2004 Kia Rio User Reviews

Pros

Fuel economy is great, 5 speed manual gives plenty of power, comfort, looks, price make it right.

Cons

Not enough leg room in the back

Just got the 2004 Rio Cinco and wife and I are both impressed. We got the 5 speed manual trani that gives plenty of passing power. Note:I assume the complaints of power must be Automatics. I need leg room for a disability and have plenty on the passenger side up front, but leaves none in the rear seat. 5 speed gives more power and better fuel milege and is easier to work on if you still do that sort of thing. With the 10/100 powertrain warranty I don't expect I'll have to and no one else could match it. 5/60 everthing covered and 5 yrs/ 24 hr. roadside for gas, flats, jumps, locked keys inside etc... can't be beat. This car is hard to beat all the way around with low price, great warranty, mileage, zip, cargo area, looks cute and most of the warranty can be transferred to2nd buyer. All this out the door for 11,200 including Air, PS, PB, tilt, AM FM CD player, Cargo net, Cargo cover, 60-40 back seat that both fold down, 5 speed manual, great service, 7500 mi first oil change and service. dual front airbags. Now how do you beat that with the warranty. No used car covers that and no new car with that price....read morehide

Pros

good fuel economy

Cons

the painting job is doesn't have the quality I expected

Problems with my brakes(they make a anoying sound),
Rear doors make some noise when I open it or close it.

I traded in a 2000 kia and couldn't be happier. My previous car had over 220,000miles on it and still running like new. KIA's are simply great cars. You can't get a better value in America. This is it

Needed an economical car that is good on gas and everything works for a decent price that I could afford. A "KIA" was the very LAST brand of car I chose to look at. Why? People kept saying they're "throw away cars", meaning , people buy 'em cheap and rack up commuter miles on them then toss them aside. Cheap, plus you get your monies worth. Ended up choosing a 2004 Kia Rio...automatic with the upgrade package (Air conditioning; Tilt Wheel; Tachometer; Map Lights etc.). Small little car with little space but everything works...it's what I could afford. What do I miss on this car? The 'pick me up' of a more powerful engine! This is so incredibly s-l-o-w. Getting onto the freeway is nervewracking! I miss having power windows & door locks too. One other annoyance...when I'm inside the car in the process of getting out, opening that door handle makes me nervous. The handle is so 'flimsy'...I feel as if I'm going to accidentally break it!...read morehide

I am a working college student, and I needed a cheap, dependable vehicle. All in all, I got what I needed. I havn't had any kind of performance problems (it is rather gutless, though). I have taken it in numerous times though for the following

I've driven it to San Diego CA, my parents took it to St Louis MO. I'm just now having to replace the tires, and I bought it in 2004. Its been great on gas, $22 at the most, and $15 at the least. I need to upgrade though cause my familys getting bigger and there is very little back seat room for anyone over 5'5'' so it comfortably....read morehide

Great working car. I take it to work and save a bunch on gas. It's the only thing it's good for. Not a luxury car, nor a sport car. Not attractive but it will take to from here to there and save you money.

The back seat is not spacious at all, but I use it for to and from work only. I enjoy the 5-speed and the fuel efficiency. It's a good car and affordable.

this car is perfect for me a college student. perfect for me and my friends!

My Rio has 36,000 and has never gave me a problem. Agreed, it is slightly under power compared to my son's Honda Civic but I have to say the built quality is better. The Honda rattles and the rubber molding pops off the windshield right out of the factory. The Kia actually outperforms the Civic in cornering and holds the road better on highway. I have owned Mecedes, Lexus, and many other late model Japanese and American cars before just because I like to play with cars and evaluate them for what they are worth. Honestly, I have to say that I am more in love with the little Kia than most of my other toys. It gets you where you are going and I don't have to pamper it like my "Name Brands". To me, the Kia gave me most satisfaction for the money and it is really not a bad car to own particularly if you are a down to earth person who will rate products fairly on quality versus value for the money....read morehide