Used 2005 Kia Rio Consumer Reviews
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Get What You Give
grinddesigns, 09/03/2009
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
Follow your owners manual like it is a Bible. You must change your engine timing belt at 60,000 miles ! Please do not make the same mistake that I did. If you search the Internet about this you will find 1,000 other people saying this, trust me change that timing belt at 60,000 and you won't be sorry. I never had a problem with this vehicle that was not because of my own negligence. If you change your oil regularly, keep an eye on all of your fluids, and be sure to change the timing belt at 60k, this car will be worth the money. This was my first vehicle and I learned costly lessons from not following the regular maintenance schedule so I advise you to follow most of it to a t.
Beware the timing belt
Phil Hall, 10/19/2009
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
Normally, I would say that this is a nice car, decent (not great) milage, good features, all in all an ok vehicle. But there is one thing you need to make sure of: the timing belt. It says to replace it every 60000 miles, I would replace that far sooner because this is an interference engine--if the belt breaks when the car is running your engine will be shot. As in dead. New car time. This design choice alone must account for the lower Reliability rating. There is no reason whatsoever that a single point of failure should destroy an engine.
2005 Kia Rio for sale near you
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- Base SedanMSRP: $3,5001,186 mi away
Fairly Happy
Ricky, 05/30/2010
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
I got this little Rio about a month ago and so far I am pretty happy with it. I feel like I got a great deal on the car and the fact the car was going to be better on gas than my old '91 Dakota. While the fuel consumption on this car isn't too bad, I definitely feel like it could be better. The engine is a bit lethargic for highway driving and the car itself does tend to feel a little "unsafe" doing anything over 60 mph. The interior is bigger than what someone would judge it would be by the outside. Handling is pretty precise and it extremely light! Overall, this car seems dependable and practical so far.
Take That! Oil Barons
B Holmes, 09/10/2005
2005 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Although the EPA fuel economy ratings were in the mid-30's, I consistently get 40+ MPG. This car is not a luxury status symbol, but as a commuter car, cannot be beat. I paid only $7,000 for a new car with excellent economy, reasonable power and great handling. Would love to see Ford or Chevrolet match that. I went from driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee that averages 17MPG to this. I commute over 100 miles a day, and the fuel savings are more than I pay for the car.
Lots of bang for the buck!
chegge, 05/09/2005
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This little car is a surprisingly great deal. This time you can get something for nothing. It runs great, drives great, is comfortable and is roomier than it looks. We have a car seat, a high back booster, and a low back booster in the back! My 6'3" husband LOVES driving this car. We've got a good family history with this company as well. My parents have an '89 Festiva that is still running fantastic (made by the same company) and a Kia Sephia that they've had for at least 6 years now that still runs perfect. We also have a friend that's had his Kia Rio for a year now and still loves it.
Happy mom and kids
Mom of 2, 09/05/2005
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
When I bought this car, I was looking for something small enough for me to drive, yet big enough for me and my two kids (5 months and 8 years old). I love my car. My son's car seat fits well in the back seat and my daughter has lots of room. The trunk is large enough to hold my son's humongous stroller and I can still get a good amount of groceries in there too!
so far kinda happy
wondering13, 02/12/2013
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 14 people found this review helpful
my only problem is the rack and pionion (spell check) is having to be redone thank god my dad is a mechanic..but no one can make the 2 lines that the new one doesnt come with..i love this car besides the frustration of getting it fixed. its my only car so its nerve racking...i had a ford taurus and that was a big NO NO...i have spent over 7,000 dollars on it in 3 years..dont buy a taurus..im hoping the kia doesnt need anything else cause im broke.. :( i have replaced a few things but because i wanted to..
Please be aware
buyerbeware9, 01/26/2013
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
15 of 22 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car from the original owner and at first was delighted with car. Kia was in great shape inside and out about 40k miles. Car was maintained according to manufacturer. Took car for oil change to dealer and was told because I was second owner warranty was not transferable so any repairs would be on me. At 74,000k car just stopped dead no warning. Had car towed to shop..what do ya know the timing belt broke and destroyed top part of engine. I was never informed of this until after the fact you are to replace the timing belt at or before 60,000 K. Kia said so sorry we can't help you. I have owned many cars from Lexis, Toyota, Honda and American and NEVER had this issue BEWARE !
