2006 Kia Rio User Reviews

Pros

Good fuel economy; Smooth and quiet ride; Nice looking; Comfy

Cons

No Cruise Control; Doesn't go all the way into park sometimes when I shut it off

Purchased As Used

I have had this car for about a week. I bought it used and I absolutely love it ! It is a huge upgrade from my 1995 Toyota Corolla. Although the gas mileage isn't quite what the reviews tout it to be, its a good little car. Mine has some upgrades. I have Konig wheels on it and a black cloth interior. All in all, I do not regret buying this car at all...read morehide

Pros

The Rio5 I have has exciting performance especially in 5th gear

Cons

Steering wheel should be an upsidedown Y rather than a usual Y

Another con is that there is a blind spot in the rear direction. Maybe that's because I am elderly. I do most of my driving alone in the car and travel in trips usually less than 100 miles so I feel the Reo5 is ideal for me. I am a tad disappointed in the gas mileage. I get between 31 and 32. But it's peppy and fun....read morehide

it's with me approx. from 45 days, it's good car by the money, economy, 1.4,16v i always drive it in traffic in the ruch hour, because i drive my girls to school and return to home at noon, it's about 160KM/20Litres

Pros

Good fuel economy,Great looks,Great handleing,Warrenty,Great value,Airbags

Cons

Like I said in My lx review, Seatbelt warning ding, and no cruise control

I wrote another review on our LX model Rio (My wifes car), and I stand behind that one 100% In fact I went and bought another 06 Rio for myself. I went and got the Base model and I actually like it better. (other than not haveing A/C) I really do not need A/c Living in Colorado and I mostly drive to work at night when it cools down.
I really enjoy driving the 5 speed. It shifts smooth and the car is a lot peppier than the automatic. But I drive like an old grandpa anyway and try to squeeze every last mpg out of the car as I can.
I got the silver car with the charcoal interior and it is just as accomodateing as my wifes LX. The stripped down version was nice for me because I added my own stereo system($200 installed at Car toys, panosonic cd/MP3 player)(The speakers and antenea where already factory installed so all I did was get a much better stereo) The Factory speakers really sound great with my new aftermarket cd installed. I put a nice set of aftermarket wheel covers on it (Walmart $15). (It really made a huge differeance over the stock steel wheels)
I also put in a set of all weather floor mats that matched the interior perfectly. (Walmart $25) So for roughly $250 I added everything that was really missing from the car for my tastes and it looks absolutely great.
First tank of gas I got 35 MPG driving a round trip commute of 60 miles a day to work of combined 90% highway and 10% city. with 85 octane Winter oxygenated gas and driving at around 60 mph 2700-3000 RPM. I put mid grade (87 Octane) in it this time and I will see if that will help. Also kia says that gas milage will go up after engine break in.( + I always get 4-5 mpg less in the winter due to warm ups and the oxygenated winter fuel here in Colorado)
I got a great deal on the car as well. I traded my dinged up, rusty, 88 Honda Accord DX (Base Model) with 175,000 miles, Needing a new clutch and timeing belt (That I only paid $700 for and put over 40,000 miles on) and walked out of the dealership paying $9200 includeing taxes. Nice having the new car warrenty and all the new car styling as well. + my rio is just as accomodateing as my old Honda(Space wise)
All in all I love my new Rios, My base model is just as nice and I really don't miss the LX options such as Power steering or A/C.
Read my other review also on my LX model as well....read morehide

Pros

Good fuel economy,Good looks, Smooth ride, Roomy for a compact car, warranty can't be beat

Cons

No cruise controll, Wimpy small car horn, Annoying seat belt warning and I do mean Annoying

