Faults:

The big thing was 2 engine coils failed in the 8 years I had the car; the first was under warranty. The 2nd one failed out of warranty. Which was a bit costly.

Other than this, just general things like 2 sets of tires, belts, fluid changes, and general things. I will say, I never put a set of brakes on this car. They never needed it!

General Comments:

I took a chance on this car, At the time Kia's reputation was a bit spotty. I had just gotten out of a long term relationship and moved back to my hometown. My prior car, needed too much work put into it, to justify keeping it. I wanted to spend under $20,000 (USA). Gas was 4$ a gallon at this point as well. So, that was a factor.

With the warranty and price, I went for it. I can't say this was a Honda Civic or a Toyota Corolla, but for the price it didn't have to be. Gas mileage was OK, could have been better. Inside was logically laid out. Not too many premium options, but it didn't bother me. The material on the seats I found to be cheap, stained easily and were worn down when I sold the car. The engine was under powered and a bit gruff.

For 8 years, the car served me well. I had a good run with it, I would buy another one.

Faults:

So far nothing.

General Comments:

I actually didn't want to buy this car. But the car sold itself.

Firstly, it's efficient. I get roughly 7~8 l/100kms, depending on how much I'm hammering it.

I keep trying to find its weak points. I live around the Adelaide hills and do flat driving as well. It pulls up some of our steepest roads quite happily in 4th. I've never had a four cylinder car do that. Always had to shift down to 3rd, or 2nd.

Cornering? It stays solid to the road on the corners. I'm not trying to push its limits, but I know I can corner harder in this car than others I've owned.

Interior space is respectable. Rear seats have leg room. Boot has carry space. Front seats have decent support. The car is not so small that you sit on top of your passengers, but it's not a big car.

Instrumentation is good. I like that the intermittent wipers have variable speed control.

I like that the fold down rear seats aren't a pain to put back again.

So what are its weak points? Car radio volume adjustment is not fine. Clutch is a little bit high. Side mirrors are quite deceptive with how far away vehicles appear to be. Speedo is a bit dark, you really need your headlights on to force the dashlights on and see the display properly. The interior is adequate, rather than luxurious.

I've owned it for seven months and thought by now I would have exposed its weaknesses. I keep finding its strengths.

I regularly drive at 110kph and feel quite secure. I used to have a 1996 Festiva and at that speed felt like I was in a tin can, one mistake away from being a mess. The Rio never gives me that feeling. It's a pleasure to drive.

Faults:

At 19,000 miles, I started to have trouble with a lot of things. First they had to replace my brakes, and I started to have trouble with the transmission. It doesn't want to shift into gear right away; it takes a minute, even though it's automatic. The dealer said the fluid is dark like it's burnt, but they won't do anything unless I pay for the flush. I don't feel that's right when obviously there's something wrong.

Now some front bearings are bad and have to be replaced; thankfully it's covered. But it just seems like maybe I have a lemon. I don't know what to do.

Troubled in Ohio.