Used 2003 Kia Rio Wagon Consumer Reviews
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Saab_and_Benz, 01/14/2003
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recently bought this Kia to use strictly to drive to and from work. With an approximate distance of 140 miles a day roundtrip, the gas milage, warranty and features really caused the purchase. After owning, I love the smooth ride, and extraordinary build quality. This car also has half-decent leg room up front, a real advantage over the others. And so far, it seems that Kia has fixed all of their problems and quality issues!
A Flimsy Car
MichaelZ, 02/16/2024
updated 02/18/2025
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
UPDATE: I still think the 03 Rio Cinco was a flimsy car! And I am still driving my 99 Toyota Camry - just made a 120 mile round trip as it completes about 280K miles! And it starts in -10F temps, kept outside! I had the 2003 Rio Cinco Wagon. Right off the bat, the AC leaked flooded and ruined the blower. After a new blower, it still flooded inside. After a dealer run-around, I found the problem was the tiny outlet hole that quickly clogged with leaves and debri. All the dealer did was punch a screw driver though the debris and charged me an hour of labor! I fixed the problem myself by putting a smaller hose through the opening making it impossible to clog. Also, right from the start, the car would misfire in wet weather! Shortly after the warranty expired, the front tire nearly fell off due to suspension/steering parts failing - this car could not handle the rough roads (like other cars we have can). The brake proportioning valve went - $350 kaching! The AC went - $450 kaching! (Or bake your brains out as the vent would produce 100F fresh air). More suspension problems - $300 kaching! Timing belt failure at 150K - $1500 kaching! Wheels constantly knocked out of align at the slightest bumps a tires wearing out and even blowing out at 10k miles or less. The shifter would not even move as the linkage was on the underside of the car exposed to the elements so we replaced that. And the clutch went out! Finally, my son who I gave the car to for college abandoned it 6 years ago and then it would not even start so it was pushed to where it could be towed for scrap. A poorly built and engineered car all the way around. And for comparison, we still drive around a 1999 Toyota Camry that endures the same harsh weather and road conditions!
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Denise Vosburgh, 06/21/2016
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Timing belt has built in obsolescence making Engine seizure almost guaranteed. Should be check at 30K, replaced every 60K. Edmunds does not offer any real guarantees and does not apparently do the repair work recommended by the manufacturer. Lemon! YOU ARE ALMOST GUARANTEED ONE HEADACHE AFTER ANOTHER.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value