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

Great car for budget minded people

Gordon,10/03/2015

Bought new in 03 For $9888. The price was great but the car was fair. I bought it bare with no power. I thought having no power would mean no expenses, wrong I was. The door handle passengers side broke off in my wife's hand at 11k, by 35k all door handles had been replaced and at time I sold it at 144k all but drivers handle worked. Several repairs were made to this car and transmission

Love My Rio

rickierex,11/18/2002

I just love the way this car just fits around me, comfortable, solid performance and great gas mileage, and the looks are sleak and sporty!

The Lemon I bought ...

Tom T,07/08/2015

...at Big Red Sports and imports (Norman Oklahoma ). On the day i purchased my new car with less than 20 miles showing on the odometer. The car was new fresh new car smell looked great. I started Drive just 10 mile from the dealership home and the car broke down and would not start, I had to call the dealer and the Dealer "Big Red Sports and Imports" gave us a ride home while they

Disappointed.

addii,10/07/2010

I bought this car second hand from a guy who drove mostly highway. In the few months that I have owned it The hatchback has locked up several times, the driver's side door only works half the time (meaning I have to climb out the passenger seat). The car has stalled on me in mid-intersection. The engine light came on and car started to lug, had to pull over it lost all acceleration. The

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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 Wagon 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 Wagon Overview

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

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

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Which used 2003 Kia Rio Wagons are available in my area?

Used 2003 Kia Rio Wagon Listings and Inventory

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Find a used Kia Rio for sale - 12 great deals out of 13 listings starting at $16,995.

Find a used Kia for sale - 9 great deals out of 18 listings starting at $15,914.

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Find a used certified pre-owned Kia for sale - 1 great deals out of 19 listings starting at $14,261.

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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 Wagon

Used