Overview & Reviews

Kia introduces a completely redesigned and much improved Spectra as a midyear 2004 model. However, both the old and new versions are available this year.

• Long range warranty, redesigned version sports a spunky engine, well-finished interior and standard side-curtain airbags.

• Suspension a bit soft, weak performance on outgoing model, ABS optional only on most expensive models.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 112.00

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  horrible service/vehicle - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By cjhammen - December 22 - 6:26 am

  Not only have we had to fork out over $1000 on repairs but Kia finally decided to put a new transmission in at only 58K, but that took 25 payments for them to do that. There is NO power to the vehicle. The seats are uncomfortable and if I didnt drive 50 miles each way to work and needed something to use as a "throw away vehicle" I would never have bought this piece of JUNK. I will not even give it to my 16 year old son to drive.

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  Commute, its off to work we go - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By wildbill - December 9 - 10:33 pm

  Have to drive 60 miles each way. Got a Spectra and it is satisfactory. No extra power, but I keep a steady 2900 rpm going 70 mph on the Garden State Parkway. That is when I am not in Bloomfield and Orange, NJ where the speed drops to 15 mph often. One queer characteristic has popped up once in awhile. The car forgets how to automatically shift. It usually occurs when I pass through the toll booth using EZ-pay. There I dont come to a complete stop, but go from 70 to 15 to 70 mph within a mile. The car comes up to speed, but the rpms go up too, up to 4500 rpm, then I take action. Well, the action is to go to the shoulder and stop the car. Restarting seems to reprogram the car fine.

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  my car - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By tnbluiis - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Its a cute car fun to drive and really cheap on gas

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  My Second KIA - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Owlteacher - October 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful commuter car! Ive been impressed with everything about it, except that the drivers side seatbelt latch is too close to the seat. This causes some discomfort on long trips. I have the 5-door model, and the cargo room with the back seats flipped forward is awesome. Im sold.

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  Nice Ride - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Silverado - July 3 - 8:33 pm

  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.

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  Great car, absolutely love it - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Roger Henders - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a nice car to drive, and very affordable, highly recommended:

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  Great first time car! - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Rob Richter - March 23 - 3:50 am

  Ive had my Spectra for 2 years now and not once have I been to the mechanic for any problems. Ive put about 13,000 miles on it and so far so good. City mileage is about 22-23 not bad but could be a little better. Transmission is kinda rough shifting from third to fourth gear sometimes. If you can find a low mileage Spectra (the newer models are even better in my opinion) you will not be dissapointed!

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  Best value compact sedan - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Choon I. Lee - February 8 - 10:00 am

  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.

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  Under-rated car, 5speed GSX is KING!! - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By natedawg - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Very fun, economical, practical and sporty car. I really am pleased with the car. The hatchback GSX allows me to throw whatever I need in there. Ive had a few electrical problems with the cruise control and dash lights but both are fixed now. The car warms up quick in the winter, very economical to drive (40+mpg) driving it nice. No transimisson problems with the 5 speed!

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  Kia Spectra - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Jdowns37 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Slow Take off Speed Tire poor traction Lacks sporty look need two door version arm console weak needs beefed up