Used 2007 Kia Rio Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
120,000 on this "clown" car...UPDATE May 2017
AMAZING lil beast! Traded in a 2002 for it ... WAY happy with it. Done nothing to it other than normal maintenance. Just this year A/C needed recharging. STILL getting 48mpg.. UPDATE A/C not just a recharge, pump replaced, all parts needed, with SIX relays, it won't kick from the dash button. WTF????....UPDATE: 145,000 still a strong runner. UPDATE still totally disgusted with the A/C system and just got a recall for a missed undercoating. That explains why the bottom is rotting out. Expect it will rust out by the end of salt ridden winter season. Never KIA again, God willing I live longer than it does.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Excellent car for the money
I bought my Rio5 new with 9km on it. I drove many comperable models from different mfg including Chev Aveo, Toyota, Dodge Caliber etc. I was impressed with the handling and jump for such a small car. I've had no issues with summer or winter driving. I've been religious with oil changes but haven't had to do anything major. Just recently at 70K did I have to replace the set of belts before a long trip. If I had to pick at something, it would be the OEM Kuho tires. My front set only lasted about 40K. Warranty is great (8 yrs, 160K km) although nothing has gone wrong. Orig brakes still have 40-50% left on them and still getting close to 450km on 40L of gas. An excellent car for the money!
- LX SedanMSRP: $5,975175 mi away
- Rio5 SX WagonMSRP: $2,995521 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $3,986882 mi away
Great car, and I've had a few.
I wrote this because some people seem to exist to complain about cars every time the air is low in their tires. My '05 Kia Rio5 has been great, and I've only encountered things you would expect from an inexpensive car. It came to me used, from my mother's estate after she died a few years ago. It was low-mile, with the I4 and a 5-speed (ma always liked to row her own!). The LX is sporty, handles well, and the shifting is snappy and clean. Not a powerhouse, but what do you want from a sub-15k car? It's quick enough, and I learned that while off-the-line acceleration is not mind-bending, at-speed and lane-change acceleration is pretty darn good. Brakes are great, as I learned in San Francisco on the busy, hilly streets. Also, I've had two people hit me in this car (their fault both times), and after repairs the car still runs great. Now at 55k with a cross-country road trip under its belt, the Kia is still running great. In fact I only this week had one of the few off-schedule maintenance issues, a PCSV valve that's giving me a check-engine. Only replacements besides tires/oil have been two of the Coil-on-Plug units on the motor at about $50 each. I put them in myself, they're right on top of the motor and it's pretty easy. Even a shop couldn't charge you too much for the service. At 8 years, the only issues are some dry-rotted rear window seals from it's first 5 years in Arizona, and the chrome/plastic passenger door handle which is peeling. There's some increased body noise coming from the hatch area, and it's a bit squeaker overall than when new, but I think that for a budget car, it's been terrific. No electrical problems ever, which I hear is not the case with some newer Kias. Overall, I'm very very happy with this low-maintenance long-running car. Oh, fold-down rear seats in this hatchback provide ample room for stuffing things in the back. I've loaded this car to the roof many times, then driven her 12 hours straight. She runs great still!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Excellent Car
I bought my car brand new and now have over 106,000 miles on it. I've had almost no problems. I replaced 2 wheel bearings and just now changed the front brake pads which still had life in them! I changed the timing belt at 60,000 by choice. It hadn't broken. That's it. Everything else (except the tires) are original. Gas mileage is low 30s. They told me I'd get 40mpg but that doesn't happen. I have an automatic by the way. And yesterday I hit a deer broadside at 55 mph and the car just kept on going! Never even knocked it out of lane. I was flabbergasted. It's $3100 in damage but I can still drive it. So far it's been one of the best cars I ever bought.
Tall guy loves tiny car
Bought used when my Aztec gave up the ghost. Took it for a test drive and fell in love with the acceleration and tight steering. It had 96,000 on it and now at 108,000 the only problem I had with it was two cylinder coils went out causing misfires (mildly annoying fix). I have to put the seat back since I'm 6'1", but its a very comfortable ride and I've taken it nonstop 500 mile trip on a single tank. With the seats down you can fit a 6-drawer Dresser, really the best car I've owned.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Kia does not stand by their warranty!
