2003 Kia Rio Cinco review from North America

No problems yet.

With only 600 miles on the car, I realize that I cannot evaluate it's reliability, but would like to make some comments.

I purchased the car to get better gas mileage and carry more passengers than my truck. To that degree I have succeeded (2nd tank was 31 mpg, Truck gets 20).

I test drove the Ford Focus (nice, but I really don't care for the style - inside or out).

Also drove Mazda 3 and Protege (to stiff riding and the 3's instruments color was hard for me to see, getting old I guess).

The Toyota Echo is ugly. The Prius was to expensive ($1500 premium on top of list price) and would have taken many years to make-up the difference in gas mileage.

Anyway, I just happened to stop by a Kia dealer to see what they had. Did not expect to be so impressed with the Rio Cinco. Good looking body and interior. Nice dash layout. On the test dive I liked the suspension, not to stiff and not to soft. it handled very well. Took it on the freeway and it got up to speed with no problem (80 mph), felt stable and very ecceptable noise level. The stereo is quite good for stock equipment, though the thin door panels will vibrate with the bass at higher volumes.

For $10680 with automatic trans, power windows and door locks, CD radio, tinted windows, alloy wheels, tachometer, air conditioner and the warranty, I bought it.

Now we'll see if it's reliable. I will try to give up-dates as I put on more miles, but so far I am very pleased.