2004 Kia Optima EX V6 2.7 DOHC from North America

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong so far and if anything does it should be covered in the 5 year/60,000 bumper-to-bumper warranty. If anything in the powertrain goes I am happy about the 100,000 mile warranty.

General Comments:

The car is smooth and rides like a bigger car, like a Buick or Oldsmobile.

I like the gas usage, it did well on my first trip and it actually goes faster than 115 miles per hour!

Interior is laid out ergonomically. I liked the interior and exterior styling better than the competitors.

Price was excellent, many people would be amazed with the amenities that would be options in the Accord, Camry and Taurus.

I think of my car as a Buick/Oldsmobile alternative with a better warranty and a lot cheaper and nicer looking.

I think it is still early to judge the durability of the Optima and it's resell value, but I know some people with KIAs and they all think KIA makes competent cars and nowadays are making vehicles comparable to Honda, Toyota and Nissan!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd January, 2005

9th Mar 2008, 15:26

You might want to recheck the powertrain warranty, on the 2004 KIA it only goes for 60.000 not 100.000.

24th Sep 2008, 05:22

I wrote the original review a while back, and now I have 95,000 miles with no scheduled services, except struts! Very reliable in my opinion, Kia is definitely on my next list of cars to shop!

2004 Kia Optima LX 2.7 V6 from North America

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong yet, which should be expected for only 6500 miles.

General Comments:

It seems that KIA has figured out that people like myself don't want to spend $20,000+ for a car with very few options. For well under $20,000 I got A/C, power windows, CD-stereo, automatic, and a V6. I especially wanted the V6 option so I could run the A/C and still have adequate power.

The interior is nothing fancy with cloth seats and manual seat adjustments, but the dash is certainly user friendly. The climate controls are well placed and can be accessed easily.

The warranty is certainly nice, but was not a selling point for me. The last thing I need is a piece of junk with a good warranty.

Overall I am very satisfied with my purchase. The Optima is stylish and handles the road very well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th August, 2004

2004 Kia Optima LX 2.4-liter, DOHC 4-cylinder from North America

Summary:

A great vehicle for the low price!

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong yet!

General Comments:

I am extremely satisfied with my KIA Optima. I have used it to travel from Louisville, KY to Boston, MA and back 3 times, which is a little under 1000 miles each way. I have not had any problems with it on these trips and the only times is has been back to the dealer has been for regular maintenance (e.g.-oil changes).

The car handles very well on both smooth and rough roads.

Brakes respond quickly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th August, 2004

2004 Kia Optima EX 2.3 Liter V from North America

Summary:

A very good deal

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I was impressed enough by my 2001 Sephia that I went out this year and upgraded to the larger Optima.

I have been very happy with the response of the car in heavy traffic as well as on the open road.

The seats are comfortable, but I wouldn't call them plush.

There has been an issue with the gas cap lid popping open due to the fact that my knee rest very close to the indoor release button.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th August, 2004

2004 Kia Optima ex 2.7 V6 from North America

Summary:

Looks good coming and going, real eye catcher

Faults:

I am working with the dealership on a power steering leak. It lost about a half pint in 700 miles and we cannot tell where it is coming from.

General Comments:

This car has it all from leather to climate control. No serious problems yet and love to drive it.

Priced under 20K and is very quite and roomy enough for 4 on any long trip.

Infinity stereo is a good sound package.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th July, 2004

9th Mar 2008, 15:23

I own a 2004 Kia Optima with 59000 on it. I like the vehicle, but am not thrilled that at 60.000 I have to change the timing belt or the engine could be compromised. That is a $600 repair that seems that a timing belt should last for at least 100.000 like the Hondas. I also think that the vehicle could get better fuel mileage, I'm getting about 22MPG with the V6 engine and auto trans.