2004 Kia Spectra Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
In the something old, something new department: 2004 is a bit of a confusing year for Kia Spectra buyers as there are two 2004 nameplates...
In the something old, something new department: 2004 is a bit of a confusing year for Kia Spectra buyers as there are two 2004 nameplates this year representing the last generation of Spectra and the completely restyled and rebuilt new generation. For clarity, the "new Spectra" has been referred to as the 2004.5. For the old 2004 Spectra, there are few changes besides a standard tachometer for the base sedan and GS hatchback. Both the sedan and hatchback feature the same 1.8-liter, 124-hp I4 with choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
While the 2004 Spectra GS and GSX hatchback continue through the year, the 2004.5 Spectra features two new sedan trims -- the LX and EX. A stronger chassis, longer wheelbase (by two inches), and a more powerful 138-hp, 2.0-liter DOHC I4 engine are found in the new Spectra sedans. The transmission choices remain the same. The longer wheelbase means an inch more legroom for backseat passengers and two cubic feet more in the trunk. Headroom has also increased for both front and rear passengers. The biggest addition, however, makes the 2004.5 Kia Spectra unique in the compact class by offering six standard airbags. Dual front, front-side, and rear-side curtain (a first for compacts) earn the 2004.5 Spectra four-star crash ratings from the NHTSA.
The LX is still pretty base, with only a CD, intermittent wipers, sunglasses holder, and tachometer standard, but the EX adds power windows, air conditioning, remote entry, and foglights. ABS brakes replace the new disc brakes only on the EX. Rear seats split-fold 60/40 and feature a trunk pass-through. Price and long-term warranty are the biggest draws for both 2004 Kia Spectras, but the new 2004.5 wins raves from drivers for its sportier look, comfortable interior room, improved dash layout, and handling. Despite the engine upgrade, acceleration is still labored at high speeds and can be noisy. Owners also report a rattling in the dash in the old 2004 Spectra.
What owners say
Performance: The acceleration on the manual is better than expected, and the brakes do a great job of stopping the car. When taking normal turns at higher speeds the car does have quite a bit of understeer, which is expected since it is a FWD. Quality: Overall I am satisfied with the build quality. The only problem I seem to have is with the transmission which doesn't seem to be build as solid as the rest of the car. Appearance: I find the exterior styling gracious and like the body style quite a lot. The interior is much more spacious than you would expect. With a little modifications the interior can be upgraded nicely, and cheap.
May 25, 2009I bought my 1.8L base model Kia Spectra for $9,000 brand new in 2/2004. I will be hitting 100,000mi in a month. I have never had any problems with this car. I don't even change the oil as often as I should (I do use synthetic though). The only maintenance I have done is to take it in for a tune up and timing belt replacement at 60,000mi. It gets about 35mi/gal, has a fairly decent stock stereo system, and looks just as good as most of the standard 4 door sedans out there. I do not have anything extra in the commuter car, but it is fun and easy to drive, and it has never let me down. I was even able to drive it right up to Mt. Baker after a snow storm with no problems. For $9,000 I could not have asked for a better car.
May 14, 2009I really like this car. I usually only buy Toyota's but I was very impressed with the make and model. It was a great car to get my kids in and out of. It is great on gas. Good family car.
May 25, 2015What owners say
Performance: The acceleration on the manual is better than expected, and the brakes do a great job of stopping the car. When taking normal turns at higher speeds the car does have quite a bit of understeer, which is expected since it is a FWD. Quality: Overall I am satisfied with the build quality. The only problem I seem to have is with the transmission which doesn't seem to be build as solid as the rest of the car. Appearance: I find the exterior styling gracious and like the body style quite a lot. The interior is much more spacious than you would expect. With a little modifications the interior can be upgraded nicely, and cheap.
May 25, 2009I bought my 1.8L base model Kia Spectra for $9,000 brand new in 2/2004. I will be hitting 100,000mi in a month. I have never had any problems with this car. I don't even change the oil as often as I should (I do use synthetic though). The only maintenance I have done is to take it in for a tune up and timing belt replacement at 60,000mi. It gets about 35mi/gal, has a fairly decent stock stereo system, and looks just as good as most of the standard 4 door sedans out there. I do not have anything extra in the commuter car, but it is fun and easy to drive, and it has never let me down. I was even able to drive it right up to Mt. Baker after a snow storm with no problems. For $9,000 I could not have asked for a better car.
May 14, 2009I really like this car. I usually only buy Toyota's but I was very impressed with the make and model. It was a great car to get my kids in and out of. It is great on gas. Good family car.
May 25, 2015This car got very good gas mileage! We had some problems with the rear brakes. Had to replace them and parking brakes. It seemed like we were always replacing something with the brakes. Didn't pay much for the car, So I guess I can't complain!! Once we got all the kinks out of the brakes, the car was a great car!!!! had no other problems with it!!!
June 24, 2013Trims & specs
Base MSRP $13,590 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 124 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 10.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $13,160 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 12.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $12,360 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 124 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 10.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $14,290 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 12.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $13,580 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 124 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $14,630 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 124 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 11.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
