2004 Kia Rio Consumer Reviews

I will never own a Kia again...

Vehicle

2004 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Overall, this car lives up to it's reputation; you get what you pay for. The good aspects of this car are: decent fuel economy and clutch (in a 5-speed manual) is easy to engage. However, in this case, the cons significantly out weigh the pros. Performance wise, this car lacks any kind of power. You have to put the gas pedal to the floor just to merge onto the highway. The exterior of the vehicle is weak; it's extremely easy to dent and can be done with a fierce shove with the palm of your hand. As for the interior build, this car is a complete nightmare, believe me.
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Rio Timing belt problems

Vehicle

2004 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I'm tearing down a 2004 Kia Rio with 32000 miles, well cared for, Not Abused, fresh oil change and Fram filter, LOCKED engine, failed timing belt, At first I thought inferior quality belt and poor components, but this is a rugged copy of the Mazda which can run many miles, everything looks great but the belt is hard and not very flexible. Maybe Kia scrimped on this but I really doubt it, seems like a heat problem so I did a closer look. To keep engine noise to an absolute minimum, the hood is heavily insulated as well as a plastic cover plate over the engine, But in addition to that Both fenders and the firewall have a continuous rubber gasket as does most of the front of the hood,
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Good car

Vehicle

2004 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Funny the guy that posted the review about the engine 'seizing up' at 81,000 miles. that's normal-you failed to change the timing belt. the timing belt MUST be changed by 65,000 miles on Rio's, or the engine blow. Period. it's a 100% fail rate. Anyway, I live in Phoenix and the air conditioner only works when you're driving. soon as you pause at a light or brake, your air is gone. that said, it's otherwise a perfect car. i love it for its size, so much easier to maneuver i watch macho suv-drivers struggling with their Boats and laugh LOL LMAO
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Last small car

Vehicle

2004 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)

Review

this car has 80,000 miles on it. It speeds up very slowly and the revs are really high. also going about 70 the cars rpm are at around 4500. this car has no power. next it gets about 26 miles per gallon, but i do hammer it everytime i speed up because the slow acceleration, i probly could get around 35 if i really tried. also i slid into a curb in the winter under 5 mph and the frame bent. that's weak. also if you use this car in the winter the heat is poor. this is not a very smooth ride at high speeds either, but you get what you pay for!
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Try and find a part

Vehicle

2004 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)

Review

After 50,000 miles the timing belt blew. Spent two weeks trying to track down a cylinder head under $900. Every Rio in the junk yard was in there for the same reason. Warranty void because I didn't replace the timing belt at 50,000 miles. Don't buy a Kia! Don't buy a Kia!
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Friends don't let friends buy KIA's...

Vehicle

2004 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

bought brand new, had to take to dealership often for brake and clutch issues. Timing belt broke at 57k miles destroying engine, fortunately under warranty. 'NEW' engine gets worse mpg (only 27-30). Stereo eats CD's regularly. Things break and pop off all the time. Alignment issues from day one. On my 3rd engine now that my camshaft snapped in 2 ruining the head and valves. Costs more the fix than anything I've ever owned. Leaves me stranded more often than not. This car is only worth the value of a running engine. I will never buy another KIA.
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Not bad at all

Vehicle

2004 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Ive recently purchased my kia after my nissan gave out. It drives great for me but I have noticed that when i am stopping, it sometimes feels like rippling. The drive is smooth other than that on. The take off isnt great but for a car that will be used between my old car and when i get a brand new one one day, its great. Great fit for my small family.
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Kia Rio - TIMING BELT FAILURE low miles!

Vehicle

2004 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Original owners of a 2004 Kia Rio with 10/100000k warranty, the other morning the car died at intersection. Had it towed to the dealer who says the Timing belt broke. The car has less than 60k, and is just barely 6 years old, and the timing belt is not covered under warranty. Now we have a lawn ornament because while Kia admits to a poor design in those 1.6L belts, they are sorry for our luck. Needs new engine! Recommend replacing belt at 5yrs or 60k
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155,000 miles and still running

Vehicle

2004 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I commute appox 120 (highway) miles each day in the Midwest (extreme weather, including snow, 100 degree and below zero degree weather days) using this car. I currently have 155K miles on the car. I regularly change the oil (synthetic blend after 100K) and get the belts (timing) replaced every 60K miles. Just this year I have experienced some looseness in using 1st gear (manual transmission). My goal is to get 200K miles out of the car.
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I love my 2004 Rio

Vehicle

2004 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I just want to start off by saying that I previously owned a 2002 Kia Rio Cinco, I bought the car at 73,000 miles at 81,000 THE ENGINE SEIZED up I was so angry because I still owed $5000 on the car. I contacted Parker Toyota and to make the longs story short they wrote off the balance on that car and got me into my 2004 Kia Rio with only 13,000 miles. I have had awsome luck on this car granted I have only put 9,000 miles on it in 13 months, but it has never let me down. It drives great in the snowy conditions and gets great gas mileage. I have not experienced any problems when using the AC and let me tell you I live in Eastern Washington and we get a little bit of ALL the weather conditions.
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