The Rio has it where it counts!
VonSpyder, 06/26/2008
2005 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I can honestly say Kia built a tough little car with everything one would need a car to do. The 5 door wagon has more than ample cargo space and the front seats offer A LOT of leg room (I'm 6'5" and comfortable!) the handling is great, the acceleration is adequate but nothing to write home about and at 4.00 a gallon I fill up on about 40 bucks (due to the 11 gallon tank) I was in a wreck on I-285 in this car and while extensively damaged the car held together and even made it home and to the collision center and will be road worthy again in a week! This car saved my life! She can take a beating! Stereo system is great, view of the road is excellent! Lots of cargo space for a tiny wagon!
Excellent
Mary Felt, 09/08/2005
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The Kia Rio is an awesome car! It is the second brand new Kia I have purchased, my first being a Kia Sephia. I would purchase Kia in the future.
Not Happy with this Buy
Kimberly, 11/03/2016
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car started givings me problem basically after I bought it. When I bought it they told me it needed the fuel filter changed, but we could not figure out where it was. Not only that, but about after a month now it won't accelerate or change gears without struggling. RPM goes up high before changing on the freeway. Flooring it up hills and it not going passed 30 mph IF I'm lucky. I can only drive it in town, and I live in the country so I have to get on the freeway to get home, but now it won't go over 45 mph no matter how much I try. Now it's sitting at my parents house, and I can only drive it when I have too, around town. Now I have no way home without carpooling! I've had this car for 9 months and I'm done. Getting rid of it.
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Beater.
Tmt2014, 06/29/2016
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Oh this car. What a hoopty! Got this car as I needed something quick after the timing belt broke on my Subaru Forester. I loved my Forester. This Rio, wow. What a piece. Both O2 sensors needed replacing, mass airflow too. Costly. It has 140,000 miles right now. Can't run the air, the car will die. Has died many times in rush hour Atlanta traffic. I hate this thing. Everything is so basic. It's quite embarrassing. I've owned Nissan, Ford, Hyundai. All were great. Not this. It needs to be put out of its misery.
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Don't even think about it...
aeblanch09, 05/27/2011
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
I got this car for my first car and i am desperately trying to get rid of this thing! Two weeks after i got it, 2 of my belts needed replacing. Not only did the dealer keep it for 3 weeks to "fix it", the day that i got it back the fan stopped working and my car overheated. Needless to say we sent it back to the dealer. They fixed the fan, but ever since then i've been having radiator problems. Constant overheating, had to replace all sensors, etc.. Not worth a penny, but if you do decide to get one make sure you keep a full jug of coolant in your back seat!
AWESOME!!!!!!!!
krol, 06/29/2011
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful
The Kia Rio 2005, it's been my first car. I had it now since 2007, I had a couple problems with the axle. But nothing super expensive, or unfix-able plus this is a used car. People tell me it feels like you are in a go car, which i dont mind it actually feels cool! It is comfy and perfect for a petite person. After all there years still works perfect!!!!!!!!!! Oh the gas is good!
Worst mistake ever made!
Unhappy, 10/24/2010
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Purchased the Kia Rio from a local Kia dealer and have regretted it ever since. Bought it for $8k, got $2k off for a trade in. It was the most adorable car I'd ever driven, but I shouldn't have let it blind me. The salesman took me on a predetermined route and wouldn't let me go on the highway or let my mechanic peek at it first. It was at about 55,600 miles when I bought it and about three months after I bought the car the engine died at about 56,500 miles. This is apparently a known issue but Kia has done nothing about it. Total estimated cost of repairs for that was quoted at $2600 and I decided it wasn't worth it.
