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2004 Kia Spectra Owner Ratings & Reviews

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2004 Kia Spectra - Great starter car.

Anna
Vancouver, Washington
Overall
3.0
Value
5.0
Performance
3.0
Style
3.0
Comfort
3.0
Fuel Economy
5.0
Reliability
5.0
This is the first Kia that anyone in my family has ever owned, and based on what I had heard about Kias in the past, I was a little apprehensive about buying one at first. But in more recent years, the brand has increased its image as a car company, and for the price, it was the newest car with the lowest amount of miles on it that I was going to find, so I decided to go for it. One thing that about this car is that is fairly small for a four-door sedan. As a woman, I have plenty of room, but I know that men need more space, so this car is suitable for a woman. When I first got the car, it was misfiring and kept dying, so I took it in to be repaired. I got new spark plugs and a couple other minor things corrected too. The clutch, however, was bad, and I had to replace it within the fir... (more)
Story
I have only had this car for about six months now, so I haven't had time to make many memories in it yet. I did take it on a road trip to the beach at the spur of the moment a couple months ago, and I somehow turned a three-hour drive into six. I had a tire that I knew was on its last leg, but I didn't have the money to replace it yet, so I risked it, and about an hour away from our destinatio... (more)
Pros
The top positive thing about the 2004 Kia Spectra (base model) is that it gets excellent gas mileage. It costs me about $25 to fill up the tank, and I can drive around for days. Also, it is easy and inexpensive to keep up with maintenance, and repairing it is also fairly cheap and easy. It also has been very dependable. I know any time I go out to my car that it will start up, and I can be on my way (unless I left my headlights on and killed the battery which I have done more times than I would like to admit). I like that it doesn't have automatic windows or locks or anything like that, be... (more)
Cons
The most negative thing about this car, I think, is the lack of space. Going along with that, the gas and the brake pedals are very close together, and men with big feet have a problem with pushing both of them at the same time sometimes. Also, there is no air conditioning, because I have the base model. So in the summer, it can be very uncomfortable.

2004 Kia Spectra - Reliable.

Spectra Owner
Sneedville, Tennessee
Overall
5.0
Value
5.0
Performance
2.0
Style
2.0
Comfort
5.0
Fuel Economy
5.0
Reliability
5.0
I used this vehicle for at least 7 years to get back and forth to work. In that time, I have not have to replace anything more than the oil, filters, and tires, which has been a Godsend for someone on a budget like me. The engine does make clicking noises like the valves are worn, but it still keeps ticking! The transmission has had zero problems, even during the winter. There's 180,000 miles on it and I think it could run for that many more. The only problem I've had is the occasional hiccup when accelerating, not a total stall, and the radio and overhead lights stopped working after I required a jumpstart. Another thing to note, the headlights on this car go out after shutting it off, which is really good if you tend to forget. This would be a good commuter car if you're not worried ... (more)
Story
My best memory in this car was when I was able to avoid hitting a dog the ran into the street, it's fairly nimble.
Pros
Reliable, tires are a standard size, brakes are standard configuration, back seats fold down, no leaks around the doors, trunk, or glass, parts are interchangeable with many kea models, headlights automatically go out.
Cons
Short and stubby, radio and overhead lights fried on a jumpstart, small working space in hood, air conditioner weak even after recharge. Barely enough leg room for someone 6'2".