Kia Rio5
Overall Score - 7.0 (Good)
The Rio5 has a great safety package, decent fuel economy and an outstanding warranty, but offers several necessities only as options. If you're in the market for an affordable wagon, you should consider that the Chrysler PT Cruiser offers more standard features. Also consider the Kia Spectra5 as a compact wagon with a similar price.
Automotive reviews find that when it comes to the 2007 Kia Rio5, little things add up. Although its powertrain is not especially strong, it still performs capably; and though its standard features are extremely basic, they're outfitted in quality materials. Considering the wagon also has six standard air bags and a lengthy warranty, writers are pleased with the overall package. Car and Driver explains the vocal majority's opinion: "Like finding a dollar bill in your bag of Fritos, it won't change your life but it's a pleasant surprise." The New York Times calls the Rio5 "an unexpected treat, like finding a pair of Ferragamo loafers on the clearance rack at the off-price store."
The Rio5 is also praised for the improvements all Kia Rios have made. Not long ago it "had little going for it other than a big warranty...the Rio was the cheapest car on the market, and it drove like it," according to Edmunds. Now the car is commended not only for its outstanding warranty and affordable price, but as a wagon that's "attractive, reasonably roomy, and surprisingly fun," says Automobile Magazine. It's also been recognized as a Consumer Guide "Best Buy" for 2007.
Reviewers wrestle with the notion that for all the 2007 Kia Rio5's finer points, it might not maintain a desirable resale value. Kelley Blue Book says, "If finding a car with the highest fuel efficiency, best resale value and strongest customer satisfaction survey responses are more important than a low sticker price, purchasing a Nissan, Scion or Honda may be a better choice." IntelliChoice gives the 2007 Kia Rio5 a "Worse Than Average" value rating, based on total cost of ownership compared to others in its class.
The Kia Rio5 comes in one trim and is the wagon counterpart to the Kia Rio sedan. Both cars are built on the same platform as Hyundai's Accent.
Rio5 Performance - 7.3 (Good)
The 2007 Kia Rio5's performance is mostly described as average, but reviewers find its power is sufficient for its size. U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman says "it must be a dog on the road, right? That's the most interesting surprise the Rio5 delivers. The four-cylinder engine is tiny -- but the Rio5 squeezes the most out of every single one of its 110 horsepower." continue
Rio5 Exterior - 7.9 (Good)
Writers generally describe the 2007 Kia's Rio5 as a handsome five-door wagon with flair. The Los Angeles Times recognizes "a fetching joie de vivre," and Edmunds feels "in terms of style, the Rio5 with its European-flavored looks has it hands down over the more mainstream." continue
Rio5 Interior - 7.3 (Good)
The 2007 Kia Rio5's interior is considered a compromise. Although its five seats are comfortable, they're squeezed into tight quarters, and though features are scarce, those present are quality. The Los Angeles Times says that "the interior is spare but not spartan, with little grace notes such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, alloy pedals and faux-aluminum surfacing on the dashboard." continue
Rio5 Safety - 7.3 (Good)
The 2007 Kia Rio5 does moderately well in federal government and private crash tests. In fact, most reviewers praise the Rio5 for its expansive list of safety equipment. continue
Rio5 Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2007 Kia Rio5 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Rio5 is covered by a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty. continue