2012 Kia Rio Photo

2012 Kia Rio - Consumer Opinions

 

Consumer Opinions from Around the Web

We have scoured the web for consumer reviews of this car and found the best ones for you to read. Found 61 reviews. This list is displayed in ranked order based the reviews we think are the best.
RankingDetails
#1
Perfect Size
Source: Cars.com

..."I couldn't be happier with my Rio5. I knew I wanted to get a car at a good price and with a good look.
The Rio5 has both. It's very roomy and I love the hatchback feature. It has real zip and handles well on the road. I'm completely satisfied."...

#2
Rio Timing belt problems
Source: Edmunds

...Not Abused, fresh oil change and Fram filter, LOCKED engine, failed timing belt, At first I thought inferior quality belt and poor components, but this is a rugged copy of the Mazda which can run many miles, everything looks great but the belt is hard and not very flexible. Maybe Kia scrimped on this but I really doubt it, seems like a heat problem so I did a closer look. To keep engine noise to an absolute minimum, the hood is heavily insulated as well as a plastic cover plate over the engine, But in addition to that Both fenders and the firewall have a continuous rubber gasket as does most...

#3
Never go back to a Rio!
Source: Cars.com

..."So I have to say that the Rio was not the best car for me.
The only thing I can say that was good about it was the gas mileage was decent but that even started to fall.
I had my car checked many times and keep it in good shape.
After a few years of it however it decided to break with its transmission failing on me.
I figured I was better of buying a new car than keeping this hunk of junk. I think this car is alright for first time buyers but I wouldn't recommend it for anyone else."...

#4
Toyota Yaris Quality for a Kia Rio Price
Source: Edmunds

...Test drove Toyota Yaris and the Kia Rio appeared to be a more refined and substantial ride.
Out the door at $11,000 for an "06 LX Automatic with 500 miles vs.
$15K+ for a Toyota Yaris with automatic made this an easy decision. 6 airbags for safety and a cute design on the exterior made this a perfect car for my daughter...

#5
I Love My Rio5
Source: Cars.com

..."This is my first KIA and my first hatchback. It is comfortable, handles well on the highway and in traffic.
I purchased my 2011 in January when there was snow on the ground; I have driven it for 3 months in all kinds of weather.
I have been driving a larger, much heavier vehicle and was apprehensive about highway driving and adverseweather.
I am pleased that it handles well on gusty spring days and that the visibility is good in heavy rain and really pleased with the gas mileage in town with heavy stop-and-go traffic and on the highway.
I get as high as 37mpg on the...

#6
Nice wagon with no power.
Source: MSN Autos

...Pros: Simple nice small wagon. Cons: A dog (no power) when stepping on gas for more speed up hill or passing. Overall: Over all a nice wagon with no real power...

#7
Great compact car for the money.
Source: MSN Autos

...Pros: Gas mileage, styling. Cons: no cons Overall: This is great little car.
gas mileage ranges from 30-40 mpg. Stores more in trunk and backseat than it appears.
The stick shift is fun to drive but am getting tired of it so i traded this car in after 2 yrs and bought a 2010 Kia Rio with auto, air cond and power steering.
I don't think the automatic gets as good as gas mileage as the stick. The 2009 Kia Rio has been a good all around car for me. I have no complaints. I bought it new. Very satisfied...

#8
KIA RIO- the Best of the BEST
Source: MSN Autos

...the styling and roomy interior. ( been shopping and everything I bought, including 6ft long rolls of flooring, fit nicely with the back seats down to expand the trunk space) , Feels like I am in a much larger Auto. The best car I have every owned. I am in my 60's and have have many new cars in the past from Fords, Chevys, toyotas & even a Hundya (hated that one). The RIO is a very comfortable car to ride & drive. easy to park. It's just a Great Car!! I have definetly recommended a KIA RIO purchase to all my friends and family seeking a new vehicle. Cons: nothing to dislike love it! Overall: I...

