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 Highlights

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.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2003 Kia Rio.

Overall Consumer Rating

4.168 reviews

Write a review See all 68 reviews

5(53%)

4(22%)

3(15%)

2(6%)

1(4%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

Good Running Car

Jenevra Smith,02/21/2015

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.

Fine Piece of Machinery

Tom ,11/23/2009

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

2003 Kia Rio

KiaRio,05/28/2010

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

Good no frills putter

spaded92,02/20/2014

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

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Features & Specs

MPG

22 city / 30 hwy

Seats 5

4-speed automatic

Gas

104 hp @ 5800 rpm

MPG

23 city / 30 hwy

Seats 5

5-speed manual

Gas

104 hp @ 5800 rpm

See all Used 2003 Kia Rio Sedan features & specs

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver2 / 5
Passenger2 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Acceptable
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Not Tested

More about the 2003 Kia Rio

Used 2003 Kia Rio Sedan Overview

The Used 2003 Kia Rio Sedan is offered in the following styles: 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A), and 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M).

What's a good price on a Used 2003 Kia Rio Sedan?

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 Rio Sedans are available in my area?

Used 2003 Kia Rio Sedan Listings and Inventory

Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a prew-owned vehicle from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a used or CPO vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2003 Kia Rio Sedan.

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2003 Kia Rio Sedan for sale near you.

Can't find a used 2003 Kia Rio Rio Sedan you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a used Kia Rio for sale - 12 great deals out of 21 listings starting at $20,973.

Find a used Kia for sale - 6 great deals out of 6 listings starting at $24,191.

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Find a used certified pre-owned Kia for sale - 8 great deals out of 23 listings starting at $8,083.

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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.

Used 2003 Kia Rio Sedan

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