My Kia Rio5 has been in the shop this past month 5 times for the same issue! Kia will only approve the minimal amount of repairs and has yet to fix my vehicle. For the last month, I have been without my car and after the engine and oxygen sensor has been replaced, the vehicle is still broken. What does Kia say??? Nothing. They will not return my phone calls. Whats the use of a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, if Kia will not make good on it! Don't buy Kia! The cars are cute and fuel efficient, but not dependable and Kia does not stand behind their product!
Disappointed
Have had this car for 1 year and what a mistake. Should have stayed w/Hyundai Accent but they didn't offer a 4dr hatch. Have had a constant speed sensor problem on the auto trans. The car is slow, handles poorly in the snow and less than good gas mileage. Avg 28 combined city/hywy. Should get better mileage w/such a small engine.
Last Kia
When I bought this car it was sitting on the Kia show room floor with a JD Powers Ass. award for reliability sitting on top of car. NOT this car. starting after 3 months. 2 check engine lights, rear brake wheel cylinder bad, bad passenger airbag sensor ( took nearly 3 years to resolve- meanwhile front pass. airbag inoperative)2 front wheel bearing failure, 3 power steering belt replacements, 2ea alternator and ac belts replaced, timing belt replaced, windshield randomly cracked and replaced,exhaust pipe gasket failed, and now clutch throwout bearing is going out, and finally I'm on my 5th set of tires. All before 99,000 miles.
Gone but not forgotten
This car is awesome on gas mileage! Number one reason I bought it. Its nothing to look at on the inside. A no bells and whistles car. Engine was great the entire 152k miles I drove it. However; it eats tires, it shakes at 70mph, it weighs nothing so is completely unsafe if you get into an accident. Do not buy this as a first car for your teenager. It was a stepping stone car for me. If money is not the real issue, I would buy a honda.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Van Devere>does not honor rust warranty
This Kia Rio rusted out within 3 years! Took it to the dealer. Van Devere in Akron, Ohio West Market St will not honor warranty on rust protection. DO NOT BUY A KIA RIO. Korean junk!!
I wasn't happy with gas mileage
We purchased the vehicle in May of last year. It is a cute economical disposable car but, here it is a year later and the car can't pass inspection because there is a bubble in the tire they said from a pothole living in New York. It's a great possibility but, they offered no help to resolve the situation. One of the main reasons for purchasing this particular vehicle was the gas mileage and it gets nowhere near what is says would. When we asked the dealer we were told it was the gas. We use exxon company has been around along time. I will never purchase another Kia again. This is the first time I've had problems like that. They told us exxon gas was bad it doesn't matter what gas it's still bad.
Piece of junk
I bought this car in hopes of having a reliable vehicle for once. Day 1 02 sensor went out. 9 months later electrical problems. Went through 4 Cruise controls in 1 year because Kia kept putting the same one in. Went to private custom shop they put a better one in and told me that my car was destroying the Cruise because the car and Cruise control were not compatible. 2 years running lights and fog lights to make sure they are on I have to tap them before I drive away. Handles horrible in the winter. Gets worse gas mileage than the car I traded in for 1995 Dodge intrepid. I got 28 the first month of owning this car now I am lucky if I get 18 mpg. Everyone one I see I say stay away from Kia!
Nothing but Problems
The check engine light has always turned on intermittently. The AC had to be fixed twice within the first 2 years. The brake switch went out at about 2 years so no brake lights worked. Had to drive about 40 mins to get to the closest dealership and Kia would not offer a rental car during all of the warranty work. They insisted that the 30,000 service be done at 28,000 miles or they would stop providing warranty work. Now engine won't start half the time and it just reached 30,000 miles.
YOU GOTTA DRIVE IT.
You gotta drive this thing, I love it. I read a review that said this was not a good car. Go drive one. I drove some of the other cars in its class and the Rio is bigger than most and more power than most. 6 airbags and an awesome look to it. Plenty of room for all my junk. I have 3 kids that I take with me when my wife is at work and we fit perfect.
An average car. Not special. Not Junk.
