima
  By edeagle - March 31 - 10:00 am

  my second kia optima was very satisfied with first one which was totaled when hit in drivers side door side airbag saved me from injury just bought my second one to replace it

• 

  optima reiview - 2004 Kia Optima
  By kia opt - July 17 - 9:53 am

  A good car overall and bang for you buck. I had some minor issues which the dealer took care and did not had to pay. The car has been very reliable however do notice a jurk from trans once in a while if I dont change the trans oil every year. Expensive to maintian the car because of parts and labour is costly. The handling is decent but the tires could have been bigger. Ride quality is excellent and comfy. The v6 engine is outstanding when exceling. Interior built quality could be more durable. But I am not complaining as I have 125K miles and the car is going strong.

• 

  Stylish but electrical night mare - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Happy but nervous.. - November 8 - 2:36 pm

  I bought this car at a reasonable price. The Interior and Exterior are both in great condition and I love the way it rides and all the bells and whistles. BUT, the power locks LOCKED ME IN MY CAR!!!! I cant lock the doors with the switch inside I must ride with the car unlocked. Not a good selling point. Otherwise I love it but who wants to climb out of the passanger side????? This is a major issue that Im hoping wont cost very much to fix.! KIA please note this problem so future owners wont go through this not to mention how dangerous being locked in your car COULD BE!

• 

  Overall Good Car - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Anthony J. - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Purchased car in 2005 when we had addition to our family. Looked at Altima, Malibu, Impala & Accord but they were more than we were willing to pay. Some how ended up on Kia lot and thats where the story begins. Took car for test drive:nice interior, sunroof, good power, auto-stick. I was really surprised. I havent had a single problem with it since Ive owned the car besides getting a new battery and routine maintanence. The paint job, however, isnt to good. Car doesnt hold its value.

• 

  Kia Optima - 2004 Kia Optima
  By jamesgw - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Have had no problems..only service has been oil changes