2007 Kia Rio Review
The Kia Rio was introduced for the 2001 model year to replace the Kia Pride. At the time, it was the cheapest car on the market. It originally had only a 96-horsepower engine. In 2003, the Rio saw a slight upgrade that upped the engine to 105-horsepower and improved the suspension and braking. The Rio was completely redesigned for 2006, with increased size, added safety features, and a snazzier looking exterior. The 2006 Rio won Autobytel’s “Editors’ Choice Award for Most Improved New Car.”
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
Starting at around $10,000, the Kia Rio is just about the cheapest new car on the market. Despite its low price tag, it features standard side impact airbags and a five year/ 60,000 mile warranty. Overall the Kia Rio offers great value for money, but be aware of its poor crash test scores before deciding this is the car for you.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
The 2007 Kia Rio is rather new, so there is no long term reliability data available yet. However, it isn’t much different than the 2006 model, which J.D. Power gave only two and a half out of five stars for initial quality. But overall driver of the impressions have been positive, and Automotive Information Systems gave the 2004 Rio five out of five stars for reliability. One of the chief complaints about the Rio are cheap materials, which can lead to chipping paint or interior components falling off. However, most users are happy with the fact that it runs consistently. Expect average reliability out of the Rio, which is backed by one of the best warranties in the business.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration hasn’t tested the 2007 Kia Rio for frontal impacts, but gave it three and a half stars for side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Rio its average “Acceptable” rating for frontal impacts, but its worst “Poor” rating for side and rear collisions. The Rio doesn’t offer much in the way of safety features, but it does come standard with full side curtain airbags. Anti-lock brakes are optional on the LX and SX trims.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Inexpensive
+ Standard side airbags
+ Incredible warranty
Cons
– Cheap materials
– Lacking in safety features
– Weak performance
Head-To-Head Competition:
In terms of price and features, the Kia Rio holds up well to competitors. It costs more than $1,000 less than the Toyota Yaris, and includes side airbags. The Yaris, however, comes with standard air conditioning and gets five more miles to the gallon on the highway. The Rio costs a full $3,000 less than the Honda Fit, but lacks many of the Fit’s features, such as anti-lock brakes, an alarm, CD player, air conditioning, and powered locks and windows. The Fit also has nine more cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Rio is also about $1,200 cheaper than the Chevrolet Aveo, and gets five more miles to the gallon in the city, but the Aveo comes with air conditioning.
What Others Are Saying:
“On a mission to redefine “entry level” in 21st-century terms, the second- generation Rio maintains the aggressive pricing of its predecessor, but it grows up in just about every other area that matters.” – Motor Trend
“Although the Rio shares its platform with the Hyundai Accent, it feels sportier, thanks to subtle chassis tweaks. The engine could use more power, and the manual shifter lacks precision, but for a bare-bones car with a low price, it’s surprisingly roomy, refined, and good-looking.” – Car and Driver
“Almost fun to drive, the Rio really loosens up in aggressive lane changes. And Rio’s not-so-class-soft suspension helped to keep body roll reasonable. The optional power steering is quick, light, if somewhat vague. On the open road, the Rio also behaves very well for its class. Ride quality is smooth and stable from town to highway, and despite some engine buzz, it’s relatively quiet.” – MotorWeek
Read more about the 2007 Kia Rio at the Kia manufacturer web site.
