Overview & Reviews

The Kia Rio has traditionally been this Korean automaker's least expensive model. Early on, the Rio represented an affordable, though pretty forgettable, mode of transportation. The second-generation model represented a marked improvement in features and comfort, and the Rio became more pleasant to drive. The latest Rio is another leap forward thanks to its evocative styling, peppy engine and an abundance of interior space.

The Kia Rio is offered in both sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. They have identical mechanicals and interior components, though the hatchback offers significantly more utility. In general, the newer the Rio you're looking at, the better it will be.

Current Kia Rio
The Kia Rio subcompact is available as a four-door sedan or four-door hatchback. There are three trim levels: LX, EX and SX. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque powers all Rio models. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the LX, with a six-speed automatic optional. Both the EX and SX come only with the six-speed automatic.

Notable standard features on the base LX include air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel and a stereo with satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface. The EX adds full power accessories, Bluetooth, cruise control and a telescoping steering wheel. The SX comes pretty loaded with alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a rearview camera, power-folding mirrors and Kia's "Uvo" voice-activated interface for electronics features. Major options include a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, leather seating, heated front seats and a navigation system.

In reviews, we've noted that the Kia Rio stands out thanks to its distinctive styling and design. The interior quality is a cut above other cars in its class, particularly in the upper trim levels. On the road, the Rio's engine provides respectable acceleration and excellent fuel economy. The car does have a couple minor downsides, such as an overly firm ride quality for the SX trim level. Overall, however, the Kia Rio is a front runner in the economy car segment.

Used Kia Rio Models
Completely redesigned for 2012, the third-generation Kia Rio represents a large leap forward in terms of refinement and available luxury features. Compared to earlier Rios, it's roomier and more stylish both inside and out. It's also more powerful and fuel-efficient. There have been only minimal changes since its debut.

Previous to this was the second-generation Kia Rio, produced from 2006-'11. It was offered as a sedan and four-door hatchback (called the Rio5). The base model was restricted to the sedan and was the definition of "sparsely equipped." Both body styles were offered in LX trim (which added air-conditioning, power steering, a tilt steering wheel and a CD player), while a sporty SX trim added alloy wheels and special styling items.

Power for all second-generation Kia Rios came from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 110 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. Despite the Rio's tiny dimensions, this engine struggled to provide anything more than adequate motivation in everyday driving. Models with five-speed manual transmissions delivered better acceleration and city fuel economy, while the automatic fared better in regard to highway mileage.

Initially, the SX trim was exclusive to the Rio5 hatchback. For 2007, the Rio sedan SX was introduced, while the Rio5 could be had in LX form for 2008. Models prior to 2010 had slightly different styling depending on trim, while cruise control and Bluetooth were added to the available features list that year. Antilock brakes were available as a highly recommended option on the LX sedan and the Rio5 SX, which replaced the standard rear drums with disc brakes. The five-speed manual transmission was standard on all trims, with a four-speed automatic being optional. For 2011, the manual transmission was only available on the LX.

The Rio's interior was pretty nice, with a pleasant mix of materials. The car also drove reasonably well. Buyers should be aware that the Rio has had some disappointing crash test scores. On the whole, a 2006-'11 Kia Rio is a decent choice for an inexpensive car, though some competing subcompacts from Japan will likely prove more enjoyable overall.

The first-generation Kia Rio was introduced for the 2001 model year. The sedan came first and Kia followed up with the Rio Cinco hatchback for 2002. Both were among the least expensive cars in their classes. Unfortunately, the trade-off was limited feature content and a thoroughly unpleasant driving experience.

Based on reviews by our editors and Rio owners, the car delivered what its price promised -- simple, affordable transportation, but little more. Complaints centered on its noisy, unrefined engine, poorly controlled ride and shoddy build quality. Although the Rio's low residual value makes it convincingly cheap on the used market, this is not a car we can recommend. If you are determined to buy a used Kia Rio, it's best to go with a 2003 or newer model, as these benefited from a more powerful engine (104 hp versus 96), an improved suspension and a higher-quality interior.

