Used 2006 Kia Rio Wagon Consumer Reviews

sweet, silent, smooth

What a car for $15,000 dollars with performance package and floor mats. I think I died and went to heaven! Even quiet and stable on highway with cross winds. Haven't found anything I would change yet, except it could use ten more ponies. Such a joy to look at and drive. On-line reviews led me to this car. When I drove by my dealer and saw this beautiful sunset orange SX facing me, I knew I had to have it. Of course the fantastic warranty was another selling point. Lack of cruise was not an issue for me.

Killed one, going on another!

I had a used 2006 Rio5 for a short bit before getting t-boned in a winter storm. The offender was a dodge caravan making an illegal left turn. The Rio took the hit well, with little damage to me...but the car was a write-off. After much searching for a new car, I ended up buying the exact same model. The Rio5 is great on gas, the 5sp is peppy enough to be fun. The spare tire cover is crap, I recommend buying a piece of plywood to cover it. The balljoints in the 3 kia rio5's that I have driven have all needed replacing.

best fuel efficient, reliable car

My 2006 rio5 has already 385,000 km on it and is still running perfectly. It's my second rio, I drive it for a living, and I love the car, I cannot say a bad word about it, it never gave me any problems at all. The only thing I fixed so far are: ball joints, wheel bearings, tie rods (rough country roads) & fuel purge valve (filthy north American gasoline) buy the car new, maintain it well, don't drive it like a maniac (I. E. Floor the gas pedal), change oil every 5000 km, timing belt every 100,000, put premium fuel in it and she will never fail you! To the guy whose rio stalls & overheats on the hwy: go buy a tank!

Wish it was stronger but a overall good

I'll tell you I'm hard and neglectful on cars and this Rio has kept up. I didnt give it a oil change for 15000 miles and it started and drove like a champ. I have had small problems (eats through tires and brakes wear.) Not to confy. I drove from California to Texas and I'll say I'm young and those seats i cant stand to sit in them for more than a hour. Decent on gas. I'd recommend this car to young kids that are neglectful and need a good car to get them by. Nothing fancy. I do like the strong speaker system.

pleased with this car

Nearing 79,000 miles, all driving done in and around the mountains of southern vt. Except for 5k oil changes and regular service, the only work I've needed is a wheel bearing, fuel tank purge solenoid and air bag wiring clip (all covered under waranty). Put 4 good studded snows on this car and you'll go anywhere. 34-35 miles per gallon, I've hit 39 on the highway, driving at 60-65 miles per hour

Best car I have ever owned!

I have had my Kia for almost 2 years; got it for Christmas in 2005 and it is the best car I have ever owned. I love the way it handles, the gas mileage and the roomy interior is the best ever! The stereo system is fantastic, the a/c works great as well as the heater, and I really cannot find a single thing to complain about with this car! I love it so much that the lack of cruise control, electric windows and such do not even bother me! I would rather have the good basics this car has than all of the whistles and bells that everyone else finds so appealing!

Better than expected!

We were shopping for something a little bigger (Vibe, Matrix, Focus) but this little car suits us just fine for $5000 less. Our Rio5 5-speed takes us on 100 mile round trips at least twice a week, plus a few miles back and forth to work each week. It gets up to 70 with no problem, cruises at 75-80 comfortably. The shifting is a little stiff in reverse, but otherwise smooth.

Mans 2nd Best Friend!

I've now had my little Kia Rio 5 for over 3 months and just love it. This vehicle is a wonderful value and I feel really safe driving it in the city or on the highway. I get about 40 miles per gallon and that is really important because I drive about 18,000 to 20,000 miles a year. I had another Kia before this and put 200,000 miles on my old Kia Sephia. I hope everyone figures out that Kia builds a great product at the very best price.

Happily Surprised!

I was on a very tight budget and looking to buy a new car, almost certain that I couldn't get a "real" car. After researching a lot I bought the Kia Rio SX and let me tell you, this car is amazing! Drives very smooth, looks good and feels like an amazing car when you drive it. I highly recommend it. It is a very Fun car to own, and wonderful when it's time to go to the pump.

Kia Rio 5 SX - So far so good

Just picked up my loaded Rio 5 SX. Had to special order it since I wanted the Sunset Orange with Power Package and 4 wheel disk brakes. It's a pleasure to drive and I actually look forward to driving to and from work each day again. Put some mileage on it in just a few days (400+ miles). Drives fine in heavy rain (we're getting soaked in NH).

Great car, fun to drive!

This is my 5th Kia in 8 years. The quality just keeps on getting better! I had the original 2001 Kia Rio, it was economical and cute, nothing exciting but great value with the warranty. Last month I traded in my 2004 Spectra for the Rio 5 SX. I instantly fell in love with the metal pedals, leather wrapped steering wheel and comfortable cloth. I am 6'3" and felt more room in the Rio then in the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic I tested earlier in the week. Plenty of leg space and high roof give this car a spacious feel to it. The engine is spirited and peppy. Much more power then you would expect from a 1.6 Litre 110 hp engine. Summary: Great looks in and out, comfy, powerful. plenty of airbags!

brake problems and gas pedal problems

Purchased because of the cost and size along with good mileage. I have had 3 brake cylinders replaced in less than 1 year two of them on the same side and still my brakes are squeaky and at times making noises that I have never had before in any vehicle I have ever driven. They seem unwilling or unable to diagnose the real problem. I am very disatisfied with the car. Problems with the gas pedal sticking 1st thing in the morning and they are unable to find the problem with that as well. I'm unhappy with the car.

The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread

I just love it love it love it Handles great, holds the road, well soundproofed.

still love the car

I bought this car in December of 05 brand new. i loved it right out the gate. The car has good turning radius and enough kick to get some speed out of the 110 horse power engine. And the fuel mileage is great - I can go to San Diego to Huntington Beach and back and back again to the beach on one tank! I put some custom rims on the car and it looks and feels great. Controls are easy and still in love with this car

Very Basic Transportation

I bought my Kia Rio 5 on Jan. 3, 2006. I bought it because at the time it was all I could afford. Let me start out by telling you the good stuff: It's cute and has 100,000 mile warranty. That's about it. The reviewers talk about performance features and such. The car is a slug. Going up a long incline (even with overdrive turned off) is a loud and exhausting experience. The gas mileage is no where near what Kia advertises. I was told the absolute minimum gas mileage was 32 in the city. Try 22 mpg. I am a conservative driver and keep very careful records, so I am quite certain about that number. The car is very cramped; driving it for more than an hour will wear you out

fun

A really fun car to drive.The comfort of the ride is like a bigger car. Oh by the way, the gas mileage is wonderful.

Wow

Kia has really outdone themselves. As a first time buyer of a Kia I was pretty impressed at how much bang you get for your buck. My insurance only went up 40 dollars with it being fully covered, which is great. From past models I was skeptical, now I am a proud owner of one of these fine machines.

Not what we expected.

Brand new with 100000mi/10yr warranty...well we have 20,000 miles and already have taken it to the shop 6 times. 2 recalls,1 radio not working, 1 power steering pump thing, 2 for transmission, no acceleration (very dangerous problem) and this problem is acting up again. The availability of parts for the car has been a nightmare of rental cars. The gas mileage is great but I think the car may wear out before the warranty. Wife thinks the trunk is too small...but we could see that. Plus due to my credit we are paying a lot for the car (no choice) so I don't feel we are getting our monies worth! Strongly consider NOT buying this model.

Excellent

I enjoy driving my Rio 5. It handles so well and the comfort is like a big SUV. I am truly glad that I made this purchase. Would definitely recommend to others. Only dislike is no cruise control.

Great Deal Great Car