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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  Will Never Buy Another Kia - 2009 Kia Rio
  By deheeren - June 4 - 7:59 pm

  I bought this car new in 2009 and today the cars second transmission failed. The car has 151,541 miles on it. The car has also had a coil pack put on each cylinder at least once. When the car was still under warranty the dealer flat-out refused to fix the actual issues with the car because the scheduled maintenance on the car wasnt up to date, yet the salesman never disclosed details about the warranty at time of purchase or provided literature about the warranty. CD player quit working at about 24 months Heater core issues at 30 months. Car needed realignment every 10,000 miles. Tire shop said it was a "Kia" thing. Lots of road noise on the freeway. Windshield always foggy.

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  unhappy 2003 rio cinco owner - 2003 Kia Rio
  By abrenner - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my car in after totaling a regular rio which I loved. I hate this car it is a gas hog with about 21 miles to the gallon. What I hate more then anything is the exterior quality. You can dent this car by blowing on it. The paint is terrible quality. Please shop carefully, I got ripped off. I payed for what I got.

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  5 reasons I returned mine.... - 2002 Kia Rio
  By lizm1 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I drove mine for one full week. 1. After 300 miles, my tires are already squeeking. 2. The car has absolutely NO control in icy or snowy conditions...Ive been slipping and sliding all week. 3. The trunk doesnt close properly. You have to push down precisely in the middle. 4. My insurance company wouldnt insure it because (and I quote) "They fall apart too easily". 5. The "new car smell" is very fishy and gave me a headache. ---I was lucky enough that they tried to pull the "Your Financing Didnt go Through scam". I opted to not try to finance it again and I returned it. Im buying year old Honda instead.

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  Not worth it - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Becca - December 6 - 7:26 pm

  I got this car 2 years ago, and honestly I would have bought something else if I had known what I know now. The check engine light comes on when there is nothing wrong. The parking brake light stays on constantly. It is not a comfortable ride. The vibration is terrible and the car often "jumps" when accelerating. Its not very safe. I was in a minor collision and the other drivers car was not damaged at all, but my bumper fell off and the seatbelt didnt even hold me in place as I bumped my chest into the steering wheel. Its great on gas, but there are much better cars out there for the price.

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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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  Do not buy this cheap poor mans car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By terence gomez - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this thing two months ago and let me tell you its a real piece. No power and horrible gas mileage (for its size),handling and build quality. The suspension set-up is a joke, I mean a solid rear axle? come on now. I guess you cant expect much though. This is what I get for being cheap and poor. If your poor like me then just buy a decent used car for less, youll be much happier.

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  double check - 2013 Kia Rio
  By stop gap - June 23 - 4:24 pm

  Make sure of the following: Has cruise? Adjustable front rider seat? Nice looking but look for features

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  i hate it - 2001 Kia Rio
  By jba - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had many troubles since i had purchased this car. It has been in the shop a dozen times.Its great on gas but not very roomy . The price was right at the time or so I had thought but i would have never bought this car if i knew then what I know now.

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  Friends dont let friends buy Rios - 2004 Kia Rio
  By peterssd - April 28 - 3:37 pm

  I purchased my Kia Rio new in 2004 and treated it well - always got oil changes on time, replaced the timing belt at 90,000 miles (I was told to do it by 100k). Within 3 years of purchase the brake proportioning valve went bad. W/in 2 years the rear tires were going bald far faster than they should have - turns out I was sold a new car with a bent rear axle. Past 2 years (100-120k): intermittent electrical problem that we finally realized (after replacing the spark plugs/wires 2x) was a cracked engine coil. Last week (139k): fourth cylinder blew.

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  to quote the Simpsons; "Worst Car Ever" - 2002 Kia Rio
  By Randy - March 28 - 11:00 am

  My wife actually bought the car before we got married. It seemed like a cute little car. It was also nice that it had a "warranty". However, the first time it rained, the entire trunk filled with water. When I checked about the seals, and how to have them replaced, they were not covered as a warranty piece. I tried to seal it several times, but they never seemed to stick in place. At 55mph, we had a loud whistle noise in a door that the dealer could not figure out. It was a non-fixable air leak in the window seal. Then, my favorite, at 55,000 miles, it mushroomed a piston-head. I could only prove 18 of 19 oil changes, so it was considered not under warranty. Kia, the enclosed go-cart!