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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  THIS CAR SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2008 Kia Rio
  By pinkpanda - November 30 - 6:57 pm

  this car has had problems since 1 year after buying it brand new i have had transmission promblems about 5 or 6 times and they say its something else the service people mess up stuff that i have to take back to have them fix the still havent fixed my transmission they are very rude and i would not tell anyone to buy one of these cars they will screw you over on the warenty and when its over they will finally tell you whats been wrong with your car the whole time so that you have to pay for it they need to do there job or go out of business

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  Toyota Yaris Quality for a Kia Rio Price - 2006 Kia Rio
  By AndyH - November 30 - 2:43 am

  Test drove Toyota Yaris and the Kia Rio appeared to be a more refined and substantial ride. Out the door at $11,000 for an "06 LX Automatic with 500 miles vs. $15K+ for a Toyota Yaris with automatic made this an easy decision. 6 airbags for safety and a cute design on the exterior made this a perfect car for my daughter.

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  In love with my little Rio! - 2007 Kia Rio
  By rachelheartsrio - November 24 - 10:50 am

  I bought this car used with about 17,000 miles on it. In 8 months of my long commute, Im up to 31,000- with no problems! This car is sporty, fun to drive, and very reliable. The design is exactly what I was looking for- compact, but cute and spacious on the inside. I get compliments all the time, and I love to brag about the great gas mileage and performance of this little car. My only complaint is it struggles over the passes (I live in Colorado), but I think any 4 cylinder would! All in all this is an excellent vehicle-- great value for your money!

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  Wished I had purchased one sooner. . . - 2008 Kia Rio
  By Todd Finch - November 16 - 11:20 pm

  Its roomy enough for four adults, very fun to drive around town, and gets a whopping average 35 miles per gallon (50% highway, 50% city driving.) Its very pleasant at all speeds (never taken it over 80 mpg). What an amazing value! I wish I had purchased a car like this sooner. I listed "Performance" as only a 7 because its not designed to be a race car. Its a 4-cylinder, therefore performance should be a little sub- par. That said, Ive never had a problem keeping pace at a light, or going uphill.

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  Take That! Oil Barons - 2005 Kia Rio
  By B Holmes - November 16 - 12:53 pm

  Although the EPA fuel economy ratings were in the mid-30s, I consistently get 40+ MPG. This car is not a luxury status symbol, but as a commuter car, cannot be beat. I paid only $7,000 for a new car with excellent economy, reasonable power and great handling. Would love to see Ford or Chevrolet match that. I went from driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee that averages 17MPG to this. I commute over 100 miles a day, and the fuel savings are more than I pay for the car.

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  Kia Rio - 2003 Kia Rio
  By D - November 10 - 2:30 am

  I had this car for two years and had a lot of problems with it mechanically. Through the short time I had it, it dropped a cylinder, the timing belt broke, bending all of the valves and the ball bearing went bad three times. It was very fuel efficient and not a bad deal for the price, but there is a reason that they are so inexpensive.

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  The rio that couldnt - 2007 Kia Rio
  By Arkaneinc - November 9 - 1:00 pm

  I bought the car is July of 2007. Brand new with only 6 miles. Ive owned Kias in the past but nothing like this one. It has the worst gas mileage Ive ever experienced. Not all of the 2007 Models are like this. I know of a lot of them that get 40+ MPG. But if your lucky like me then you will find yourself getting 16-18 mpg hwy doing 55-65 mph. If I could go back in time Id buy a Honda or a Toyota. After taking the car to 5 dealerships they never did fix the problem and have stated they could not find one. You may be one of the lucky ones if you buy this vehicle but there is that other possibility.

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  Alexiss review - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Alexis - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Since Ive had my car its gotten me everywhere I need to go. It rides pretty smooth and gets wonderful gas mileage. It is my first car and its a pretty good price and reasonable to be someones first car. Overall, this car is a good one to drive.

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  Kia - Excellent First Foreign Car - 2006 Kia Rio
  By Robert - November 6 - 11:56 pm

  The Kia LX is the first foreign car I have ever purchased. I usually bought Dodge or Ford. Not any more. At age 52 I bought this car for the gas mileage and 100,000 mile warranty. Not one problem since I bought it.

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  Second time around - 2003 Kia Rio
  By lcimpala - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Rio, the first had over 100,000 on the clock before it met an untimely death at the hands of an Explorer. The explorer got the worst of it, by the way, and no injuries for us, couldnt say the same for the explorer occupants. This 2003 Rio is a vast improvement over the 2001 we previously had. Its quiet and rides very well, has a lot of power and the engine noise has been reduced greatly over the 2001 model. Kis is refining their autos yearly, I am impressed with the improvements. We really like the car.