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 21 through 30 of 65.00-
Awesome for the price! - 2003 Kia Rio
By lababydoll999 - September 25 - 2:00 amI bought my car in October 2002, mostly because I wanted reliable transporation with a lot of warranty coverage since I drive my daughter to her daycare and myself to work every day. At first sight I wasnt too impressed by it, but when I saw the price and read all of the warranties, I had to get the Rio. I have never been more happy with any car than I am with my Rio. I pay only $218 dollars a month for this car! It drives great, the sound system is primo for the price of the car and I love the sunglass holder and the 8-way adjustable seat. I just cant say enough about this car!!!
-
A very pleasant surprise - 2003 Kia Rio
By dsrtdwlr - August 7 - 10:00 amI test drove a Kia Rio Cinco while out with my girlfriend who was looking to buy a car for her daughter. I was so surprised and impressed with the ride, handling and comfort I decided to go back and buy one for myself. The engine is "energetic" and cruises the interstate with no strain at all. The car handles well even when passing the big rigs on the road. Despite the poor reviews on the manual transmission, I found mine to shift smoothly and easily.
-
Very Happy - 2003 Kia Rio
By joepostal - August 3 - 10:00 amI was doubtful at first, especially after reading the professional reviews of this car. But I needed a low payment, and loved the warranty. After owning it for a couple months, I love it. Its fun to drive, nice looking, economical. I would highly recommend it.
-
Kia=Value - 2003 Kia Rio
By Saab_and_Benz - July 2 - 2:00 amI recently bought this Kia to use strictly to drive to and from work. With an approximate distance of 140 miles a day roundtrip, the gas milage, warranty and features really caused the purchase. After owning, I love the smooth ride, and extraordinary build quality. This car also has half-decent leg room up front, a real advantage over the others. And so far, it seems that Kia has fixed all of their problems and quality issues!
-
good little car - 2003 Kia Rio
By altimax9091 - March 31 - 2:38 ami replaced the timing belt and water pump at 60k ...a lot of people dont know ...right now has 92k ..its been reliable ..really good in gas since its standar ..power windows terrible ..don`t work ..but i don`t care as long the a/c, heater works ..very cheap to fix , parts etc ..and looks easy , my friend has a rio that has 140k and still running strong
-
Good Local Commuter Car - 2003 Kia Rio
By MIKE - October 19 - 3:56 pmHave presently 72,000 miles on a 2003 Rio sedan automatic. Gets 35 mpg at 70 - 75 and a/c on. Changed tires at 62,000 miles and went with a 195 series instead of the 165 it came with. Ride is definitely better. Change oil every 5,000 miles. Changed timing belt at 58,000 miles. Problems: front exterior door handles have fallen off at 50,000. Dealer took care of problem immediately. Had air bags deploy at a very low impact. 3 mph. Zero damage to car, hit car in front who didnt go at stop sign. $2,000 for front pair of air bags and front seat belts replaced. Still love car. Would buy another.
-
Like a sports car. - 2003 Kia Rio
By Bill Gibbons - September 26 - 10:00 amI live in the mountains and drive state highways up, down, and over. I also use interstates fairly regularly. The car is peppy, feels solid, passes easily for a small car, is comfortable, and is fun to drive. There is enough room behind the second seat for my 50# dog. My average MPG is 35. And the car is cute!(color is blueberry)
-
2003 Kia Rio - 2003 Kia Rio
By KiaRio - August 5 - 8:13 pmI have had this car for 4 years now and have had no issues with it. It has been very reliable, although a little small and not a lot of power. The fuel economy is great, I spend about $40.00/month driving it when gas prices are lower and about $60.00 per month in the summer season. The only thing that has ticked me off is that the paint on mine has started to chip off the door handles and the clear coat is coming off, not sure if this is a defect that only I have had issues with.
-
Disappointed. - 2003 Kia Rio
By addii - July 1 - 10:00 amI bought this car second hand from a guy who drove mostly highway. In the few months that I have owned it The hatchback has locked up several times, the drivers side door only works half the time (meaning I have to climb out the passenger seat). The car has stalled on me in mid-intersection. The engine light came on and car started to lug, had to pull over it lost all acceleration. The engine constantly revs and drops back down making it impossible to get to the speed you want easily. The back right window will not open from drivers panel. Overall Im really unhappy with this car and regret buying it.
-
Dangerous - 2003 Kia Rio
By Gail - July 1 - 2:00 amPoor visibility, has large blind spots when driving. It is a Rock Magnet. The second day I owned it, the front window shield was hit 3 times. There must be over 8 chips and seriously cracked 3 times by the base of the windshield.
