2003 Kia Rio Cinco from North America - Comments

No problems yet.

With only 600 miles on the car, I realize that I cannot evaluate it's reliability, but would like to make some comments.

I purchased the car to get better gas mileage and carry more passengers than my truck. To that degree I have succeeded (2nd tank was 31 mpg, Truck gets 20).

I test drove the Ford Focus (nice, but I really don't care for the style - inside or out).

Also drove Mazda 3 and Protege (to stiff riding and the 3's instruments color was hard for me to see, getting old I guess).

The Toyota Echo is ugly. The Prius was to expensive ($1500 premium on top of list price) and would have taken many years to make-up the difference in gas mileage.

Anyway, I just happened to stop by a Kia dealer to see what they had. Did not expect to be so impressed with the Rio Cinco. Good looking body and interior. Nice dash layout. On the test dive I liked the suspension, not to stiff and not to soft. it handled very well. Took it on the freeway and it got up to speed with no problem (80 mph), felt stable and very ecceptable noise level. The stereo is quite good for stock equipment, though the thin door panels will vibrate with the bass at higher volumes.

For $10680 with automatic trans, power windows and door locks, CD radio, tinted windows, alloy wheels, tachometer, air conditioner and the warranty, I bought it.

Now we'll see if it's reliable. I will try to give up-dates as I put on more miles, but so far I am very pleased.

Please tell us just what dealership you got this car from. i'll head there tomorrow, seriously. nice price for the options.

I just bought a '04 Rio Cinco and I think I love it! Recently, I happened to stop by a Kia dealer and kind of stumbled across a Silver Cinco. Well, I hate to say it, but it was love at first sight. Practical that I am, I spent the next few days doing research on the web.

Well, long story short, I couldn't find a better new car value, so I decided to investigate further; you know, check out the dealer.

I went to the lot on a Saturday at about Five o'clock in the afternoon. The Silver Cinco they had in stock didn't have the "Power Package" (essentially, power windows and central door locking system) that I wanted, but they had a couple in the back that did. The salesman said he'd "drive one up".

I would have to say that fate chose the car I finally bought.

What he drove up to the front of the lot was the Pewter Grey Cinco that sits in my driveway, and, without sounding too redundant, I think I love it. The people at dealership were friendly and efficient. They went above and beyond the call of duty by staying well after closing time to see that I was completely satisfied.

As for the car; I like the body styling, I like the instrument panel, I like the way it handles. It's comfortable, solid and stylish. Also, because it was so afordably priced, I managed to shave a couple bucks off my monthly car payment in the deal.

As to the reliability question; I was satisfied to learn that one popular car I am aware of was built by Kia and marketed in the USA as the Ford Festiva. I'm not sure why, but to me, that seems reassuring.

If you'd like more info, contact me at paul@popes.net.

Thanks for reading my post,

Paul.