Fun, Cute, and Reliable
EJP1978, 06/15/2008
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had a few cars before this one, including a Ford Tempo '91, and a Volvo from 1990. (Volvo is a great car, but old ones become money pits when old parts start wearing out all at once. NOT a cheap vehicle.) The Rio is a great car because of reliability. And of course the number one thing is gas mileage. The 2005 does pretty good, somewhere around 30-32 on highway. (At least for mine.) Even in bad traffic it's not too hard on the gas tank. Unfortunately only months ago it cost about $25-$30 to fill the little Rio's tank, but nowadays it's getting close to $40. Fuel economic or not, America is going to make driving nearly impossible in say six months...
Kazipster
Homunculus Moonchild, 08/20/2008
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just purchased a Kia Rio Sedan and it is totally awesome. Great on Gas. The interior layout is pretty smooth. I especially enjoy the cup holders in the main console as well as the side door panels. This car zips around. I have a manual transmission because I do not like automatic I enjoy driving I find it to be much more interactive. I would definitely recommend the Rio to any one. I got the auto under $7,000 and it is basically a brand new car with 19k on it.
SPORTY LITTLE GROCERY GETTER
TomC, 06/02/2005
2005 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Rio Cinco in January 2005. It is a sporty little car for the price. The fuel economy is excellent. Styling is sporty. Overall it is a sporty little grocery getter.
My First Kia
Burtimymus, 07/21/2005
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great first time small car; since I've owned it have done over 1000 miles & it hasn't missed a beat. Did not like that I couldn't order a base one from my dealer but the up package I got with A/C made it a better car than I thought it would be. I love this car so far, the only downside I have noticed is I have to turn the overdrive off when going up steep hills, but definitely cannot grumble about the warranty. At the price I paid this car is a steal.
KIA OWNER
JEFF JACKSON, 10/21/2004
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
RIO DRIVES WELL, HAS AVERAGE TO GOOD PICK UP. THE FUEL MILEAGE IS REAL GOOD. THE FEW LITTLE COMFORTS ARE OUTWEIGHED BY THE COST OF OPERATION.
Best Car Ever
Deuce1988, 02/24/2005
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Wow, this car is the best thing I have ever driven since my dad's Corvette! It is spacious and it gets great gas mileage. There is no doubt that you should get a car just like the one I have. And at such an affordable price too this cost less than my honeymoon!
Great Value
jlangman, 05/22/2005
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
White 2005 Kia Rio, Automatic, A/C, and sports package. Pros: Low price!, very comfortable, quiet, roomy, handles well, looks nice (even better with tinted windows), lots of trunk space, simple controls, uncluttered engine compartment, sensation of great value. Cons: Poor acceleration (don't pull out in front of any trucks!), only about 311 miles on tank of gas around city (not sure if it can make from LA to Vegas on one tank). No other complaints that I can think of.
Mmmmhmmm I love it!
Klaticia p.t., 11/15/2005
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the stripped down Kia Rio as a "spare car" and I am very glad I did. I got the last brand new 2005 on the lot and paid only $7,000 for it! It has no luxury appointments ... no air, no radio, no automatic transmission. For $79.00 I bought an awesome Aiwa CD receiver and installed it myself in an hour and thanks to the already factory installed speakers it was good to go. The car has excellent pick up. I have heard other people complaining about this but with a 5 speed manual transmission and no air, pick up and gas mileage is outstanding. I would definitely buy another.
thrown rod-86ed engine
Ashlee, 04/25/2010
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
got 3months service out of my baby. I bought it used, stopped at a traffic light, the engine died and wouldn't start. I had it towed to the mechanic & a rod had broken & pierced the engine which is now ruined. Kia was nice, but sense I am the second owner I'm out of luck. a new engine cost more than the car is worth, so I'm out the $3,000.00 I still owe on it.
DONT BOTHER
Upset, 11/05/2016
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
We have had a new engine, new timing belt, new starter, new fuel pump module and if I could remember the rest I would. This car is awful. FYI..IT'S STILL NOT RUNNING. Purchased the vehicle with 40 thousand miles and thought I got a great vehicle for my daughter.. What a piece..
