2008 Kia Rio Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.24/5 Average
54 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

For 2008, the LX trim is added for the Rio5. This means that those who prefer the versatile hatchback body style over the sedan are no longer forced to spring for the top-of-the-line SX trim.

Pros:
  • Smooth ride, stable handling, attractive interior, standard side curtain airbags, generous warranty.
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 54.00
  • Keen on Kia - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    I just recently bought this vehicle as my daily commuter to work and school in an effort to save on gas and help the environment. Im very pleased with my purchase. The car drives very well for what it is and the motor is surprisingly efficient. The only change that I made is I replaced the air filter with a K&N unit. Would recommend this vehicle to others.

  • It does what it says it will do! - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    This car is a great economy car. It drives well and the gas consumption is great. The warranty is fantastic. The bearings in the front wheels went and were replaced by Kia dealership without hesitation and no cost to me. Very reliable and gets you from point A to point B comfortably, cheaply and with no problems.

  • Still Truckin - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    What can you say when gas prices are over $3, 35 MPH +. I am concerned as others have expressed that the slow shift in the auto transmission may result in some type of future problems. My car at 46000 miles is getting worse. The service dealerships are too few and far between. Otherwise so far so excellent. No problems just regular maintenence. I own 2 Hondas and have the Kia as a work car and drive it excessively. I dont even get into the Hondas, a real shame that I am paying for them.The lx version with power package has 6 speakers and one is blown, so annoying. Great system for such an inexpensive car though.

  • 08 Base Rio - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    Bought this to replace my 95 Honda Civic. Need a dependable work car for long commutes. Base is no frills, less things to fail or wear out. Love no power steering! So far, this ride is great. Comfortable, solid and classy for the $ spent. ($10K for a brand new ride with a 100K power train warranty.) Does not even have a radio, but is wired for one with speakers. Most folks replace the factory radio anyway, so this is a great approach for a custom ride.

  • Great Car at a good price - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    Purchased this car pre-owned with only 4000 miles on it. I havent had any problems out of it to date. I do notice that when i drive it after sitting over night the rear brakes tend to be touchy and squeak some. The engine also tends to have a little rattle to it when it is cold. Not sure why it does that but once it warms up it is flawless. it may have something to do with the CVT.

  • Amazing little car - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    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..

  • Love it. - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    I bought this car to replace my first car (1996 Grand Am). I was in dire need of something new or newer as my Grand Am had 200K miles on it and died 3 weeks later. This was the first car I looked at and loved it immediately. This car looks great in black. My Rios shift timing is a little awkward compared to other cars Ive driven, but Im used to it. I got the red pinstripe on the side and the matching red/grey interior. Mine seems to be the only one of its kind in my area. The audio jack is welcomed as well as my mp3 player used to run through a tape-deck adapter in my Grand Am. The space given the car size is really impressive. As an art student, I can appreciate the extra space.

  • Hard Riding - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    After reading the reviews, I am beginning to think the factory forgot struts & shocks on my car. It could be Pennsylvania roads though. My Kia only has 8,000 miles on it, but it rides like a buck board. My 2002 Prism, 103,000 miles outrides it by far. The brakes grab when cold & the delay from reverse to drive is slow. I dont like the cupholders between the seats. They are much more useful located by dashboard. No cup holders in backseat. The window washers only spray a third of the way up the windshield. The gas milage isnt bad...should improve as the car is broke in. Overall, I am looking to trade it in on a smoother ride and I am glad I still have my Chevy Prism.

  • I Love my Car! - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    I got my Rio at the first of March. I love it while all my friends drive big SUVs and complain about the gas prices, my family of 5 fits in my car just fine and were able to take a vacation this summer while my friends stayed at home. I get 38 miles a gallon! Thank you KIA

  • Just what I needed! - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    Im really happy with this car. Ive had it almost two years, and Im still enjoying it. The only thing Id ask Kia to improve would be the height of the arm rest - its too low. I feel very safe in my car. Its even comfortable on ten-hour vacation trips! The interior is nice, and easy to clean - great for people with kids. It really is easy to park. Id be happy buy another one.

Kia Rio Reviews By Year:
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