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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Great First Car - 2009 Kia Rio
By Shmork - November 18 - 3:46 pmMany reviewers complain this car isnt powerful enough, or sporty enough and the tires are too small-the list goes on; I disagree. I have never had a problem accelerating into interstate traffic or maneuvering. The interior is surprisingly spacious (huge trunk) and quite attractive with the SX enhancements. The mileage is excellent. Yes, this is no luxury vehicle and it doesnt have impressive horsepower, but if youre shopping in the subcompact market youre not likely concerned with these factors. The drive is almost sporty and the tire size hasnt been an issue. Youre not dishing out extra $ for bells and whistles and you really wont miss them. I love my new KIA for drives great and small!
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Good Running Car - 2003 Kia Rio
By Jenevra Smith - November 15 - 5:28 amThis has been a great car. I bought it used in 2006 and it now has 130000 miles and is still running great. Im on the second timing belt, and replaced the clutch at 120000. I try to keep up on the scheduled maintenance, and this car has never left me stranded. I will drive it until it falls apart.
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i love my kia rio - 2007 Kia Rio
By racahellee97 - November 8 - 1:10 pmi never ever though i would drive a small car again after getting hit and hurt in a bad car accident a few years ago. i have a suburban but the high cost of gas prompted me to look into a new car. I bought a used 2007 kia rio in march and i could not be happier!!! i adore my car. the color, the gas mileage, the compliments i get, the glares when i fill my tank for less than $35. its very fun, very sporty and puts a huge smile on my face when i get to sit in it. i never though i would ever drive a small car again, but with all my air bags, i wont be looking back.
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Great Car - 2004 Kia Rio
By Jane Shorey - October 31 - 10:00 amI love the Kia Rio. I also own a Kia Sentra and am very very pleased with it. I see no problems with the pick-up and I get excellent gas mileage. It may be the lowest price sedan on the market but it is definitely the best buy on the market. I have previously owned vehicles that were quite expensive and feel that Kia is being misjudged. It is an allover great car. I plan to buy another for my daughter.
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Love it - 2001 Kia Rio
By mykia2 - October 21 - 1:31 pmi absolutely love my kia. i got my rio sedan with about 83,500 miles on it and now has 90,000+. when i bought it the fuel pump was about done with itself so i bought a new fuel pump for $110 and works gret now. while takes a minute to gety up to speed on the highway because of the engine size, the car works great in town.i am nothing but excited to drive this car all the time. sometimes i will find myself just leaving the house to take a cruise just for the sake of driving it. the front ond was rattling alot but i just wrapped some electrical tape around the hook to hole the hood down and it stopped.great car i have owned. my car came with the original radio stereo and has only a tape player
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Wife loves car - 2009 Kia Rio
By Randy Mizer - October 18 - 11:20 amMy wife loves her Rio 5. Already had to have a new transmission put in car with 750 miles on it. Wish it had more power under the hood. Around town it is a nice little car to drive but we live in the Ga. mountains and more power under the hood would keep it from down shifting all the time. We get 30 MPG on average , not bad for where we live. If the new transmission lasts we will be happy with the car.Would have rated car better on quality and reliability if not for bad transmission.
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Greate Commute Car - 2001 Kia Rio
By Ed 123 - October 17 - 10:00 amThis is great for going to work! Excellent price relative to the engine performance you get. Looks not offensive, cute little car that let you zip around town. Except it should come with a bigger tire.
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my second kia - 2003 Kia Rio
By klg - October 17 - 2:00 amthis is my second kia, i was very satisfied with my first, which is why i bought another. i like a car that is simple and reliable,i dont need or want added frills, kias are honest cars
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Needs Improvement - 2009 Kia Rio
By jrhorner - October 11 - 12:10 pmThe Rio is an excellent commuter car. However, paying 17200 for this car new with the warranty was a mistake. Purchased w/out A/C, power steering, or power options. Dealership said A/C absolutely could not be installed. The car accelerates fine as long as you are willing to rev the engine all the way up to 4000 rpms. Handles well even w/out powersteering.
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Look at quality not warranty - 2004 Kia Rio
By Super - September 19 - 10:00 amI bought this car because of big warranty, however the blower blowed out of air after I bought it for five months, and I have to wait for a week for it to be repaired on an average 90F temperature. Can you imagine how it feels like? Also when I tried to trade in this car back to the dealership, the dealership only offered $5000 for the trade in value for a sales price of almost $14000?