Owned: Bought new at dealer 2007. Still own and run today. Lived in CO, WV, GA, MN, and VA with this car. Offroad, cities, and highways. Cons: Rear tire camber means I must rotate every 5k and no less. Often inner edges of tires destroyed before main tread of tire. 5 sets of tires in 102,000 miles. Misfires on occasion ever since purchase, but never fully stranded. Keep cranking' and it starts. Front wheel bearing started thudding down the road at 95k. All belts replaced at 75k. Spark plugs at 75k (Boche platinum now, but occasional misfires continued). Have to be on the highway to get good gas mileage; city and winding mountain roads dramatically dents mpg figures below EPA estimates. Radio volume knob stopped functioning around 80k. Battery at 45k (Haven't replaced autocraft gold since first replacement) Rear window seals rotted at 45k (used silicone to patch). EVAP solenoid failed around 45k. Pros: Never stranded me despite rual mountains roads, snow and ice, high elevation, and extreme temperatures. Mpg on highway is around 30. Summary: if you want a nice car you'll pay for it. You could get a cheaper car than this, but this is about the bottom of the barrel within cars market so if you don't have a good income a Kia is a nice trade-off between cost and quality. Unlike a used car my first 40k of ownership was flawless (except tires at 20k and the occasional misfire tripping the check engine light).
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Most unreliable car I've owned
This car has been a headache sense day 1. From replacing the transmission to replacing literally the whole front end. It always seems to be something with it. This being said, you can get some nice amenities for a cheap price. Mine came with heated seats, power everything and even an aux port in the stereo. Other than reliability, the car isn't really meant for the highway. I have a manual and its staying at 3500 rpms in 5th and that's only going 100km/h. This results in awful fuel economy even though it has a tiny engine. This car can be fun to drive but just be aware that it eats fuel and will constantly need repairs.
Great car but...
I love my car, it gets great mileage and until recently it was very reliable. I put 30-36K miles a year on my car and do a lot of stop and go driving. I have over 166K on my car. In the past 3 yrs we have had to replace 3 ignition coils, both O2 sensors and now we have to replace the catalytic converter. She also tends to eat front tires. Constantly out of alignment. She has done very well overall and if possible will buy another Kia. Considering the kind of driving I do, she had held up very well.
Kia Rio
Could have used better suspension.
Kia Rio 07...actually love it
I went from an 03 impala to an 07 Rio. Lots of loss in room, But much more gained in MPG and Reliability. Definitely not a family car, but for a high school or college student, work car, or first car, this is perfect. Cheap off the lot, cheap on gas, NOT cheaply made. An extremely nice car. Definitely not luxury, but who needs that expensive stuff anyways.
What a Mistake
I like that way this car handles and that is what sold me. The repair problems have made me decide to get rid of this car after having had it only 10 months. It seems like it's hard to keep ahead of it falling apart. I have never had the misfortune to have ever gotten a car like this before.
It's good for the price
My Kia was purchased in July of 2007 brand new, I Have put over 85,000 miles on the car and only had it in the shop once for a timing belt going out at 72,000 miles (didn't realize they were only designed to last 60,000) pricey repair, but other wise the car has been fantastic as I have a rather long commute to work at 55 miles each way. I average 39 mpg between city and highway with the 5 speed manual transmission. The only real Issue I have with the car is that it was purchased with no AC in the Arizona desert, and it is uncomfortable for long trips, after about 2 hours behind the wheel it starts getting a uncomfortable and I need to stop and get out of the car.
In love with my little Rio!
I bought this car used with about 17,000 miles on it. In 8 months of my long commute, I'm up to 31,000- with no problems! This car is sporty, fun to drive, and very reliable. The design is exactly what I was looking for- compact, but cute and spacious on the inside. I get compliments all the time, and I love to brag about the great gas mileage and performance of this little car. My only complaint is it struggles over the passes (I live in Colorado), but I think any 4 cylinder would! All in all this is an excellent vehicle-- great value for your money!
i love my kia rio
i never ever though i would drive a small car again after getting hit and hurt in a bad car accident a few years ago. i have a suburban but the high cost of gas prompted me to look into a new car. I bought a used 2007 kia rio in march and i could not be happier!!! i adore my car. the color, the gas mileage, the compliments i get, the glares when i fill my tank for less than $35. its very fun, very sporty and puts a huge smile on my face when i get to sit in it. i never though i would ever drive a small car again, but with all my air bags, i wont be looking back.
Commuter
I have a 140 mile round trip commute and needed a good mpg car. I knew the Kia would get good mileage and the long warranty was important, but I did not expect it would be so fun to drive. I have actually had it up to 100 mph and seemed like it had a little more to give, I didn't want to push my luck though.
