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:

• 

  Excellent Little Car! - 2002 Kia Rio
  By April - October 23 - 5:03 pm

  This vehicle has made me consider never buying an American car again! I love my little Kia Rio and have never had any major problems with it except routine work. I have an hour commute to work, so I needed something with better gas mileage, and this certainly has it. Having never driven a four cylinder before, I was worried that I wouldnt like the slower pick-up. I was pleasantly surprised to discover how fast it could go to 70 or 75 on the freeway. Also, for such a small car it is awfully roomy (This is coming from someone who is 510 keep in mind)

• 

  No complaints whatsoever... - 2013 Kia Rio
  By csandste - October 12 - 5:58 am

  Very comfortable for a subcompact, seems like a larger car. Actually seems to have more front seat room than my 07 Optima. Excellent fit and finish. Stock Kumho tires get lots of hate on Tire Rack, but I have no complaints on noise or handling after 18,000 miles. Averaging 29.57 mpg, cant complain about that. This is an EX hatch in dark sapphire, a color thats not supposed to exist on this model. Backup camera comes in very handy because rear window and c pillar restrict view. I would recommend spending the extra money over the LX, the electronics folding rear view mirrors, etc. are worth the extra $$$.

• 

  unreliable car - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Jenn - October 10 - 1:16 am

  This car has already gone through 3 transmissions and is about to get another one. I have never had a problem with transmissions on any other car that I have owned, so I know its not me. This car is more trouble than it is worth.

• 

  Awesome for the price! - 2003 Kia Rio
  By lababydoll999 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car in October 2002, mostly because I wanted reliable transporation with a lot of warranty coverage since I drive my daughter to her daycare and myself to work every day. At first sight I wasnt too impressed by it, but when I saw the price and read all of the warranties, I had to get the Rio. I have never been more happy with any car than I am with my Rio. I pay only $218 dollars a month for this car! It drives great, the sound system is primo for the price of the car and I love the sunglass holder and the 8-way adjustable seat. I just cant say enough about this car!!!

• 

  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

• 

  Money sucking - 2002 Kia Rio
  By JoBlow - September 16 - 7:56 am

  My God, where to begin my rant. I bought this car for 4 gs and a year later the engine went and then the trans went, needless to say I put just as much into it as I paid for it. TERRIBLE TERRIBLE car I will never buy a Kia or anything that has anything to do with a Kia ever again. And now to top it off the mass air intake needs replacing, please heed my call and stay away!

• 

  My Experience with my Kia Rio - 2009 Kia Rio
  By Inrm - September 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car about a month ago. Everything is fine but it has a very weird squeaky noise with the rear brakes. Ive taken it to different places and nobody knows whats going on with it. The car is cheap and is no luxury at all. Everything inside is very simple. Is a little bit small, but i dont care about it because i use it to commute. Fuel economy is OK. Car is very quiet on both streets and highway. Tires are a bit small. I think that what you get for the money is fair.I like my car. I just wish We could find out whats going on with the brakes.

• 

  You get what you pay for - 2001 Kia Rio
  By samsonov - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I get great gas milage (38-43mph) but you get what you pay for. I have named it a "Utilitarian" car, I have the base model, with no bells or whistles. Only a few minor problems (even with 36,420 miles!) The stereo I had put in required a special wiring solution to bypass the fuse block because of shorting out in the fuse box(poor workmanship).

• 

  BECAREFUL - 2001 Kia Rio
  By SHELLY - August 7 - 10:00 am

  IF YOU WANT YOUR CAR IN THE SHOP ALL THE TIME NEEDING IT TO GET FIXED THIS IS THE CAR FOR YOU. ALSO THAT ROTTEN EGG SMELL COMING FROM THE CAT. CONVERTER. OH SO NASTY. CAR DENTS SO EASY WITH JUST SOMEBODY HITTING IT WITH A SHOPPING CART.

• 

  A very pleasant surprise - 2003 Kia Rio
  By dsrtdwlr - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I test drove a Kia Rio Cinco while out with my girlfriend who was looking to buy a car for her daughter. I was so surprised and impressed with the ride, handling and comfort I decided to go back and buy one for myself. The engine is "energetic" and cruises the interstate with no strain at all. The car handles well even when passing the big rigs on the road. Despite the poor reviews on the manual transmission, I found mine to shift smoothly and easily.