2004 Kia Spectra Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
IIHS Crash Test
Source   IIHS.org
MPG (up to)
22 -24 City / 30 -34 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
124 -132
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Mickey R
It's pretty much maintenance free and there are no cars cheaper
I like everything about my Kia its reliable gets great gas mileage and it's cheap
accountCircle Tammie S
It is very reliable and inexpensive.This was my second Kia.
The durability of the car is incredible. The maintenance has been minimal. The gas mileage is great.
accountCircle Jessica H
It has good gas mileage, it is important for people who travel often or students.
I dislike that is is all manual except for the driving section. I like that it has lots of room. I also like that the car gets good gas mileage.
accountCircle Dee S
I pretty much covered all this in the last paragraph.
Great gas mileage, roomy trunk, but there is no AC. Good for long drives, body rusted out pretty bad. Plenty of room for four people. Decent stereo system. Overall it is a great little car. Was perfect for what we needed. Engine is good, great on gas. Just needed a little body work and the usual maintenance needed for the average car. I think anyone would be happy to have this car for their own.
accountCircle Rachel C
Kias are very reliable. That is the one most important thing.
I bought my car used and it has been awesome for 4 years even though it is an older car. I would totally consider buying a new/newer Kia when my blueberry finally gives up on this life.
accountCircle Mary B
That it's reliable. It gets me from where I am to where I need to go. And it's a beauty.
It's reliable and fun to drive. I love my car. It's been an amazing experience.
accountCircle Ashley L
It gets me from point A to point B without hesitation.
My car runs amazing for being 14 years old. Drives smooth good on gas and it is the first car I have purchased on my own.
accountCircle Bai F
Perfect little car with good gas mileage
My Kia is a small car but the inside is very spacious. It's a 2004 but it still runs like it's brand new. We haven't had any problems with it yet or hopefully not for a while. Everything still works, the power windows, radio, air conditioning etc. Love the car

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Cody B
Might not have been a bad car if it wasn't bought used. My car had previously been in a wreck..
My car breaks down a lot...It burns oil. Also the parts are very cheaply made...
accountCircle Steph G
My review is of a Kia spectra and the fact that it randomly shuts off.
The car had a history of randomly turning off if driven too long and turning. It makes absolutely no sense because it runs well and does start up afterwards each and every time I would not choose a Kia or this make and model. But at least it drives well.
accountCircle Meagan G
Interior is decent and no damages on vehicle
Vehicle has a blown head gasket currently otherwise runs pretty well. The water pump is also not working properly and belt is not installed properly either. There is also a coolant problem that is leaking from somewhere because vehicle tends to over heat within minutes
accountCircle Linda D
Uncomfortable driver's seat.
Very uncomfortable driver's seat due to seat belt receiver being so close to seat. Windshield broke from turning on heater and we live in SoCal where it does not get below 50s in winter. Gas mileage is good- around 30 mpg city. This model is a manual transmission.
accountCircle Charles D
Good dependable car but nothing fancy or special.
Pretty reliable, not lot of power. Good solid car for money. Wouldn't buy one new but recommend it to prospective buyers.
accountCircle Anthony B
It needs new tires. Sometimes they shake when they get up to 70 miles per hour
I like the fact that it gets about 30 miles to the gallon, I can go to the next town over and back on a quarter tank. I dislike the state the exterior is in, it kinda bashed up, but at least it runs ok
accountCircle karen M
Faulty systems. Clutch seals should be made and sold separately.
My car is a stick shift very cheap on gas and has been a very dependable car. It is easy to get around in small spaces. The only trouble upon owning I have replaced the transmission once because I let my daughter drive it and she clearing does not know how to drive a stick shift. I did have a little trouble while doing so because the clutch h is different and ended up replacing the clutch as well due to the garage I chose losing a seal..I was very disappointed that because of a two dollar piece of rubber I had to replace with the whole clutch kit $150 because it couldn't be bought separately, other than that and the fact the passenger side leaks on the inside through the motor I always liked my little car.
accountCircle Brandy Y
It is a small 4 door sedan
My Kia is a small 4 door sedan. It gets good gas mileage. For It's age it has held up quite well.

Kia Spectra Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
Base
124 HP 26-26 MPG 5 Seats
car
LX
132 HP 29-29 MPG 5 Seats
car
GS
124 HP 26-26 MPG 5 Seats
car
LS
124 HP 26-26 MPG 5 Seats
car
EX
132 HP 29-29 MPG 5 Seats
car
GSX
124 HP 26-26 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2004 Kia Spectra Owner Reviews

3.96
46 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 39%
4 stars 28%
3 stars 24%
2 stars 7%
1 star 2%
accountCircle Taran M on March 28, 2021
The exterior material isn't very durable. I recently had to replace my front bumper.
I love the turning radius. The gas pedal is more touchy than the breaks
accountCircle martin K on February 25, 2021
Very dependable and comfortable. Also very fuel efficient.
Extremely reliable, very comfortable, great design and fuel efficient. Also has a sunroof which is very useful
View All Reviews (46) chevronRightAlternative

Ranks #12 Small Cars by Owners

The 2004 Kia Spectra has an average owner rating of 4.00 out of 5 which ranks it #12 of 22 other Small Cars.

1
car
2004 Volkswagen R32
5
2
car
2004 MINI Cooper
4.4
12
Tie
car
2004 Kia Spectra
3.96

Ranks #7 Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2004 Kia Spectra has a combined MPG of 34 which ranks it #7 of 22 other Small Cars.

1
car
2004 Honda Civic
48 MPG
2
car
2004 Toyota Echo
43 MPG
7
Tie
car
2004 Kia Spectra
34 MPG

Is The 2004 Kia Spectra A Good Car?

It’s a good reliable vehicle. I love that it has four doors to make it easier for my family and it’s good on gas.
Maria M.

How Reliable Is The 2004 Kia Spectra?

It’s reliable of course like every vehicle there is upkeep like putting fluids and getting oil changed. We have had to fix some things that were broke but we bought it used so that’s to be expected
Mitzi Hylton A.

Is The 2004 Kia Spectra A Good Value?

It cost three thousand and it was worth it in the end for me. It has traveled to Miami Florida and back and to Tennessee and back to South Carolina. It fills up with 20 dollars in gas and is just... Read More
David B.

Related Articles for 2004 Kia Spectra

From the Vehicle History blog

car
2009 Kia Spectra Review: A Decent Budget Car, but the Elantra is Better
car
2008 Kia Spectra Review: Unimpressive, but Adequate
car
2007 Kia Spectra Review: A Mediocre-by-Design, but Adequate Budget Compact

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2004 kia spectra engine oil type?

Answer: The 2004 Kia Spectra can either come with a 1.8 L or 2.0 L engine but both of them take 4.2 quarts of oil and the recommended F-TYPEor both of them iS-10W-30. ThiS-TYPE of oil provides good protection from...
openInNew See all Frequently Asked Questions

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test
(Not Rated)
*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety