Used 2012 Kia Rio Sedan Consumer Reviews
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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
- SX 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,49546 mi away
- EX 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $6,998118 mi away
- LX SedanMSRP: $4,988168 mi away
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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.
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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.
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The White Bullet
Kyle, 10/26/2017
2012 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
The White Bullet has been good to me. In nearly 18,000 miles so far it has had minimal problems. One trip to the dealer for a computer update because of the knock sensor code putting it into limp mode. Other than that just regular maintenance. The manual transmission is great, I love it and bombing around town feels like driving a rally car. Excellent gas mileage on the highway but with many hours behind the wheel I have to say lack of lumbar support isn't great. City driving in "stop and go" traffic is a nightmare but only due to the manual transmission. It has good trunk storage but it could have a bigger door area as fitting larger items is difficult or impossible. A relatively cheap and very reliable vehicle with limited creature comforts earns this one a 3.75 out of 5 in my book.
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One Great Car
beachyork1, 06/06/2012
2012 Kia Rio SX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is my second Kia, my first being a 2007 Kia Optima, I was so impressed with the reliabiluty I purchased my second. The Rio is everything I expected and more. Very smooth, well built and a tremondous amount of features, many of which are not even offered in the compact class, nevermind subcompact. The gas milage estimates hold true for me. Normal in town city driving get me 30-32. I recently drove to boston from southern maine and filled the tank upon leaving. I drove 90 miles and then filled up again, used 2.3 gallons of gas for a mpg of 39.1. I consistenly drove at about 65mph. I have read all of the reviews and am baffled by the low gas milage some posters report.
KIA RIO PINGING BAD?USE SHELL NITRO PREMIUM ONLY
worknman, 03/19/2014
updated 03/27/2017
2012 Kia Rio EX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
12 of 20 people found this review helpful
Our Kia developed a severe pinging issue running regular gas especially with the ECO mode on. The Kia Forum website states that Kia is running a series of ecm ( engine control computer ) software patches to solve this issue. Many people on that forum have had the patches done and these patches have largely only helped for a few weeks before the bad pinging came back. I finally decided that I didn't want to destroy my engine no matter how 'great' the Kia warranty supposedly is. I started using PREMIUM - NAME BRAND GAS AND TURNED THE ECO MODE OFF. ****Shell Nitro premium gas is THE BEST GAS FOR THIS KIA. BETTER YET BUY A TOYOTA AND LEAVE THIS BRAND TO THE IDIOTS WHO DON'T READ THIS REVIEW! THIS CAR IS COMPLETE FUBAR!ENGINE LIGHTS SINCE TWENTY THOUSAND MILES-RUNNING LIKE A PERSON HAVING A SEIZURE HALF THE TIME. NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS LIKE THIS WITH HONDAS,NISSANS OR TOYOTAS WE OWNED. NEVER NEVER NEVER WILL WE BUY A KIA EVER AGAIN.IF SOMEONE GAVE US ONE WE'D SELL IT THE NEXT DAY. STAY AWAY FROM KIA!!!!YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!! After four gas tanks full of this, our Kia is running and shifting better and smoother then it ever did new. more below-
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This is really just an update
talanj, 10/19/2012
2012 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've have a 2012 sedan and I was getting around 32 mpg. I've now got about 12k miles on the car in 6 months. I've had 1 minor issue. At about 11.5k mile the CE light came on. I took it to the dealer and they said it needed a software update. That did fix the CE. I've gone through a couple tanks of gas since and It does seem that my MPG is up a few miles per gallon. All and all it's a nice little car, looks good and cruises along pretty good.
Give the Rio a chance !
Brad R, 08/21/2015
2012 Kia Rio EX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had my 2012 Kia Rio EX with the convenience package (back up camera, indicators on the mirror, touch screen display) bought it with 5 miles now has an outstanding 86,000 miles. In the summer I average 35mpg usually in the winter it drops to about 28 unfortunately. I'm still on the original factory brakes which I do need to replace asap, had a problem at 10k with evap sensor which dealer replaced at no cost even gave us a free lender for a week while they waited for part. At 80k a clack happened upon acceleration, pinging caused timing to jump kia dealer fixed with no problem and at no cost even with the system update being expired, however car still pings like crazy upon acceleration. The passenger seat sits really low, I can't sit passenger in my car and I feel bad for my passengers. Resale value is absolutely terrible for this car however. It's been a great car, and the warranty is amazing.
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Like the car but gas mileage is not there
talanj, 05/27/2012
2012 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Good little car. Great features. Good price. Good warranty. Good dealer service. Car scoots along good on the highway. By far the best looking car in the class.
Best bang for your buck EVER!
miketill18, 02/28/2012
2012 Kia Rio SX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive! Peppy engine! 35.8 MPG's mixed driving. Awesome UVO system and stylish. What more could you want?
Dont trust Kia
jr66, 11/06/2012
2012 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 14 people found this review helpful
With the release of downgraded MPG ratings, this vehicle is not worth the price. The electronics in the car are cheap. Interior panels are showing wear after less than 7000 miles. My car is two shades of red with panels not matching.
good for me good for you
John Farrell, 02/25/2016
2012 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is a real good value
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Great Gas Mileage. Priced to high.
larrytauch, 01/22/2014
2012 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 9 people found this review helpful
The New KIA RIO is a eye catcher. We averaged 37 MPG around our Town. On the Highway we got 42.3 MPG, and it wasn't a Hybrid. Front Passenger Seat is mounted to low. Drivers Seat was fine with manual height adjustment. If you need Power leave the ECO button off. If you want Great Gas Mileage leave the ECO button engaged! We have had our KIA RIO LX Sedan for 21 mths. Parts are mostly only available at the Dealer! Parts are very expensive!
electricity went completely out
Kiara, 10/20/2015
2012 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 7 people found this review helpful
I just bout a used 2012 Kia rio lx like three months ago. Everything is nice ok and dependable for the most part. However the electricity went out in my car. Like for real. No headlights, taillights, radio, bright lights, dome light, key ignition circle, dashboard lights/signals came on. It didn't start or anything. Then the locks and windows didn't work. I tried to lock the doors with the key alarm and that still didn't work. So I just let it sit for awhile then came back to it. It started up and lights came on like nothing ever happened. What the heck went wrong? Is this going to be a reoccurring incident?
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