2004 Kia Optima LX 2.7L V6 from North America

Summary:

This car is great

Faults:

I have had nothing major go wrong with the car that was not my own fault.

General Comments:

At first many people think when they see a KIA it is bad, but then they got into my car and it totally changed their mind.

The car has some nice pick-up.

The interior is very roomy and the seats are comfortable.

The 16 inch wheels add some style to this flashy car.

This car can beat the price, option for option, of a Honda or Toyota.

The only down side to the car is that there is a limited amount of performance parts available.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th August, 2008

2004 Kia Optima EX-V6 V6 from North America

Summary:

Never Again

Faults:

Complete Left tire assembly broke free from vehicle (brake assembly and all) while driving to work resulting in total loss of vehicle. It was deemed by Insurance company as a manufacturers defect.

Apparently, some bolts, etc. were incorrectly torqued at the factory, resulting in CV joint breaking in half.

General Comments:

OK at first. Lots of options. BE CAREFUL! Wheel may come off!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th May, 2006

21st Nov 2010, 10:07

If the CV joint came apart the front wheel would not fall off. The CV is a joint pressed together and has no bolts. The wheel is held by a heavy cast iron assembly bolted to the lower A arm and upper strut. It sounds like this vehicle has been a previous accident that damaged those components.

2004 Kia Optima EX-V6 6 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Running Scared!

Faults:

Complete Left tire assembly broke free from vehicle (break assembly and all) while driving to work resulting in total loss of vehicle. It was deemed by Insurance company as a manufacturers defect.

Apparently, some bolts, etc. were torqued incorrectly from factury, resulting in CV joint breaking in half.

General Comments:

Performed well, until accident.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th May, 2006

2004 Kia Optima LX V6 2.5 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

True value for money

Faults:

Nothing major, the headlight (left) had a bit of moisture. The dealership replaced the whole headlight assembly free of charge as it was covered by warranty.

General Comments:

I bought this car brand new from the dealership at about two thirds the price of a Honda Accord. The car is really fantastic, the pick-up and power surge of the V6 engine is just right to get out of tight situations.

The feel inside could be improved though! It feels a bit too plastic. Driver seat is just about comfortable, not too plush. There is ample legroom in both the front and the rear seats. The boot, surprisingly is large.

Styling and body panels are obviously borrowed from Hyundai Sonata, but who cares. Interestingly the profile (especially the silver colored car) looks a wee bit like the Merc C200 Kompressor and quite often people have asked me if I own a Merc (a flattering thought)

The dealership here in NZ have been extremely helpful.

Overall a great car to own at bargain basement prices.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th September, 2005

2004 Kia Optima from North America

Summary:

I won't buy another

Faults:

Driver side headlight out at 20752.

Every time it rains or it is damp outside the car acts ups won't idle.

You have to hold the accelerator pedal to the floor to start a fuel injected engine.

Floor mats riped at 1500 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th March, 2005

2004 Kia Optima EX 2.7 V6 from North America

Summary:

This car is a very comfortable, reliable vehicle with a great warranty

Faults:

So far the only problem I have had with this vehicle has been with the stereo system. The cassette player ceased accepting new cassettes and a replacement system needed to be ordered.

General Comments:

The car has great eye appeal with the spoiler.

I like the size and accessibility of the vehicle. There is plenty of leg room in the front and comfort in the back for longer trips.

The gas mileage is better than I anticipated.

I like having the options this vehicle has in comparison to other models that have the same options at a higher price.

The warranty is really what sold me on the car as well as the predominantly positive experience I had with my 1998 Kia Sephia which I had purchased as a 1 year old vehicle.

I would certainly consider purchasing another Kia vehicle when I am ready to trade this car and would likely upgrade to the more luxurious Amanti.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th March, 2005