Overview & Reviews

For 2003, Kia gives the Rio a number of upgrades. Among these are a new 104-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine; various suspension tweaks to improve ride and handling; larger disc brakes; new engine mounts and exhaust tuning for a quieter cabin; and reinforcements to the steering wheel and column to minimize vibration. Inside, look for revisions to the instrument cluster, center console and door panels -- the latter will include storage bins and bottle holders -- as well as new seat fabric. New standard features include child-seat anchors, rear heater ducts, auto-off headlights, variable intermittent wipers and, on the wagon only, a CD player. In addition, Kia has added dual map lights and a sunglasses case to the sedan's Upgrade Package, and will offer the Power Package, which provides power windows and locks. Finally, both Rios get fresh front fascias and wheel covers; the sedan gets a sharper-looking tail and the wagon gets an optional body-color spoiler.

• Small price, big warranty, peppy engine, attractive styling.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 65.00

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  Tired of Trucks?More Bang For your Bucks - 2003 Kia Rio
  By wetwelder - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Are you tired of driving your big dumb truck? Honestly, how often do you actually haul? Anyways, I traded my truck in for this sweet Rio for a cool $2.61 straight across trade. I love this car,Im 62" and I have plenty of room. 35 MPG Highway, rack and pinion steering,4 cylinder engine is very peppy and can beat most cars off the line, an excellent commuter! I love my KIA!

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  Fun, Economical & Reliable - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Navin Mahabir - July 1 - 3:26 am

  I bought this car because it was the cheapest available. But I also did my research and found that Kia quality had been constantly improving. I wanted a car that was reliable--I was selling a Ford that had every option possible and gave problems with almost every one of them. I wanted a car with low cost of ownership and the Kia has been that and much more. Its fun, its reliable, and Ive had to spend no money on it other than gas and oil. Reviewers like JDPower give this car a bad rap, but they dont take into account that for the price of a used Corolla with 50K, you get reliability, a great warranty, and standard features that dont leave you wanting.

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  Good no frills putter - 2003 Kia Rio
  By spaded92 - February 12 - 1:12 pm

  Great car if you need a get around vehicle..bought my 03 back in 07. Had around 48k miles back then..Now sitting at around 125. Worst thing thats happened is a A/C line sprung a leak..no biggy..On my second timing belt..did the water pump, tensioner and pulley on the second one..lasted 120k no problems just didnt wanna chance it this next 60k. It dents easily and the paint quality is mediocre,clearcoat sucks..the door locks have an attitude sometimes but that didnt start until the 10 yr/100k warranty was up..its an old car thats taken a fair beating..Engine still runs smooth like new. Doesnt leak a drop. I have faith this car will last another 100k if I keep it up as I have.

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  No more Kias - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Kat Kat - January 21 - 11:10 am

  Worst Car ever once I got it I had to take in in after a few months do to the weather guard on the windows being deformed. Tires blow out so fast on this tire its not even funny. If it werent for the great mileage it would have no up side.

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  The best car i have EVER had! - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Elizabeth Satko - October 3 - 2:00 am

  The Kia Rio is the greatest automobile I have ever had

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  The Kia Rio is a Great Deal - 2003 Kia Rio
  By KellyAnn - June 22 - 10:00 am

  As a commuter college student purchasing a new car, I chose the Kia Rio for its affordable price, outstanding warranty, and dependability. Im terrible at parallel parking, so I chose the Rio for its small size. However, the car is actually quite spacious, and even my father, who stands 64", commented on how much leg room he had while riding in my back seat.

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  my experience - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Laila - April 3 - 10:00 am

  it is a good car have took it all around

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  I Love My Kia - 2003 Kia Rio
  By elizabeth2001 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Its a good car, I dont see why everyone is dogging the Kia company, my Rio has been a good car.

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  Rio RX-V - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Marcus Walters - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Very fun car to drive, handles surprisingly well. A bit noisy at high speeds though normal considering small engine. All in all amazing bang for your buck.

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  Dandy little car - 2003 Kia Rio
  By Dirsppro1234 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  A/C is the best in any car Ive ever driven. It takes off slow...but then top end is really pretty good. I like all the features. A dandy little car!