Overview & Reviews

No major changes for the Rio this year.

• Small price, big warranty, peppy engine.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 32.00

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  thrown rod-86ed engine - 2005 Kia Rio
  By Ashlee - April 13 - 1:40 pm

  got 3months service out of my baby. I bought it used, stopped at a traffic light, the engine died and wouldnt start. I had it towed to the mechanic & a rod had broken & pierced the engine which is now ruined. Kia was nice, but sense I am the second owner Im out of luck. a new engine cost more than the car is worth, so Im out the $3,000.00 I still owe on it.

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  Worst mistake ever made! - 2005 Kia Rio
  By Unhappy - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the Kia Rio from a local Kia dealer and have regretted it ever since. Bought it for $8k, got $2k off for a trade in. It was the most adorable car Id ever driven, but I shouldnt have let it blind me. The salesman took me on a predetermined route and wouldnt let me go on the highway or let my mechanic peek at it first. It was at about 55,600 miles when I bought it and about three months after I bought the car the engine died at about 56,500 miles. This is apparently a known issue but Kia has done nothing about it. Total estimated cost of repairs for that was quoted at $2600 and I decided it wasnt worth it.

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  The on a budget car - 2005 Kia Rio
  By H Stewart - August 26 - 8:20 am

  This is a great car for a person or family on a budget. It comes with an amazing warranty and driver assistance program. It has simple styling and ample interior space.

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  My Car - 2005 Kia Rio
  By Gail Belling - October 14 - 6:23 am

  I inherited this car from my Son when he could not make his payments any longer. This Kia doesnt have air- conditioning which is a horrible problem since I am an older woman. It can be so hot in the car even with the windows rolled down. Its like it cant circulate the air correctly. Its not a car I would have purchased, however, Im relatively happy to have it due to the Gas Prices. It is nice looking and needs a new radio. I have heard that the transmissions in these cars are questionable and would like some reassurance. I need to know that I will get from Point A to point B without fear of the car falling apart. I dont know much about these cars. These Kia Rios.

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  Please be aware - 2005 Kia Rio
  By buyerbeware9 - March 23 - 11:12 pm

  Purchased this car from the original owner and at first was delighted with car. Kia was in great shape inside and out about 40k miles. Car was maintained according to manufacturer. Took car for oil change to dealer and was told because I was second owner warranty was not transferable so any repairs would be on me. At 74,000k car just stopped dead no warning. Had car towed to shop..what do ya know the timing belt broke and destroyed top part of engine. I was never informed of this until after the fact you are to replace the timing belt at or before 60,000 K. Kia said so sorry we cant help you. I have owned many cars from Lexis, Toyota, Honda and American and NEVER had this issue BEWARE !

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  Beware the timing belt - 2005 Kia Rio
  By Phil Hall - January 1 - 11:33 am

  Normally, I would say that this is a nice car, decent (not great) milage, good features, all in all an ok vehicle. But there is one thing you need to make sure of: the timing belt. It says to replace it every 60000 miles, I would replace that far sooner because this is an interference engine--if the belt breaks when the car is running your engine will be shot. As in dead. New car time. This design choice alone must account for the lower Reliability rating. There is no reason whatsoever that a single point of failure should destroy an engine.