Overview & Reviews

Completely redesigned, the 2006 Kia Rio sedan and Rio5 hatchback now share a platform with Hyundai's Accent. Roomier and more refined, the new Rio's equipment list is topped by a spunky 110-hp engine and standard side curtain airbags.

• Ample acceleration around town, smooth ride, stable handling, attractive interior, standard side curtain airbags, generous warranty.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 59.00

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  Surprisingly impressed! - 2006 Kia Rio
  By Doug Madaga - November 21 - 1:10 pm

  First look at the Rio and I thought "not bad". Sat in the car and said, "not bad". Went for a test ride and said, "WOW"! Quite an impressive ride for a small economy class. Good looks, good price, superb handling and great gas mileage. With the solid warranty the car is virtually maintenance free for many years. Indeed I was surprisingly impressed!

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  Killed one, going on another! - 2006 Kia Rio
  By adoom - November 15 - 7:37 pm

  I had a used 2006 Rio5 for a short bit before getting t-boned in a winter storm. The offender was a dodge caravan making an illegal left turn. The Rio took the hit well, with little damage to me...but the car was a write-off. After much searching for a new car, I ended up buying the exact same model. The Rio5 is great on gas, the 5sp is peppy enough to be fun. The spare tire cover is crap, I recommend buying a piece of plywood to cover it. The balljoints in the 3 kia rio5s that I have driven have all needed replacing.

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  Very Basic Transportation - 2006 Kia Rio
  By Charles Seale - September 21 - 2:16 pm

  I bought my Kia Rio 5 on Jan. 3, 2006. I bought it because at the time it was all I could afford. Let me start out by telling you the good stuff: Its cute and has 100,000 mile warranty. Thats about it. The reviewers talk about performance features and such. The car is a slug. Going up a long incline (even with overdrive turned off) is a loud and exhausting experience. The gas mileage is no where near what Kia advertises. I was told the absolute minimum gas mileage was 32 in the city. Try 22 mpg. I am a conservative driver and keep very careful records, so I am quite certain about that number. The car is very cramped; driving it for more than an hour will wear you out

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  best for traffic - 2006 Kia Rio
  By victoria - August 6 - 4:30 am

  LOVE this car far better than my 500SL Benz. Been rear ended twice and I rear ended someone - all under 15 MPH. All times the Kia literally bounced off without a scratch thanks to its wrap around black bumper and compact solid body. EXCELLENT in heavy traffic and easy to cut in and out quickly if needed.

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  Great little car - 2006 Kia Rio
  By Rapid - July 10 - 8:23 pm

  I own a Camry but looked for a good car for my daughter. The Rio is outstanding. Its not a Camry but it is absolutely outstanding for its class. The value is unbeatable and to top it off, the warranty is icing on the cake. I test drove a 2002 Protege and it was not as smooth as the Rio.

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  Would buy it again - 2006 Kia Rio
  By Tom - July 2 - 3:46 am

  I really enjoy the cars spacious trunk and interior. It drives very well for a car of this class and feels safe. I trust my lead-footed teenager with it. My only regret is that after four years it gives me no reason to trade it on a new Forte or Soul. My wife drives an 06 Kia Sedona and these are both reliable, satisfying autos. I hate taking it in for the annual inspection and having to walk through the showroom past the new models.

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  Great car for the $$ - 2006 Kia Rio
  By Ryan Wern - May 21 - 2:50 am

  Bought the car used in November of 06 simply for a commuter. I was just looking for a cheap car to get me to work and back and not kill me with gas prices being high. I was BLOWN AWAY with this car. It has great performance all around considering the small engine and low hp, and the mpg is very close to what Kia said it was. With just me in it, I average 37 mpg highway, which is all I really drive with it. Im used to driving high horsepower American made trucks, so for me to actually say this thing has some power means something. Stock stereo is above average for any car, and the trunk is massive. I would recommend this car any day.

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  Wow what a little surprise - 2006 Kia Rio
  By Hauber - November 26 - 6:03 pm

  I have always been a Civic owner, but their size and cost priced me out. I needed a reliable and inexpensive little car to get me around town. In my inexpensive car search my expectations were low, but the Kia Rio took me by surprise. It is a well built, cute sporty car that reminds me of the Civics I used to own. It feels solid, it is comfortable and an easy ride. It is simple but seems far more expensive then the money I spent on it. Plus I feel like a bit of an environmentalist driving a little car that doesnt guzzle gas. It is a smooth ride for the most part and can keeps up with the rest of the traffic. A VERY wonderful car for an AWESOME price and warranty.

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  Better than expected - 2006 Kia Rio
  By jequines - June 26 - 9:46 pm

  Bought second hand for my wife and she loves it, I sorta like it. Has heated front seats which was surprising for a car like a rio. Gas mileage is excellent performance is adequate and comfort is adequate also. I was expecting this car to be horrible but she loved it so we got it. It has 60,000kms on it now with only 2 problems, spark plugs died at 40,000km no big deal, but timing belt slipped around the same time and had to be replaced for $800 not under warranty! Metal body is poor quality every stone chip begins rusting immediately unlike domestic galvanized cars. Overall I would buy again(for the wife).

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  brake problems and gas pedal problems - 2006 Kia Rio
  By karen - June 25 - 5:36 pm

  Purchased because of the cost and size along with good mileage. I have had 3 brake cylinders replaced in less than 1 year two of them on the same side and still my brakes are squeaky and at times making noises that I have never had before in any vehicle I have ever driven. They seem unwilling or unable to diagnose the real problem. I am very disatisfied with the car. Problems with the gas pedal sticking 1st thing in the morning and they are unable to find the problem with that as well. Im unhappy with the car.