Used 2012 Kia Rio Consumer Reviews
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Fun to drive, good MPG, Inexpensive
shawnmh, 03/16/2012
2012 Kia Rio EX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new to replace my 91' Imperial and I'm averaging 33 (70%/30% C/H) mpg at the pump and I'm loving it. Although the ride isn't the smoothest, it's definitely better than many others I've driven in this class. When you turn the ECO setting off, you get a significant boost in power and throttle response. Handles great in the city, but acts like a small car would on the interstate. I love the SportShift, although not the quickest shifts, it is a blast through curvy roads. The high beams illuminate very well as do the regular lights. Steering has good feel and the car is very nimble up to about 45 when the electric steering starts to show. Design cues from Audi shows.
Great car for awhile
RJ, 10/17/2019
2012 Kia Rio SX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I fell in love with this Kia Rio SX as it came with all the gadgets, drove well and had great gas mileage. I knew I was going to keep the car for awhile, so I got the extended warranty package and even a dealership "lifetime offer" (free inspection, tires, oil changes). I was meticulous with the physical and mechanical upkeep with required services. As far as the gas mileage, well, we know that there was a glitch in the reporting, so I even got an annual reimbursement from Kia for the fuel economy difference. The car was very low for the cost of ownership. About a year ago it began requiring more frequent oil changes. Then it needed a catalytic converter and some other typical car repairs. However, I'm drawing the line now for keeping my beloved Rio as now the car is not keeping oil for more than 2000 miles. The service manager said I need a new engine. At 138,000 I'm quite disappointed. When I initially bought the car, the litmus test of acquiring another Kia was if the car made at least 200,000. It did not so I will not be buying another Kia.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
All I wanted & more
davedito, 11/17/2012
2012 Kia Rio LX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I purchased my '12 Rio 5 LX one year ago last month...almost 27,000 miles...and I could not be happier. A month after I bought it (at 2,000 miles), I drove from the Hill Country to Joshua Tree NP in southrn California, about 2,400 miles round trip. At 80mph, I averaged 35mph. Not what the sticker said for highway mileage, but they didn't test at those speeds, either. Sine then, I' driven to Caprock Canyons, Angel Peak (NM), and Myrtle Beach, SC (averaged 40mpg at 70mph). I just love driving this thing. If you're not getting decent mileage, you must be doing something wrong. Seriously wrong.
I'm Happy...
mattman44, 08/10/2012
2012 Kia Rio SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
If you're looking for an SX with premium pkg, GOOD LUCK! There were 8 available east of Kansas when I looked. Traveled 350mi by train to get it. Features for price can't be beat. Things laid out well and user friendly. Smaller in back but bigger in front than Versa but I'd prefer the styling to the smaller space. I hate the transmission. Manual in SX please! Gas debate - computer is 4mpg high. With math I get 38 each tank in 70/30 hwy+. Comp says 41-43. Forget ECO use manumatic in city. Hwy keep under 75 with steady foot. Don't drive like a moron and you can get good gas mileage. Comp reads 403 at fill up. I get btw 330 and 360 per tank. 6K miles so far, hope to get over 40 after break in.
Short on MPG promised
lholt, 01/07/2013
2012 Kia Rio EX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Had the Rio hatchback for one year. Never came close to the 40 MPG. I drive 60 miles a day and average about 34. This driving at about 65 mph. The car ride was noisy until I bought some good tires. The car is peppy and keeps up with traffic. I now have 16000 miles on the car and haven't had any problems.