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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  greeat - 2007 Kia Rio
  By merrill3001 - March 22 - 10:33 pm

  Good car for basic transportation.

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  Great Econo Coach! - 2003 Kia Rio
  By BILL - March 10 - 1:36 am

  Great little cheapie, all I expected was for her to get me from point a to b cheaply, and reliably, and shes definitely filled those requirements. I expected low power due to the engine size but its more than sufficient on flat roadways. I would not recommend the automatic, in hilly or mountainous conditions, since the computer wants to up and downshift to maintain road speed. I haul a lot and this little wagon just keeps on chuggin, my gas guzzlers stay at home while I drive this one back and forth to work. I doubt you could have found a better car for the price back in 2003.

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  I LOVE my Kia Rio - 2002 Kia Rio
  By SaltyDog - March 7 - 2:56 am

  The Rio hadnt been out very long when I bought it so I was kinda nervous, but let me tell you. I would die without my beloved kia rio. I watched other people at work by gigantic mc-cars and felt so bad in my little kia, but NOW with gas the way it is. I can proudly say with gas at 3.25 a gallon I filled up with $26. The only thing that has ever gone wrong with the kia is the alternator had to be replaced when it was 5 years old. Thats it folks. Little things here and there. Door bell rings by itself, interior light comes on by itself, back seat leaks (think it comes from the trunk somehow) but who cares I love my Kia and I will have her until she dies literally.

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  FIRE - 2003 Kia Rio
  By JJSZABO - January 26 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 RIO caught fire 3 months from purchase. Dealership found that the alternator shorted out. Fixed with some hassle from KIA. I still like it though.

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  Amazing little car - 2008 Kia Rio
  By bootsncigars - January 11 - 11:13 pm

  I purchased this vehicle to replace my not so fuel effecient 07 Tuarus.. My first impression was, solid, tight, peppy though not powerful. I enjoy the 6 speaker stereo and power package with heated outside mirrors. Since Cruis control is not an option, I did some research and found a great kit and had it professionally installed, case closed. Im figuring Im averaging around 27 mixed city and hiway. I havent taken a long trip yet but hope to get 35 as the sticker says. I had those gawd awful skinny Kumho tires replaced immediately with some more aggressive BF Goodrich T/As. What a difference in handling, BTW, Im 6 ft 2 in and it has plenty of room for comfortable driving positions..

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  You Get What You Pay For - 2002 Kia Rio
  By RaiderGirl - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Very well-priced for a single mom, but Im making up for it at the fuel pump; the Kia Rio Cinco is surprisingly UNeconomical in gas use. I can barely squeeze nine gallons into a nearly twelve gallon tank, and then I only get 200 miles on a tankful in the city. Also, it could accelerate MUCH better than it does. Other than that, its pretty reliable and very cool-looking. The interior is very roomy - I can fit my large dog in the back with the rear seat in the upright position with no problem. Overall rating: 6

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  what a great car - 2002 Kia Rio
  By adam` - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I love this car it has filled my expectations and more(and I have always loved korean cars)!!!! Very reliable and fun to drive. It feels like a very well put together car! (I already have 2500 miles on it)

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  Surprisingly impressed! - 2006 Kia Rio
  By Doug Madaga - November 21 - 1:10 pm

  First look at the Rio and I thought "not bad". Sat in the car and said, "not bad". Went for a test ride and said, "WOW"! Quite an impressive ride for a small economy class. Good looks, good price, superb handling and great gas mileage. With the solid warranty the car is virtually maintenance free for many years. Indeed I was surprisingly impressed!

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  Killed one, going on another! - 2006 Kia Rio
  By adoom - November 15 - 7:37 pm

  I had a used 2006 Rio5 for a short bit before getting t-boned in a winter storm. The offender was a dodge caravan making an illegal left turn. The Rio took the hit well, with little damage to me...but the car was a write-off. After much searching for a new car, I ended up buying the exact same model. The Rio5 is great on gas, the 5sp is peppy enough to be fun. The spare tire cover is crap, I recommend buying a piece of plywood to cover it. The balljoints in the 3 kia rio5s that I have driven have all needed replacing.

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  Good Commuter Car, Got it a Great Price - 2004 Kia Rio
  By pslims - November 10 - 1:53 am

  I got my 2004 Rio last month. I was looking for a commuter car to drive about 20-30 minutes on the highway to work. So far I am pleased with the car. It was manual transmission (the automatic drove horrible) and manual windows, locks, no ABS, no stereo. Overall, I am happy with the car as a commuter car. I probably would not have bought this car but for the price I paid, it was definitely worth it.