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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  Tired of Trucks?More Bang For your Bucks - 2003 Kia Rio
  By wetwelder - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Are you tired of driving your big dumb truck? Honestly, how often do you actually haul? Anyways, I traded my truck in for this sweet Rio for a cool $2.61 straight across trade. I love this car,Im 62" and I have plenty of room. 35 MPG Highway, rack and pinion steering,4 cylinder engine is very peppy and can beat most cars off the line, an excellent commuter! I love my KIA!

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  Fun, Economical & Reliable - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Navin Mahabir - July 1 - 3:26 am

  I bought this car because it was the cheapest available. But I also did my research and found that Kia quality had been constantly improving. I wanted a car that was reliable--I was selling a Ford that had every option possible and gave problems with almost every one of them. I wanted a car with low cost of ownership and the Kia has been that and much more. Its fun, its reliable, and Ive had to spend no money on it other than gas and oil. Reviewers like JDPower give this car a bad rap, but they dont take into account that for the price of a used Corolla with 50K, you get reliability, a great warranty, and standard features that dont leave you wanting.

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  Good no frills putter - 2003 Kia Rio
  By spaded92 - February 12 - 1:12 pm

  Great car if you need a get around vehicle..bought my 03 back in 07. Had around 48k miles back then..Now sitting at around 125. Worst thing thats happened is a A/C line sprung a leak..no biggy..On my second timing belt..did the water pump, tensioner and pulley on the second one..lasted 120k no problems just didnt wanna chance it this next 60k. It dents easily and the paint quality is mediocre,clearcoat sucks..the door locks have an attitude sometimes but that didnt start until the 10 yr/100k warranty was up..its an old car thats taken a fair beating..Engine still runs smooth like new. Doesnt leak a drop. I have faith this car will last another 100k if I keep it up as I have.

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  The best car i have EVER had! - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Elizabeth Satko - October 3 - 2:00 am

  The Kia Rio is the greatest automobile I have ever had

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  The Kia Rio is a Great Deal - 2003 Kia Rio
  By KellyAnn - June 22 - 10:00 am

  As a commuter college student purchasing a new car, I chose the Kia Rio for its affordable price, outstanding warranty, and dependability. Im terrible at parallel parking, so I chose the Rio for its small size. However, the car is actually quite spacious, and even my father, who stands 64", commented on how much leg room he had while riding in my back seat.

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  my experience - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Laila - April 3 - 10:00 am

  it is a good car have took it all around

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  Dandy little car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Dirsppro1234 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  A/C is the best in any car Ive ever driven. It takes off slow...but then top end is really pretty good. I like all the features. A dandy little car!

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  Fun and economical - 2003 Kia Rio
  By seafair - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I have NO complaints about this car except that the transmission slips now and again and the Dealership that sold me the car is full of losers, swindlers and liars. I love the gas mileage this car gets, especially in todays economy. Its cute and handles like a dream. I will definitly consider buying another KIA when that time comes, however I will choose a different Dealership.

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  Its just a matter of time. - 2003 Kia Rio
  By wilolaboy - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Kia has been doing some homework with the Rio and its entire lineup. The 2003 Rio Wagon is a lot better than a Echo or the Accent. Why? , because of the interior, cargo, desing, and warranty. If you put them together, no other small, reliable and economic new automobile can match. Not even Hyundai or the overpriced Toyota Echo.

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  Fine Piece of Machinery - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Tom - May 24 - 9:46 am

  I took over ownership of the car at 17000 miles from my Dad. Currently it has over 92000 miles on it and runs like new.Fuel economy is great.I live in Chicago currently and consistently return over 30mpg in heavy traffic and lots of urban driving.Open road and under less stressful conditions at my previous residence I was consistently returning 36-41 depending on the situation.Kia has the stigma of being cheap but I assure this car is not cheap.It performs very well and I have spent nothing on maintenance except for the usual things like oil changes.The only thing special I do with it is that I use a product called engine restore after each oil change.Kia has done a great job.