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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  2003 Kia Rio - 2003 Kia Rio
  By KiaRio - August 5 - 8:13 pm

  I 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.

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  VERY smart purchase. - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Dentuso - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Although we are in a position to purchase vehicles that are more expensive than Kias, weve found that we simply dont want to. We now own 2, (1 Cinco, 1 Sedona), and have every intention of making the next 2 vehicles Kias as well. For the money, you simply cannot beat the quality, warrantee, and simple (albeit modest) comforts. I sincerely believe that Kia and Hyundai have, and will continue to change the North America car market forever.

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  Rio, the fun to drive car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Kettridge - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I needed a very inexpensive, fuel effiecient vehicle since I drive over 600 miles per week. After checking out Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans, there was nothing in my price range except the Rio. I purchased a base Rio with A/C and put in a stereo myself. Great for a first car or a commuter car. The only complaints I have about the car is that the drivers seat is not very comfortable on long trips. It definately needs a more comfortable drivers seat. The clutch was very stiff, even after 9500 miles. The body metal is thinner than its compeditors, hence easier door dings, which I caught a few.

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  Fire - 2003 Kia Rio
  By jjszabo - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my RIO new. Just after 3400 miles, it caught fire. The alternator shorted out (the car is stock with no equipment added by me)and melted two wiring harnesses and some vacuum hoses. The dealership made me jump through many hoops to get the thing repaired. I hade to call KIA customer relations to have a district manager sent to the dealership to approve the repairs. I finally had the car repaired under the warrenty program. Everything seems fine now, Knock on wood! The handling and braking are great. The car is fun to drive. But after the fire, I am paranoid about its reliability.

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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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  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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  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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  matts rio - 2003 Kia Rio
  By matthew vance - May 24 - 10:00 am

  im 20 male and my 1st car was a 69 corvette so i decided to go practical probablly cause i dont wanna get 6 gallons to the mile. plus i wanted to buy a brand new car. so with a hefty down payment,there were some difficulties with the initial offer my payment did drop. but DONT BE SCARED BY THE 104 HORSE POWER IT DOES HAVE SO MUCH POWER. I MEAN I CAN PULL UP SOME BILLOWING WHITE SMOKE WITH MY TIRES ITO 2ND GEAR.I HAVE A 5 SPEED MANUAL. ALSO THE ACCELERATION IS AWESOME, THE CAR IS LIGHT SO U ARE COOL BT STOCK BASICALLY I CAN TAKE ANY 6 CYLINDER CAMARO OR NE HONDA. ITS A GREAT 1ST CAR AND HAS AWESOME POWER AND SO SO FUN TO DRIVE I HAVE A BLAST

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  Nice, inexpensive little car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Dan - March 27 - 5:33 pm

  Bought this little car for my basic point a to point b daily work commute. Very happy with it so far. Very good to excellent condition with 64,000 miles on it. Good ride for its size, very good to excellent gas mileage (32-33 combined city/highway), very maneuverable, decent acceleration. Bought it used, purchase price was excellent (thats due to the rather high depreciation of Kias). Drove it from Nebraska to Arizona and back without any problems. Have become quite fond of and pleasantly surprised by this little car.