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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  Best 4 wheels for the price - 2001 Kia Rio
  By skotty - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car hardly used (only 2500 miles) from the dealership for less than $5,000. No defects except a little minor damage inside on the cheap shift boot. Besides that the car is a blast to drive. pick up is fine, but shifting can seem tough with the hard gates. I am a highschool student who does a lot of city driving and this car has got me through it all not to mention dirt/off road driving daily... This car is a car for the masses, enjoy

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  kia a great commuter car - 2004 Kia Rio
  By pickle - November 4 - 2:00 am

  i bought my rio as a commuter car and it has done excellent! i get 38 mpg and it only cost $7,900.00!...new! i havent needed the great warranty as of yet. ive taken a 400 mile trip in it and i was happy with the drivers seat comfort, it has 5 adjustments for driver comfort.

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  I love my little green jellybean! - 2001 Kia Rio
  By boxerz_32 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought it used with 19,000 miles on it. I drive it 90 miles a day, everyday. So far (knock on wood) I havent had any major problems. It even drove wonderfully in a foot of snow. Actually i was making it up hills that 4 wheel drive trucks couldnt make it up. I have only had a few minor problems with it...the door lock got frozen (from sitting out in the winter) and broke, also the molding between the drivers side window and the windshield keeps poping off. However, Kia has taken care of these problems for me in a very timely fashion. I would recomend this car to anyone who doesnt want to spend a lot on gas and who have long commutes everyday!!

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  A Great Little Car! - 2004 Kia Rio
  By armyboy404 - October 7 - 5:53 am

  Ive had my Cinco for 6 months now and it has been GREAT! I live in metro Atlanta so driving is a way of life around here. My Cinco handles wonderfully. Ive also done long distance driving and it was very comfortable.

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  Good Vehicle for its Price - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Diane - September 17 - 10:03 am

  The car is excellent in any weather and proved to be reliable transportation. I would buy another Kia. The gasoline mileage in town and on the highway would average 25 to 28 mpg. My highest maintenance cost was at 60,000 miles which I have completed. Without the air conditioner on, the car has excellent pick up speed for highway entering and exiting.

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  A good dependable ride! - 2008 Kia Rio
  By RossM - August 18 - 10:43 am

  I bought this as my first "new" car and I like this little buggy. I am a sales rep and so am on the road a lot, it handles well and is fun to drive. It is pretty good on gas. I would say average for a car this size. I put a huge ski box on the roof and it gets a bit worse of course. I use it in the winter around Alberta/BC with good winter tires and its great, plowed through 1 foot of snow on mountain roads more then once. I have taken it on logging roads for hundreds of km, driven it to California, Vancouver Island and more. It feels like a Honda or Toyota in terms of build quality, pretty solid. Shifts nice. Looks Euro. A great car.

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  Good car - 2004 Kia Rio
  By isaac - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Funny the guy that posted the review about the engine seizing up at 81,000 miles. thats normal-you failed to change the timing belt. the timing belt MUST be changed by 65,000 miles on Rios, or the engine blow. Period. its a 100% fail rate. Anyway, I live in Phoenix and the air conditioner only works when youre driving. soon as you pause at a light or brake, your air is gone. that said, its otherwise a perfect car. i love it for its size, so much easier to maneuver i watch macho suv-drivers struggling with their Boats and laugh LOL LMAO

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  The Little Rio That Could - 2002 Kia Rio
  By RoNiN - July 19 - 12:46 am

  This is a follow-up on this car. In short, I bought it early summer 2008 USED with 69K on the odometer. Its coming up on 100000. By the end of this year itll be beyond that. Things Ive replaced so far are four sets of tires about 5 oil changes and a right rear wheel bearing that was going. Other than that, this car is still going. I live in Florida and without AC youd die out here. I have not had to refill the AC unit yet. Its still going strong. One of the best AC units out there. Im going to put tint on the windows this winter and see if thatll make a difference. Im still on the original brake pads when I bought the car.

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  LX Kia 5 Speed Best in class.... - 2006 Kia Rio
  By tcip - June 24 - 8:53 am

  Great car for the money. Huge improvements over 05 model. Great gas mileage. Very quiet at stand still. Car sits high up for a compact. Very roomy on the inside; has great handling around corners and turning radius. Kia has the competition beat; best in class model. Aggressive European styling.

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  Great for young or singles - not family! - 2001 Kia Rio
  By J & C Shep - June 7 - 6:00 pm

  We bought the car used in 2002; paid WAY too much for it. Kept up with regular maintenance, oil changes and tire needs; started giving us problems once we moved from FL/GA area to TX. Have had the car in shop 3 times since Xmas, replaced fan/timing belts and radiator pcs once it died on freeway. One month later it has completely died - engine out and is more costly to replace. It is great for singles or couples, if you are young and starting out or at college; not meant for family car (space is VERY limited). Excellent gas mileage and great for tight parking spaces. I like Kias, just be sure to do research and know what you are paying for; newer KIA models are worth the investment.