Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
25 -26 City / 32 -33 HWY
Horsepower
104
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Holmes Z
The most important thing about my car is everything is very cheap.
I love that my Kia rio does not drink a lot of gas. My car have a very good warranty on it some people tell me its the best. I do not have a lot of problem out of it. It get me to point a to point b so I love it 4 that. Parts are very cheap on my car.
accountCircle Jennifer W
Family car with good gas mileage
The only problem I've had with this car is the timing belt broke otherwise this is an amazing car decent gas mileage fits the whole family amazing trunk space and plenty of legroom. It has a good sound system. It's a very dependable car. I would definitely buy another one like this in the future it truly is an awesome car for a family to have
accountCircle Kay M
It is durable and runs great! I am thankful for it.
I don't like how it looks anymore as my aunt wrecked it many years ago, but I am thankful it gets me where I need to go!
accountCircle Orville K
It runs very well and it gets me to where I need to go without fail.
My Kia always runs will and is very good on gas. It always starts. It is very economical.
accountCircle Tina H
I have taken good care of it and take it on a regular basis to the mechanic.
It is good on mileage, is very reliable, however, the A/C is not working very well.
accountCircle Adissely P
It is an economic car. The car is easily handled. Sometimes it gets a bit lazy when the a/c is on.
I really like the car. It is economic in gas consumption. The ac works fine.
accountCircle Kaitlyn B
The car is a bit weak, but overall incredibly reliable.
I like that the vehicle has manual windows and has clear visibility. I Don't like the manual locks. The car is also very small, but that's okay. It also is not very powerful and has a hard time going up hills.
accountCircle Autumn A
Well the most important thing is it gets me to where I am going. It feels like a safe car to me.
I really like my Kia Rio a lot.I don't have any dislikes.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Esther R
That it does not have a lot of room. The spare tire is in a well in the trunk and if you use your trunk. You may have to empty a lot of stuff out to get to your spare tire.
My KIA Rio has great gas mileage. I think it is too small, I would like a roomier car that provides more luggage space. It also has an odd tire and they are more expensive.
accountCircle Sheila R
A small car.. Good in gas.. Cheap.
Is a good car but the barracks are bad.. A small car.. Good in gas and good to travel.. They did in any spad.

Kia Rio Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
4dr Sdn Manual
104 HP 30-30 MPG 5 Seats
car
4dr Sdn Auto
104 HP 29-29 MPG 5 Seats
car
4dr Wgn Cinco Manual
104 HP 30-30 MPG 5 Seats
car
4dr Wgn Cinco Auto
104 HP 29-29 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2003 Kia Rio Owner Reviews

4.21
14 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 36%
4 stars 50%
3 stars 14%
2 stars 0%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Morgan C on March 17, 2021
Basic and loud but reliable.
I have driven this car for 10 years, and it has been extremely reliable with hardly any non-regular maintenance needed. I have used it as a commuter car for most of that time, and the gas mileage is pretty good for how old the car is. The interior does feel cheap and there are no special features. It is not the most comfortable car for extended trips. The doors are fairly thin, which causes quite a bit of road noise.
accountCircle adrian W on March 17, 2021
It's a comfortable first car. Gender neutral depending on the color chosen.
Reliable car with a very smooth ride even after 200 + thousands miles of travel. Gas is pretty good on main roads but excellent on the interstate during state traveling jobs. No motor issues so far just small things like headlights, a stuck window and a dead battery have needed to be fixed or replaced.

Ranks #8 Small Cars by Owners

The 2003 Kia Rio has an average owner rating of 4.21 out of 5 which ranks it #8 of 21 other Small Cars.

1
car
4.5
2
car
4.35
8
car
4.21

Ranks #6 Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2003 Kia Rio has a combined MPG of 33 which ranks it #6 of 21 other Small Cars.

1
car
48 MPG
2
car
43 MPG
6
Tie
car
33 MPG

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test
(Not Tested)
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety