2004 Kia Optima

Pros: Low price, good features and warranty, capacity, controls, visibility
Cons: Overboosted steering, lacks road feel, ergonomic issues, lacks power

I have known that opinions about cars, based on the rentals, are mostly too negative. I remember renting a Mi tsubishi Galant that behaved and subjectively felt much worse than my own ...

Pros: Great Style!Comforts!Affordable!Blazing Hot Hi-Beams! Ouch! Hot! Nice 6 speaker sound AM/FM/CD.
Cons: Everything works, well. I miss my Spectra upholstered center console arm rest. This one's plastic.

As I mentioned in my last 2002 Kia Spectra review, I traded that car for the above vehicle and have about 5000 miles on the odometer thus far. My first impression: A++! Extremely positive. This vehicle is a step up in size for me(to mid-size) and ...

Pros: solid feel of the vehicle, radio, brakes, reliability
Cons: rather have 30+MPG versus 25MPG. Cruise button shouldn't be so out of the way

The car has over 68,000 miles and still going strong. The only problem I have seen with it was replacing several bulbs in the past month or so. I don't know if the lights on the radio is a major issue, but the light for the preset 1 and 2 is out, but can ...

Pros: Overall exterior, fuel economy (4 cylinder), some nice touches.
Cons: Ride, handling, overall interior, 4 cylinder engine, engine noise.

When I went to go rent a car, the car rental company had their cars all lined up and ready to go. Out of a crowd of Grand Am's (tired of those), Buick's (I'm not old), and Altima's (I'm not Asian), a saw this brilliant blue Kia Optima. It looked so ...

Pros: Awesome value. Lots of goodies.
Cons: Subpar stereo (so-so quality).

Man, I love my new 2004 Optima. This is my third Kia. Traded in my 1999 Sephia for this car. Also own a 2003 Spectra. I've been buying Kias because I'm frugal and always looking for a good value. Never had a problem with any of them. But it is ...

Pros: Power Driver Seat,Moon-Roof,Alloys,Chrome,Price!!Stereo,Auto Temp Control.
Cons: No Anti-Lock Brakes

I have had my new 2004 Kia Optima EX for 2 weeks now, and I'm still lovin' it.

We came across this car while shopping for a 2nd vehicle to use as an alternative to driving our minivan.

The options that I like, are the alloy rims, Infinity Sound system, electronic moonroof, and power drivers seat.

My car has a 4cyl. engine, and I think its enough. I live in upstate New York, where it's basically flat, so it's fine here, but I'm not sure how it would do in hilly terrain.

All in all, after a 2 month search for a smaller car, it's absolutely the best deal I have come across. I took advantage of the $3000 dealer incentive, along with a $3000 KIA incentive. My price was $6,000 off the sticker price of $18,300.

Pros: Comfortable ride, smooth and quite on the highways, decent gas mileage
Cons: rough engine, didn't trust the engine to go much longer without major repairs

I bought this car used, hoping to get good gas mileage and not have to worry about it( because of the warranty). However whenever I got to 60000 miles(when the warranty ended) I had the ignition coil go out on back to back to back weeks. After that I decide to trade it away. It got decent gas mileage 23 city/30 highway. Good ride, nice handling, enough power for the car. Another thing about the car is that the 4 cyl. 2.4L engine idled very rough at stops. When I took it in, they said that was just the way it ran. Good luck with this car, but I wouldn't buy it again and I only had it one year.

Pros: Everything in and outside of this car is a PRO. I LOVE IT!
Cons: I have NO cons about this car. It's the perfect car.

I just bought a used 2004 Kia Optima LX V6 4 dr sedan with 16" alloy wheels, lumbar support, front and side airbags, heated mirrors. It had 46,000 miles on it when I bought it from Enterprise car rentals. I love the look, style and presence of this car. I believe it is the best looking car in it's class out there. From the moment I test drove it, I immediately felt how fluid the steering felt and how incredible it turned corners and there was no jolting whatsoever. When I drive it, the seating is very comfortable and everything is easy to use. I feel like I'm driving a real luxury car when I'm in it-with the faux wood grain trim and the enormous space you get inside of it considering it's a small sedan. But it's not that small. It's longer in length than I thought. The visibility is great. I will NEVER sell this car. I hope it lasts a long time. And I love the style- it's just beautiful.

Pros: Value for the price
Cons: Interior drivers overhead door handle, Cup holder cover

I bought 2002 Kia Rio for 6K a couple years ago to put commuter miles on. After 22K miles I traded up to the 2004 Optima cause Kia was offering great deals. I bought the 5 speed stick (my preference) with all the major options, CD, A/C, Cruise, Tilt, Power Win/Door. Overall a relatively roomy sedan with a comfortable interior. 4 Cyl is no hot rod but 138HP is plenty to get around. After 5600 miles I still enjoy the car and at $9125 you can't beat the price. I've have 2 design peeves. The cup holder in the center console is poorly designed. It has a cover which only flips up to vertical. At 90 deg to the hole most tapered cups will only fit in if tilted to the side slightly. 2nd the stupid handle over the drivers door which you normally only find over passenger doors for hanging shirts on and stuff. Well I hit my head on the handle if I turn to look out my drivers window. Either the seat should adjust lower or remove the useless handle.

Pros: Comfort, performance, quality build, tight steering radius, fuel economy, quiet engine, crisp shifting
Cons: Keyless entry would be great

A just purchased a 2004 Silver Kia Optima V6 (same mechanics as Hyundai Sonata) and I love this car! Besides its good looks, this well made Korean automobile has plenty of power (2.7 170 HP-zooms to high interstate speeds in a hurry), nifty 'Tiptronic" manual shifting and it has the optional anti-lock brakes.

Mileage is impressive on the highway and the ride & comfort is exceptional for a mid-sized car and it feels solidly built. AM-FM CD Player has impressive 6 speaker sound.

With the 16" alloy wheels and Michelin tires, this 7000 mile used 2004 Optima is a GREAT choice for a family car and you will save THOUSANDS over a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.

Pros: Looks, comfort level, A/C and tilt.
Cons: So-so fuel economy.

Got my Kia Optima used with 14,500 miles on it. Suspect it was a rental. Several minor dings, but nothing major. Got the V6 and while it moves, it doesn't seem overly powerful for a 6. Fuel economy is so-so. Rides nice, but can still feel bumps. Braking is adequate. I find myself using the sport shifter (auto) to slow the vehicle down - it's a nice feature. Looks are great, interior comfort is good, trunk space is great. Overall I am happy with it thus far. For around $14,000 I don't think I could get a whole lot more...