Model year guide

2004 Chevrolet classic

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Chevrolet classic is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 4 on record.

2004 Chevrolet classic — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Chevrolet classic at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints40
Combined25 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2004 Chevrolet classic recalls 1

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage NHTSA Campaign #04V301000 · 30/06/2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK THAT DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATION. A WELD ON THESE FUEL TANKS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT, RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK, AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2004 Chevrolet classic common problems

Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

2004 Chevrolet classic MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway31 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,700
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Passenger volume99 cu ft
Cargo volume16 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,500 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Chevrolet classic costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,500
Fuel only$13,500
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2004 Chevrolet classic trims & engines on record

Trims
Classic · LS
Engines
2.2L 4-cyl 170 hp · 4.8L 8-cyl

2004 Chevrolet classic vehicles on record

Other Chevrolet classic model years

2004 Chevrolet classic — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Chevrolet classic have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2004 Chevrolet classic. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet classic?

Owners have filed 40 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Chevrolet classic get?

The 2004 Chevrolet classic has a U.S. EPA estimate of 25 mpg combined (21 city / 31 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.