2004 Kia Optima Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Under the radar, Kia is slowly playing catch-up to the big boy economy sedans on the market, combining comfort, convenience, and roominess...
Under the radar, Kia is slowly playing catch-up to the big boy economy sedans on the market, combining comfort, convenience, and roominess at a much lower price point. The 2004 Kia Optima is a mid-size family sedan, based on the Sonata platform, that packs in a lot of standard features while remaining affordable for those on a budget. For 2004, the Optima gets a new grille design to distinguish it from the Sonata, and the V6 models get larger 16-inch tires for better road performance.
There are two trim levels for the 2004 Optima, each offered with either a 2.4-liter, 138-hp DOHC I4 or a 2.7-liter, 170-hp DOHC V6. The 4-cylinder comes with either a standard 5-speed or a 4-speed automatic with manual mode. The 4-speed is the sole transmission for the V6 models. The base LX carries full power features, 15-inch wheels, dual-front side airbags, cruise control, and a CD player. The more decked-out EX, which replaces last year's SE, ups the ante with a power driver's seat, a sunroof, keyless entry, wood and chrome accents, an auto-dimming mirror, and a remote garage opener. Only on the EX can you opt for heated leather seats and wood interior trim.
The Kia fares average to poor in some crash tests, but does well in side-impact ratings. Dual front-side airbags are standard across the line, while ABS brakes are only optional on the V6 models. Traction control is not available. Though Kia has always focused on good value for the money (and the 2004 Optima does come with a lot of standard features for what you pay), drivers say the gas mileage, at 20/27 mpg, is disappointing. Other complaints mention the labored acceleration with the I4 engine, the need for more rear legroom, and no ABS option on the I4. But most owners say the ride is comfortable, with incredibly smooth handling and little engine noise. They also like the exterior styling. The biggest draw is Kia's outstanding warranty.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2004 Kia Optima are quite pleased with their purchase. They appreciate the car's performance, fuel economy, and comfortable interior. Many drivers find it fun to drive and well-built. However, some have expressed concerns about the service experience and the durability of the outer shell. The Optima is seen as a good value with few maintenance issues."
The car is an awesome performer with plenty of power. The AC will freeze you out. Gas mileage is great. Interior cabin is well laid out with all controls easily accessible. Very comfortable to drive. I drove this car almost three hours straight and loved it.
June 11, 2014I bought this car in 2005 with 10,000 miles on it. Its now 2015 it has around 235,000 miles and beside for normal maintenance I have not had many issues with it other than the air bag light and headlights.
February 27, 2015This has been an outstanding car for the value. Very little maintenance needed other than oil and fluid changes. It handles well and has good acceleration and gas mileage. It is a sharp looiking car and quite comfortable. We were quite happy with it.
October 4, 2012What owners say
The car is an awesome performer with plenty of power. The AC will freeze you out. Gas mileage is great. Interior cabin is well laid out with all controls easily accessible. Very comfortable to drive. I drove this car almost three hours straight and loved it.
June 11, 2014I bought this car in 2005 with 10,000 miles on it. Its now 2015 it has around 235,000 miles and beside for normal maintenance I have not had many issues with it other than the air bag light and headlights.
February 27, 2015This has been an outstanding car for the value. Very little maintenance needed other than oil and fluid changes. It handles well and has good acceleration and gas mileage. It is a sharp looiking car and quite comfortable. We were quite happy with it.
October 4, 2012love to drive the car. I have the top of the line model with everything. Leather interior is thin though. outer shell seems to dent and ding easy. Still better than the outer shell of the Chevy impala.
April 23, 2008This car replaced my 1992 Pontiac Grand Am. Bought my Kia Optima brand new on October 29th 2004, from Kia Mall of Georgia. The car is fun to drive, for a Kia, it has impressed many of my family and friends. My Optima is built great, I haven't had any problems. Stylish yet sporty and I love my moon roof and key less entry. My car averages 30mpg. Our first year of owning this car, we drove down to Florida on a full tank of gas. Total round trip was a tank and a half. Fun to drive, with the Sportmatic transmission, I enjoy driving this car in the sportmatic 'clutchless' mode.
December 19, 2008We were looking for a car when our '99 Intrepid bit the dust. We started looking for a used HONDA, but they were out of our price range. OUR LOCAL Honda dealer had this '04 Kia on the lot, and we liked the looks and reviews on the car. We bought it with 38,000 miles on the clock, and a year left on the bumper-to-bumper warrantee. We took it on a 1200-mile trip a week after we puchased it, and it behaved impeccably! Good hiway mileage, and a very civilized behavior. The manually adjustable driver's seat really helped my back problems on a long drive! The A/C is adequate, and the stock sound system is good.
June 17, 2008Well built sedan. Kia service dept is bad though. Buy one out of warranty because the warranty is worth the paper it's written on when they don't know how to fix it.
January 18, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $18,835 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $20,235 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.7L 170 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 13.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $16,140 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.4L 138 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $18,635 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.7L 170 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 13.6 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
