Used 2011 Kia Rio Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Rio, so we've included reviews for other years of the Rio since its last redesign.
2011 Kia rio - 100,000 miles later
Mark, 01/29/2016
2011 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
30 of 30 people found this review helpful
To be honest, if I were as knowledgeable about cars back when I bought it as I am now, I probably would have gotten something different. But all in all, this car is amazing. The inside: My version, the LX, came with bluetooth support allowing me to connect my phone and call people without ever having to touch my phone. All you need to do is press a button on the wheel and say "Call (whoever you're calling)," it'll say back the name it heard and ask for verification. For some reason however, some people claim they can hear me just as well as if I had the phone to my ear, and others say it sounds like I'm in a wind tunnel. The seats are plain looking, but surprisingly comfortable. My girlfriend has never been able to sleep in a car during a road trip- even overnight- until we went on a road trip in the Rio. The back seats are fairly average, though there isn't much space, however, three of my friends who are grown adult men were able to squeeze into the back, and didn't have many complaints. Driving: Driving this car is surprisingly fun. It has a very tight turning angle and can make a u-turn in places other cars can't. It can take curves well at high speeds(with proper grip and good tires). Acceleration leaves something to be desired, but considering it's a 110HP engine designed to sip gas and give you 38MPG, it feels just right. Travelling noise gets gradually worse as the car gets higher in miles. When I originally bought it, it was very quiet. Now there's a lot of wind noise and the engine isn't as quiet as it used to be(still very quiet though). The engine: The number one complaint I've seen about this car in terms of the engine, is the ignition coils going out. The owners manual states that the spark plugs should be changed around 36000 miles. Most people don't change the oil in their car, let alone change the spark plugs or even do required maintenance. Unfortunately, I was one of those people around the 40,000 mile mark. My engine began to shake horribly and flashed the CEL. I had it towed to the Kia dealership(For free! Because Kia's roadside assistance for the first 60,000 miles), and they told me the spark plugs went out and it took the ignition coils out with it. They told me it was bad gas, and told me to only use Shell gas. Do not believe this. This was because the factory spark plugs don't last past 36,000(which is average for spark plugs, not a bad thing). They replaced the ignition coils for free because they were under warranty, but charged me $150 to replace the spark plugs. This is the ONLY thing I have had go wrong with the engine that wasn't somebody else's fault. Otherwise the Rio's inline-4 is reliable, and very easy to work on. Replacing the spark plugs cost me only $20 and about 20 minutes of time. It has 3 accessory belts, which is annoying, but they aren't hard to change and are relatively inexpensive. Overall: This car would make a wonderful starter car, and while it may not be the flashiest or the fastest car in the world, you can pick up a 2011 Rio for relatively cheap which makes it a perfect car for a first time driver, or a second car used to take on trips thanks to it's amazing fuel efficiency.
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2011 Kia Rio - HAPPY CUSTOMER
kiariodriver, 03/22/2011
2011 Kia Rio SX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
25 of 25 people found this review helpful
Overall the 2011 Kia Rio has been a terrific car. I bought it for better gas milage and the warranty, which I'm hoping not to have to use. The steering is tight, lots of control and plenty of pick up and go. Ride is smooth, a little road noise, but not bad.
Great First Car
Shmork, 02/07/2009
2009 Kia Rio SX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
34 of 36 people found this review helpful
Many reviewers complain this car isn't powerful enough, or sporty enough and the tires are too small-the list goes on; I disagree. I have never had a problem accelerating into interstate traffic or maneuvering. The interior is surprisingly spacious (huge trunk) and quite attractive with the SX enhancements. The mileage is excellent. Yes, this is no luxury vehicle and it doesn't have impressive horsepower, but if you're shopping in the subcompact market you're not likely concerned with these factors. The drive is almost sporty and the tire size hasn't been an issue. You're not dishing out extra $ for bells and whistles and you really won't miss them. I love my new KIA for drives great and small!
