Kia Rio (2001 - 2005) Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The 2005 KIA Rio isn't the best car, but there's a few good things to say about it. It's cute, fun to drive, peppy, has in-control handling, and it's good on gas, but that's about it. It's pretty small on the inside, but if you buy a Rio you know what you're getting into. The KIA Rio is an entry-level car, so all you'll have is A/C, Power Locks, and a Radio. Going up hill is a hassle, and the interior noise is very loud. Love it or hate it though, the 2005 KIA Rio has a cute and quirky nature, and i'd still recommend it if you just need a cheap get-around car.Jul 03, 2012

I've had this car for a couple of years now and it has proven to be very reliable. This vehicle will by no means win you any car show trophies but it gets the job done with low gas costs. I bought the car with 63,000 miles on it and have put another 76,000 on it with very little upkeep. I've had to replace the front shocks, thermostat, and battery once. I change the oil with Mobil One full synthetic religiously every 3,000 miles and it's has treated me well.Jun 11, 2011

I would not recommend this vehicle. The acceleration is horrible and loses power on hills. The bumper is thin plastic over foam. Scratches very easily. I had a lot of problems with the radio and it has a lot of wind noise from the windows which the dealership was never able to fix. Also, maintenance is a major issue. You have to do a lot of expensive maintenance to these vehicles to keep them running. I was saving up to get the 60k servicing done when my timing belt stripped out. I no longer have an engine! Found out afterwards that it's a known issue and Kia will not do anything about it.Mar 04, 2010

Good quality transportation in a nice package. Does require you to stay on a strict maininence schedule. Has enough power in stock form to get out of its own way. Great on gas, with an average of 25mpg in town and 32mpg highway (my own results). Reliable, comfortable, and roomy for the small car it is. Looks that are all its own with smooth flowing body lines from the front all the way to the back. Absloutely a blast to drive when put to the test. Car handles well in hard cornering with minimal understeer. Slightly modified suspension yeilds unparalleled handling. Easy to work on which keeps maininence costs WAY down. Factory brakes are a bit lacking, yet with inexpensive rotor and pad upgrades, braking becomes superior. Acceleration is quick, for a car of it's size, with a 0-60 time of around 9 seconds (my modified Rio squeezes it in at just under 6 seconds). Car is good on gas, and does not require expensive maintinence, yet as stated does demand a good maintinence schedule. Jul 20, 2009

nica car,very economical and basic performance.Just read other reports and agree what a great little value car a Rio is. A lot of so called road tests are very biased against Kia - most people can’t afford the expensive cars Clarkson crows over so as a Kia owner I would advise anyone to go and make their own mind up you wont be disappointed. The Magentis is a great value for the money car as well second-hand.Jul 18, 2009

Fantastic small car, first major repair at 131K (rear bearings $115 p&l), second at 161K (gear shift lever $298 p&l). Very comfortable on long trips, get 28mpg city, 35mpg highway. Car has 162K miles now, and the speedometer reading is fluctuating. Interior ratings pertain to gear shift lever, tape player which failed a few months ago, seat adjustment mechanism. Wonderful car, am going to upgrade to a newer one soon.Jul 31, 2008

I bought this car because it was small but roomy, and is fairly good for reliability and mileage. While it doesn't thrill me the way my nice little volkswagon jetta does, it does get me around town. I'm not sure I'd want to take this on long trips though, because it is not comfortable at speeds over 65, and it just doesn't have the smooth ride I like. The mileage is also not what I would wish, its only about 22mpg city, which in my opinion is very low for such a small car. Jun 09, 2008