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 41 through 50 of 65.00

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  good - 2003 Kia Rio
  By erndew1 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive economical - little more power and bigger gas tank would be pluses - but fairly well satisfied after six months

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  Kia Rio - 2003 Kia Rio
  By D - November 10 - 2:30 am

  I had this car for two years and had a lot of problems with it mechanically. Through the short time I had it, it dropped a cylinder, the timing belt broke, bending all of the valves and the ball bearing went bad three times. It was very fuel efficient and not a bad deal for the price, but there is a reason that they are so inexpensive.

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  Alexiss review - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Alexis - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Since Ive had my car its gotten me everywhere I need to go. It rides pretty smooth and gets wonderful gas mileage. It is my first car and its a pretty good price and reasonable to be someones first car. Overall, this car is a good one to drive.

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  Second time around - 2003 Kia Rio
  By lcimpala - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Rio, the first had over 100,000 on the clock before it met an untimely death at the hands of an Explorer. The explorer got the worst of it, by the way, and no injuries for us, couldnt say the same for the explorer occupants. This 2003 Rio is a vast improvement over the 2001 we previously had. Its quiet and rides very well, has a lot of power and the engine noise has been reduced greatly over the 2001 model. Kis is refining their autos yearly, I am impressed with the improvements. We really like the car.

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  Do not buy this cheap poor mans car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By terence gomez - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this thing two months ago and let me tell you its a real piece. No power and horrible gas mileage (for its size),handling and build quality. The suspension set-up is a joke, I mean a solid rear axle? come on now. I guess you cant expect much though. This is what I get for being cheap and poor. If your poor like me then just buy a decent used car for less, youll be much happier.

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  Build quality - 2003 Kia Rio
  By kramer - June 15 - 2:16 am

  Overall the car has been reliable, requiring little maintenance. However many smaller items such as door handles, rear hatch handle, wiper arms, and headlight bulbs fail. Also horn no longer works, keyless entry no longer works, and power locks malfunction, indicating poor electrical system.

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  Very surprised with this car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Trawick - May 20 - 10:00 am

  My younger sister bought one at the beginning of 2003. Although hers is the Spectra, she has raved on how she loves it. Since I drive about 100 + miles per day, I was using tons of gas on my Toyota Tacoma. Since Ive got this car, Ive actually hit 40 mpg several times. With 3000 miles on it, I am very impressed. So impressed we bought two more. One for my other younger sister and one for my sister- in-law.

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  Fun Little Car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Jace Beckerman - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is great on gas and to drive around town. In spite of its 104 horsepower it feels spunky due to its light weight. The only problems Ive found with it is the fact that the armrest on the drivers chair is not at the same level with the arm rest on the drivers door, so on long trips its a bit of an uncomfort but for the most part the car is well worth the price.

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  Good ride - 2003 Kia Rio
  By jcwit - December 18 - 10:26 am

  Have only had the car one week, but very happy with it so far. Mileage is in the low 40s, 42 to be exact, with gas prices at 3.00 plus makes it great. Ride is very comfortable and quiet for a small car, much better than our Metro which it replaces. Handling is fantastic, corners great, pick-up is better than average for this small an engine. Improvments?? Cant think of any at this time. So far, glad I bought it.

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  Good Running Car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Jenevra Smith - November 15 - 5:28 am

  This has been a great car. I bought it used in 2006 and it now has 130000 miles and is still running great. Im on the second timing belt, and replaced the clutch at 120000. I try to keep up on the scheduled maintenance, and this car has never left me stranded. I will drive it until it falls apart.