2006 Kia Rio

Kia Rio5 2008 - 25 MPG Highway with Cruise Control

By JackO (SC) on Sunday, April 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

Pros: "Cheap - Reliable - Easy to Park"

Cons: "Lousy mileage, Same 25 MPG as my old V8"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"Kia changed the transmission gearing in 2008 model year resulting in very poor mileage for such a small car. The 5th gear is barely overdrive at all. Engine is revving extremely high at highway speeds. I have the 5 speed manual and added cruise control. At 70 mph it is revving well over 4000 RPM when it should be in the 2500 RPM range for the feel of this engine. There is no way this car is sold in Europe with this transmission gearing (I lived in Europe for three years.) When tires were needed I bought larger exterior diameter tires (P195 70R14) as a way to change the gearing. Mileage improved to 30 highway and rpm dropped significantly. My speedometer is off 2-3 mpg. Fully loaded on hard bumps and turning corners I do NOT bottom out or rub. Handling, cornering, and ride comfort are all noticeably improved (per skeptical wife and my opinion.) Needed a cheap reliable car - It has been reliable for the 50,000 miles we have driven in the last 5 years. I would not buy this make-model-car-year due to the gearing and lousy mileage. My other car with small V8 gets the same 25 mpg highway."

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

A great 1st car!!!!.

By Vonnie (CO) on Saturday, April 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 90,000

Pros: "Great gas mileage, fast, depanable,5-speed"

Cons: "no radio/stereo, no power steering or windows"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"The inside is like brand new, the outside has very minor hail "dents". It was used to go back and forth to work and garaged when not being used. It needs a new head gasket and that's it. It's never been in an accident!!!!. Looking to sell it to get either a motorcycle or camper."

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

perfect for commuting

By toni (MI) on Friday, April 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 54,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"love this car, but for long trips I wouldn't recommend it, just too small for long trips. Plus with 2 big dogs, there's no room in the back for them to lay down. I miss having all power windows, seats,etc. MPG has been awesome, always hit about 38mpg highway and around 32 in town. Great for a get around car, I would suggest buying it for a college kid, not ideal for my boyfriend who is over 6' tall! Would I buy it again? YES, just for local use."

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

Very much worth the cost.

By Jimmy (TX) on Monday, March 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 62,000

Pros: "price, and fun to drive, in the four speed model."

Cons: "none, really, it is small, but that's expected."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Chic little, good mileage car. Pay attention to schedule maintenance and the quality is good. Only one issue.......front wheel bearing went out at 45000 miles, but otherwise has been trouble free, and a great little sports car type vehicle."

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

Great MPG, affordable to buy, & cheap to maintain

By casey (UT) on Saturday, March 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 56,000

Pros: "Great 40MPG, cheap payments, and cheap to own"

Cons: "Uncomfortable to drive, and not real reliable"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 4

"Great compact 4dr sedan. Great MPG, affordable to pay for and own. Drawbacks: small interior, not very comfortable to drive,lacking in holding up long term(over 8 years). I'm seeing signs that it wont be very reliable much beyond the 8 year mark after owning it from 2008-2013. Other more expensive vehicles have greater reliability that I've owned. Was cheap to buy. Brand new for $12,500."

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

Love this car!!!

By KCA (GA) on Saturday, March 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

Pros: "Gas friendly:)"

Cons: "Highway noise at speeds over 65mph."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"After searching for a reliable used car, I was initially skeptical about buying a Kia. After driving this car for a year, it's the best purchase I've made in years. Its reliable, and economical. I just keep the oil changed and tires inflated and I've not experienced any difficulties in the least, and it's got a little over 80,000 miles on it. I'm a social worker; which explains the milage noted, but I couldn't be happier with my Kia. Great little car!!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse