Used 2003 Kia Rio Wagon Consumer Reviews
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Great car for budget minded people
Gordon, 10/04/2015
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
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 was replaced twice, at 68k and 122k. Seats were uncomfortable and suspension was terrible and noisy
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Love My Rio
rickierex, 11/18/2002
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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!
2003 Kia Rio for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- Cinco WagonMSRP: $3,4991,677 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $2,9992,690 mi away
No more Kias
Kat Kat, 08/07/2009
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Worst Car ever once I got it I had to take in in after a few months do to the weather guard on the windows being deformed. Tires blow out so fast on this tire it's not even funny. If it weren't for the great mileage it would have no up side.
VERY smart purchase.
Dentuso, 11/20/2003
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Although we are in a position to purchase vehicles that are more expensive than Kia's, we've found that we simply don't want to. We now own 2, (1 Cinco, 1 Sedona), and have every intention of making the next 2 vehicles Kias as well. For the money, you simply cannot beat the quality, warrantee, and simple (albeit modest) comforts. I sincerely believe that Kia and Hyundai have, and will continue to change the North America car market forever.
The Lemon I bought ...
Tom T, 07/08/2015
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
...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 towed our car back to the dealer ship. They had it a few days then gave it back apparently it was empty on gas is what the dealership said it had vapor locked due to no fuel. And i always thought dealerships that sell new cars filled the tank up.?? This car stayed in the dealer ship garage at "Big Red Sports and Imports more than it was in my garage at home." Lots of repairs fuel system repair master cylinder repair Engine replacement catalyic converter replacement and the list goes on. Finally I gave up and Traded it in. The dealership "Big Red Sports and Imports refused to acknowledge that this vehicle was a LEMON. This car cost more for repairs every month than the car payment was.
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Disappointed.
addii, 10/07/2010
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
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 engine constantly revs and drops back down making it impossible to get to the speed you want easily. The back right window will not open from drivers panel. Overall I'm really unhappy with this car and regret buying it.
Nice ride
MisterT, 01/30/2003
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I went from driving a mid-size pick up to the Cinco, so there was a period of adjustment for me. The understeer from a front-wheel drive car does take a little getting used to. Two months later...I love it! The speed sensitive power steering could use a little tweaking. I have noticed low speed sharp turns have a strange feel to them. And I would say that the cabin noise at low speeds it a little louder than I would like. In general, both city and highway driving, my Cinco is a pleasure to drive. Definitely the most bang for the buck.
It's just a matter of time.
wilolaboy, 02/09/2003
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Kia has been doing some homework with the Rio and it's entire lineup. The 2003 Rio Wagon is a lot better than a Echo or the Accent. Why? , because of the interior, cargo, desing, and warranty. If you put them together, no other small, reliable and economic new automobile can match. Not even Hyundai or the overpriced Toyota Echo.
unhappy 2003 rio cinco owner
abrenner, 09/04/2003
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my car in after totaling a regular rio which I loved. I hate this car it is a gas hog with about 21 miles to the gallon. What I hate more then anything is the exterior quality. You can dent this car by blowing on it. The paint is terrible quality. Please shop carefully, I got ripped off. I payed for what I got.
Rio Cinco, 1st New Car
Linda E., 09/19/2003
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I enjoy the comfort and reliability. Although, I did experience a small problem with the inside door mechanism, the dealership's professionalism, customer care and the manufacture warrenty made the experience painless in all aspects. I promptly received a rental car, and was pleased with the end results of the repair. I would like to add that Kia and the dealership have called me after every service, including oil changes, to make sure I was treated as a valuable customer. Not only has Kia gone out of their way in customer care, they have confidence in their product with one of the best warrenty programs out there.
Rio RX-V
Marcus Walters, 09/20/2003
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very fun car to drive, handles surprisingly well. A bit noisy at high speeds though normal considering small engine. All in all amazing bang for your buck.
Kia wagon review from Pam
pamer, 09/27/2003
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is wonderful to drive, it has only one problem, if you drive gravel roads, it has a problem with mud, the mud sticks up underneath, and you get a bit of a shimmy from it. The automatic carwash with the undercarriage feature will solve this if you get it before it becomes too caked on
Perfect for work and leisure
ericksenmad9, 09/28/2003
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car brand new. Only had one problem with it(rear wiper hose kinked). But that is what the warranty is for. Is used for work. Plenty of space for work equipment. Good gas mileage. Fun to drive. I actually have more fun driving my Kia than my Chevy or Ford. Perfect for those who do not have alot of money to invest. Definitely love the turning radius. The Cinco, with it's hatchback design, gives plenty of room.
good
erndew1, 10/25/2003
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
fun to drive economical - little more power and bigger gas tank would be pluses - but fairly well satisfied after six months
Like a sports car.
Bill Gibbons, 10/22/2003
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I live in the mountains and drive state highways up, down, and over. I also use interstates fairly regularly. The car is peppy, feels solid, passes easily for a small car, is comfortable, and is fun to drive. There is enough room behind the second seat for my 50# dog. My average MPG is 35. And the car is cute!(color is blueberry)
What A Honey Of A Car!!
Picky Woman Driver, 04/01/2003
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My "silver chariot" is the sweetest car I have ever owned and I have had plenty cars over the years. I love to park it next to a Saab, Audi or VW sport wagon, for it looks better than all of them. I look at its reflection in store windows and admire it constantly. It drives and handles like a sports car. What a surprise at such an economical cost.
my second kia
klg, 04/03/2003
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is my second kia, i was very satisfied with my first, which is why i bought another. i like a car that is simple and reliable,i dont need or want added frills, kias are honest cars
Great Econo Coach!
BILL, 09/27/2007
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great little cheapie, all I expected was for her to get me from point a to b cheaply, and reliably, and she's definitely filled those requirements. I expected low power due to the engine size but it's more than sufficient on flat roadways. I would not recommend the automatic, in hilly or mountainous conditions, since the computer wants to up and downshift to maintain road speed. I haul a lot and this little wagon just keeps on chuggin', my gas guzzlers stay at home while I drive this one back and forth to work. I doubt you could have found a better car for the price back in 2003.
Build quality
kramer, 10/14/2007
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall the car has been reliable, requiring little maintenance. However many smaller items such as door handles, rear hatch handle, wiper arms, and headlight bulbs fail. Also horn no longer works, keyless entry no longer works, and power locks malfunction, indicating poor electrical system.
A very pleasant surprise
dsrtdwlr, 04/30/2003
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I test drove a Kia Rio Cinco while out with my girlfriend who was looking to buy a car for her daughter. I was so surprised and impressed with the ride, handling and comfort I decided to go back and buy one for myself. The engine is "energetic" and cruises the interstate with no strain at all. The car handles well even when passing the big rigs on the road. Despite the poor reviews on the manual transmission, I found mine to shift smoothly and easily.
Kia=Value
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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That Engine Don't Burn Straight
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.
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