2003 Kia Rio RXV from North America

Summary:

Cheap, but comfortable, reliable car

Faults:

This car is under-powered for it's size and weight. Because of underpowering, it shifts to a higher gear more often than it should.

The gas tank only holds 9 gallons - far too small.

Cruise control is not available on even the most expensive model available.

The doors seem poorly sealed causing leakage in wet or snowy weather.

General Comments:

I have now had my car for 7 months. It has provided reliable service on combined urban/rural usage.

Mileage is as claimed in brochures - no better - no worse.

Fuel tank should be enlarged to at least 12 gallons.

Because of the under-power, I anticipate premature wear on the transmission.

Poor sealing of doors will no doubt cause early rust conditions.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th July, 2004

2003 Kia Rio 1.6 DOHC from North America

Summary:

A bargain car geared for a younger crowd like myself

Faults:

Check engine light was on upon purchase of car. Went to dealer stated misfire. Dealer suggested 60k maintenance upon service car developed a miss it has been in and out of the dealer since with the constant miss in the engine. the door handle has broken on the passengers door. The exhaust system has a rattle. There is no pick up at all. The weather stripping on the door and trunk has fallen off.

General Comments:

The car has tremendous body roll.

It is a great car for the money.

Dealer service over all has been great could not ask for better dealer servicing.

I get horrible gas mileage on the car with the a/c on.

Overall it is a great car with just a few problems I am hoping to get resolved as soon as possible.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th June, 2004

2003 Kia Rio from North America

Summary:

Kinda Ugly, but a great basic car

Faults:

Little paint flake chip on the grille.

Engine light came on tightened gas cap and fixed problem.

General Comments:

Dependal car OK handling is peppy for 104 horsepower.

Brakes good and stops short distances, but sometimes brakes lock.

I am getting close to advertised mileage driving it hard.

Comfort is just fine for a couple of hour drive.

I like the noisey engine I think it sounds cool (has a good rev to it).

Factory cd/stereo sound pretty damn good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 2004

3rd Jan 2007, 20:05

Oh man I like your post. Please tell me you were attempting to be trivial with the cons on your post. Regardless, it's a hoot.

2003 Kia Rio 1.6L from North America

Summary:

Excellent bargain for the money

Faults:

I have had no problems with this vehicle to date.

General Comments:

The vehicle is a great bargain for the cost.

The leg room and overall cabin room is lacking, however.

I have had the vehicle to over 120mph and it seems fairly stable on straight roads.

The vehicle is very unstable around corners at any speed.

The vehicle has body roll that resembles the feel of a large truck or minivan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2004

2003 Kia Rio cinco 1.8L DOHC from North America

Summary:

Performs decent, Questionable Clutch

Faults:

My clutch went out at 18,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car seems to handle well. I am not pleased with the clutch going out after 18,000 miles. Hopefully this isn't a recurring problem. Manufacturer and dealer helped out by replacing clutch for free even though it isn't covered by the warranty. I like the car otherwise. it is a great get around car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 16th March, 2004

25th Jul 2006, 21:58

Hey there, I can truly sympathize with your problems with the clutch. Mine went out before 12,000 miles, then again at 20,000 miles, and now is immobile yet again at 40,000 due to the clutch.

Be careful, my dealership charged me to fix it after 12,000 miles and tried to blame it on operator malfunction. Good luck, hope yours runs better than mine!

25th Mar 2008, 17:34

Clutch going out three times? That is either a driver incurred problem or a clutch adjustment problem. You can adjust the clutch very easily by tighting or losing the cable on top of the transmission. Your clutch is probably adjusted so it is constantly slipping a little bit. You should have it adjusted so that you have to depress the clutch about halfway before it disengages the engine from the transmission.

28th Mar 2008, 19:04

Also - you do not have a 1.8. You have a 1.6L engine.