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What A Great Deal
Noru, 01/11/2009
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for my daughter for school, only to find out that I really like this car for myself, too bad it's her car and Im out of luck. I paid $3700 plus tax, tags, title. The price was right because the first owner fails to change the timing belt at 60K miles, and timing belt broke and ruined the original engine. Kia dealer replaced engine and now the car runs like brand new. So dont forget to change timing belt ever 60k miles. The gas mileage is great, am getting between 36-40 on the highway and 27-29 in town. I drive this car like an old man going nowhere in a hurry. I will check out a used 2006 Kia Rio for myself next time I need a car.
Great Car
Rob, 04/15/2005
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For a little car, it is really well built and as a true believer in you get what you pay for, I can honestly say I am very pleased with my 2005 Kia Rio S. It is the most perfect little commuter ever. I love it!
I Love My Kia Rio
Bianca Gunn, 04/20/2005
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for the warranty, and to save money on gas. I am very pleased. I have put nearly 1000 miles on it, and am happier with this cute little car than the day I took delivery. Every time I drive it I find something else about it that impresses me. The Rio is comfortable and the interior design well thought out. I love the way the power windows on my Rio raise or lower for thirty seconds after shutting down the engine, I also like the easy to read and access instrument panels. The ride is a little stiff, but seems to be smoothing out with more miles; "road noise" is not so bad that I have to blast the radio; a quiet conversation is also possible. I traded a truck for the KIA.
Why would you buy a Hybrid over this
Mike Omera, 04/29/2005
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I commute from Sacramento to San Francisco 4 days a week. I had been driving a Ford Taurus, and the recent gas prices made me rethink my driving needs. First stop was Toyota. I wanted to get into a hybrid, and save money on fuel. I was not able to find a new one, and the used ones were much more than the list price of new ones. Then it hit me. I can buy a Kia Rio for under $11,000, get 35 mpg, and save thousands of dollars. By my calculations, I would be driving a Prius for over 20 years to save enough money on fuel to cover the difference in cost of the Rio. And that does not include maintenance on the batteries, which no one seems to have an answer for.
The on a budget car
H Stewart, 03/18/2005
2005 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car for a person or family on a budget. It comes with an amazing warranty and driver assistance program. It has simple styling and ample interior space.
could be a cool car
Robert, 09/06/2005
2005 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since purchasing my Kia Rio Cinco in 2003, I haven't had any major problems with the vehicle. I have had to take it back to have about seven items repaired or replaced. My biggest complaint is the lack of horsepower and poor gas mileage.
So far, So good
So Far, So good, 12/03/2005
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought a 2005 Rio new, and now have about 1,500 miles on it. Wanted to see if what I had heard about Kia's quality was for real, and wanted a cheap car to drive.
Great car for a great price.
autooracle, 04/18/2008
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great used car buy. Reliable, peppy, quiet and well engineered. Save thousands of of a comparable Honda or Toyota. The manufacturer offers a 10 year 100k mile warranty for those who buy new. That warranty drops to 6/60k powertrain as a pre-owned car.
My Car
Gail Belling, 05/15/2008
2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I inherited this car from my Son when he could not make his payments any longer. This Kia doesn't have air- conditioning which is a horrible problem since I am an older woman. It can be so hot in the car even with the windows rolled down. It's like it can't circulate the air correctly. It's not a car I would have purchased, however, I'm relatively happy to have it due to the Gas Prices. It is nice looking and needs a new radio. I have heard that the transmissions in these cars are questionable and would like some reassurance. I need to know that I will get from Point A to point B without fear of the car falling apart. I don't know much about these cars. These Kia Rio's.
Kia Rio Cinco Worst car ever
Joe Cacadeech, 03/22/2005
2005 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the Rio as mainly a commuter car and I regret I did. It's really cramped interior whether in the front or back. If that's not enough the totally underpowered engine will make you sick. The gas mileage is terrible considering how small the car is (average 19 city/25 hwy); come on it doesn't even compare to cars that are bigger or have more power, and forget about merging onto a highway or passing. If you're considering a car in this market, avoid this one at all costs and go with the also Korean made Chevy Aveo. Trust me the Kia is terrible. But to be fair it does start up every morning and it has an excellent warranty