2005 Kia Rio Review

35 Owner Reviews

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Kia Rio model years

Kia Rio for Sale

Kia Rio types

Wagon
Sedan

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Small price, big warranty, peppy engine.

Cons

Unrefined handling, five-speed manual's rubbery shift action, mediocre fuel economy.

What’s new

No major changes for the Rio this year.

Edmunds says

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.28 per gallon for regular unleaded in Alabama.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Alabama

$163/mo

$166/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Kia Rio.

5 (40%)

4 (26%)

3 (20%)

2 (8%)

1 (6%)

3.9

35 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Get What You Give

grinddesigns, 09/03/2009

2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

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 …

Beware the timing belt

Phil Hall, 10/19/2009

2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)

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. …

Fairly Happy

Ricky, 05/30/2010

2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)

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 …

Take That! Oil Barons

B Holmes, 09/10/2005

2005 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)

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 …

See all 35 reviews of the Kia Rio

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2005 Rio Highlights

Type:

Wagon

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$11,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$163/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	24.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all 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

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2005 Kia Rio Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.28 per gallon for regular unleaded in Alabama.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2005 Kia Rio.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Get What You Give

Beware the timing belt

Fairly Happy

Take That! Oil Barons

2005 Rio Highlights

Safety

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2005 Kia Rio Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.28 per gallon for regular unleaded in Alabama.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Get What You Give

Beware the timing belt

Fairly Happy

Take That! Oil Barons

2005 Rio Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Consider these recommendations

Related Used 2005 Kia Rio info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Kia

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2005 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.28 per gallon for regular unleaded in Alabama.}