Overview & Reviews

For 2003, Kia gives the Rio a number of upgrades. Among these are a new 104-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine; various suspension tweaks to improve ride and handling; larger disc brakes; new engine mounts and exhaust tuning for a quieter cabin; and reinforcements to the steering wheel and column to minimize vibration. Inside, look for revisions to the instrument cluster, center console and door panels -- the latter will include storage bins and bottle holders -- as well as new seat fabric. New standard features include child-seat anchors, rear heater ducts, auto-off headlights, variable intermittent wipers and, on the wagon only, a CD player. In addition, Kia has added dual map lights and a sunglasses case to the sedan's Upgrade Package, and will offer the Power Package, which provides power windows and locks. Finally, both Rios get fresh front fascias and wheel covers; the sedan gets a sharper-looking tail and the wagon gets an optional body-color spoiler.

• Small price, big warranty, peppy engine, attractive styling.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 65.00

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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.

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  I love my car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By girl - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I love how smooth this car drives. It is very comfortable and quiet. they also made great colors for the cars this year. I think this is a great family car.

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  Pretty Terrible - 2003 Kia Rio
  By ultrarunner100 - December 6 - 10:19 pm

  Car had less than 90k miles when the engine failed. No power, looks terrible. Im 64" and I barely fit in the car.

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  Its just a matter of time. - 2003 Kia Rio
  By wilolaboy - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Kia has been doing some homework with the Rio and its entire lineup. The 2003 Rio Wagon is a lot better than a Echo or the Accent. Why? , because of the interior, cargo, desing, and warranty. If you put them together, no other small, reliable and economic new automobile can match. Not even Hyundai or the overpriced Toyota Echo.

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  good car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By gcsickchick - July 16 - 10:00 am

  we just totalled our kia rio adn we are not hurt at all except the airbag hit us but thats all we would have flew through the windshield if it wasnt for the airbag so it is a safe car

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  Fine Piece of Machinery - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Tom - May 24 - 9:46 am

  I took over ownership of the car at 17000 miles from my Dad. Currently it has over 92000 miles on it and runs like new.Fuel economy is great.I live in Chicago currently and consistently return over 30mpg in heavy traffic and lots of urban driving.Open road and under less stressful conditions at my previous residence I was consistently returning 36-41 depending on the situation.Kia has the stigma of being cheap but I assure this car is not cheap.It performs very well and I have spent nothing on maintenance except for the usual things like oil changes.The only thing special I do with it is that I use a product called engine restore after each oil change.Kia has done a great job.

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  What A Honey Of A Car!! - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Picky Woman Driver - April 26 - 2:00 am

  My "silver chariot" is the sweetest car I have ever owned and I have had plenty cars over the years. I love to park it next to a Saab, Audi or VW sport wagon, for it looks better than all of them. I look at its reflection in store windows and admire it constantly. It drives and handles like a sports car. What a surprise at such an economical cost.

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  Kia wagon review from Pam - 2003 Kia Rio
  By pamer - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is wonderful to drive, it has only one problem, if you drive gravel roads, it has a problem with mud, the mud sticks up underneath, and you get a bit of a shimmy from it. The automatic carwash with the undercarriage feature will solve this if you get it before it becomes too caked on

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  Great Econo Coach! - 2003 Kia Rio
  By BILL - March 10 - 1:36 am

  Great little cheapie, all I expected was for her to get me from point a to b cheaply, and reliably, and shes definitely filled those requirements. I expected low power due to the engine size but its more than sufficient on flat roadways. I would not recommend the automatic, in hilly or mountainous conditions, since the computer wants to up and downshift to maintain road speed. I haul a lot and this little wagon just keeps on chuggin, my gas guzzlers stay at home while I drive this one back and forth to work. I doubt you could have found a better car for the price back in 2003.

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  FIRE - 2003 Kia Rio
  By JJSZABO - January 26 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 RIO caught fire 3 months from purchase. Dealership found that the alternator shorted out. Fixed with some hassle from KIA. I still like it though.