2004 Kia Rio review from North America
"Great for basic transportation - it will get you where you want to go"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
At 5,000 miles the moldings around the side windows started to warp and crack. They were replaced under warranty.
The fuse for the power windows blows every 3-4 months.
General comments?
The engine is surprisingly responsive, especially when paired with the 5-speed manual transmission.
Gas mileage is good (about 25-30 mpg on the highway) but the tank is so small that I have to fill up about twice a week.
The interior is very comfortable for trips shorter than 4 or 5 hours. After that, the seats start to feel too firm and don't offer enough support. At least the driver's seat has the adjustable lumbar support.
If you're looking to get a Rio, I'd recommend getting one with as few options as possible. Mine has every available option (power windows & locks, CD player, etc) except for the automatic transmission. With that much electricity running through an underpowered electrical system, fuses tend to blow pretty easily.
Recommended reviews
  | Best Car I've ever owned |
| I will never buy a KIA anything as long as I live and I will warn others away from them too |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 2004 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | Don't Know |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 25 miles |
| Most recent distance | 21000 miles |
| Previous car | Mazda MX3 |
| Date of Entry | 9th May, 2005 |