Used 2003 Kia Rio Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Good Running Car
Jenevra Smith, 02/22/2015
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
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.
Good no frills putter
spaded92, 02/20/2014
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
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.
Fine Piece of Machinery
Tom , 11/24/2009
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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.
2003 Kia Rio
KiaRio, 05/28/2010
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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.
Rio, the fun to drive car
Kettridge, 07/15/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I needed a very inexpensive, fuel effiecient vehicle since I drive over 600 miles per week. After checking out Honda's, Toyota's and Nissan's, there was nothing in my price range except the Rio. I purchased a base Rio with A/C and put in a stereo myself. Great for a first car or a commuter car. The only complaints I have about the car is that the drivers seat is not very comfortable on long trips. It definately needs a more comfortable drivers seat. The clutch was very stiff, even after 9500 miles. The body metal is thinner than it's compeditors, hence easier door dings, which I caught a few.
Do not buy this cheap poor mans car
terence gomez, 10/03/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this thing two months ago and let me tell you it's a real piece. No power and horrible gas mileage (for it's size),handling and build quality. The suspension set-up is a joke, I mean a solid rear axle? come on now. I guess you can't expect much though. This is what I get for being cheap and poor. If your poor like me then just buy a decent used car for less, you'll be much happier.
Nice, inexpensive little car
Dan, 04/27/2008
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought this little car for my basic point a to point b daily work commute. Very happy with it so far. Very good to excellent condition with 64,000 miles on it. Good ride for its size, very good to excellent gas mileage (32-33 combined city/highway), very maneuverable, decent acceleration. Bought it used, purchase price was excellent (that's due to the rather high depreciation of Kia's). Drove it from Nebraska to Arizona and back without any problems. Have become quite fond of and pleasantly surprised by this little car.
Great Car
GreatPiggo, 11/12/2002
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 11 people found this review helpful
I love this car, it runs smoothly and is very comfortable. For a mere ten grand this car cannot be beat. I have never had any problems with it except for when the brakes stopped working on the highway, but it was easily fixed. This car is surprisingly powerful and fast and turning corners at high speeds is glorious, it handles SO well. I reccomend this to car to anyone looking for affordable transportation.
A Small Car Hard Not To Drive Hard
Old Bear, 11/16/2002
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
The great majority of my driving has been in heavy traffic, but I did manage a fairly lightly trafficed trip from San Bernardino to Santa Ana and back. This car is eager to fly. Before I realized it I was zooming along comfortably at 100mph. The car handled nicely, but I slowed. It seemed happy at 80, but had to be restrained to 70. In traffic it is eager and surprisingly comfortable for a large person. I'm 5'11" and weigh 250. Mine is Rally Blue and it wants to race, behavior for which it penalizes you at the gas pump.
5-ATAR???????????????
papatesky, 01/29/2013
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 26 people found this review helpful
I feel the need to advise you and all humanity not to buy a product. If you heed my advice your life may be saved! My advice is NEVER to buy a RIO, [non-permissible content removed]. On December eight two thousand and three, I was driving a RIO, Just northeast of Midwest Wyoming. I had a head-on collision, the Airbag and seat belt did not function. I was immediately in a two and one half month coma. When I woke up I was told I HAD TWO BROKEN FEMURS, TWO SHATTERED KNEECAPS, A BROKEN FOOT AND A TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)! My Life Was completely Altered! I am the father of 4 wonderful young-ones, the two boys are Nine and Fourteen and my two girls are ages Thirteen and Eleven. Im not the man she..
Dangerous
Gail, 09/18/2005
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
Poor visibility, has large blind spots when driving. It is a Rock Magnet. The second day I owned it, the front window shield was hit 3 times. There must be over 8 chips and seriously cracked 3 times by the base of the windshield.
Pretty Terrible
ultrarunner100, 08/21/2012
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
Car had less than 90k miles when the engine failed. No power, looks terrible. I'm 6'4" and I barely fit in the car.
