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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  base model - 2008 Kia Rio
  By j.q.t. - December 24 - 10:00 pm

  Started driving the base model and it is really easy to manuver. The steering is hard, but got use to having to hold onto the steering wheel at all times. Sporty, nice interior, gasoline mileage doesnt look to promising at the moment, but may get better. Some models they advertise on lot, 44 mpg, but window sticker shows much lower, very much lower. Overall, for the price, you may do better, but the warranty is really the good part.

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  Makes Every Mile Count with a Bit of Fun - 2004 Kia Rio
  By 12String - December 13 - 10:00 am

  For the small entry level price, Ive got a large warranty, good performing but small 1.5L motor that returns consistent high 30s MPG. This little car handles very well on the back- county roads I have to drive to get anywhere - unless I creep up to insane speeds that some testers drive to. This car is ALMOST as good as my late, lamented 91 Mazda 323 Hatchback.

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  Rio review - 2004 Kia Rio
  By daveworgan - December 2 - 10:00 am

  The exterior styling is more appealing than most small cars in this class - the interior is nicely appointed for a budget-priced vehicle. The ride is quite controlled and overall is comfortable to drive. Its not a luxury performance car, but then I didnt expect it to be. Ive driven mine (2003) 13,000 miles and have been very satisfied. No problems.

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  The rio that couldnt - 2007 Kia Rio
  By Arkaneinc - November 9 - 1:00 pm

  I bought the car is July of 2007. Brand new with only 6 miles. Ive owned Kias in the past but nothing like this one. It has the worst gas mileage Ive ever experienced. Not all of the 2007 Models are like this. I know of a lot of them that get 40+ MPG. But if your lucky like me then you will find yourself getting 16-18 mpg hwy doing 55-65 mph. If I could go back in time Id buy a Honda or a Toyota. After taking the car to 5 dealerships they never did fix the problem and have stated they could not find one. You may be one of the lucky ones if you buy this vehicle but there is that other possibility.

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  Gets you where you need to go - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Rio90 - August 14 - 6:53 am

  I bought this car from my uncle in late 2008, it had about 88,000 miles on it and I have only put about 3,500 miles on it. It runs pretty nice..better than i had expected. My uncle took very good care of it because the interior still looks great. The car starts always starts right away and i kinda like the sound it makes when you accelerate and the radio is off. Speaking of the radio, mine has the stock with CD player on it, its pretty decent, but will probably put a new one in. Can drive to high speeds(highway)if need be, but most of my driving is in town. Overall, this car has been reliable & hopefully it will keep being a good car to me. I plan on driving it until the wheels come of.

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  GOOD RIO - 2002 Kia Rio
  By nick b - July 30 - 10:00 am

  i have had the rio for almost a year now.i use it every day an so far it hAS BEEN RELIABLE.I AM PLEASED WITH IT SO FAR.GOOD BASIC TRANSPORTATION.

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  Happy Nursing Student - 2007 Kia Rio
  By Kiley - July 9 - 10:03 pm

  Bought this car Aug 2007. Drove it off the lot with 12 miles on it (now has 40,000miles in 2009). It gets great gas miles and has been very reliable. I bought it to get through nursing school and could not be more pleased (payments are awesome too! Only $230 month). I have heard a lot of negative things about Kia cars and honestly dont know what is so horrible. I graduate in 8 months and will drive my Rio for as long as I can.

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  04 Rio - 2004 Kia Rio
  By jessi - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car a week ago and just love to drive it, the only thing my vehicle doesnt have is the power locks and I am used to them from my old car.

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  So far so good, so simple. - 2001 Kia Rio
  By dhutchinson - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Kia Rio in November, 2001 I was skeptical when buying the Kia last year, I had driven a 1987 Honda Accord for many years and didnt want to pay for any more repairs. Along with other financial obligations the Kia Rio was a great deal. Ive currently got around 12000 miles on it, and havent had any troubles at all. We also took it on a trip to New York and it handled very well, however cruise control would have been nice. So far so good....I am cautious as I approach more miles, I hope the "cheapest car in America", can give me Honda dependability.

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  improvements - 2008 Kia Rio
  By varmit2 - January 6 - 12:36 pm

  just bought this car, i had previously bought a 2002 model for my daughter to attend college, never drove hers much, hers lasted so well, that i decided to buy one for myself, I am overall pleased with mine so far, but motor is a bit noisy when accelerated moderately, and suspension is a bit choppy at times , have just got 800 miles on mine so far, but it getting right at 35 mpg and this beats my dodge ram 1500 14 mpg to death. I believe that i can get used to the Kia small quirks.