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Used 2009 Kia Rio Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
85 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Rio, so we've included reviews for other years of the Rio since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Best little car I've ever owned.

Aarick, 09/11/2018
2009 Kia Rio SX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought this car used with 29,000 miles and it has been an absolutely great little car. It has a 5 speed manual transmission and is the upgraded model the SX model. It is a basic no non-sense economy car, but it has been so reliable. I well built car, Kia really makes great cars. It is simple to work on and you can change your own oil with ease. It now has 95,000 miles and yes it's had some maintenance issues like all cars. I've replaced the battery twice in 8 years, that's normal. I've had it tuned up twice, ignition coil has gone out on each cylinder, not a huge maintenance bill. I've had the timing belt, clutch, and all the belts and water pump replaced because it was time to switch the timing belt at 60,000 so the mechanic said while switching the timing belt might as well replace all the belts and go ahead and switch out the water pump as well. With 105 degree temps here in Texas so making sure the car had the cooling system flushed and check for preventive maintenance. So all-in-all a very reliable affordable car. Wish US auto makers could achieve this type of reliability with small compact cars. If you are in the market for a easy reliable affordable commuter car, look at buying the Kia Rio the model from 2006 - 2011 was the same model with very little change. 2012 Kia Rio finally changed the model. Highly recommend this car.

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5 out of 5 stars

Dependable transportation

J.C., 12/24/2016
2009 Kia Rio Rio5 LX 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I've bought my 2009 Kia new. It is a very dependable car; driven it from east coast to west coast and never a problem. It is not the most comfortable seats for long distance travel and since it's a small compact not as smooth a drive as a larger sedan. Low maintenance and dependability is why I love my Kia.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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2.63 out of 5 stars

Will never buy again!

lindseyh26, 01/11/2012
2008 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought this car back in 2008. I have had to replace things i shouldnt have had to replace already. Replaced bearings, rotars, i go through tires like no ones business, and timing belt has to be replaced about ever 30,000 miles. (rio's are known for that) other than that the car is pretty good, but i would never purchase one again. They will last forever, but you have to always be replacing something.

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1 out of 5 stars

lemon car

charlie1, 08/08/2009
2008 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought a kia rio sedan in 2008 have had a new transmission put in to date still having problems with transmission automatic shift from park reverse or drive to revervse is very slow I am left seating in the road waiting for it transmission to shift I feel this is a safety issue and kia should correct it after many many time taking it to shop they tell me I dont know have to drive and there is nothing wrong with my car, it is the worst car I have ever had will not buy another one nor would I recommend anyone else to buy one.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Great Car at a good price

smalltownsouthernman, 10/26/2010
2008 Kia Rio Rio5 SX 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Purchased this car pre-owned with only 4000 miles on it. I haven't had any problems out of it to date. I do notice that when i drive it after sitting over night the rear brakes tend to be touchy and squeak some. The engine also tends to have a little rattle to it when it is cold. Not sure why it does that but once it warms up it is flawless. it may have something to do with the CVT.

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