2004 Kia Rio Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.98/5 Average
76 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Alloy wheels are now standard on the Cinco wagon. Lumbar support has been added to the driver seat in all models, and the center console armrest gets extra padding.

Pros:
  • Small price, big warranty, peppy engine, attractive styling.
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 76.00
  • Great bargain! - 2004 Kia Rio
    By -

    Sharp styling inside and out! A NEW car at this price is a breath of fresh air! Awesome warranty! Yes...there are few shortfalls but show me a car at this price that doesnt. Its great bang for the buck. Mine is a silver RS with a 5 speed and I added a rear spoiler with a built in LED brake light which really finishes off an already smart looking car.

  • My thoughts on Kia Rio - 2004 Kia Rio
    By -

    Its fun to drive, but seems to use more fuel than I expected.

  • Great little car - 2004 Kia Rio
    By -

    I bought my Rio used, had all servicing done. Still under warranty. Had this car on a 1k trip last month. Got anywhere from 29 to 33 mpg. Had no problems at all. I have just had 60 k service done, new timing belt, etc. This must be done on time for 4 cylinder engines. This Rio is very reliable, uses no oil, is easy to park, has an adjustable driver’s seat (helps on long trips). Best thing about this car is the warranty. It is much longer than US cars and the service department never gives me a hard time. Better yet is gas mileage.

  • great buy - 2004 Kia Rio
    By -

    This is a great car for what you pay for it. For what you spend on gas a year, it will pay itself off in 3 years. At 4.55 a gal I pay $32 to fill it up. I get 40 mpg hwy and 32 city. I have 43,000 mile and runs great. Dependable and reliable. There is one thing that is flawed with it design when you drive it make a noise when your on the h. W it whistles when the wind hits it at a certain direction. The A.C. kind of sucks but the climate here in the bay area is nice and cool.

  • My four day Kia - 2004 Kia Rio
    By -

    I bought a new 2004 bright red Kia Rio about a week ago. Four days after i bought it, it stopped working. it has been in the shop evesince... they cannot figure out what is wrong and they have to contact the company bc they believe there will be more problems on other kias like mine...some parts of the car are cheapy looking plastic but overall it is a nice car. other than the major problems ive had, i love the car... when i get to drive it!

  • Try and find a part - 2004 Kia Rio
    By -

    After 50,000 miles the timing belt blew. Spent two weeks trying to track down a cylinder head under $900. Every Rio in the junk yard was in there for the same reason. Warranty void because I didnt replace the timing belt at 50,000 miles. Dont buy a Kia! Dont buy a Kia!

  • Kia Rio -Very Good Value - 2004 Kia Rio
    By -

    Love to drive this car. In over a year and a half have had two very minor repairs. Drives and rides like a small, but not tiny, car and gives a pleasing roar if pushed. Suspension, brakes, and power are more than adequate. It is delivering 32-38 mpg on the road at aggressive to gentle driving Overall average is just shy of 30 mpg with a lot of sub-zero winter city driving. The base Rio at $8,000, when discounted, is a better deal even with its undeserved steep depreciation. I had low expectations of a car at this price. However by my experience the Rio is a very solid well put together machine, which delivers more than just basic transportation.

  • WORST CAR EVER - 2004 Kia Rio
    By -

    My Kia Rio has kicked the bucket at 177k after a crap load of problems. I replaced everything under the sun in the cooling system. 2 new radiators. headlights, tail-lights. Drivers door doesnt lock. Two windows wont go down. I had a transmission fluid leak which was a pain in the butt breaking down every 20 min. New alternator belt. Brake fluid leak. and 2 bad oxygen sensors caused a horrible shaking. I HATE THIS CAR. EVERYTIME I GOT IT FIXED, something else went wrong.!!! NEVER AGAIN KIA. NEVERRRRR AGAIN !!!

  • Not bad at all - 2004 Kia Rio
    By -

    Ive recently purchased my kia after my nissan gave out. It drives great for me but I have noticed that when i am stopping, it sometimes feels like rippling. The drive is smooth other than that on. The take off isnt great but for a car that will be used between my old car and when i get a brand new one one day, its great. Great fit for my small family.

  • Just so you know - 2004 Kia Rio
    By -

    For the cost, I love this car, it does what I need it to do, get me to and from places.

Kia Rio Reviews By Year:
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