I have done a lot of research on the newly redesined Rio And I can honestly say It is really hard to find a bad review, Expert or Consumer a like. I really enjoy this car. It is roomy, Nicely equiped, has plenty of power, Gets great MPG. (I really don't understand some reviews in here, I get right at 35 MPG combined driving) They must have poor driving habits. Handleing is great.
I don't understand those who talk about lack of power, or performance. THIS CAR IS NOT A PERFORMANCE CAR, Hello it is meant as a nice commuter car that gets good gas milage. If you want a performance car buy a Mustang. This car is perfect for getting to work, school, takeing trips in. Not raceing light to light thinking you are JOHN FORCE.
We fit our whole family in this rather comfortly. and the trunk has plenty of room for whatever you need to haul. (Beleive me I have a wife and 2 MID-teenage daughters.) All in comfort and getting to our destinations, on time (WE plan ahead and leave 5 minutes earlier so we don't push the car Oh!! what a concept.), and getting an average of 35-38 MPG.
If I want muscle I will drive my 71 ss Chevelle, If I want a cool truck I will drive My 2004 Ford FX-4 and get 14 MPG. However for everyday driving, This Rio can't be beat for gas milage, comfort and affordability. I walked out paying $12,400 for a nicely equiped automatic BRAND NEW LX sedan.
No regrets or buying remorse here. Just maintain the car per the owners manual and any car will last as long as you want it to. Most reliability issues are caused buy poor Maintenance and Not adhereing to your service manuel. My buddy has a 2002 Rio ( back when they were new and not nearly built as well) and he has 143,000 miles on it and it is still running strong with a daily commute of over 175 miles a day and it is still looking nice. His secret? Maintaing the car per the mfg's recomendations. Simple, change the timeing belt when you are supposed too, Change the oil, and any car will last as long as you treat it with respect.
Recomend this car Yes!!! Great car for a first car or the 30-50 year olds that want a nice daily driver or commuter car.
I'd say No if you are a 20 something tuner high performance type. Go buy a vtec honda or mustang v-8. This is not the car for you. you will surely mistreat the car and push the car to econbox meltdown....read morehide

Pros

good fuel economy in the city , but traveling that's another story.

Cons

the driver's plastic seatbelt cover fell apart. the dealer had to order another one.

not bad for a city car but if your going to be doing a lot of traveling think twice about buying this car. the e.p.a highway mile's are way off. i was getting maybe 25 mpg. plus the basic model doesnt even have cruise control. if you have children i wouldnt recomend this car. the backseat is really cramped....read morehide

Cons

The base model could have a radio and power steering.

My first new car and I think thats its great. The five speed base model will be perfect to get from point A to B. It doesn't even have a radio but I can get over that and get one put in or do without. No power steering, I'll get used to it.

I figure this car will last forever seeing how there really is nothing to break.

Its smooth, quiet and very easy to drive.

There were used cars that cost more and were not as nice.

Could not have found a better deal!...read morehide

Pros

Kia Rio '06 rocks the house! Traded my Buick Park Avenue for one to save gas!

Cons

None!

My basic black '06 Kia Rio is the first small car I've owned in almost 15 years. It handles like a race car, great on long road trips and I almost never hear the engine. This car has a lot of get up and go for the money; and I don't feel guilty about the gas mileage. Trunk space is impressive for a subcompact. I had a power sun roof put in; and the stereo has super awesome sound. My big car days are over! Thank you Kia!...read morehide

Pros

great fuel economy, cute, ride is nice not cramped, fantastic stereo system for a car this size

Cons

rims make noise,wish there was an arm rest on front passenger side

We drove the car to Las Vegas (approx. 350 miles ) the car drove like a dream, plenty of room to stretch out we felt great after the drive.Had to replace the rims due to noise (warranty ) had to wait two weeks for a replacement tire when flat occured by road hazard ( warranty ) We have no complaints on the overall performance of the car and the Kia dealership ( Antelope Valley Kia - Lancaster, CA) was a dream to work with, they were great !!!!!!!...read morehide

Pros

Everything about this automobile says "look at me everybody..I am a great car !"

Cons

No cons about this baby !

I would have to say that a Kia speaks to you like a Rolls Royce without all the frills and $$$'s !
Splendid craftmanship and outstanding mechanically. I have over 200,000 miles on it already and never ever a problem whatsoever.
I would and will continue buying Kia's.
Good job Kia !!