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

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		34
Average Score		47
High Score		62