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 51 through 60 of 65.00

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  my second kia - 2003 Kia Rio
  By klg - October 17 - 2:00 am

  this is my second kia, i was very satisfied with my first, which is why i bought another. i like a car that is simple and reliable,i dont need or want added frills, kias are honest cars

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  shouldve been great - 2003 Kia Rio
  By George - September 4 - 5:03 pm

  I bought this car second hand from an elderly lady with 8,300 miles on it, and at first I loved it. Good performance due to light weight, and great mileage (32 mpg) certainly had me feeling good when gas prices soared. Love the warranty coverage, though Ive had to use it throughly, and this was the cars ultimate undoing. By 61,000 miles of mixed city, suburban and long highway drives, it has gone through several (4- 5) sets of front wheel bearings, a control arm, a few sensors (check engine light comes on every spring for something different) and a TRANSMISSION. Im currently facing another failed sensor, an ominous noise that the dealer says is "normal" and spotty starts. Hoped for better.

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  What a surprise - 2003 Kia Rio
  By DWJ - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Wasnt expecting such a nice little car as the cheapest car in America. Theyve come a long way since the Ford Aspires and Yugos of years past. Havent had any problems with my Rio, driven it hard the whole time Ive had it. While it is an adjustment switching between driving my Expedition and the Rio, the nimbleness and trunk space is appreciated in this car.

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  my zip car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By paul salim - July 13 - 1:33 am

  I love this little car. My main car is a Ford 150 Super. I bought this little Kia Rio for when I dont need a truck to save on gas. I am a tall big guy, and it is very comfortable. I love the pickup of a stick, i am amazed at how good of a car it is for the price. I have almost 17,000 miles on it and zero problems (knock on wood). Love it.

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  Just cant beat it! - 2003 Kia Rio
  By RSmith - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I had to have a car that I could depend on. Although Kias have had a bad rep, I went with it anyway. The price of the car is so great, and this car has been so dependable so far. I hope by saying this, it doesnt come back to haunt me. The car rides smooth and when on the interstate its not very noisy, which I love. No problems thus far. Plus the warranty!

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  Great car for the money. - 2003 Kia Rio
  By buddy1970 - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money,if you are just looking for basic transportation.

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  Consider it - 2003 Kia Rio
  By PA Rio - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I shopped around for the lowest priced car that would be comfortable to drive and have all the necessary features, no more, no less. I found it in the 2003 Kia Rio. I am 62 and find the drivers seat very comfortable. Plenty of head and leg room. Nothing fancy about this car but it has a nice style and it is very inexpensive. Only downside is the power. I bought the automatic and it doesnt have much pep but if you are not "punching" the gas petal all the time, you probably dont care anyway. 30 MPG in city even though it is supposed to get less. Nice car, nice price.

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  Not a bad ride - 2003 Kia Rio
  By molly - April 23 - 9:30 pm

  The car had limited power but was reliable and had amazing gas mileage. There were numerous problems but each was a low cost repair or not worth repairing. All door locks failed to work, doors would not stay shut in the winter, interior lights flashed, check engine light turned on and off, there was always oil in the 3rd cylinder, clutch began wearing at 70,000 miles, front brakes were replaced at 60,000 miles. Various noises started coming from the front end or engine after about 60,000 miles. I miss the fuel economy but the car was traded in at 78,000 miles do to numerous problems. Though because of reliability, I upgraded to another kia product.

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  5-ATAR??????????????? - 2003 Kia Rio
  By papatesky - December 5 - 1:46 pm

  I feel the need to advise you and all humanity not to buy a product. If you heed my advice your life may be saved! My advice is NEVER to buy a RIO, [non-permissible content removed]. On December eight two thousand and three, I was driving a RIO, Just northeast of Midwest Wyoming. I had a head-on collision, the Airbag and seat belt did not function. I was immediately in a two and one half month coma. When I woke up I was told I HAD TWO BROKEN FEMURS, TWO SHATTERED KNEECAPS, A BROKEN FOOT AND A TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)! My Life Was completely Altered! I am the father of 4 wonderful young-ones, the two boys are Nine and Fourteen and my two girls are ages Thirteen and Eleven. Im not the man she..

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  3rd Kia - 2003 Kia Rio
  By JDcar guy - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I was pleased to have purchased my 3rd Kia the other day. I purchased a used 97 Kia Sephia first, liked it so well that when we were ready to buy a new car we purchased a 2002 Kia Rio. 33,000 miles later, I needed a seperate car and bought an additional 2003 Kia Rio. These cars are really reliable, and a blast to drive. And the monthly payments are a breeze compared to what some of my friends are paying for their cars. You know what? My Kias get me everywhere I want to go in comfort and style.