2004 Kia Rio Review
2004 Kia Rio Review
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Used Rio for sale
Appraise This CarKia Rio model years
Kia Rio types
- Wagon
- Sedan
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Small price, big warranty, peppy engine, attractive styling.
Cons
- Unrefined handling, five-speed manual's rubbery shift action, mediocre fuel economy.
What’s new
Alloy wheels are now standard on the Cinco wagon. Lumbar support has been added to the driver seat in all models, and the center console armrest gets extra padding.
Edmunds says
The Rio and Rio Cinco are the lowest-priced sedan and wagon on the market, and they feel that way. Buy one only if you must have a new-car warranty; otherwise, spend your money on a nice used car.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.28 per gallon for regular unleaded in Iowa.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Iowa
$157/mo for Rio Base
Rio Base
vs
$165/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Kia Rio.
5 star(49%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(14%)
1 star(0%)
78 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
I love my little car.
septembersrain, 04/13/2013
2004 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
I enjoy driving it so much that I am going to end up replacing the motor and transmission on it. Even with replacing both of those I will still be only paying a third of what it would cost to buy a new car. Not to mention even with all the maintenance I've had done, The car has never once left me stranded. I've had cars, trucks, and SUV's prior to this car. This was the first time I've … ever had this much fun driving though. Finding parking spots, flitting in and out of traffic, great gas mileage, and she's so simple.
Those new cars have just too much technology that will distract me while I am driving. I can also foresee a huge expense of having to replace that technology when it goes out.
4.88 out of 5 stars
A lot for the money
samwise, 06/01/2004
2004 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
After a lot of searching for an
inexpensive and economical car, I feel
that the Kia Rio Cinco can not be beat.
It turns on a dime, gets 31 mpg,
excellent sound system and the A/C is
COLD. All around it's a bargain.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Good car
isaac, 09/06/2010
2004 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
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
3.13 out of 5 stars
Rio Timing belt problems
mttom, 11/23/2011
2004 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
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,
2004 Rio Highlights
Wagon
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $11,365 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $163/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 24.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver2 / 5Passenger2 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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