2004 KIA OPTIMA NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Kia Optima?
A new grille visually ties the 2004 Kia Optima to other models in the automaker’s lineup, and all trim levels come standard with larger 16-inch alloy wheels for improved road presence. A new EX trim level replaces the old SE designation.

Advantages of the 2004 Kia Optima:

• Excellent powertrain warranty
• Soft ride quality
• Comfortable driver’s seat
• Responsive brakes

Objections to the 2004 Kia Optima:

• Mushy handling
• Sluggish acceleration
• Inexpensive interior materials

Editor's Advice:
Buy the 2004 Kia Optima for its low price or excellent powertrain warranty, then use it as a Point A to Point B kind of daily-driver family car, and chances are that you won’t go wrong. Just don’t expect it to match most midsize sedans from a dynamic standpoint. Either a 138-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 170-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6 engine matched to a manually interactive four-speed automatic transmission powers the handsome Kia Optima’s front wheels. We’d avoid the four-cylinder in favor of the more expensive V6, if for no other reason than the V6 has a tough enough time getting the Optima up to speed. Size-wise, the Kia Optima is smaller than segment leaders, and the quality of the interior materials could stand improvement. Not the best midsize sedan on sale today, and not quite the worst, the 2004 Kia Optima most pleases those with low expectations.