Kia Rio
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For 2013, Kia offers its Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology as part of the Rio EX's Eco package. ISG automatically shuts down the engine when stopped and then restarts it once the gas pedal is depressed. Also new are steering-wheel paddle shifters on the Rio SX.
The Kia Rio has been completely revamped for 2012 and has an even lower price tag. It's still available as a 4-door sedan, but adds a 5-door hatchback design, both of which sport a new look, a new engine and enough tech-savvy features to make others in its class jealous.
For 2010, the Rio receives a new front end treatment, keeping it inline with the new face of Kia. Changes include a new grille, headlamps and bumper, as well as full body-colored front and rear bumper and color-keyed side moldings. An "EcoMinder" fuel economy indictor light is made standard on all automatics, while Bluetooth, cruise control and integrated side mirror turn signals join the options list.
All 2009 Kia Rio models receive an AM/FM/MP3 compatible CD stereo with a three-month trial subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio as standard equipment. LX and SX trims add a USB port beside the standard auxiliary audio input jack.
A five-door LX model is added to the Rio line (covered in a separate review), while all LX models receive a new auxiliary audio input jack.
Consumers on budgets have learned that finding a new car for under $12,000 is not easy. And finding one with standard front and rear side-curtain airbags and a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty leaves only one option: The Kia Rio. The Rio's bargain-basement price doesn't come at the expense of styling or fuel economy. The handsome little four-door is quite the looker, and those willing to spend a bit more cash can equip this little entry-level econobox with such upscale features as power windows, AM/FM/CD stereo and heated outside mirrors. The Rio also makes great strides in refinement over previous models, with more precision in the gearshift, less vibration from under the hood and a higher quality feel both inside and out.
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good commuter car
By Jonathan (WA) on Tuesday, July 17, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,500
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "fantastic fuel economy and fun to drive"
Cons: "slow to accelerate, no power locks/windows"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"I have really enjoyed my Rio so far. I think I probably should have opted for the power pack because there is no way to unlock the back doors from the outside without reaching around the door frame to unlock the door from the inside. Other than that it has been great. The fuel economy with Eco boost on is around 34 mpg in the city and I have gotten as high as 43.3 mpg on the highway. Usual highway mpg is around 38 or 39 mpg. Without the eco boost on, it is only 30-36 mpg. It is a little slow to pick up speed, unless you remember to move the shifter to the left and use the manual shift option and downshift one gear. It will downshift for you if you forget, but it won't upshift on it's own in manual mode. You definitely want to scotchguard the seat fabric or get seat covers. The fabric they use stains easily. If I trade mine it, it will probably be the same car in tropical red with black/tan interior and the power pack."
36 people out of 36 found this review helpful
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KIA Killed It
By cldedgy (MA) on Tuesday, August 07, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,800
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Price, Sunroof, Bluetooth, Fun to drive"
Cons: "I'd like my hatch to open automatically"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9
"I'll be completely honest. I bought this car after doing a lot of research, test drives, and having a bottle of merlot on President's Day weekend. For the record, the test drives and wine happened on different days. I couldn't be more pleased at what I got for my money. I decided to go big or go home. I got the top model with the sunroof, fancy wheels, navigation, etc. If I was going back to having a car payment, I wanted to make it count. I can honestly say, KIA came in at the best price, and gives me SO MUCH for my money. I don't need to use my car for commuting (thanks MTBA), but I have to park in Southie (Boston). This car can fit anywhere. Also, it's terrifc on weekend trips. I get just over 40mpg with it. There is a ton of room, and I love the hatchback for pets, groceries, and boxes of wine. The durability of the wheels make me a little nervous sometimes. I tend to go out of my way to avoid potholes, but I think I am just getting used to the thinner tires. That's more my problem than KIA's. Also, every time I brush a curb I spout profanity because I know I just scraped my chrome. I'm a picky girl. I will drive this car into the ground."
12 people out of 12 found this review helpful
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Boy did I get lucky
By BF (OH) on Monday, November 26, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,500
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Very functional, high tech, fun, with personality"
Cons: "Visibility, can't see the extents of the car"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I have a 2013 red Rio SX M/T (for Manual Transmission). One out of supposedly 500 cars for a marketing test of a high level Compact Hatchback with manual 6-Speed. The fact that the "regular" Rio SX is only available with automatic would have been a deal breaker for me. The drivetrain is amazing. Very smooth with great low end torque and flawless clutch action. The car is very quiet on the inside and handling is very compliant despite the standard 205/45 17" wheels which make it handle like running on rails. The level of electronic and advanced equipment of the "Power Package (without sun roof & heated leather seats in this particular version)" can be intimidating, but it all makes sense. It is designed for good ergonomics and it is very functional. With 1,500 miles it is obviously too early to assess long-term reliability. I must say, however, that appearance and initial quality at delivery were flawless. Yes, I love to drive with a mission. My trade-in was a low mileage VW Golf Turbo. I love this car. One caveat: Due to extreme, integrated exterior and steeply angled, high belt-line, visibility and maneuverability take some getting used to. No indication of where the car ends and where the wheels are, when it comes to parking and pin-point driving."
7 people out of 7 found this review helpful
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