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 21 through 30 of 155.00

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  Kia owner for life - 2004 Kia Optima
  By David Hatch - August 19 - 8:40 am

  This is the second Kia Ive purchased - first was an 02 Sedona EX that has been so solid, my ex-wife fought for (and got it) in the divorce. I paid around 12K brand new as an 04 left over and have had very few problems. So far after 80K miles all Ive done is oil changes, new brake pads, and two new tires (one a side wall puncture). Have not had to used the warranty on this one, but had to in the past on the Sedona (power window, rear wiper motor) and had no hassles in invoking the warranty. Great commuter car that also offers pleanty of interior room. My next car will also be a Kia, but by the way this ones going, that doesnt look like Ill be getting a new one for a while!

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  2004 optima - 2004 Kia Optima
  By aqeelz - June 19 - 2:00 am

  just got a 2004 optima after driving a 2000 sephia for three years it is qutie a improvement power,confornt,control,

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  Kia Girl - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Angel Kia - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Ok so this is my second kia and my second car my first one was 1998 Kia sportage. This was a huge upgrade for me. I havent experienced any problems just yet other than car kinda sound like its having trouble starting, but once it does it runs beautiful. I love my car its so nice and shiny!

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  my review - 2004 Kia Optima
  By grannyRae - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this car 2 weeks, but it has been most pleasurable to drive. it has all the cajones and good looks to go with it. it feels very solid to drive. comparable to my ford, which i truly loved. With this car i dont miss her as much as i thought i would.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2004 Kia Optima
  By 1Canuck - April 11 - 11:20 pm

  Bought this car in 2006 with 18K miles, now (2009) just went over 70K miles. Hands-down the best car Ive ever owned. I track gas mileage every fill-up and have averaged 27mpg combined city/hwy driving. Car has been very reliable though I did make sure to preemptively change my timing belt at 50K miles just to be safe! Car is comfortable, handles great, very strong for a 4cyl and looks great. Would definitely buy another Optima without hesitation!

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  beware of 04 optima - 2004 Kia Optima
  By mike fletchinger - February 26 - 5:56 am

  I bought this optima in 2006 with about 22,000 miles. A friend, a kia service tech, said I would love this car. When used, the warranty only goes to 60,000 miles. After about 61,000 the air bag light came on, the cruise control and speedometer sometimes dont work and the transmission has gotten really rough especially in cold weather and on these cold spring mornings. It will have to be replaced. What started out to be a pleasure has started to become a nightmare.

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  still new - 2004 Kia Optima
  By RIchris - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I only just bought my Optima a bit over a week ago but having 26 years of driving experience i think I can rate it so far. It drives very well especially on the highway. Though the 4 cylinder isnt the peppiest ive driven its sufficient for getting up to speed in a timely manner. The interior is comfortable and easy to manage. The styling I think is what stands out most, it looks better in my opinion that most Accords and Camrys. So far so good for a comfortable new car under 20 grand.

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  Reliable Kia Optima LX sedan 4cyl(1.8L) - 2004 Kia Optima
  By 1st Time Kia - September 5 - 5:20 pm

  purchased in 05 w/approx. 11k mi. Driven to Den.,CO & back. Not alot of torque for hills,but nice speed. Man/Auto Trans(nice for accel). Pwr steering defective twice. just hit 97k mi. needed Timing belt. Doesnt brake good on quick stop;will slide. Quarter panel dents easy a little. Paint around doorkey fades & driver doorlock played out in the rain 3 days ago. No real complaints. Has good features(pwr lock,cd,compartment/storage,cruise, starter safety(kill)switch,trunk square (space). Takes about $60 to fill @$3 p/gal. OK mileage. Maintain w/svc every 3k mi. & no problem. Oh,it jus start shaking, maybe coil- pack/misfire. Jus fixed timing,hope shop did its job & check for underlying cause!

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  3 years with this car - 2004 Kia Optima
  By illnino - July 10 - 10:00 am

  When i first got it, i wasnt sure at first on getting a KIA, it wasnt my dream car. I had it for 3 years now and ive seen some of the reviews. It CAN be true when it comes to breaking down..but the fact is, its only for some people that could just get to point A to Point B. I only had trouble TWICE within 3 years of having it. Im very patient when it comes to driving, slowing down, and i always do my oil/transmission/ and tune ups on time. I recommend ONLY for slow patient drivers, its a long lasting vehicle

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  best bang for your buck - 2004 Kia Optima
  By Lebruf - June 27 - 3:20 am

  I bought this used from an auction through my cousins dealership. I was out the door for under $11,000. I was skeptical at first because of the name and Hyundais prior reputation...but I was thoroughly impressed. I was sick of doing repairs on my old VW and wanted something with a warranty. I never have had a problem, and I beat this thing up in terms of mileage. Its great for long trips, as quick as I need it to be (the V6 Tiptronic HAULS) and well... it makes me feel good. I feel good because 4 or 5 of my friends spent about 5-6 grand more on an Accord or Camry and it wasnt as nice as the Optima.