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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  My Mistake - 2006 Kia Rio
  By maryannescott - December 3 - 9:36 pm

  At 16,000 miles the battery lost a cell and left me stranded. I had the battery replaced at the dealership with out any problems,but they used another kia battery that will only last another 2 years. At 17,035 miles the transmission has started to lock up/over heat the car, will not go into overdrive and wouldnt go in to 2nd gear. I will be having it towed on monday. I had called the dealer from the road saturday and they could not help me w/a loaner car or help arrange for a rental. I had a mechanic check the trans. flui d and had 2 other people witness that it was full and we checked 3 times. I am sure it is a weak defective part just as the battery was.

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  You will need to buy a spare tire and jacK! - 2013 Kia Rio
  By shullj - May 14 - 2:32 pm

  My daughter recently bought a Kia Rio. After a blowout (sidewall), we were shocked to find out there was no spare and no jack! There was a silly little pump and some compound that is supposed to fix flats! But not sidewall damage - the most common damage to modern radial tires! Furthermore, the salesman at Courtesy Kia (Henderson, NV) never informed her that there was no spare! And if that is not enough, it took here over an hour to navigate the phone maze and get in touch with roadside assistance to told to "go buy an new tire and well come and put it on! What a rip off and quite dangerous! We live in Nevada and if you get stranded on some lonely road in the summer, you could die!

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  I was expecting too much - 2006 Kia Rio
  By joudain - May 8 - 9:56 am

  My family laughed when I told them I was getting a Kia. It had such good reviews and I was looking for an affordable car. Well, barely two years late, I am laughing right with them. First my car stalls at a stop light. I managed to drive it to a dealership - my board had to be replaced. 2nd just happened yesterday. My car got overheated on the freeway on the way home - this is the first time in my life I had to have it towed! I cannot recommend this car to anybody. I wish I can turn back time and get a Toyota or Honda instead. No thanks, Kia, never again!

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  Thank God I got out!!! - 2001 Kia Rio
  By TYLERALLEN1120AOL - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT MY CAR IN MARCH 2001 BRAND NEW! WHERE DO I START. LETS SEE.....WE ARE UP TO 25 TIMES IN THE SHOP AS OF TODAY! ENGINE LIGHT, AIR BAG LIGHT, LOSS OF POWER GOING 55MPH. YA WHAT ELSE DO I SAY. I HAVE A LEMON!! AND TO PROVE IT, KIA IS BUYING IT BACK. I HAVE A FEW THINGS I LIKE ABOUT THE CAR, NOT ITS ENGINE, BUT I LIKE ITS HANDLING AND IT DRIVES FUN!!WHEN IT WORKS!!! BUT THE ENGINE IS, I DONT KNOW SOMETHING IN MINE WAS WRONG??? I WENT THROUGH 3 WATER PUMPS, 2 O2 SENSORS, ALL NEW ELECTRICAL WIRES, YOU NAME IT,ITS BEEN DONE TO THAT CAR. WOW! ANYONE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS?? LAWYER PLEASE!! IT HELPS!

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  Careful - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Tiago Moraes - October 31 - 11:20 am

  When I bought my Rio it was clean, I mean clean like new, you could still smell that new car smell in it, the other owner took such a good care of it and I was very exited to have a car that was so new, so I drove it to work and home and one day when I parked the car at work a piston broke off and that was the end of the car, for no reason or now warning signs a piston broke and now I have to change the whole engine. Kia wont cover it (of course) now I have a car that looks new but doesnt run, it has only 60,000 miles and all three mechanics told me it was garbage, so be careful and listen to what people have to say.

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  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.

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  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

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  never own another - 2004 Kia Rio
  By kia krap - May 26 - 3:03 pm

  Ive had my Kia for a few months now. The car has no take off. It ran at 4000 rpm going 65 mph then it dropped all 16 valves and blew the pistons into pieces

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  Friends dont let friends buy KIAs... - 2004 Kia Rio
  By tree0923 - April 6 - 4:53 am

  bought brand new, had to take to dealership often for brake and clutch issues. Timing belt broke at 57k miles destroying engine, fortunately under warranty. NEW engine gets worse mpg (only 27-30). Stereo eats CDs regularly. Things break and pop off all the time. Alignment issues from day one. On my 3rd engine now that my camshaft snapped in 2 ruining the head and valves. Costs more the fix than anything Ive ever owned. Leaves me stranded more often than not. This car is only worth the value of a running engine. I will never buy another KIA.

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  the review - 2004 Kia Rio
  By papridegurl - December 20 - 2:00 am

  It is the worst