#9
KIA/bmw
Source: Cars.com

..."My little Rio is wonderful. Its my version of a BMW.
I absolutely love her. She is white with a side piece of black on both sides.
I love this car. She is zippy, pulls into small spaces with sooooo much ease and looks great too.
I would definitly recommend getting automatic everything though. Thats a realllly hassle having to open each door manually. All in all though this car is perfect for me."...

#10
The Rio has it where it counts!
Source: Edmunds

...The 5 door wagon has more than ample cargo space and the front seats offer A LOT of leg room (I'm 6'5" and comfortable!) the handling is great, the acceleration is adequate but nothing to write home about and at 4.00 a gallon I fill up on about 40 bucks (due to the 11 gallon tank) I was in a wreck on I-285 in this car and while extensively damaged the car held together and even made it home and to the collision center and will be road worthy again in a week! This car saved my life! She can take a beating! Stereo system is great, view of the road is excellent! Lots of cargo space for a tiny...


Kia Rio Related News
 
Kia Rio Surf by Antenna at 2011 SEMA show

2012 Kia Rio Retro Surf, Forte Hockey By Antenna: 2011 SEMA Live Photos

Kia is hitting SEMA as hard as ever this year with a new crop of cars to work with, including the stylish little five-door Rio hatchback. These two concepts, the Hockey and... November 1, 2011 by 


 
2012 Kia Rio B-Spec race car

Kia Rio B-Spec Race Car To Debut At 2011 SEMA

If you haven't heard about it yet, there's a new racing spec making the rounds of the small-car world: B-Spec. Build to cross series boundaries and make racing a near-stock... October 11, 2011 by  1


 
2012 Kia Rio Sedan

2012 Kia Rio: Stop/Start For One Of America's Cheapest Cars

Stop-start technology is an easy way of improving a car's fuel economy by a few MPG and lowering emissions - especially if you regularly commute in heavy traffic. However... September 26, 2011 by 


 
2012 Kia Rio

2012 Kia Rio Sedan: 2011 New York Auto Show

We first saw the Hatchback version of the brand new 2012 Kia Rio debut last month at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and now it’s the Sedan’s turn for the spotlight... April 21, 2011 by 


 
2012 Kia Rio Hatchback

2012 Kia Rio Sedan Coming To New York Auto Show

High Gear Media's own Joel Feder is on the ground in Phoenix at a Kia event today, and he tells us that Kia has confirmed the new Rio sedan will be on display at the 2011 New... March 31, 2011 by  10


 

Why should I also consider these?

The new crop of subcompact fuel-sippers is better than anyone could have imagined just five years ago, and the Rio hits some important targets for gas mileage and overall appeal.

So does the Chevy Sonic, a favorite in the class for its very capable handling and turbocharged acceleration, not to mention kicky styling.

The Ford Fiesta gets kudos for its tight steering and sharp lines, but the back seat is cramped and its sluggish PowerShift automatic transmission is at odds with its sporty character.

The Honda Fit wins on overall interior space along with the Accent, and both have high-quality cabins, with the Fit's flexible rear seat taking special honors.

The new Nissan Versa hatchback improves on interior room, but handling and styling, especially in its cabin, are a little drab.

 
2012 Chevrolet Sonic
The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic is neither subsonic nor supersonic—but it's a good, sound choice and a world better than the Aveo it replaces.
 
2012 Ford Fiesta
You could do better if you most value space and comfort, but the 2012 Ford Fiesta packs in a lot of style and substance.
 
2012 Honda Fit
The 2012 Honda Fit is peppy and fun to drive, and its interior is incredibly space-efficient; but some might be turned off by its rather utilitarian look.
 
2012 Hyundai Accent
Do Americans want small cars with more room and great gas mileage? The 2012 Hyundai Accent is betting they do--and so are we.
 
2012 Nissan Versa
The 2012 Nissan Versa is a reasonably comfortable, well-equipped new car for used-car money—but if you're a stickler for the details it can feel as cheap as it is.
 
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