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 1 through 10 of 65.00

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  No more Kias - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Kat Kat - January 21 - 11:10 am

  Worst Car ever once I got it I had to take in in after a few months do to the weather guard on the windows being deformed. Tires blow out so fast on this tire its not even funny. If it werent for the great mileage it would have no up side.

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  Dangerous - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Gail - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Poor 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.

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  Money Saver - 2003 Kia Rio
  By ChadHutchy - January 14 - 8:53 pm

  The car is money saver, Its uncomfortable, noisy, unsafe (poor at stopping), but I’ve saved so much. Yes, 41 mpg, is obtainable by keeping the air filter replaced, along with running 93 octane and your good to go (on a 10 gallon tank it’s only a buck more to put the 93 in). The 2008’s I would expect to be a little better in comfort.

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  unhappy 2003 rio cinco owner - 2003 Kia Rio
  By abrenner - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my car in after totaling a regular rio which I loved. I hate this car it is a gas hog with about 21 miles to the gallon. What I hate more then anything is the exterior quality. You can dent this car by blowing on it. The paint is terrible quality. Please shop carefully, I got ripped off. I payed for what I got.

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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.