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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Kia Rio

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Kia Rio

Overview

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2009 Kia Rio Review

By KBB.com Editors

Consumers on budgets have learned that finding a new sedan for around $12,000 is not easy. And finding one with standard front and rear side-curtain airbags and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty leaves only one option: The 2009 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, steering-wheel audio controls and heated outside mirrors. The Rio has also made 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.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're seeking a fuel-efficient small car that is affordable, stylish, roomy and well equipped, the 2009 Kia Rio makes a great choice. Those worried about long-term reliability can take comfort in the Rio's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000 basic warranty.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If finding a car with the highest fuel efficiency, best resale value and strongest customer satisfaction survey responses are more important than a low sticker price, purchasing a Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris or Honda Fit may be a better choice.

What's New for 2009

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.

Driving the Rio

Driving Impressions Ride comfort and easy maneuverability head the list of the 2009 Kia Rio's merits. Even when the pavement gets troublesome, the Rio's suspension absorbs considerable roughness. Steering is light, but...

the Rio is delightfully nimble in urban environments, tracks adeptly on straightaways and is easy to guide into turns. Through curves the body doesn't lean as much as might be expected. Performance is improved but is no more than adequate with the mannerly automatic transmission. Although the engine gets seriously buzzy when accelerating, it quiets nicely at speed. A low cowl and sizable rear glass help create nearly unobstructed visibility.

Favorite Features

Six Standard Airbags
If Kia can put side-impact airbags and side curtain-type airbags into every Rio, one wonders why all automakers have not followed.

Automatic Transmission
Unlike some small cars with automatics, the Rio goes through the gears promptly and easily, with no awkwardness or lurching. Shifts are barely noticed, in fact, though the manual transmission can deliver slightly more spirited acceleration.

2009 Kia Rio Details

Interior

Although five passengers can squeeze into the Rio, longer-legged folks might not be comfortable in the backseat. Rear head- and foot-room are adequate, but the rear seat is hard and reclines excessively, and the center occupant straddles a tunnel. Front occupants get ample space on supportive and well-cushioned seats. The Rio's trunk has grown to 11.9 cubic feet and, with the LX trim, can be expanded thanks to the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Rio5 is a bit more useful, thanks to its large hatch opening and folding rear seats. Helpful extras include a dashboard slot that can hold a parking ticket, plus a hook that can carry a purse.

Exterior

Although designed in South Korea, the Rio's European-influenced appearance imparts a sporty and youthful character into an entry-level automobile. It's bigger than one might think, given its sub-compact status, and it has a nicely-tuned suspension and a wide track for added stability. As a result, the Rio delivers a smooth ride with somewhat sporty handling. The Rio rides on 14-inch steel wheels and the upper-level LX is equipped with full-wheel covers and wider tires, while the SX can be equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2009 Kia Rio features a 1.6-liter engine, five-speed manual transmission, body-colored bumpers, auto-off headlamps, rear defroster, variable wipers, height-adjustable driver's seat, tachometer, AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible CD player, dual sun visors with vanity mirrors, dual cup holders and front, front side-impact and full-length side-curtain airbags. The LX trim adds air conditioning, auxiliary audio input jack and USB port, power steering, full wheel covers, tilt steering wheel, 60/40 split-folding rear seat and rear-seat adjustable headrests. SX models include 15-inch alloy wheels, sport seats with red trim, fog lights and a rear spoiler.

Optional Equipment

Options for the Rio include a four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), dual heated power mirrors, power windows, power locks with remote keyless entry, steering wheel audio controls, front tweeter upgrade and a rear spoiler.

Under the Hood

The 2009 Kia Rio is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which drives either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Although Kia has made major improvements in noise, vibration and harshness, the Rio's engine is still buzzy at high speed and lacks the smoothness and refinement of its Japanese competitors. Fuel economy is excellent, and it's EPA-rated at 35 miles per gallon on the highway when equipped with the four-speed automatic.

1.6-liter in-line 4
110 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
107 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/33 (manual), 26/35 (automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Kia Rio vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2009 Kia Rio Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.2

Out of 10

Based on 167 Ratings for the 2006 - 2012 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.4/10
Reliability

8.8/10

Performance

8.3/10
Comfort

8.2/10

Styling

8.3/10

Best Small Car for the Money

By Pisces3201985 (AR) on Thursday, July 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 43,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great Price"

Cons: "Low Resale Value"

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

"I just bought this car used and I love it. I went from driving trucks to this little car, but it has plenty of seat room and trunk space. I love the gas mileage and the way it drives, so glad I bought this car, used at that!"

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Best vehicle ever

By Kitty (MO) on Tuesday, July 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 124,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "awesome price exciting to drive."

Cons: "no heated seats. No power seats"

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

"Most gas efficant vehicle I have ever owned. Has some get up and go. Love the menuverability and the upkeep is easy."

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Best vehicle ever

By Kitty (MO) on Tuesday, July 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 124,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "awesome price exciting to drive."

Cons: "no heated seats. No power seats"

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

"Most gas efficant vehicle I have ever owned. Has some get up and go. Love the menuverability and the upkeep is easy."

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very good value

By Ron (FL) on Monday, July 01, 2013

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

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "great mileage fun to drive great interior space"

Cons: "bumpy ride CD average"

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

"Bought it 1 year old with 12000K Has been very good on repairs excellent on damage and very good in performance for this type. Ride bumpy and noisy but handles good great acceleration In short for the $ great value good reliability and great interior and exterior fit. It does not quite measure up to the Toyotas and Hondas of the world so get a good deal"

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Great Buy!

By MAK911 (AZ) on Friday, June 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 110,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "Good value for the money, reliable."

Cons: "Ride could be smoother, not super roomy."

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

"I love my little Kia Rio. I was strapped for cash and picked it up from a rental company with 40,000 miles. It now has 110,000 and runs great. Recently had an expensive repair as the timing belt broke, but it was my own fault as I didn't realize it needed to be replaced at a certain mileage. Super gas mileage, very easy to maneuver. I am likely to replace this Rio with a new one at some point. This one still runs great so I have no immediate plans to trade in, but it's a great buy for the price."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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You get what you pay for

By rodeofarmer (CO) on Saturday, June 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 63,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Roomy, great on gas, fun to drive, cheap up keep"

Cons: "not rear-facing infant seat friendly"

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

"I bought this car simply because it was either this car, or nothing at all. I absolutely HATED it. I left the dealer bawling I hated it so much. Now, three months later, I LOVE it! I do a ton of long distance traveling and for that, its not the best since it doesn't have cruise control and it does struggle up hill at high speeds but you have to consider the engine size. That is honestly the only "complaint" I have. But this car isn't made for that! But in town it is so fun to drive! Its amazing on gas! It fits everywhere. And I LOVE the hatchback for groceries! My dad drives it a lot and has plenty of room and he is 6'2". The only down side is that its not very infant car seat friendly. I have to sell it now and get a new car because of that. As long as you don't have a rear facing car seat, there's plenty of room. I love that the back seats fold down too! I fit a crib in the back and still had room! Such a great car!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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See all 167 reviews