Safe Little Car
Starshineincolorado, 04/23/2016
2011 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
20 of 21 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with 12k miles on it in Feb. 2012 when I downsized from a Jeep. It was exactly what I was hoping for. It got great gas mileage (30+ on long trips) and was dependable with minimum maintenance. I only had one issue with it, which was with the spark plugs. I didn't read the maintenance guide and didn't get these replaced. So around 40k miles, the car turned on the check engine light and started shaking in idle. Got a tune up, but 6 months later it happened again. Took it to the dealership where they said Kias need Kia parts. So that was all fixed and there were no other issues, up to 58k when the car was deemed totaled in a wreck. The most important things I need in a car are reliability and safety. This car was in 2 major wrecks. Once when I was pregnant with my daughter and someone turned in front of me so that I smashed the front of my car in. The second, someone slammed into the side of the car. The side my now 2 year old was on. We were both completely okay both times even when the car was totaled for the second accident. Now, I'm looking for another car with more space but with the same reliability and safety I found in this Kia.
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Happy with my Rio
mdv076, 07/16/2011
2011 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
Its small. runs smooth and it has all the features I need. My Kia Rio LX is all I wanted and more.
Very poor quality
Randy Mizer, 07/05/2010
2009 Kia Rio Rio5 LX 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
23 of 26 people found this review helpful
We have now had two major break downs in 8000 miles. One new transmission and one new front axle .My wife drives the car and has never drove it hard.I will never buy an other KIA , wish I hadn't bought this one.
Love it!
jezdjb, 09/17/2011
2011 Kia Rio SX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
Bought the Rio for my daughter and she has nothing but nice things to say. The sx handles great when I drive it. Tight and very responsive. Avg 30mpg with city/hwy mix. Definitely a great first car or someone looking for a good little compact.
Worst car purchase ever!
mehigan, 04/27/2013
updated 11/13/2016
2009 Kia Rio Rio5 LX 4dr Wagon (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
28 of 33 people found this review helpful
Purchased new. Non-stop quality issues. Windshield delaminated at 16 months and again at 48 months. Has anyone had a windshield fail with stress cracks (in exactly same spot) twice within 48 months? Radio stopped working at 30 months. Knock sensor failed 15 months. Electronic control module failed 18 months. Air bag sensor failed. Too many failures to list. I call car "Elvis" -- shake, rattle and roll! Getting in-warranty repairs done a huge hassle, tried three different dealers. Last dealer's solution was "you should buy a new car". Kia factory rep never returns calls. Once car out of warranty Kia's attitude is too bad, we are not responsible. Follow up to previous review. It is now 2016 and car continues to be a maintenance nightmare with no support from Kia. Engine noise has become significantly loud, still very uncomfortable ride even with replaced up-graded shocks/tires. Mileage continues to decline as car ages. Lots of exterior/interior trim failures.
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I'm reviewing a Kia Rio not a Lexus LFA
Brian, 09/30/2016
2009 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2011, so two years old with about 20k miles on it. Less than $10k. It is a plain jane except for auto, AC and a good stereo. On and off it has been in outdoor storage for a year or so at a time so it only has 40k miles now, but I have had ZERO problems with it. I wouldn't hesitate to drive it cross country. I would recommend it to anyone who needs basic transportation with good gas mileage and a small family, or anyone who lives in a city. It's easy to park and maneuver. Hey, the powertrain is still under warranty! 5/60 bumper is done but the 10/100 powertrain is still in affect.
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Will Never Buy Another Kia
deheeren, 02/08/2015
2009 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
28 of 35 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in 2009 and today the cars second transmission failed. The car has 151,541 miles on it. The car has also had a coil pack put on each cylinder at least once. When the car was still under warranty the dealer flat-out refused to fix the actual issues with the car because the scheduled maintenance on the car wasn't up to date, yet the salesman never disclosed details about the warranty at time of purchase or provided literature about the warranty. CD player quit working at about 24 months Heater core issues at 30 months. Car needed realignment every 10,000 miles. Tire shop said it was a "Kia" thing. Lots of road noise on the freeway. Windshield always foggy.
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