2012 Kia Rio User Reviews

Pros

great gas mileage

Cons

Ride is a bit choppy on rough roads

Purchased As New

I really love this little car. Bought it in January so I waited a few months to review. Its easy to give good review the first month. Mine has the Uvo which I really love for the features, but it has been my only problem with the vehicle. It has frozen up a couple of times and when it does you can't do anything. Can't change stations, back up camera quits working. I found that inserting a CD reset it. There was a time when the back up camera wouldn't switch off so I was looking at what was behind me for 26 miles. Again, a CD reset it. Unfortunately I didn't carry them in the car because of my music all being on iphone and using bluetooth. Now I carry a CD just in case. I looked at many of the smaller cars out there and the Rio had the best combination of features,space, and price. Also, can't beat the warranty...read morehide

Pros

40 mpg hwy/30 mpg city, analog fuel gauge

Cons

None yet

Purchased As Not Purchased

Test drove an EX model. I'm interested in a fully loaded SX mode hatchback model.

Currently own a 2012 Nissan Versa S HB model and have owned a 2011 Nissan Sentra S and 2010 Nissan Versa S HB.

Kia has more stuff than Sentra or Versa. My sister owns an Forte and had a Spectra. I had test drove the Optima Turbo, Forte Koup and Hyundai's models as well as the hybrids out there. So i'm sold on the Kia Rio...read morehide

Pros

Good on gas, enough horsepower,

Cons

i wish my stereo was louder :)

Purchased As New

This was my first time buying a car! I got the car in the 14-15000 price range. Live in DMV area and it has enough horsepower to get me on the highway so i dont get run over by on coming cars!! In all I think this was a great first buy (only had it for a week though)

Pros

Best Value over all!!!!

Cons

Availabilty of SX with Premium package

Purchased As New

I'm 6'4" Male. Bought 2012 Rio LX with Premium package. Definitely the way to go. This package is loaded with everything and worth every penny i paid for it. Spent 2 weeks reseaching and comparing all comparables and this one won hands down. Just did a trip to the Dells and actually got 40MPG on the HWY for the whole 200 miles on the way home. After 1st oil change (3,500mi) the intervals are 7,500 mi. Only 3.5qts of 5w-20 reg oil. After my first 3k I'm gong Full sysnthetic and doing it myself just to take good care of this and save some money doing so. Everyone that has seen my car can't believe how nicely loaded it is and how much I paid....read morehide

Cons

Can not adjust the height of passenger seat like u can the diver seat.

Purchased As New

I was looking for a vehicle that gave good mpg. I looked at all the other makes and models and decided on the Rio because of that. I travel quiet a bit and sense the gas prices are not going down anytime soon it is the right choice for me. I am new to the Kia models so not really up to speed on how they handled in the past but most of the reviews I was looking at said they were improving in a lot of areas. Features are awesome USB port, BIG trunk space even with the back seats up, looks like plenty of room for take people around in back (have not done that yet). Rides smooth. All in all I made a great choice with this Kia. I was very happy when I put gas in my vehicle for the first time and instead of putting $60 in for what I use to own I put $31 in. Not bad when at the time gas was at $3.45. So again I say if you are looking for a vehicle to get good mpg. This is a good one the other people that reviewed here are right about what the average mpg you get....read morehide

Pros

Great MPG avg 38.7 mostly Hwy Plenty of pep and smooth ride

Cons

none

Purchased As New

Traded my VW Beatle for this honey! Best move I've made in quite a long time.

Pros

Features

Cons

None

Purchased As New

I needed to get a new daily commuter car as I drive over 70 highway miles daily. Look at what you get from Toyota, Honda, Nissan in this same segment and compare all the features. I went to each dealer, Toyota had a sticker price increase of $1500 "market adjusted value" on the Corolla! Nonsense! I wanted something that would get good gas mileage (+36mpg), holds a couple golf bags and more in the trunk, and if needed, my family of 4 when we're not in the sweet minivan. This car has extreme value at a low price... less than $18K out the door. You can electronically fold in the heated side mirrors, which have LED turn signals. The front lights have LED markers and the rear tail lights are all LED. Engine has the most horsepower in the segment and is direct injection technology. Big 17 inch wheels on the ground, USB port on radio which is built by Microsoft UVO and I could go on and on for the features. You will see many of these features only in higher segment cars. Japan auto makers are becoming dated fast with their features and technology and are overpriced for their value in today's market. KIA shares many of their platforms now with Hyundai and the quality of their build has dramatically improved with the RIO. I have been very satisfied for the first 1200 miles. If you are looking for good gas mileage, good trunk space, great features, LED lights aplenty, etc... do not overlook this car and forget completely about KIA in 2008. In 2012 they have transformed light years ahead of the competition....read morehide

Pros

Perfect commuter for the prius averse

Cons

None yet

Purchased As New

Needed a commuter and I loath Toyota... rented a Prius once and I just dont understand how ppl like that car so much... its a nerd's shoe.... so I tested the 2012 Accent and liked it a lot, but didn't pull the trigger on buying it because it was the first car I looked at... I tested the Fiesta next, had better overall feel as far as handling and interior but the auto-tranny in the Ford left a lot to be desired, ruling it out... next I ended up at Kia and tested the Rio, it felt almost exactly like the Hyundai which makes sense since they use the same power trains... it wasn't quite as nice on the interior feel but still really nice and it was the price difference of about $2k for essentially the same car (Accent vs. Rio) that had me sold and away I drove in the new Kia Rio... the new style of Kia is getting better and better, Hyundai too with their new styles but I think if the new styles were given a 'gender bias' I would make Kia for guys and Hyundai for gals.... I've got almost 500mi on the Kia, I do 100mi/day, it is avg over 38mpg and I'm very happy with the decision, even though its kind of early....read morehide