2004 Kia Optima consumer reviews

Someone else wrote about walking away from a bad crash in there 04 optima i had a very similar experience it was a very reliable car i did choose to use synthetic oil i think that was the only variation from the standard flow i did have much of my work done at a dealer then at after putting 40k+ miles a year on it i had some people stop in front of me on the interstate and splat i walked out of it with only a small cut on my hand from the windshield glass breaking couldn't have asked for a better car i fell if i hadn't crashed it id still be driving it my only words of caution are it seemed to me the car was a magnet to deer idk and like all kias they have a horrible resale value

We owned a 2006 Optima for 3 years, NEVER have I hated a car so much! We bought it used with 30,000 miles at 42,000 miles everything broke 1 by 1! First the lower control arm snapped in the middle of winter going 20 mph. The side molding constantly fell off! At 55,000 miles the secondary timing belt snapped(all this belt did was read the crank sensor) and sent a valve through the piston. Mind you mechanical work is my job and I did everything to baby this car and keep it running. I will never again own a KIA/Hyundai product! If you ar looking for reliabilty, comfort, mileage, and maybe performance I recommend: Nissan, Chevy, Toyota, or Mazda!!!

I bought my 2004 Kia Optima brand new. I have had normal maintenance to it. Changed all the belts, sensors, etc at the appropriate mileage and as needed. I would get in this car and drive anywhere - anytime without hesitation. Yesterday I was involved in a head on collision with my Kia. It withstood a hard impact without buckling. My daughter and I were in the front seats and walked away. I believe my car saved our lives. I would recommend a Kia to anyone!

We found this little GEM in Palm Springs. It's White with Grey interior/wood and in amazing shape. With only 37K miles it checked out 100% so after getting it detailed it runs and looks like a NEW car! Should have lots of reliable, fun miles coming up, particularly with the 100,000 drivetrain warrantee and excellent gas mileage.

I have owned this car for the past 4 years and although not its not going to turn any heads and will never compete in a drag race it is a very good car. In the time that I have owned this car I have only ever had to replace the alternator, nothing else has ever broken down in this car and I have abused her driving this car 1/2 across the country more than once. This car had taken me everywhere and I have put about 60k miles on it with really no problems. This car has awesome maneuverability, you can turn and whip around any corner and fit into almost any parking spot. This is a great car, if you need a reliable car that will last you forever forget Honda get a Kia. This is a great way to go, I am about to trade mine in for a new one but she has treated me very well!!!

never broke down, never not started, got me though every snowstorm (5spd), didnt have to replace tires,breaks,rotors till 55k (i downshift alot)....by far he most reliable car ive ever had....ended up buying a kia sportage also (which is awesome)....i am the original owner and have 60 k on it

A CAR FOR THOSE WHO EXPECT VALUE AND NEED THE COMFORT AND ROOM OF A FOUR DOOR VEHICLE BUT LIKE SMALLER CARS.

I never had a problem with my Kia Optima and loved how it handled! I drove many times back and forth across the USA with my family and we all were comfortable in my car! Amazing gas mileage which I was able to get closer to 33 mpg even around town running! Lots of leg room, trunk space, safety features were amazing! Only had to replace tires and oil. Replaced timing belt at 97k and she kept going. The crankshaft position sensor went and that led me to purchase a new KIA Optima, still love my 04 better. A/C was always cold and she was always ready to fly down the freeway, even the 4 cyl. that she was. Highly reccomend to anyone!

Sometimes I'm sad I sold this car, but my family kept growing and I needed a mini-van. But this was the greatest little car I ever drove. Never caused me a dime of problems. Always reliable. Whomever bought my old car I'm sure was very happy. I highly recommend the '04 Optima.

I purchased my Kia Optima new and have never had any problems with it. My mechanic is even very impressed with it. It is a great car and is very comfortable in every way. I often drive a highway with many curves and being able to shift from auto to manuel transmission to control my speed has saved my brakes and sanity many times!!! Love this car. SuZ