2003 Kia Rio Cinco review from North America
"A slug on hills, but a blessing at the gas pump"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
A map sensor went bad during the first 6 months I had it, replaced quickly by the dealer, no other mechanical problems since.
During a 2005 freak Oregon snow storm, while clearing snow off the front hood, the paint scratched easily with the brush of my hand.
General comments?
Not a bad car for the money, I bought it when my van was stolen and returned to me leaking tranny fluid in a terminal fashion.
I bought my Rio Cinco because it was the cheapest new car on the market that allowed me some cargo room and it fit my budget.
No great complaints to date except that it is a gutless wonder on steep hills.
I switched my employment to Home Health since buying it and have recently been doing more driving than usual, for this (with gas at over $2.39 a gal), the Cinco is a blessing at the pump. I can work all week on under $20 worth of gas and never come close to empty.
The driver's seat is comfy for driving, and offers great back support.
It's a no frills car perfect for a tight budget.
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  | A lot for the money |
| Great Car |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 2003 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 24 miles |
| Most recent distance | 25048 miles |
| Date of Entry | 2nd February, 2006 |