2008 Kia Rio [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 35 Rio reviews and test drives.
Kia Rio - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Kia Rio ranks 10 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 35 published reviews and test drives of the Kia Rio, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Rio delivers plenty of safety features and is backed by an outstanding warranty, but it doesn't offer the cutting-edge interior features of others in its class.
Our analysis shows that the 2008 Kia Rio is a good option for budget-conscious drivers interested in the bare necessities of driving. Reviews note there's nothing remarkable about the Rio's performance, styling or features, but it is an all-around pleasing car with a price-tag to make it distinctive in the class. Car and Driver says, "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."
For 2008 the Kia Rio is virtually unchanged, but reviews do note modest changes to the sedan's interior. Buyers have two body style options: the four-door Rio sedan or the five-door hatchback, the Rio5. If you're in the market for an affordable small car, consider the Honda Civic or the Honda Fit.
- "For a low-buck sedan, it's substantially more refined than you'd expect. Budget shoppers should at least take one for a test drive." -- Car and Driver
- Newsday explains that the Rio "offers proof that an under-$15,000 car can be reasonably comfortable and handle safely enough at real-world American highway speeds, yet still deliver 30 miles or more on a gallon of gas." -- Newsday
- "More for less. That might not be Kia's official slogan, but they really should consider it, because it's what all of its cars deliver on. The Rio might not be new, but as with any Kia it's a compelling buy in its respective segment." -- Automobile.com
- "While changes are few, the 2008 Kia Rio is still quite well equipped for an economy car. While the base sedan offers manual steering, no air-conditioning and narrow tires, the cabin materials are attractive, driver-seat is height adjustable, the instrument panel includes a tachometer and front-seat side airbags are standard equipment." -- Sun Journal
Rio Performance - 6.7 (Mediocre)
Most come away from their test drives with positive remarks for the Rio's road dynamics. New Car Test Drive's reviewers write, "After driving three varieties of the Kia Rio on highways and freeways around Seattle, we came away impressed." Check out our full Performance Review to read how the engine's increase power from previous models actually improved its fuel efficiency. continue
Rio Exterior - 7.8 (Good)
The 2008 Rio receives favorable reviews for its outward appearance. To the Chicago Tribune and others, the Rio has "impressive styling that doesn't look like a bargain-basement offering." Check out the Kia Rio Photo Gallery for front, side and back images of a silver Kia Rio, or continue with our full Exterior Review to read additional remarks on the car's styling. continue
Rio Interior - 7.0 (Good)
Reviewers have opinions of the styling, comfort and features inside the 2008 Kia Rio. Many express disappointment with the bare-bones features provided, but they also acknowledge that this contributes to the Rio's low price and give praise that the five-seater now offers "lots of storage space" and "comfortably supportive seats for this price class," as Newsday writes. Check out the Kia Rio Photo Gallery to view the seating for five, or continue with our full Interior Review to read about the Rio's standard and optional features. continue
Rio Safety - 6.4 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Kia Rio does moderately well in government crash tests, and most reviewers are pleased with what's provided standard to protect passengers. Our full Safety Review gives details on the Rio's crash test results and provides auto writers' assessments of the Rio's safety. continue
Rio Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 Kia Rio 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). Kia's basic warranty for the Rio is good for the first five years or 60,000 miles. Continue with our full Reliability Review to read about Kia's lengthy powertrain coverage. continue