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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  brake problems and gas pedal problems - 2006 Kia Rio
  By karen - June 25 - 5:36 pm

  Purchased because of the cost and size along with good mileage. I have had 3 brake cylinders replaced in less than 1 year two of them on the same side and still my brakes are squeaky and at times making noises that I have never had before in any vehicle I have ever driven. They seem unwilling or unable to diagnose the real problem. I am very disatisfied with the car. Problems with the gas pedal sticking 1st thing in the morning and they are unable to find the problem with that as well. Im unhappy with the car.

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  Being intelligent helps - 2008 Kia Rio
  By Big John - June 20 - 5:06 am

  You dont have to be stupid to buy anything else, but it helps. 100K warranty, low initial price, 35 miles to a gallon endlessly on regular. Smooth ride, great seats with lumbar support, a/c, at, pw/dl, tilt wheel, am/fm/cd/st, spacious trunk, arm rest, power hook-ups, ample head room in back seat for six footers. All this for around $13K. Are you kidding me? Why buy anything else? This is my 6th Rio in 8 years. I still own four of them and all except this one have over 120,000 miles on them and still run strong, use zero oil and get 35 mpg HW. I change the oil myself at 5,000 mile intervals, religiously. Routine maintenance essential. Nobody builds a better car at these prices.

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  01 Kia Rio - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Nate812 - June 19 - 10:00 am

  For the price - you get what you pay for. No dragging in this car! Ive gotten it up to 110mph but it started feeling light so I backed off. The only real complaint that I have is that the car needs atleast 5 (more like 10) more HP. Getting on the highway is not bad, but acceleration from 45-65 is sluggish in 5th and not recommended that you dowshift to 3rd. On high mountians with sharp climbs the car gives off a "odor" what I think is just the engine working too hard. Pluses!! Lots of trunk room and great gas mileage...

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  Rio Cinco, 1st New Car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Linda E. - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy the comfort and reliability. Although, I did experience a small problem with the inside door mechanism, the dealerships professionalism, customer care and the manufacture warrenty made the experience painless in all aspects. I promptly received a rental car, and was pleased with the end results of the repair. I would like to add that Kia and the dealership have called me after every service, including oil changes, to make sure I was treated as a valuable customer. Not only has Kia gone out of their way in customer care, they have confidence in their product with one of the best warrenty programs out there.

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  embarressed to be seen in it - 2004 Kia Rio
  By Sue Wilson - May 14 - 2:00 am

  the paint is chipping I dont want to be seen in my rio, I was proud at first untill the paint started to leave white spots

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  Promises they dont keep - 2001 Kia Rio
  By pattytrisha - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I got this on a trade and the gas millage is ok (not what the window sticker says), my transmission started leaking at 54K, this should have been made as a two seater car because there is only six inches between the back of the front seat and the back seat. Here is the killer though that wonderful 100,000 mile warrenty is only good if you are the origional owner. If you arent it is only good to 60,000 miles and it may even go down if you are the third who knows. One thing that is really good is the comfort if you are the driver I love the versitility of the seat. Lots of trunk space probably bigger than the back seat. Service dept. was really nice.

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  Kia Rio - 2004 Kia Rio
  By FM Hammad - May 9 - 2:00 am

  The Rio is very poor on gas it could be a little more fuel efficient.

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  I wasnt happy with gas mileage - 2007 Kia Rio
  By LB - May 7 - 4:23 am

  We purchased the vehicle in May of last year. It is a cute economical disposable car but, here it is a year later and the car cant pass inspection because there is a bubble in the tire they said from a pothole living in New York. Its a great possibility but, they offered no help to resolve the situation. One of the main reasons for purchasing this particular vehicle was the gas mileage and it gets nowhere near what is says would. When we asked the dealer we were told it was the gas. We use exxon company has been around along time. I will never purchase another Kia again. This is the first time Ive had problems like that. They told us exxon gas was bad it doesnt matter what gas its still bad.

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  Good transportation - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Good CAR - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I have a 01 Rio.It’s not a sports car. It gets you from Point A to B. Good all around town car. Car handles good on the highway. I have notice a wind noise. The car has a good ride. Radio plays good and sounds good. AC Works great! It has options that some Entry Level Toyotas or Hondas don’t have. Such as a trunk light! They are some minor things The airbag light was on, Had it fixed. Drivers side door handle broke, Dealer fix it. It now has almost 49k miles and still running good .I have notice that the transmission will Lag in first gear (Auto)if you don’t let it warm up in the winter time.The brakes are a little touchy at first.

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  Buy em for life... - 2006 Kia Rio
  By Big John - April 22 - 6:20 am

  Ive owned 6 Rios and still have 4. Speaks volumes? Always serviced on time. Run great even in winter. Great traction on any road in any weather. Decent acceleration. Cruise all day at 65 MPH and still get 35 MPG. Good visibility all around, comfortable seats, good sound system, great A/C, adjustable wheel, decent headlights, ample cup holders, arm rest. I prefer the manual transmission over the automatic as it requires less service. I own both versions. Finding Kia mechanics who know what theyre doing is not easy. Ive found better self employed mechanics than factory trained individuals. The warranty is basically useless at the mercy of lousy mechanics.