Money Saver
ChadHutchy, 04/10/2009
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is money saver, It's uncomfortable, noisy, unsafe (poor at stopping), but Ive saved so much. Yes, 41 mpg, is obtainable by keeping the air filter replaced, along with running 93 octane and your good to go (on a 10 gallon tank its only a buck more to put the 93 in). The 2008s I would expect to be a little better in comfort.
should've been great
George, 07/24/2009
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car second hand from an elderly lady with 8,300 miles on it, and at first I loved it. Good performance due to light weight, and great mileage (32 mpg) certainly had me feeling good when gas prices soared. Love the warranty coverage, though I've had to use it throughly, and this was the cars ultimate undoing. By 61,000 miles of mixed city, suburban and long highway drives, it has gone through several (4- 5) sets of front wheel bearings, a control arm, a few sensors (check engine light comes on every spring for something different) and a TRANSMISSION. I'm currently facing another failed sensor, an ominous noise that the dealer says is "normal" and spotty starts. Hoped for better.
Not a bad ride
molly, 02/10/2010
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car had limited power but was reliable and had amazing gas mileage. There were numerous problems but each was a low cost repair or not worth repairing. All door locks failed to work, doors would not stay shut in the winter, interior lights flashed, check engine light turned on and off, there was always oil in the 3rd cylinder, clutch began wearing at 70,000 miles, front brakes were replaced at 60,000 miles. Various noises started coming from the front end or engine after about 60,000 miles. I miss the fuel economy but the car was traded in at 78,000 miles do to numerous problems. Though because of reliability, I upgraded to another kia product.
Kia Rio
D, 06/11/2010
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had this car for two years and had a lot of problems with it mechanically. Through the short time I had it, it dropped a cylinder, the timing belt broke, bending all of the valves and the ball bearing went bad three times. It was very fuel efficient and not a bad deal for the price, but there is a reason that they are so inexpensive.
I love my car
girl, 12/20/2002
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love how smooth this car drives. It is very comfortable and quiet. they also made great colors for the cars this year. I think this is a great family car.
Awesome for the price!
lababydoll999, 02/05/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car in October 2002, mostly because I wanted reliable transporation with a lot of warranty coverage since I drive my daughter to her daycare and myself to work every day. At first sight I wasn't too impressed by it, but when I saw the price and read all of the warranties, I had to get the Rio. I have never been more happy with any car than I am with my Rio. I pay only $218 dollars a month for this car! It drives great, the sound system is primo for the price of the car and I love the sunglass holder and the 8-way adjustable seat. I just can't say enough about this car!!!
The best car i have EVER had!
Elizabeth Satko, 02/24/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Kia Rio is the greatest automobile I have ever had
good car
gcsickchick, 07/27/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
we just totalled our kia rio adn we are not hurt at all except the airbag hit us but thats all we would have flew through the windshield if it wasnt for the airbag so it is a safe car
Tired of Trucks?More Bang For your Bucks
wetwelder, 09/06/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Are you tired of driving your big dumb truck? Honestly, how often do you actually haul? Anyways, I traded my truck in for this sweet Rio for a cool $2.61 straight across trade. I love this car,I'm 6'2" and I have plenty of room. 35 MPG Highway, rack and pinion steering,4 cylinder engine is very peppy and can beat most cars off the line, an excellent commuter! I love my KIA!
Alexis's review
Alexis, 07/22/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since I've had my car it's gotten me everywhere I need to go. It rides pretty smooth and gets wonderful gas mileage. It is my first car and its a pretty good price and reasonable to be someones first car. Overall, this car is a good one to drive.
Very Happy
joepostal, 07/23/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was doubtful at first, especially after reading the 'professional' reviews of this car. But I needed a low payment, and loved the warranty. After owning it for a couple months, I love it. It's fun to drive, nice looking, economical. I would highly recommend it.
matt's rio
matthew vance, 08/08/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
im 20 male and my 1st car was a 69 corvette so i decided to go practical probablly cause i dont wanna get 6 gallons to the mile. plus i wanted to buy a brand new car. so with a hefty down payment,there were some difficulties with the initial offer my payment did drop. but DONT BE SCARED BY THE 104 HORSE POWER IT DOES HAVE SO MUCH POWER. I MEAN I CAN PULL UP SOME BILLOWING WHITE SMOKE WITH MY TIRES ITO 2ND GEAR.I HAVE A 5 SPEED MANUAL. ALSO THE ACCELERATION IS AWESOME, THE CAR IS LIGHT SO U ARE COOL BT STOCK BASICALLY I CAN TAKE ANY 6 CYLINDER CAMARO OR NE HONDA. ITS A GREAT 1ST CAR AND HAS AWESOME POWER AND SO SO FUN TO DRIVE I HAVE A BLAST
What a surprise
DWJ, 09/18/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wasn't expecting such a nice little car as the cheapest car in America. They've come a long way since the Ford Aspire's and Yugo's of years past. Haven't had any problems with my Rio, driven it hard the whole time I've had it. While it is an adjustment switching between driving my Expedition and the Rio, the nimbleness and trunk space is appreciated in this car.
