2004 Kia Rio from Korea

Summary:

Good price for style and reliablity.

Faults:

In the first couple days the check engine light came on. I checked the gas cap and tightened it a few more clicks and it was still on. Brought it back to the dealership and tried tightening it again there and it shut off. Decided I should have them look at it anyways and they replaced the cap saying it may have had a bad seal. It hasn't happened since.

General Comments:

Very reliable.

Nice feel and size.

Awesome stock speakers and system. It bumps! :o)

Attractive and stylish.

Comfortable.

Small back seating area, but HUGE trunk. I'd kill to have a body like yours... IN MY TRUNK!

One of the windows whistles from bad seal I guess.

Feels like it should be geared differently. I'm going down the freeway at 70mph and almost 4000rpm.

I still don't like it as much as my old 86 Accord. Not used to the touchiness of clean fuel injector or the stiff suspension. I also can't seem to find the right feel for the clutch and I've had the car about a month. Must just be cause its new. :o)

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

Review Date: 25th October, 2004

2004 Kia Rio from North America

Summary:

I love my car!

Faults:

There was a minor problem with the defrost.

General Comments:

I love my car. I am five feet tall and my car fits me. It drives wonderfully, gets great gas mileage, and looks good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th October, 2004

2004 Kia Rio LS 1.3 from Malaysia

Summary:

Stylish look from back and cheap in price

Faults:

- A very minor miss alignment on the wheels where the car tends to move to left when letting go the hands on a straight rood. Need for alignment in the first free service.

- Comes with heater where heater is not applicable in Malaysia (tropical).

- Petrol consumption is high due to automatic transmission and heavy body.

- No reverse sensor (option) and without auto-cruise.

- It if freely to shift from gear P to any other gears without depressing break which is danger as the car may move backward as gear is engaging.

General Comments:

I like this car because of its stylish look from the back and is available with gold colour + fully imported. Also due to market competition my dealer managed to give me 3 round of negotiations + discounts up to total RM2,500.00!

Positive:

- Big boot --- my 3 years old son can lie down and play there! We do not need to stop the car to take items from the boot.

- Cheap! Only RM56,000.00 after discount from my dealer.

- Come with mild dark-glass even though is not a tinted glass.

- Come with original sport-rim and alarm.

- Sound proof (from outside and base).

- Kenwood stereo, but no CD, only cassette & radio.

- Lights are extremely bright.

- Due to it is a station wagon the person who sits at rear seat will not facing the afternoon sun shine to their heads.

Negative:

- Leg room at rear seat is narrow.

- Slow in pick-up.

- Door handlers (internal) are made from cheap plastic - easy to be scratched.

- Model in this country come without fog light.

- No gear lock with this option.

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

Review Date: 1st August, 2004

25th Aug 2005, 23:26

I have a 2004 Kia Rio. It has a standard transmission. All the extras are not included. It's a very basic passenger car. I can do 100 mph comfortably. Above 100 mph, I'll have to wear my crash helment. I have one problem with it, my alignment seems to get bad rather quickly. The first time was after 100 miles. The second time approximately 4000 miles and this time at 11000 miles. I have owned other cars this cheap, none of my former cars had to be aligned during the time I had them. Other than that, I am quite happy with my Kia Rio. The service at the dealership has been very pleasant.