2005 Kia Rio Review
Fuel Economy
24 - 25 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com 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.
Pros
Small price, big warranty, peppy engine.
Cons
Unrefined handling, five-speed manual's rubbery shift action, mediocre fuel economy.
What's New for 2005
No major changes for the Rio this year.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Beware the timing belt
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
Review
Normally, I would say that this is a nice car, decent (not great) milage, good features, all in all an ok vehicle. But there is one thing you need to make sure of: the timing belt. It says to replace it every 60000 miles, I would replace that far sooner because this is an interference engine--if the belt breaks when the car is running your engine will be shot. As in dead. New car time. This design choice alone must account for the lower Reliability rating. There is no reason whatsoever that a single point of failure should destroy an engine.
Favorite Features
Seats 4 adults, decent milage, fun to drive.
Suggested Improvements
a non-interference engine design, a little better fuel economy, and replace the timing belt with a chain. These three changes would make the Rio a much better value.
Get What You Give
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Follow your owners manual like it is a Bible. You must change your engine timing belt at 60,000 miles ! Please do not make the same mistake that I did. If you search the Internet about this you will find 1,000 other people saying this, trust me change that timing belt at 60,000 and you won't be sorry. I never had a problem with this vehicle that was not because of my own negligence. If you change your oil regularly, keep an eye on all of your fluids, and be sure to change the timing belt at 60k, this car will be worth the money. This was my first vehicle and I learned costly lessons from not following the regular maintenance schedule so I advise you to follow most of it to a t.
Favorite Features
Gas mileage, speaker system, spacious trunk,
Suggested Improvements
It is what it is.
What A Great Deal
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this car for my daughter for school, only to find out that I really like this car for myself, too bad it's her car and Im out of luck. I paid $3700 plus tax, tags, title. The price was right because the first owner fails to change the timing belt at 60K miles, and timing belt broke and ruined the original engine. Kia dealer replaced engine and now the car runs like brand new. So dont forget to change timing belt ever 60k miles. The gas mileage is great, am getting between 36-40 on the highway and 27-29 in town. I drive this car like an old man going nowhere in a hurry. I will check out a used 2006 Kia Rio for myself next time I need a car.
Favorite Features
The interior of the car is nice, it has a stable highway and in town ride, the noise level is acceptable for such a small cheap car. This is a very good town car and Im going to keep it as long as we can. Very reliable so far and everything works on the car. Great gas mileage.
Suggested Improvements
Better window seal to keep wind leaks out, air condition unit will restrain engine power in around town driving, but ok on the highway.
Kazipster
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I just purchased a Kia Rio Sedan and it is totally awesome. Great on Gas. The interior layout is pretty smooth. I especially enjoy the cup holders in the main console as well as the side door panels. This car zips around. I have a manual transmission because I do not like automatic I enjoy driving I find it to be much more interactive. I would definitely recommend the Rio to any one. I got the auto under $7,000 and it is basically a brand new car with 19k on it.
Favorite Features
AC Audio is decent Arm rest totally cool Cup Holders It's Zippiness. Saves on Gas!
Suggested Improvements
Sun Roof Less of a dome top it is kinda bubblish. Maybe an arm rest for the passenger. I show people and they begin looking for theirs. Other than that excellent vehicle for the price and not too shabby looking either.
The Rio has it where it counts!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I can honestly say Kia built a tough little car with everything one would need a car to do. The 5 door wagon has more than ample cargo space and the front seats offer A LOT of leg room (I'm 6'5" and comfortable!) the handling is great, the acceleration is adequate but nothing to write home about and at 4.00 a gallon I fill up on about 40 bucks (due to the 11 gallon tank) I was in a wreck on I-285 in this car and while extensively damaged the car held together and even made it home and to the collision center and will be road worthy again in a week! This car saved my life! She can take a beating! Stereo system is great, view of the road is excellent! Lots of cargo space for a tiny wagon!
Favorite Features
Arm rests, tight steering, adjustable drivers seat, excellent dashboard layout, nice trim design, sharp looking car, awesome stereo, LOTS of front seat leg room! very safe and reliable care and no problems even after 70000 miles and I drive this baby A LOT! passing is no problem!
Suggested Improvements
I put in a K&N high flow air filter to increase power and fuel economy, as initial acceleration drags a little bit, but not much. The braking power leaves a bit to be desired, plan your stopping well ahead.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Kia Rio
- 2008 Kia Rio
- 2007 Kia Rio
- 2006 Kia Rio
- 2005 Kia Rio
- 2004 Kia Rio
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