Tom
The best thing about this vehicle is the fact that it gets 30 miles to the gallon. This is especially important due to the fact that I work 30 miles away from home. Another aspect of this car that appeals to me is how much room this little car has and how comfortable it is. It is an excellent vehicle for the money. I have 5 speed manual shifting, and the only problem I had, at first, was figuring out how to put in in reverse. You need to pull up a lever, pull the shifter all the way to your left and up to put into reverse. Once I got it, however, there no longer was any confusion. This is a minor set back.
Better than I expected
Drives better on the highway than I thought it would for a small car-I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of effect on the car when semi trucks passes me or I passes semi trucks-I expected to be pushed around on the road more than I was
07 rio lx cheap made & vibrates
My grandpa paid over $12k for this car in 2008 my grandma drove it to work. In 2014 they gave the car to my sister for college & at only 107k they had to rebuild the transmission & power steering...i drive it now at 175k i had to replace the battery already & it shakes horribly on interstate & can barely go up a hill doesnt handle great eh ....i guess the car would be okay for someone else. But i would rather have a corolla or neon not a huge fan of kia .....yeah i paid $2500 ...for it but basically im trying to sale it for something else. Give the car 2-3 stars
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best little standard Car
Bought this in 2007 New 5 speed basic model hatchback and its been great. Basic maintenance driving in Canadian winters in the Rockies at -40c sometimes never put the block heater on and the car cranks over. Just replaced battery for the first time. My on a new driver a 15 loves this car and learning to drive stick. I was always told that it didn't have a great safety rating but according to this, it says 4 out of 5 so glad to hear. Only thing is the rear wiper isn't working but haven't tried to fix it yet.
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Bought it used and I love it
I bought my Kia used at about 130,000 miles on it. I’ve had it for a few months now and after putting almost 1,000 miles on it personally, I can say this car is amazing. For how many miles are on it, there are seriously no problems that I’ve ran into. The only thing is the belt on my engine is a bit worn, but thats pretty normal for and older/ higher mileage car. I’m very satisfied with my Rio and I hope it lasts me for more than my last car :)
Bad on gas
This was a horrible purchase. Terrible MPG 16-18 max. Brakes shot @ less then 9,000 miles in the shop 9 times for charging problem. This car looks ok, highly overrated!
The rio that couldn't
I bought the car is July of 2007. Brand new with only 6 miles. I've owned Kia's in the past but nothing like this one. It has the worst gas mileage I've ever experienced. Not all of the 2007 Models are like this. I know of a lot of them that get 40+ MPG. But if your lucky like me then you will find yourself getting 16-18 mpg hwy doing 55-65 mph. If I could go back in time I'd buy a Honda or a Toyota. After taking the car to 5 dealerships they never did fix the problem and have stated they could not find one. You may be one of the lucky ones if you buy this vehicle but there is that other possibility.
Very nice car
This car gets great mileage and lots of room for the price. Much more stylish than the Yaris or Aveo and much lower sticker price. Not much power, but I was looking for mileage, not power. 6 advanced airbags make me feel safer in such a small car. Brake rotors shimmy but could have been from rough braking in the past. Otherwise, love the car. For the price it seems like the best deal out there.
rio 5
I drive mostly hwy and getting about 38 mpg. Miss power windows and locks, but love the mpg. No problems. Had an Optima for 4 years and had no problems at all either.
Happy Nursing Student
Bought this car Aug 2007. Drove it off the lot with 12 miles on it (now has 40,000miles in 2009). It gets great gas miles and has been very reliable. I bought it to get through nursing school and could not be more pleased (payments are awesome too! Only $230 month). I have heard a lot of negative things about Kia cars and honestly don't know what is so horrible. I graduate in 8 months and will drive my Rio for as long as I can.
I love this little car!
This little car has continued to impress. My SX Rio5 had the power and sport packages which turned heads. It has been SO FUN TO DRIVE, so sporty/adorable and the gas mileage is the envy of all my friends and complete strangers who ask and gasp about the excellent MPG! I have enjoyed this car for three years now and have been spoiled by my exceptional dealership. Whenever taking my car in for warranty service or an oil change, I'd get a complimentary ride to work and back; they'd even give me a free car wash and replace lightbulbs in a jiffy. I now find myself needing a roomier car (minivan w/ a growing family of 4). I'm sad to let go of my trusty friend; he was so reliable and kept me safe!
Rio LX, Great 2nd Car!
