Overview & Reviews

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.

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

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 54.00

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  Great little gas saver! - 2008 Kia Rio
  By tracyb4 - May 11 - 6:57 pm

  I bought my Kia Rio new, with 28 miles on it, and now have over 60k miles on it. It came with a great warranty and Ive had all scheduled maintenance required to keep the warranty active. I have never had any trouble out of it. The only cons I can mention is that the brakes sound like they are grinding when you first apply them in a damp or wet environment, but after the first application that sound goes away. I have them checked every time I go in for service and they are always ok. The other thing is the fact that the ride is a little noisier than I prefer, but you will find that to be the case with all small cars. I average about 33-35 mpg. Keep up the maintenance, it will last!

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  Great car and soon to be very popular - 2008 Kia Rio
  By Kay C. Johnson - January 27 - 11:00 pm

  This car has great get up and go! The gas mileage is a wonderful improvement over what I was driving. Ive been told it will improve after the first 5000 miles, but already Im getting 32 mpg around town, so I am quite happy with it. My mom drove it and she is used to bigger cars liked its handling, but said she couldnt ride in it on a long trip. She bought an Optima and loves it. She and I both have more leg room than you could ever want, its very surprising. My dad is 64 and he couldnt believe it. I got Automatic with power pkg and I couldnt ask for more for the price just under 15,000.

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  Great Commuter Car for the Money - 2008 Kia Rio
  By kyatty - December 29 - 2:56 pm

  I was in the market to get to and from work everyday and wanted to keep my costs down. I had only owned Japanese cars, with one exception of a GMC pickup that was a big mistake. I was a little unsure about the KIA, but after nearly 2 years Im glad I took the plunge. This little car is just what I needed. The fuel economy is quite good, but could be improved. Its surprisingly fun to drive. Its far roomier than you would expect from its dimesions. Ive never had a single problem with this car --just regularly scheduled maintenance. Sure, I get the occasional odd look from other attorneys when they see me in my little Rio5, but I could care less.

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  base model - 2008 Kia Rio
  By j.q.t. - December 24 - 10:00 pm

  Started driving the base model and it is really easy to manuver. The steering is hard, but got use to having to hold onto the steering wheel at all times. Sporty, nice interior, gasoline mileage doesnt look to promising at the moment, but may get better. Some models they advertise on lot, 44 mpg, but window sticker shows much lower, very much lower. Overall, for the price, you may do better, but the warranty is really the good part.

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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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  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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  Rio5 not well known but a good car - 2008 Kia Rio
  By rs - August 20 - 11:16 pm

  I bought this car as a commuter car. It is great. I get 34 mpg combined driving. It is cute, the girls love it. I did not buy it for that though. It made sense to me a good value in a nice package. I drive a lot and was driving a big truck, the monthly payment and gas for this car is cheaper than the gas for my truck. I read many reviews on the internet and reliability is up there too. For a sub compact it is quiet. Lots of features for the money. It has a small engine but has enough power to get me up hills at the speed limit. Im very happy with it.

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  Rio rocks! - 2008 Kia Rio
  By oldsubguy - May 25 - 12:10 am

  After trading in my 15 MPG American "Tank", I am well pleased with my Rio! The difference in gas price alone amounted to over $200/Mo. which is a good portion of the payment. Nimble, sure, and attractive lines (IN my opinion). I could not be more pleased. I like the fact that I did not have to pay for a useless car alarm either. (I think we quit listening to them about a year after they came out). No bloody power this or that to break either and I can reach the passenger window crank without causing a crash on the freeway

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  New Kia Rio - 2008 Kia Rio
  By mathewslw - March 18 - 3:30 pm

  We traded a Ford F-150 because of rising fuel cost. What a difference. We bought a fairly basic automatic transmission model. So far we have been very satisfied. Great price too.

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  lemon car - 2008 Kia Rio
  By charlie1 - February 28 - 2:23 am

  I bought a kia rio sedan in 2008 have had a new transmission put in to date still having problems with transmission automatic shift from park reverse or drive to revervse is very slow I am left seating in the road waiting for it transmission to shift I feel this is a safety issue and kia should correct it after many many time taking it to shop they tell me I dont know have to drive and there is nothing wrong with my car, it is the worst car I have ever had will not buy another one nor would I recommend anyone else to buy one.