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:
Showing 21 through 30 of 539.00-
Never again - 2002 Kia Rio
By commdeus - November 28 - 2:33 pmThis was an awful car to drive. It was uncomfortable, had little power, no acceleration, and started breaking down about a year into its life. The paint job was of poor quality. Corrosion started in its 4th year despite biweekly washes and bi-annual waxes. I was only too pleased to return it after its lease ended. It has put me off Kia all together.
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Bad on gas - 2007 Kia Rio
By bootsr1 - October 26 - 4:46 amThis was a horrible purchase. Terrible MPG 16-18 max. Brakes shot @ less then 9,000 miles in the shop 9 times for charging problem. This car looks ok, highly overrated!
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DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY - 2001 Kia Rio
By Laura - September 21 - 8:06 pmEver since Ive gotten my car its given me hell. Theres a squeaking in the right side (maybe the suspension) which the Kia dealer "doesnt know whats wrong with it". The check engine light comes and goes when it pleases. When the weather is cold my car stalls and doesnt shift well; revs really high before shifting into the next gear until the car is completely warmed up 30 minutes later. My brakes went out once - they all of a sudden started rubbing and were completely gone by the time I got home. This car is too light weight -- if theres a breeze you will be flying into the next lane. I havent been happy with this car or the dealership/ customer service since I got this car.
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Finilly Got It--Wish I Never Did - 2004 Kia Rio
By Jebediah - July 22 - 10:00 amIt took me 2 years to save up, but I finally purchased me a new car. I bought a 2004 Kia Rio. Mine is red. This car is alright, but it doesnt work too well, and they have been trying to fix it. I cant keep paying for repairs, I dont have a whole lot of money. This thing is decent looking, but I think the interior is crappy. It is really cheap and plasticity looking. They need to make them look fanicer, like one of them BMW er Merecedes or somethihgn.
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Dangerous - 2003 Kia Rio
By Gail - July 1 - 2:00 amPoor visibility, has large blind spots when driving. It is a Rock Magnet. The second day I owned it, the front window shield was hit 3 times. There must be over 8 chips and seriously cracked 3 times by the base of the windshield.
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I wasnt happy with gas mileage - 2007 Kia Rio
By LB - May 7 - 4:23 amWe 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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I HATE THIS CAR - 2008 Kia Rio
By casey - January 28 - 4:50 amMy car also is slow to shift from park reverse or drive to revervse. It also has been in the shop five times because something is draining the power from the battery that no one can figure out why. It has been thru two batteries and they put in a whole new fuse system... i drove it three weeks and the battery is dead again. They still cant figure it out so while it sits in the shop i have to borrow parents and friends cars because good ol kia doesnt provide loaner cars and i dont have the money for a rental. All this for a car ive only had four months!!!
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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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Disappointed - 2007 Kia Rio
By liv2fsh - June 14 - 5:16 pmHave had this car for 1 year and what a mistake. Should have stayed w/Hyundai Accent but they didnt offer a 4dr hatch. Have had a constant speed sensor problem on the auto trans. The car is slow, handles poorly in the snow and less than good gas mileage. Avg 28 combined city/hywy. Should get better mileage w/such a small engine.
