2003 Kia Rio Review
2003 Kia Rio Review





+38
Used Rio for sale
Kia Rio model years
Kia Rio types
- Sedan
- Wagon
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
For 2003, Kia gives the Rio a number of upgrades. Among these are a new 104-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine; various suspension tweaks to improve ride and handling; larger disc brakes; new engine mounts and exhaust tuning for a quieter cabin; and reinforcements to the steering wheel and column to minimize vibration. Inside, look for revisions to the instrument cluster, center console and door panels -- the latter will include storage bins and bottle holders -- as well as new seat fabric. New standard features include child-seat anchors, rear heater ducts, auto-off headlights, variable intermittent wipers and, on the wagon only, a CD player. In addition, Kia has added dual map lights and a sunglasses case to the sedan's Upgrade Package, and will offer the Power Package, which provides power windows and locks. Finally, both Rios get fresh front fascias and wheel covers; the sedan gets a sharper-looking tail and the wagon gets an optional body-color spoiler.
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 -- preferably a Japanese compact or a Hyundai Elantra.
2003 Rio Highlights
Sedan
- Combined MPG
- 26 MPG
- Cost to Drive
- $154/month
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- front wheel drive
- Engine Type
- Gas
- Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Kia Rio.
5 star(53%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(4%)
68 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.38 out of 5 stars
Good Running Car
Jenevra Smith, 02/22/2015
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
This has been a great car. I bought it used in 2006 and it now has 130000 miles and is still running great. I'm on the second timing belt, and replaced the clutch at 120000. I try to keep up on the scheduled maintenance, and this car has never left me stranded. I will drive it until it falls apart.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Good no frills putter
spaded92, 02/20/2014
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Great car if you need a get around vehicle..bought my 03' back in 07'. Had around 48k miles back then..Now sitting at around 125. Worst thing that's happened is a A/C line sprung a leak..no biggy..On my second timing belt..did the water pump, tensioner and pulley on the second one..lasted 120k no problems just didn't wanna chance it this next 60k. It dent's easily and the paint quality … is mediocre,clearcoat sucks..the door locks have an attitude sometimes but that didn't start until the 10 yr/100k warranty was up..its an old car that's taken a fair beating..Engine still runs smooth like new. Doesn't leak a drop. I have faith this car will last another 100k if I keep it up as I have.
5 out of 5 stars
Fine Piece of Machinery
Tom , 11/24/2009
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
I took over ownership of the car at 17000 miles from my Dad. Currently it has over 92000 miles on it and runs like new.Fuel economy is great.I live in Chicago currently and consistently return over 30mpg in heavy traffic and lots of urban driving.Open road and under less stressful conditions at my previous residence I was consistently returning 36-41 depending on the situation.Kia has … the stigma of being cheap but I assure this car is not cheap.It performs very well and I have spent nothing on maintenance except for the usual things like oil changes.The only thing special I do with it is that I use a product called engine restore after each oil change.Kia has done a great job.
4.13 out of 5 stars
2003 Kia Rio
KiaRio, 05/28/2010
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
I have had this car for 4 years now and have had no issues with it. It has been very reliable, although a little small and not a lot of power. The fuel economy is great, I spend about $40.00/month driving it when gas prices are lower and about $60.00 per month in the summer season. The only thing that has ticked me off is that the paint on mine has started to chip off the door handles … and the clear coat is coming off, not sure if this is a defect that only I have had issues with.
More about the 2003 Kia Rio
Used 2003 Kia Rio Overview
The Used 2003 Kia Rio is offered in the following submodels: Rio Sedan, Rio Wagon. Available styles include 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A), Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A), 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M), and Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M). Pre-owned Kia Rio models are available with a 1.6 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 104 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2003 Kia Rio comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 2003 Kia Rio?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2003 Kia Rios are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2003 Kia Rio for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2003 Kia Rio.
Can't find a used 2003 Kia Rios you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
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Should I lease or buy a 2003 Kia Rio?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Kia lease specials
Check out Kia Rio lease specials
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