Used 2012 Kia Rio Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used Rio for sale
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.
2012 Kia Rio SX Sedan
d1g1t007, 02/16/2012
2012 Kia Rio SX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
42 of 44 people found this review helpful
I needed to get a new daily commuter car as I drive over 70 highway miles daily. Look at what you get from Toyota, Honda, Nissan in this same segment and compare all the features. I went to each dealer, Toyota had a sticker price increase of $1500 "market adjusted value" on the Corolla! Nonsense! I wanted something that would get good gas mileage (+36mpg), holds a couple golf bags and more in the trunk, and if needed, my family of 4 when we're not in the sweet minivan. This car has extreme value at a low price... less than $18K out the door. You can electronically fold in the heated side mirrors, which have LED turn signals. The front lights have LED markers and the rear tail lights are all LED. Engine has the most horsepower in the segment and is direct injection technology. Big 17 inch wheels on the ground, USB port on radio which is built by Microsoft UVO and I could go on and on for the features. You will see many of these features only in higher segment cars. Japan auto makers are becoming dated fast with their features and technology and are overpriced for their value in today's market. KIA shares many of their platforms now with Hyundai and the quality of their build has dramatically improved with the RIO. I have been very satisfied for the first 1200 miles. If you are looking for good gas mileage, good trunk space, great features, LED lights aplenty, etc... do not overlook this car and forget completely about KIA in 2008. In 2012 they have transformed light years ahead of the competition.
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.
2012 Kia Rio for sale near you
Showing 3 of 64 listings
- EX SedanMSRP: $7,995140 mi away
- LX 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $6,995144 mi away
- LX SedanMSRP: $6,900158 mi away
See all 64 listings
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
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.
check before you buy this car!!!!!
Taylor, 06/16/2018
2012 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
This is the first vehicle I have ever bought myself. When I first got it, it ran great! I was getting 34 mpg in the city, and about 39 highway. I have had this vehicle for 3 years, and within the last two year I have started having major issues. first off, you cannot get part for this vehicle from an auto parts store. you have to get it from a licensed KIA dealership. two, the engine shakes sometimes. when I am sitting at a red light it starts to shake like it is going to explode. and since the engine started to shake and the way the car is designed, the AC compressor is nicely placed right in front of the radiator overflow. so when the motor shook it burned a hole into the overflow, melting it and making me lose antifreeze and making the radiator cap break. in this specific car, you have to replace the whole radiator to replace the overflow. three, over heating issues and knocking from the motor. I take very good car of this car, it is in for maintenance every 3 months and have the paper work to prove it. but every single summer it over heats no matter how careful I am. four, going up hill... you can step on the gas as hard as you want and it will not go any faster. five, the van does not turn on all the time. I have had the Carfax pulled and there are no records of issues from the previous own. I hope this helps. but I will never buy a KIA again. I paid 9k for this car and I have put over 15k in fixing it. this car isn't worth the stress.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value