2003 Kia Rio: Road Test
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2003 Kia Rio ▼
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- MSRP: $9,665 -$12,040
- Invoice: $9,260 -$11,485
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Our road test for the 2003 Kia Rio includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Kia Rio from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Kia Rio, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Kia Rio help you decide if a 2003 Kia Rio is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4 |
Test manual-transmission sedan ran 9.9 sec 0-60 mph. We haven't yet tested an '03 with automatic, but would expect about 11 sec vs. the 11.5 we got with earlier 1.5-liter version.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.5 |
Not stellar for the class at 24.2 mpg for test sedan. Kia recommends regular fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.4 |
Little changed despite '03 chassis revisions. Rio smothers small bumps surprisingly well, but bounces some over large humps and dips on relatively soft suspension.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.3 |
Small-car agile, but wimpy tires and soft suspension mean marked body lean, limited grip in corners. Test car's optional power steering had mediocre road feel, and its non-ABS brakes allowed early front-wheel locking in simulated panic stops, which weren't that short.
QUIETNESS
| Base sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.7 |
Below par even for the budget class, with boomy engine resonance from 4500 rpm on up, plus marked coarse-surface tire thrum.
CONTROLS
| Base sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.6 |
No problems, but no flair either, though materials acceptable for the price and radio controls are now adult-size. Extra-cost Upgrade Package adds tachometer and map lights. Our test car had it, plus optional power windows that did not operate smoothly; driver-side glass wouldn't lower without a push to free it.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.8 |
Upgrade option brings power steering and useful tilt wheel. Drivers get standard height-adjustable seat with center armrest. Both models offer decent visibility, but only average room and comfort for 6-footers.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 3.7 |
Very tight for adult legs unless front passengers move well up; even then, minimal toe space. Wagon seems to have a bit more head room than the sedan's bare minimum. No rear cupholders. Entry/exit tight because doors have narrow bottoms and don't open that wide.
CARGO ROOM
| Base sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 3.8 |
Sedan has good trunk space for its exterior size, but opening won't swallow large boxes, and no fold-down rear seatback offered. Wagon has split folding rear seat and roomy cargo hold, but high floor lip hinders loading.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 1 | 5.4 |
Despite its '03 changes, Rio is still outclassed by most rivals. It may have lower base prices, but a few options negate the advantage, and Rio's more-generous warranty is more than offset by Kia's mediocre reliability record and low scores in independent customer-satisfaction surveys. For superior all-around "cheap wheels," we recommend a Ford Focus or, if your budget allows, a Honda Civic.
Total Score
| Base sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 36 | 47.2 |
Total Score: 36
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