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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KIA OWNER - 2005 Kia Rio
By JEFF JACKSON - January 27 - 10:00 amRIO DRIVES WELL, HAS AVERAGE TO GOOD PICK UP. THE FUEL MILEAGE IS REAL GOOD. THE FEW LITTLE COMFORTS ARE OUTWEIGHED BY THE COST OF OPERATION.
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Kia Rio 2009 LX - 2009 Kia Rio
By jblemons - January 20 - 10:43 amI just bought a new 2009 Kia Rio LX. I love the look and feel of this vehicle and for the size I believe it is a great buy. I am a little dissapointed with the mpg and I believe it should be getting well over 30 for how small of a vehicle it is. I believe that to be the only flaw in this vehicle. It drives well and looks sharp.
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Mans 2nd Best Friend! - 2006 Kia Rio
By Kia Pet - January 18 - 7:56 pmIve now had my little Kia Rio 5 for over 3 months and just love it. This vehicle is a wonderful value and I feel really safe driving it in the city or on the highway. I get about 40 miles per gallon and that is really important because I drive about 18,000 to 20,000 miles a year. I had another Kia before this and put 200,000 miles on my old Kia Sephia. I hope everyone figures out that Kia builds a great product at the very best price.
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Money Saver - 2003 Kia Rio
By ChadHutchy - January 14 - 8:53 pmThe car is money saver, Its uncomfortable, noisy, unsafe (poor at stopping), but Ive saved so much. Yes, 41 mpg, is obtainable by keeping the air filter replaced, along with running 93 octane and your good to go (on a 10 gallon tank its only a buck more to put the 93 in). The 2008s I would expect to be a little better in comfort.
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Dont waste your money - 2002 Kia Rio
By total garbage - January 5 - 1:16 amI bought this car and have had nothing but problems. the dealer is crappy they dont even work with the buyer. The car makes a horrible squealing sound when driving, the bolts from the steering wheel fall out when driving the car. the air bag light stays on, the car rattles when driving, this car is a total lemon and I am not afraid to share it with anybody, You couldnt pay me enough to drive another Kia. when I am able to get rid of this one it needs to go to a junkyard so no other poor soul has to deal with the cost of monthly repairs to keep it on the road.
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college girls dream car - 2004 Kia Rio
By dmr0824 - December 31 - 2:00 amI bought this car for my daughter who is a freshman in college, she absolutely loves it. Was looking for an inexpensive new car, that would be dependable, good warranty, and a car I felt she would be safe in. This was it. I feel the gas mileage could be better, but I drive a durango and get 13 miles to the gallon, so I shouldnt compain. Overall she loves it, the style fits he, wanted something small and cute. Great 1st new car for her, when she is out of school, he younger sister is looking forward to it for her first car.
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A Small Car Hard Not To Drive Hard - 2003 Kia Rio
By Old Bear - December 17 - 2:00 amThe great majority of my driving has been in heavy traffic, but I did manage a fairly lightly trafficed trip from San Bernardino to Santa Ana and back. This car is eager to fly. Before I realized it I was zooming along comfortably at 100mph. The car handled nicely, but I slowed. It seemed happy at 80, but had to be restrained to 70. In traffic it is eager and surprisingly comfortable for a large person. Im 511" and weigh 250. Mine is Rally Blue and it wants to race, behavior for which it penalizes you at the gas pump.
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Better than I thought. - 2006 Kia Rio
By Steve Chase - December 12 - 3:43 pmThis car is easy to drive and park. I like the pick up the engine has, rides smooth, the air conditioning is great, cools down fast - living in Florida thats a real plus. Also like how the floor mats stay in place. Has a lot bigger trunk than I thought it would.
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Excellent Car - 2007 Kia Rio
By Michiganpastor - November 23 - 10:00 amI bought my car brand new and now have over 106,000 miles on it. Ive had almost no problems. I replaced 2 wheel bearings and just now changed the front brake pads which still had life in them! I changed the timing belt at 60,000 by choice. It hadnt broken. Thats it. Everything else (except the tires) are original. Gas mileage is low 30s. They told me Id get 40mpg but that doesnt happen. I have an automatic by the way. And yesterday I hit a deer broadside at 55 mph and the car just kept on going! Never even knocked it out of lane. I was flabbergasted. Its $3100 in damage but I can still drive it. So far its been one of the best cars I ever bought.
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Excellent Car in its Class - 2007 Kia Rio
By mwide - November 19 - 8:06 pmThe Kia Rio5 SX is actually a fine car. The mileage has been excellent (though not quite what Id expect), the ride is very good and the design is really eye-pleasing. Overall, no one who has been in and seen this car can believe that it is a Kia and that it comes in at such a low cost.
