2004 Kia Optima Trims and Specs

Kia's roomy mid-size sedan packs in a lot of nice features that show why it's only one step below the more luxurious Altima. The 2004 Kia Optima LX is the base trim, with a 4-cylinder, 2.4-liter DOHC engine that hits 138-hp paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic with Sportshift mode. The 2004 Optima LX remains little changed this year. It features full power accessories (not power seats, though), cruise control, a CD player, intermittent wipers, and a tilt steering wheel. Dual front-side airbags are standard, but 4-wheel ABS brakes are not offered on the 4-cylinder Optimas.

Rear seats split 60/40 to expand on the 13 cubic foot trunk. There are also front and overhead consoles for extra storage compartments. Being the base model, there are not many options for the front-wheel drive 2004 Optima LX. A 6-CD changer upgrades the audio system, and a rear spoiler adds some exterior flash. High marks from drivers of the 2004 Optima LX go to its roominess, luxury feel, overall value, Kia's warranty, and the 23/30 mpg. Owners complain about the inadequate cupholders and the lack of ABS even as an option.

Bigger 16-inch alloy wheels are the main addition to the 2004 Kia Optima LX V6 this year. The 4-cylinder Optimas retain the 15-inch, while both V6 models get the larger wheels to complement the stronger performance of the 2.7-liter, 170-hp DOHC V6. Only a 4-speed auto tran with Sportshift is available. The 2004 Optima LX V6 is not only more powerful, but offers a few more, mostly decorative features than its 4-cylinder sibling. Wood trim is added to the interior, which offers equipment such as power windows, locks, and mirrors, cruise control, intermittent wipers, a CD player, and a tachometer.

Dual front and side airbags are standard, and unlike the 4-cylinder, the 2004 Optima LX V6 offers optional 4-wheel ABS. A 6-CD changer and rear spoiler are the primary options. Rear seats split-fold 60/40, and there are overhead and center consoles for storage of small items. The front-wheel drive mid-size is comfortable and roomy for its class, and the V6 gets an adequate 20/27 gas mileage. Owners like its affordability, though they wish there were more options offered.

The SE trim from last year has changed to EX for the 2004 Kia Optima mid-size sedan. The front-wheel drive EX is powered by a 2.4-liter, 138-hp, 4-cylinder engine and a 4-speed automatic only. Sitting on 15-inch alloy wheels, the 2004 Optima EX has a lot more bells and whistles than the LX, adding a moonroof, automatic climate control, leather and wood trim on the dash, wheel, and shifter, heated mirrors, keyless entry, remote garage opener, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

ABS brakes are not offered on the four-cylinder Optimas, but the 2004 Optima EX does have dual front-side airbags, a security system, and foglights. The Optima earns four-star ratings for front and side impact. Options add leather seats, a power passenger seat to go with the power driver's seat, and a 6-CD changer. A sporty rear spoiler can also be added. Owners of the 2004 Optima EX find little to complain about. They like the performance, room, and comfort of the sedan, and particularly like the standard moonroof, which adds a more upscale look to the Optima. The lack of ABS brakes is a downside.

This year the SE trim becomes the EX, and the 2004 Kia Optima SE V6 is the head of the class, with a 170-hp, 2.7-liter V6 engine and 4-speed automatic with Sportshift capabilities. This year it gets a new grille and some new 16-inch alloy wheels. It shares the same features with the 4-cylinder EX, including power features, a power driver's seat, leather and wood trim, dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, CD player, remote garage opener, cruise control, and heated mirrors.

Foglights and an auto-dimming rearview mirror help when driving at night or in difficult weather conditions. Dual front and side airbags are standard in the 2004 Optima EX V6, but 4-wheel ABS brakes are optional. Other options add on a sporty rear spoiler, and inside you can get leather seats, a CD changer, and a power passenger seat. The EX V6 gets four-star crash ratings for front and side impact. Drivers like the Kia 10-year warranty, the V6 power and acceleration, and the overally style of the 2004 Optima EX V6, but wish it got better gas mileage.