Overview & Reviews

The Kia Rio has traditionally been this Korean automaker's least expensive model. Early on, the Rio represented an affordable, though pretty forgettable, mode of transportation. The second-generation model represented a marked improvement in features and comfort, and the Rio became more pleasant to drive. The latest Rio is another leap forward thanks to its evocative styling, peppy engine and an abundance of interior space.

The Kia Rio is offered in both sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. They have identical mechanicals and interior components, though the hatchback offers significantly more utility. In general, the newer the Rio you're looking at, the better it will be.

Current Kia Rio
The Kia Rio subcompact is available as a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback. There are three trim levels: LX, EX and SX. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque powers all Rio models. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX, with a six-speed automatic optional. Both the EX and SX come only with the six-speed automatic.

Notable standard features on the base LX include air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel and a stereo with satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface. The EX adds full power accessories, Bluetooth, cruise control and a telescoping steering wheel. The SX comes pretty loaded with alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a rearview camera, power-folding mirrors and Kia's "Uvo" voice-activated interface for electronics features. Major options include a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, leather seating, heated front seats and a navigation system.

In reviews, we've noted that the Kia Rio stands out thanks to its distinctive styling and design. The interior quality is a cut above other cars in its class, particularly in the upper trim levels. On the road, the Rio's engine provides respectable acceleration and excellent fuel economy. The car does have a couple minor downsides, such as an overly firm ride quality for the SX trim level. Overall, however, the Kia Rio is a front runner in the economy car segment.

Used Kia Rio Models
Completely redesigned for 2012, the third-generation Kia Rio represents a large leap forward in terms of refinement and available luxury features. Compared to earlier Rios, it's roomier and more stylish both inside and out. It's also more powerful and fuel-efficient. There have been only minimal changes since its debut.

Previous to this was the second-generation Kia Rio, produced from 2006-'11. It was offered as a sedan and four-door hatchback (called the Rio5). The base model was restricted to the sedan and was the definition of "sparsely equipped." Both body styles were offered in LX trim (which added air-conditioning, power steering, a tilt steering wheel and a CD player), while a sporty SX trim added alloy wheels and special styling items.

Power for all second-generation Kia Rios came from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 110 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. Despite the Rio's tiny dimensions, this engine struggled to provide anything more than adequate motivation in everyday driving. Models with five-speed manual transmissions delivered better acceleration and city fuel economy, while the automatic fared better in regard to highway mileage.

Initially, the SX trim was exclusive to the Rio5 hatchback. For 2007, the Rio sedan SX was introduced, while the Rio5 could be had in LX form for 2008. Models prior to 2010 had slightly different styling depending on trim, while cruise control and Bluetooth were added to the available features list that year. Antilock brakes were available as a highly recommended option on the LX sedan and the Rio5 SX, which replaced the standard rear drums with disc brakes. The five-speed manual transmission was standard on all trims, with a four-speed automatic being optional. For 2011, the manual transmission was only available on the LX.

The Rio's interior was pretty nice, with a pleasant mix of materials. The car also drove reasonably well. Buyers should be aware that the Rio has had some disappointing crash test scores. On the whole, a 2006-'11 Kia Rio is a decent choice for an inexpensive car, though some competing subcompacts from Japan will likely prove more enjoyable overall.

The first-generation Kia Rio was introduced for the 2001 model year. The sedan came first and Kia followed up with the Rio Cinco hatchback for 2002. Both were among the least expensive cars in their classes. Unfortunately, the trade-off was limited feature content and a thoroughly unpleasant driving experience.

Based on reviews by our editors and Rio owners, the car delivered what its price promised -- simple, affordable transportation, but little more. Complaints centered on its noisy, unrefined engine, poorly controlled ride and shoddy build quality. Although the Rio's low residual value makes it convincingly cheap on the used market, this is not a car we can recommend. If you are determined to buy a used Kia Rio, it's best to go with a 2003 or newer model, as these benefited from a more powerful engine (104 hp versus 96), an improved suspension and a higher-quality interior.

User Reviews:

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  my experience - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Laila - April 3 - 10:00 am

  it is a good car have took it all around

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  How much I love my Kia - 2002 Kia Rio
  By smsm - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car across the state of Michigan more times than one would think humanly possible. It has proven to be more reliable than my friends new cars of substantially more price. Once, a rear tail light went out and the dealership kindly replaced. That is the only problem to speak of. I love this car!!!! I may have to sell it because of a move to the city, and its breaking my heart!!!

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  Kia: A good little car - 2004 Kia Rio
  By tieghan - March 11 - 10:00 am

  A cute little car that has a suprisingly peppy engine. Great big warranty for a low vehicle price. Comfortable interior especially the front, back is adequate for adults but much better for children. Expanded leg room in the front( more than I had in my Mazda MPV). My gas mileage averages 24 city and 30 highway. Overall great value for the price.

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  Excellent gas sipper - 2008 Kia Rio
  By Glenn - February 28 - 3:16 am

  If youre looking for an inexpensive ride thats great on gas, the Kia Rio is all you need! I bought the 4 door base to use as my "run around" car and I am getting 39 MPG based on about a 60% stop-and-go and 40% highway driving ratio. Its the best no frills car out there, easily the best bang for the buck. I never thought Id buy a Kia/Hyundai, but with gas prices being what they are and just needing some basic wheels, this car hits the target dead on!

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  Kia Rio - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Taylor - February 27 - 8:26 am

  I have had terrible luck with this car. It is a very uncomfortable car, with not a lot of room. I have had to get so many things done to it in a matter of a year. Including speed sensors that corroded, It breaks down every now and then while driving it, The gear shifts get stuck at times and are too hard to move, The wire harness linking to the transmission had to be replaced as well. This car is not recommended by me.

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  Great car but... - 2007 Kia Rio
  By h2oelemental - February 24 - 4:32 am

  I love my car, it gets great mileage and until recently it was very reliable. I put 30-36K miles a year on my car and do a lot of stop and go driving. I have over 166K on my car. In the past 3 yrs we have had to replace 3 ignition coils, both O2 sensors and now we have to replace the catalytic converter. She also tends to eat front tires. Constantly out of alignment. She has done very well overall and if possible will buy another Kia. Considering the kind of driving I do, she had held up very well.

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  I Love My Kia - 2003 Kia Rio
  By elizabeth2001 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Its a good car, I dont see why everyone is dogging the Kia company, my Rio has been a good car.

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  Rio RX-V - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Marcus Walters - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Very fun car to drive, handles surprisingly well. A bit noisy at high speeds though normal considering small engine. All in all amazing bang for your buck.

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  Dandy little car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Dirsppro1234 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  A/C is the best in any car Ive ever driven. It takes off slow...but then top end is really pretty good. I like all the features. A dandy little car!

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  Fun and economical - 2003 Kia Rio
  By seafair - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I have NO complaints about this car except that the transmission slips now and again and the Dealership that sold me the car is full of losers, swindlers and liars. I love the gas mileage this car gets, especially in todays economy. Its cute and handles like a dream. I will definitly consider buying another KIA when that time comes, however I will choose a different Dealership.