Bought a new Hyundai Santa Fe Ltd last Fall. And although I love driving the vehicle, I'm not thrilled with my mileage. I spent one night looking on the net for a "get about town" car and found the Rio. Love this little gem. A fun car to drive and 30+ mpg city. Sometimes miss the bells and whistles (my seat warmers and power door locks) but this car is a blast! Great heater, surprising trunk space. Add a good window tint, and it has a great look. Not "budget" at all; a real bargain. Remains to be seen about reliability, and the A/C. But with the great warranty, I'm just not worried. Not my choice for a long road trip, except for mileage.
Kia Rio-1 sweet ride
This is a sweet, fun to drive, ecomomical and good-looking little car. I have had good service experience and am very happy with my choice of this car.
A fun car at a steal price
As I was comparing around, my 1st test drive immediately told me I got to have this baby. It was smooth and fun to drive. PLUS very quiet with low noise. It is really a great car to own without burning a big hole in my wallet. The fuel consumption is great too. I get 15km/l with 50% city and 50% highway driving.
greeat
Good car for basic transportation.
Kia has another winner in its hands
I love my Rio5, it's great on fuel and it handles the road like a BMW. The styling inside and out is very nice. I love the black interior with the triple stitched red thread. I got my car in the sunset orange which really pops in the sunlight.
Love it
Really love the Kia cars, we own two now, just bought a 2008 Spectra after purchasing a 2007 Rio 2 months ago, now we both have Kias and we love them.
Great Car For The Price
I had an old beater before I bought my Kia Rio thinking I was saving money by not buying a new car. When I found out I could get a brand new car for about the same I was paying in repairs to my old car I was sold. The car has enough pick up to get going and a small enough engine to get great gas mileage. Not to mention the warranty is amazing. I recommend this vehicle for anyone who was a good, reliable car that doesn't cost them an arm and a leg.
Excellent Car in its Class
The Kia Rio5 SX is actually a fine car. The mileage has been excellent (though not quite what I'd expect), the ride is very good and the design is really eye-pleasing. Overall, no one who has been in and seen this car can believe that it is a Kia and that it comes in at such a low cost.
Best economy car choice
I have had my Rio for a few months now, and still love it as much as when I bought it. I test drove an Elantra just before I drove the Rio, and I didn't notice any difference in the ride or power. The 5 speed manual is a blast, with a light clutch, and the engine really starts kicking when over 3500 rpm. The suspension is excellent, as is the fuel economy. It is noticeably taller than most other cars, making you feel more like you're driving a van than an economy car. It has more interior room than the Toyota Corolla.
Big car - little money
I bought the Kia Rio to replace my aging Mazda Protege as a daily commuting car. I needed a car with good gas mileage, great air and a CD/FM/AM unit. I got a great car for little money. The Chevy Cobalt was considered along with the Rio and after having driven both, I am more than impressed with the Kia. Sure, it only has a 1.6 liter engine with 110 hp, but the VVT engine really does a great job. The interior may be cheap compared to the Hondas and Toyotas of this world, but then that's reflected in the price. Yet it is a darn site better than the Cobalt which has some really *scary* plastics inside and looks nasty too. The Rio is a bif car for really not much money!
Not Just a Sporty Economy Car
Just sit in one. This model has a nice sporty interior. Leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter. Sport stitched seating. The exterior is sporty with a unique look not to be mistaken for all the other models out there in it's class. Though it's not going to win any races, it is fun to drive. It handles well and sticks to the road. It's a compact car, so the ride is a little bumpy. It has front and side front airbags as standard safety equipment.
Decent budget car
This is one of the better budget cars. Decent gas mileage at a greatly affordable price. I'm 6'1" and have no problem fitting in. With the leadfoot I have my gas is still 32 mpg. The problem I have is the power. It can not pull its own weight up a hill without having to downshift even at 65 mph and at lower speeds on a hill it searches for a gear constantly.
Still Shaking My Head in Disbelief
I bought my 2007 Kia Rio LX with 277,000+ k, for what can only be called beater money. So, it can only be surmised, I wasn't expecting much. Imagine my shock when I discovered just what a gem I had stumbled across. Other than a slight stumble at idle, the engine runs smoothly and accelerates as effortlessly as you could want from a four cylinder sewing machine. Automatic transmission shifts smoothly and accurately, steering is crisp, and braking is straight and even. All electrical work. The seats are comfortable. I have to say, I'm loving this little car
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
MY '07 KIA RIO
Love it! This is my 1st new car. I am very pleased with it. Great price, great car.