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-
What A Honey Of A Car!! - 2003 Kia Rio
By Picky Woman Driver - April 26 - 2:00 amMy "silver chariot" is the sweetest car I have ever owned and I have had plenty cars over the years. I love to park it next to a Saab, Audi or VW sport wagon, for it looks better than all of them. I look at its reflection in store windows and admire it constantly. It drives and handles like a sports car. What a surprise at such an economical cost.
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Awesome for the price! - 2003 Kia Rio
By lababydoll999 - September 25 - 2:00 amI bought my car in October 2002, mostly because I wanted reliable transporation with a lot of warranty coverage since I drive my daughter to her daycare and myself to work every day. At first sight I wasnt too impressed by it, but when I saw the price and read all of the warranties, I had to get the Rio. I have never been more happy with any car than I am with my Rio. I pay only $218 dollars a month for this car! It drives great, the sound system is primo for the price of the car and I love the sunglass holder and the 8-way adjustable seat. I just cant say enough about this car!!!
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A very pleasant surprise - 2003 Kia Rio
By dsrtdwlr - August 7 - 10:00 amI test drove a Kia Rio Cinco while out with my girlfriend who was looking to buy a car for her daughter. I was so surprised and impressed with the ride, handling and comfort I decided to go back and buy one for myself. The engine is "energetic" and cruises the interstate with no strain at all. The car handles well even when passing the big rigs on the road. Despite the poor reviews on the manual transmission, I found mine to shift smoothly and easily.
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Like a sports car. - 2003 Kia Rio
By Bill Gibbons - September 26 - 10:00 amI live in the mountains and drive state highways up, down, and over. I also use interstates fairly regularly. The car is peppy, feels solid, passes easily for a small car, is comfortable, and is fun to drive. There is enough room behind the second seat for my 50# dog. My average MPG is 35. And the car is cute!(color is blueberry)
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Rio Cinco, 1st New Car - 2003 Kia Rio
By Linda E. - May 20 - 10:00 amI enjoy the comfort and reliability. Although, I did experience a small problem with the inside door mechanism, the dealerships professionalism, customer care and the manufacture warrenty made the experience painless in all aspects. I promptly received a rental car, and was pleased with the end results of the repair. I would like to add that Kia and the dealership have called me after every service, including oil changes, to make sure I was treated as a valuable customer. Not only has Kia gone out of their way in customer care, they have confidence in their product with one of the best warrenty programs out there.
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A Small Car Hard Not To Drive Hard - 2003 Kia Rio
By Old Bear - December 17 - 2:00 amThe great majority of my driving has been in heavy traffic, but I did manage a fairly lightly trafficed trip from San Bernardino to Santa Ana and back. This car is eager to fly. Before I realized it I was zooming along comfortably at 100mph. The car handled nicely, but I slowed. It seemed happy at 80, but had to be restrained to 70. In traffic it is eager and surprisingly comfortable for a large person. Im 511" and weigh 250. Mine is Rally Blue and it wants to race, behavior for which it penalizes you at the gas pump.
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First Kia - 2003 Kia Rio
By DN1964 - July 20 - 10:00 amThis car replaced my Metro, which Ive had since 1993 and had 119k miles. When I heard the price at which they were selling these cars, I couldnt pass it up. $6885 TOTAL!!! It is a pleasure to drive and the paint job is great. Considering price, warrenty (10 yr/100k) and looks, you cant beat it. Ive only had one minor problem. Front wheel bearing was leaking and is being replaced by the dealer. The dealership is outstanding. Their service and committment to custer service is first rate! I find this car to be quite quite (compared to the Metro) and is not even in the same class as the Metro.
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Great Car - 2003 Kia Rio
By GreatPiggo - January 4 - 2:00 amI love this car, it runs smoothly and is very comfortable. For a mere ten grand this car cannot be beat. I have never had any problems with it except for when the brakes stopped working on the highway, but it was easily fixed. This car is surprisingly powerful and fast and turning corners at high speeds is glorious, it handles SO well. I reccomend this to car to anyone looking for affordable transportation.
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Alexiss review - 2003 Kia Rio
By Alexis - November 7 - 10:00 amSince 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 amThis 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.
