2003 Kia Rio review from North America
"It's a well-put-together, reliable, affordable car."
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I'm happy to say that, in over 43,000 miles of driving mostly in the city, absolutely nothing has gone wrong with the car. The original tires lasted over 40,000 miles, and I'm still on the original brake pads.
General comments?
I bought this car because of price. I was in financial distress at the time, so I bought it thinking it would be a car I would have to endure rather than enjoy. If I lost this car today I would go buy another one tonight.
The Rio has been totally trouble-free and reliable; has never failed to start, and runs smoothly thereafter.
I liked the exterior styling when I bought it, and still do. Actually, I think it looks better than the new model. It definitely looks better than anything else remotely in its price range. The interior is adequately furnished. Yes, there is a lot of hard plastic, but hey, it's not a 7-series BMW!
The engine is nicely matched to the size and weight of the car. I have found the acceleration to be more than adequate.
I have only one niggle, and that is with the gear ratios in the 5-speed manual transmission. At 60 mph, the engine is turning nearly 3,000 rpm. A sixth overdrive gear would be most welcome on the highway.
Recommended reviews
| A lot for the money |
|
| I love this car! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 2003 |
| Year of manufacture | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | I-4 gas Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 8 miles |
| Most recent distance | 43600 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Ranger |
| Date of Entry | 8th April, 2008 |