User Reviews:

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  2002 Kia Rio - My Goldmine - 2002 Kia Rio
  By TRzDaddy - August 2 - 2:00 am

  The car runs perfectly. It has plenty of power, unless there is someone in the backseat over 45 pounds. Everything works well. The dealer service has been excellent. They seem so earnest in pleasing their customers. What a good idea! My only complaints are that the sun visor doesnt fold flat against the windshield and that the clock on the radio doesnt stay on - it has to be reminded to go back to clock everytime you change the station. The only thing that has gone wrong is a window crank with stripped gears. The dealer fixed it during an oil change, under 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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  01 Kia Rio - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Nate812 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  For the price - you get what you pay for. No dragging in this car! Ive gotten it up to 110mph but it started feeling light so I backed off. The only real complaint that I have is that the car needs atleast 5 (more like 10) more HP. Getting on the highway is not bad, but acceleration from 45-65 is sluggish in 5th and not recommended that you dowshift to 3rd. On high mountians with sharp climbs the car gives off a "odor" what I think is just the engine working too hard. Pluses!! Lots of trunk room and great gas mileage...

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  Good transportation - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Good CAR - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I have a 01 Rio.It’s not a sports car. It gets you from Point A to B. Good all around town car. Car handles good on the highway. I have notice a wind noise. The car has a good ride. Radio plays good and sounds good. AC Works great! It has options that some Entry Level Toyotas or Hondas don’t have. Such as a trunk light! They are some minor things The airbag light was on, Had it fixed. Drivers side door handle broke, Dealer fix it. It now has almost 49k miles and still running good .I have notice that the transmission will Lag in first gear (Auto)if you don’t let it warm up in the winter time.The brakes are a little touchy at first.

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  VERY smart purchase. - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Dentuso - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Although we are in a position to purchase vehicles that are more expensive than Kias, weve found that we simply dont want to. We now own 2, (1 Cinco, 1 Sedona), and have every intention of making the next 2 vehicles Kias as well. For the money, you simply cannot beat the quality, warrantee, and simple (albeit modest) comforts. I sincerely believe that Kia and Hyundai have, and will continue to change the North America car market forever.

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  My Rio Wagon. - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Liseannedg - March 14 - 3:23 am

  The price could not be beat. Enjoy the ease of a hatchback. Very family friendly. Easy to tell that materials, i.e., hatchcover are not of highest quality. Otherwise, great car.

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  KIA OWNER - 2005 Kia Rio
  By JEFF JACKSON - January 27 - 10:00 am

  RIO DRIVES WELL, HAS AVERAGE TO GOOD PICK UP. THE FUEL MILEAGE IS REAL GOOD. THE FEW LITTLE COMFORTS ARE OUTWEIGHED BY THE COST OF OPERATION.

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  college girls dream car - 2004 Kia Rio
  By dmr0824 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for my daughter who is a freshman in college, she absolutely loves it. Was looking for an inexpensive new car, that would be dependable, good warranty, and a car I felt she would be safe in. This was it. I feel the gas mileage could be better, but I drive a durango and get 13 miles to the gallon, so I shouldnt compain. Overall she loves it, the style fits he, wanted something small and cute. Great 1st new car for her, when she is out of school, he younger sister is looking forward to it for her first car.

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  Kia Good and Bad - 2004 Kia Rio
  By Elmer Wood - November 3 - 10:00 am

  My only complaints is the paint is thin and scratches just looking at it-----It shimmies at 60-65 and cant be fixed

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  Shake shake shake! - 2001 Kia Rio
  By lilbetty - September 16 - 1:50 am

  Oh my little kia! I got this car in 2007 with 45k on it as a gift from a friend. Great on gas and does pretty well on the hgwy, but, it shakes and shakes, Its noisy like it shook something loose in frnt and no one can figure out why.really my only complaint about my kia. I also have an issue with staying aligned though it may be my own issue as we like to drive dirt roads, this car will take you anywhere, if you dont mind being slow on the hills its a good ride, I also feel safe, I have been in 2 accidents Though minor and while the other car sustain ample damage the kia had only a paint scratch in each accident...I love this car