Fun and economical
seafair, 09/20/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have NO complaints about this car except that the transmission slips now and again and the Dealership that sold me the car is full of losers, swindlers and liars. I love the gas mileage this car gets, especially in todays economy. It's cute and handles like a dream. I will definitly consider buying another KIA when that time comes, however I will choose a different Dealership.
Dandy little car
Dirsppro1234, 09/20/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A/C is the best in any car I've ever driven. It takes off slow...but then top end is really pretty good. I like all the features. A dandy little car!
I Love My Kia
elizabeth2001, 09/20/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its a good car, I dont see why everyone is dogging the Kia company, my Rio has been a good car.
First Kia
DN1964, 09/26/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car replaced my Metro, which I've had since 1993 and had 119k miles. When I heard the price at which they were selling these cars, I couldn't pass it up. $6885 TOTAL!!! It is a pleasure to drive and the paint job is great. Considering price, warrenty (10 yr/100k) and looks, you can't beat it. I've only had one minor problem. Front wheel bearing was leaking and is being replaced by the dealer. The dealership is outstanding. Their service and committment to custer service is first rate! I find this car to be quite quite (compared to the Metro) and is not even in the same class as the Metro.
Second time around
lcimpala, 10/14/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is our second Rio, the first had over 100,000 on the clock before it met an untimely death at the hands of an Explorer. The explorer got the worst of it, by the way, and no injuries for us, couldn't say the same for the explorer occupants. This 2003 Rio is a vast improvement over the 2001 we previously had. It's quiet and rides very well, has a lot of power and the engine noise has been reduced greatly over the 2001 model. Kis is refining their autos yearly, I am impressed with the improvements. We really like the car.
my zip car
paul salim, 02/17/2005
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this little car. My main car is a Ford 150 Super. I bought this little Kia Rio for when I don't need a truck to save on gas. I am a tall big guy, and it is very comfortable. I love the pickup of a stick, i am amazed at how good of a car it is for the price. I have almost 17,000 miles on it and zero problems (knock on wood). Love it.
Fun Little Car
Jace Beckerman, 11/01/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great on gas and to drive around town. In spite of its 104 horsepower it feels spunky due to its light weight. The only problems I've found with it is the fact that the armrest on the drivers chair is not at the same level with the arm rest on the drivers door, so on long trips it's a bit of an uncomfort but for the most part the car is well worth the price.
Consider it
PA Rio, 11/04/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I shopped around for the lowest priced car that would be comfortable to drive and have all the necessary features, no more, no less. I found it in the 2003 Kia Rio. I am 6'2 and find the driver's seat very comfortable. Plenty of head and leg room. Nothing fancy about this car but it has a nice style and it is very inexpensive. Only downside is the power. I bought the automatic and it doesn't have much pep but if you are not "punching" the gas petal all the time, you probably don't care anyway. 30 MPG in city even though it is supposed to get less. Nice car, nice price.
Good Commuter Car
Baunie, 08/27/2005
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This baby gets me back and forth to work with no problems. Takes $20 to fill up. It goes to 0 to 60 in five minutes, but once it is up to speed, it zips around. Just don't expect to get back up to speed if you have to suddenly brake. And don't dart out in front of traffic, you will be sorry. I did not buy it for luxury. I needed a car and this was affordable and has been reliable for the last two years. However, I think I am going to be out of luck on re-sale value.
