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Used 2009 Kia Rio Sedan Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
18 reviews

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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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3 out of 5 stars

Decent for those starting out.

TrabantFan1998, 07/27/2020
2009 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I bought a 2009 Rio LX sedan at 75,000 miles and it was an okay car, if nothing special or fancy. It was generally reliable and gave me no big issues. I loved the gas mileage and filling it up could not be cheaper in any other four door car. I did have to replace a wheel bearing after hitting a rough train track but it was reliable other wise. The interior is basic yet functional. No standouts or luxuries. The seats do feel cheap as do the interior materials and switches but nothing broke. I recommend a Rio for anyone buying their first car or for a small family. It's not a bad car and definitely changed my mind about Kia as a brand.

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

Needs better gear ratio

tony, 07/19/2010
2009 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

It gets perfect gas mileage as long as you do not get on the interstate-run 4000 rpm in 5th gear @ 80 mph-runs 3000 rpm in 5th gear @ 50 mph-needs 6 gears or different ratio for top end- accelerates fast through 1st and 2nd car is very quiet

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3.75 out of 5 stars

My Experience with my Kia Rio

Inrm, 11/02/2010
2009 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this car about a month ago. Everything is fine but it has a very weird squeaky noise with the rear brakes. I've taken it to different places and nobody knows whats going on with it. The car is cheap and is no luxury at all. Everything inside is very simple. Is a little bit small, but i dont care about it because i use it to commute. Fuel economy is OK. Car is very quiet on both streets and highway. Tires are a bit small. I think that what you get for the money is fair.I like my car. I just wish We could find out whats going on with the brakes.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Needs Improvement

jrhorner, 08/19/2009
2009 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The Rio is an excellent commuter car. However, paying 17200 for this car new with the warranty was a mistake. Purchased w/out A/C, power steering, or power options. Dealership said A/C absolutely could not be installed. The car accelerates fine as long as you are willing to rev the engine all the way up to 4000 rpms. Handles well even w/out powersteering.

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