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 31 through 40 of 112.00

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  KIA - So far so good... - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Atrac - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I originally wanted a Daewoo, but was horrified to learn that they had filed for Bankruptcy a few years ago and the cars were "apparently" no longer available as new in the United States. I then set my sights on the KIA Spectra. I did have to take it in already to get it aligned, but other than that I like it! NOTE: I have since learned that Daewoo is really selling cars in the U.S., even today. Check out the Chevy Aveo, the Suzuki Forenza and Suzuki Verona -- they are all Daewoos!

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  Wow - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By lesan6 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I am impressed with this one! Gotta hand it to the Euros; they can make a car; Kias selling like hotcakes over there. My vehicle warms up fast in the winter, idles quietly, handles well on the road, has good radio,sound quality! If the Koreans are offering a warranty like this, it tells me that they have engineered one heck, "see, we told ya so!" of a car. Easy on the wallet! Maybe its a "Honda clone."

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  Best deal we ever made - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By ry-guy - August 21 - 10:00 am

  We used to have a 2000 Corolla without any extras. For some reason the check engine light kept coming on and we had to keep paying $80.00 to get it checked out. We finally decided to trade it in for the Kia with an awesome warranty and so far we have loved it. It has been the best deal we ever made. We got everything on it including sunroof, foglights, keyless entry, 6 airbags . . . the works! And we lowered our payments by 20.00 a month. It is a tad louder than the Corolla and the gas mileage is not quite as good but it definitely was worth the trade. Intererior quality is superb. Attention to detail is outstanding. Good job Kia!

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  Kia rocks after 5 or 6 Toyotas - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Pontiacprince - July 26 - 10:46 am

  Much better quality than any of the Toyota Corollas Ive 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.

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  Poor quality and brake system - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By tootsietwo - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle which I own 2001. The rubber seals around all doors was falling off when the car was 3 months old. The plastic inside door handles (can you believe plastic) have broken and I have replaced brakes around 10X and still are not good. I will never by this car again. Good price but I have put almost as much $$$$ in this car as what I paid for.

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  AWSOME - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By SherryBaby - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Its a wonderful car. I have not one complaint what so ever. I owned the Kia Shepia prior to my Spectraand im a Kia gal all tha way.

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  High gas use - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Martha - May 28 - 10:26 am

  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.

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  Spectra Lover - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By NCZ9300 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Spectra... Best car Ive owned!

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  Questionable reliability - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By FASV - May 1 - 10:00 am

  I still like this car; however; only after 55,000 miles the alternator failed and at 67,000 the ac compressor had to be rebuilt. The alternator repair was covered by the warranty but the ac I had to pay for it. Recently I replaced the brakes for the first time and the timing belt and engine belts. Tires twice and battery twice as well. Other than that I still like the car but will think twice again of buying another Kia. The 60,000 miles warranty is for a reason.

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  Safety Warning! - 2004 Kia Spectra
  By Endangered Consumer - April 10 - 10:00 am

  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 didn’t 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!