Fun, Economical & Reliable
Navin Mahabir, 11/10/2004
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car because it was the cheapest available. But I also did my research and found that Kia quality had been constantly improving. I wanted a car that was reliable--I was selling a Ford that had every option possible and gave problems with almost every one of them. I wanted a car with low cost of ownership and the Kia has been that and much more. It's fun, it's reliable, and I've had to spend no money on it other than gas and oil. Reviewers like JDPower give this car a bad rap, but they don't take into account that for the price of a used Corolla with 50K, you get reliability, a great warranty, and standard features that don't leave you wanting.
Good Local Commuter Car
MIKE, 04/15/2006
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have presently 72,000 miles on a 2003 Rio sedan automatic. Gets 35 mpg at 70 - 75 and a/c on. Changed tires at 62,000 miles and went with a 195 series instead of the 165 it came with. Ride is definitely better. Change oil every 5,000 miles. Changed timing belt at 58,000 miles. Problems: front exterior door handles have fallen off at 50,000. Dealer took care of problem immediately. Had air bags deploy at a very low impact. 3 mph. Zero damage to car, hit car in front who didn't go at stop sign. $2,000 for front pair of air bags and front seat belts replaced. Still love car. Would buy another.
Good ride
jcwit, 07/14/2007
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have only had the car one week, but very happy with it so far. Mileage is in the low 40s, 42 to be exact, with gas prices at 3.00 plus makes it great. Ride is very comfortable and quiet for a small car, much better than our Metro which it replaces. Handling is fantastic, corners great, pick-up is better than average for this small an engine. Improvments?? Can't think of any at this time. So far, glad I bought it.
Just can't beat it!
RSmith, 05/13/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had to have a car that I could depend on. Although Kia's have had a bad rep, I went with it anyway. The price of the car is so great, and this car has been so dependable so far. I hope by saying this, it doesn't come back to haunt me. The car rides smooth and when on the interstate it's not very noisy, which I love. No problems thus far. Plus the warranty!
Fire
jjszabo, 05/21/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my RIO new. Just after 3400 miles, it caught fire. The alternator shorted out (the car is stock with no equipment added by me)and melted two wiring harnesses and some vacuum hoses. The dealership made me jump through many hoops to get the thing repaired. I hade to call KIA customer relations to have a district manager sent to the dealership to approve the repairs. I finally had the car repaired under the warrenty program. Everything seems fine now, Knock on wood! The handling and braking are great. The car is fun to drive. But after the fire, I am paranoid about its reliability.
Great car for the money.
buddy1970, 05/31/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car for the money,if you are just looking for basic transportation.
Very surprised with this car
Trawick, 06/08/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My younger sister bought one at the beginning of 2003. Although hers is the Spectra, she has raved on how she loves it. Since I drive about 100 + miles per day, I was using tons of gas on my Toyota Tacoma. Since I've got this car, I've actually hit 40 mpg several times. With 3000 miles on it, I am very impressed. So impressed we bought two more. One for my other younger sister and one for my sister- in-law.
FIRE
JJSZABO, 06/13/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 2003 RIO caught fire 3 months from purchase. Dealership found that the alternator shorted out. Fixed with some hassle from KIA. I still like it though.
3rd Kia
JDcar guy, 06/18/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was pleased to have purchased my 3rd Kia the other day. I purchased a used 97 Kia Sephia first, liked it so well that when we were ready to buy a new car we purchased a 2002 Kia Rio. 33,000 miles later, I needed a seperate car and bought an additional 2003 Kia Rio. These cars are really reliable, and a blast to drive. And the monthly payments are a breeze compared to what some of my friends are paying for their cars. You know what? My Kia's get me everywhere I want to go in comfort and style.
my experience
Laila, 07/09/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
it is a good car have took it all around
good little car
altimax9091, 02/16/2012
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
i replaced the timing belt and water pump at 60k ...a lot of people don't know ...right now has 92k ..its been reliable ..really good in gas since its standar ..power windows terrible ..don`t work ..but i don`t care as long the a/c, heater works ..very cheap to fix , parts etc ..and looks easy , my friend has a rio that has 140k and still running strong
The Kia Rio is a Great Deal
KellyAnn, 10/23/2003
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
As a commuter college student purchasing a new car, I chose the Kia Rio for its affordable price, outstanding warranty, and dependability. I'm terrible at parallel parking, so I chose the Rio for its small size. However, the car is actually quite spacious, and even my father, who stands 6'4", commented on how much leg room he had while riding in my back seat.