2003 Kia Rio Review
2003 Kia Rio Review
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Used Rio for sale
Appraise This CarKia Rio model years
Kia Rio types
- Wagon
- Sedan
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Small price, big warranty, peppy engine, attractive styling.
Cons
- Unrefined handling, five-speed manual's rubbery shift action, mediocre fuel economy.
What’s new
For 2003, Kia gives the Rio a number of upgrades. Among these are a new 104-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine; various suspension tweaks to improve ride and handling; larger disc brakes; new engine mounts and exhaust tuning for a quieter cabin; and reinforcements to the steering wheel and column to minimize vibration. Inside, look for revisions to the instrument cluster, center console and door panels -- the latter will include storage bins and bottle holders -- as well as new seat fabric. New standard features include child-seat anchors, rear heater ducts, auto-off headlights, variable intermittent wipers and, on the wagon only, a CD player. In addition, Kia has added dual map lights and a sunglasses case to the sedan's Upgrade Package, and will offer the Power Package, which provides power windows and locks. Finally, both Rios get fresh front fascias and wheel covers; the sedan gets a sharper-looking tail and the wagon gets an optional body-color spoiler.
Edmunds says
The Rio and Rio Cinco are the lowest priced sedan and wagon on the market, and they feel that way. Buy one only if you must have a new-car warranty; otherwise, spend your money on a nice used car -- preferably a Japanese compact or a Hyundai Elantra.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$161/mo for Rio Base
Rio Base
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Kia Rio.
5 star(52%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(7%)
69 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.38 out of 5 stars
Good Running Car
Jenevra Smith, 02/22/2015
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
This has been a great car. I bought it used in 2006 and it now has 130000 miles and is still running great. I'm on the second timing belt, and replaced the clutch at 120000. I try to keep up on the scheduled maintenance, and this car has never left me stranded. I will drive it until it falls apart.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Good no frills putter
spaded92, 02/20/2014
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Great car if you need a get around vehicle..bought my 03' back in 07'. Had around 48k miles back then..Now sitting at around 125. Worst thing that's happened is a A/C line sprung a leak..no biggy..On my second timing belt..did the water pump, tensioner and pulley on the second one..lasted 120k no problems just didn't wanna chance it this next 60k. It dent's easily and the paint quality … is mediocre,clearcoat sucks..the door locks have an attitude sometimes but that didn't start until the 10 yr/100k warranty was up..its an old car that's taken a fair beating..Engine still runs smooth like new. Doesn't leak a drop. I have faith this car will last another 100k if I keep it up as I have.
5 out of 5 stars
Fine Piece of Machinery
Tom , 11/24/2009
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 4A)
I took over ownership of the car at 17000 miles from my Dad. Currently it has over 92000 miles on it and runs like new.Fuel economy is great.I live in Chicago currently and consistently return over 30mpg in heavy traffic and lots of urban driving.Open road and under less stressful conditions at my previous residence I was consistently returning 36-41 depending on the situation.Kia has … the stigma of being cheap but I assure this car is not cheap.It performs very well and I have spent nothing on maintenance except for the usual things like oil changes.The only thing special I do with it is that I use a product called engine restore after each oil change.Kia has done a great job.
4.13 out of 5 stars
2003 Kia Rio
KiaRio, 05/28/2010
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
I have had this car for 4 years now and have had no issues with it. It has been very reliable, although a little small and not a lot of power. The fuel economy is great, I spend about $40.00/month driving it when gas prices are lower and about $60.00 per month in the summer season. The only thing that has ticked me off is that the paint on mine has started to chip off the door handles … and the clear coat is coming off, not sure if this is a defect that only I have had issues with.
2003 Rio Highlights
Wagon
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $11,165 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $161/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 24.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver2 / 5Passenger2 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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