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 1 through 10 of 54.00
  • Better than I expected - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    I bought the car for my wife to drive to work and save money in gas. Best thing I ever did we went from 12 to 14 miles to the gallon in the city to 26 to 28 to the gallon in the city. We cut our gas bill from $75 to $30 per week. I cannot wait to get it on the highway to see how many miles I can get. I also bought the car because I am not a small guy and when I first sat in the Rio I was able to get in and out with out hitting my head on the roof. The space was also a factor and the Rio was a perfect size for wife and me. The interior has enough space to place the 3 kids in the back seat and stuff in the trunk.

  • Will never buy again! - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    I bought this car back in 2008. I have had to replace things i shouldnt have had to replace already. Replaced bearings, rotars, i go through tires like no ones business, and timing belt has to be replaced about ever 30,000 miles. (rios are known for that) other than that the car is pretty good, but i would never purchase one again. They will last forever, but you have to always be replacing something.

  • Great car! - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    I bought my Rio to use as a commuter car to/from work. I wasnt sure I would like it but when I test drove it, I was pleasantly surprised. After 2 months, I just hit 3000 miles and I usually get 33-35 mpg. but did get 38.3 last week on a 3 hr. trip!! I love the way the car handles and it is so much fun to drive. Love the way the rear seats fold down too, so much room. Also, love the way they laid out the instrument panel/radio. Very easy to reach and use, much more than any other car I have owned. I LOVE this car and look forward to it lasting a long time. Highly recommend it!

  • It saved my life!!! lots of love! - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    I am writing this 2 days after I totaled my 08 Kia Rio. Very sad day. My main problem with this car is the rear defroster stopped working twice. after the 2nd time, i never bothered to get it fixed. I used to affectionately refer to it as my POS Kia, though it did get GREAT gas mileage and was always a fun and sporty drive. I loved zipping along the highway, the city, suburbia in my Rio! however, the best thing about this car is how it saved me during the worst accident ive been in. My back tire was bad, I slipped on wet highway, hit a guardrail, spun into oncoming traffic, had a head on collision with a F250 and walked away w/o a SCRATCH. Thank you for holding up, Rio!

  • STILL GOING AND SURPRISING - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    An Update. My 08 Rio is coming up on 39k. I drive all highway and still am impressed on the way in which the car handles, except in snow well go figure. Nothing major, all regular maintence so far. The car is a little trooper. round trip I drive 140 miles, reason i bought the lil sipper. The car has all I need. I have noticed what others are saying about the slow shift with the automatic transmissions, especially when the car is cold, which in the northeast is common. I am not worried yet about it. I tell you the car takes a beating and is holding up, I am hoping for long too. I am rough on the cars I drive so I hope to have it a few more years in this one.

  • Very happy owner! - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    We bought our 5-speed Rio brand-new in August 2008 to replace a gas hog of a truck for commuting over 50 miles a day. The average mpg is 38!Who needs a hybrid? The Rio is surprisingly roomy, comfy, fun to drive, smooth ride, good looking, and the best warranty around. This may seem trivial, but the cup holders with the rubbery grips are the best! Other than a small squeak near the sun visor that has since disappeared, it is flawless. Its a little noisy at highway speeds though. I would totally buy another one in a minute.

  • EXCELLENT FOR THE $$$ - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    I have had my Rio since Aug 08 and have 17k, and cannot complain at all. I love this solid little car. I driven them all and this one exceeds the civic and elantras of past. the warranty is excellent compared to the competition. This car is roomy for the size. The trunk has space in it. No complaints, just a little big car for the price with a warranty to back it.

  • Excellent gas sipper - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    If youre looking for an inexpensive ride thats great on gas, the Kia Rio is all you need! I bought the 4 door base to use as my "run around" car and I am getting 39 MPG based on about a 60% stop-and-go and 40% highway driving ratio. Its the best no frills car out there, easily the best bang for the buck. I never thought Id buy a Kia/Hyundai, but with gas prices being what they are and just needing some basic wheels, this car hits the target dead on!

  • Rio5 SX Wagon - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    I traded in my Hyundai Tucson for a car I could use for my working commute. Rio5 SX was a straightforward choice. The car is compact but surprisingly comfortable and spacious. The engine is up to the task considering is a 1.6 L and the car is very fun to drive. In my first tank of gas Ive got a good 33 mpg in mix condition (traffic/highway) typical in a commute scenario. Very, very satisfied with this choice that I recommend to anybody in need of a good, reliable commuting car.

  • Dont buy - 2008 Kia Rio
    By -

    This car is junk. It handles horribly in the snow. After only two years I had to replace both wheel bearings, my check engine light came on, Ive had to replace all four tires. Its too small and it hate that I dont have keyless entry. This car has ruined my experience with Kia so much that I will never purchase another.

Kia Rio Reviews By Year:
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