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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  I love my little car. - 2004 Kia Rio
  By septembersrain - September 1 - 11:49 am

  I enjoy driving it so much that I am going to end up replacing the motor and transmission on it. Even with replacing both of those I will still be only paying a third of what it would cost to buy a new car. Not to mention even with all the maintenance Ive had done, The car has never once left me stranded. Ive had cars, trucks, and SUVs prior to this car. This was the first time Ive ever had this much fun driving though. Finding parking spots, flitting in and out of traffic, great gas mileage, and shes so simple. Those new cars have just too much technology that will distract me while I am driving. I can also foresee a huge expense of having to replace that technology when it goes out.

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  Good Cheap Car - 2001 Kia Rio
  By bassist_guy - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my rio for 2 years and I drive a lot of miles. The car has been reliable. For the most part it is comfortable on long drives because of the manual seat controls. However I do wish I could have had cruise control. I get anywhere from 35-38 miles to the gallon on average, but I mostly drive on the freeway. My only complaint would be a whistling sound from the front when traveling over 80mph or when there are strong winds. I did have an engine problem around 50,000 miles, but it was taken care of right away and I was really impressed with the service and concern that was extended to me.

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  What a surprise - 2003 Kia Rio
  By DWJ - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Wasnt expecting such a nice little car as the cheapest car in America. Theyve come a long way since the Ford Aspires and Yugos of years past. Havent had any problems with my Rio, driven it hard the whole time Ive had it. While it is an adjustment switching between driving my Expedition and the Rio, the nimbleness and trunk space is appreciated in this car.

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  Lots of bang for the buck! - 2005 Kia Rio
  By chegge - July 26 - 8:50 am

  This little car is a surprisingly great deal. This time you can get something for nothing. It runs great, drives great, is comfortable and is roomier than it looks. We have a car seat, a high back booster, and a low back booster in the back! My 63" husband LOVES driving this car. Weve got a good family history with this company as well. My parents have an 89 Festiva that is still running fantastic (made by the same company) and a Kia Sephia that theyve had for at least 6 years now that still runs perfect. We also have a friend thats had his Kia Rio for a year now and still loves it.

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  Hazard switch location - 2006 Kia Rio
  By hjshaffer673 - July 24 - 2:17 pm

  Just bought this vehicle with 71,000 miles. So far I really like it. Just one complaint. Hopefully its been moved since. I seriously dislike that each time I reach to change the volume of the stereo, may hand hits that emergency flasher button making me check that I didnt accidently turn them on.

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  its great! - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Kaysie - July 9 - 5:10 am

  I have a 2001, and its an awesome car. Its very reliable, and it is very stylish as well. One of my favorite things about it is how it doesnt use a ton of gas at one time, it is very conservative about gas usage. I really cant think of any major drawbacks to it, it is an all around great car. Ive had it for 5 years and it hasnt let me down yet!

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  Good First car - 2002 Kia Rio
  By hamerman - June 28 - 10:00 am

  The car is just great. I bought one for my son, and the car seems very well built. For reliability, I had to put a "9" because I am not sure about Kia. It is a new company.

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  06 Kia Rio LX - 2006 Kia Rio
  By kiario06 - May 27 - 4:00 am

  The new designed Kia Rio is awesome. Much roomier than the older models. My husband can actually stretch his legs all the way out - in the 04 he couldnt. Great on gas. Handling has improved along with shocks. Comes standard with 6 airbags. If there is a person under 70 lbs sitting in the passenger seat, the passenger airbag actually turns off. aA light comes up by the radio indicating that it has been shut off. This feature is in case you have a child in the front seat, or a dog in my case, the airbag wont go off to cause more damage to them in case of an accident. If you dont wear seatbelts I wouldnt buy this car. Chime goes off every 15 seconds if youre not wearing one until you click it in.

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  2013 Kia Rio LX - A great value! - 2013 Kia Rio
  By Robert Ricchio - May 25 - 4:18 am

  This car is a great value! We needed a second car. Just purchased so I am not yet sure of the reliability on this model, but it does seem solid! Drives much better than the price. Built in trip computer is great. Supposedly, Cruise can be added by just adding a switch kit under $100. Everything else is already there. Amazing that a shop will try to charge you just under$500 to put it in. (typical). I also own a 2014 Sportage ( great price and value for a Crossover) and gave my son our 2004 Spectra that now has 190,000 miles. My daughter owns a 2015 Soul. No complaints. They are very reliable for the cost.

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  I Love My Kia Rio - 2005 Kia Rio
  By Bianca Gunn - May 12 - 12:36 am

  I bought this car for the warranty, and to save money on gas. I am very pleased. I have put nearly 1000 miles on it, and am happier with this cute little car than the day I took delivery. Every time I drive it I find something else about it that impresses me. The Rio is comfortable and the interior design well thought out. I love the way the power windows on my Rio raise or lower for thirty seconds after shutting down the engine, I also like the easy to read and access instrument panels. The ride is a little stiff, but seems to be smoothing out with more miles; "road noise" is not so bad that I have to blast the radio; a quiet conversation is also possible. I traded a truck for the KIA.