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Consumer Reviews

2005 Kia Rio Consumer Reviews

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3.4
(287 reviews)
2005 Kia Rio
5
26%
4
32%
3
14%
2
18%
1
11%
68%
Recommend this vehicle
Value
3.8
Performance
3.5
Quality
3.4
Comfort
3.5
Reliability
3.8
Styling
3.6
2005 Rio Overview
Among the 287 owners who provided feedback on the 2005 Kia Rio for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is mixed, with 68% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and value to be its strongest features and quality to be its weakest. 91 out of 287 of owners (32% of them) rank the 2005 Rio four out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem divided in their opinions of the 2005 Kia Rio. Is it the right vehicle for for you? Check out Kelley Blue Book's consumer reviews and see for yourself.
Build & Price

Most Helpful Reviews

Positive Review

"it realy a nice little car"

i drove my rio 367 miles back from iowa and i got just over 40 miles to the gallon, the car rides realy great for a small car i would recamend it to anyone


VS

Critical Review

"CHEAP!"

This vehicle has been nothing but problems, especially with it's transmission. Of the year and a half I've owned it, I've only been able to drive it for half of that time, maximum. The rest it's been in the shop, being repaired. It's an extremely cheap vehicle, not even including cruise control. I was honestly surprised it had electric windows, probably the car's best feature. If you're on a budget and looking for a car that will at least work, this isn't it. I have a used 2005 Rio, but with my experience, I'm scared to try a new one.

2005 Rio Reviews

In our commitment to delivering the most comprehensive assessment of the vehicle possible, KBB.com widens the scope of our reviews to include all pertinent model years.
ex. Dependable

Showing 8 of 287 reviews.


Two Hands
9/6/2022
fullStarfullStarfullStarfullStaremptyStar
It’s not bad
Pros

It’s a manual!

Cons

Very small

This car has kinda got me liking it so far. The story on it goes; it was sitting in my neighbors yard for a couple months, we bought it and it sat in our yard for about a year, year and a half. We started driving it and honestly it’s not a bad little car. Very small, I can hardly fit in here at all and I’m about 5’10 and 150 pounds. Very bumpy but after we changed the shocks it was alright. After the clutch cable broke it got parked again for a few months. After sitting for a few months and fixing the clutch cable, it started right up and drove excellent. Wouldn’t be my first choice but definitely not a bad car

Value
3.0
Performance
3.0
Quality
3.0
Comfort
2.0
Reliability
3.0
Styling
2.0
Recommends this vehicle
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0
0

Kate
9/13/2018
fullStarfullStarfullStarfullStarfullStar
Best car I ever had!
Pros

SO economical, 4 dr, big capacity trunk for size

Cons

No A/C, no power windows or locks

This car got 50 mi to the gallon on long trips. Had it for 11 years, and will be very sad to see it go. Bought it private sale w/ 24,500 mi. for 1/2 what it would have cost on a lot (I know because I called the dealer). Being a low income individual, I can say that this car pretty much saved my life, going RT Colorado to Maine for under 300. Could put a full camping setup in the trunk, no problem. Unfortunately it has an interference engine, and when my timing belt broke, it was destroyed. Had to replace the engine 3 1/2 yrs ago, and the new (used) one was never as good. If you stay on top of this one (i.e. replace the belt in time) this car is incredibly low maintenance.

Value
5.0
Performance
4.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
3.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
4.0
Recommends this vehicle
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12
1

Rich
3/10/2017
fullStarfullStarfullStaremptyStaremptyStar
Its good for gas mileage
Pros

they suck for driving

Its good for Mileage as I said. But comfort it sucks. Rides rough any kia iv ever rode in. There terrible for transmissions. They are notorious for going out in all kias and especially the Rio. I would reccomend only if you cant afford a better car. I guess for price new there cheap and they have improved in the engine dept area. They can actually go 200k now if you keep up on maintenance. You might go through 2 Transmissions though

Value
4.0
Performance
4.0
Quality
3.0
Comfort
2.0
Reliability
4.0
Styling
2.0
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9
5

Leslie
10/11/2016
fullStarfullStarfullStarfullStarfullStar
very good

very good standard car

Value
4.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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5
1

Nightgoddess4
11/19/2015
fullStarfullStarfullStarfullStarfullStar
Great for single people.
Pros

Great gas and good handling in extreme weather.

Cons

Too small for families

I loved my little Rio. I bought it when I was single and going to college and diving all over the city and out laying areas. The gas mileage was incredible and super cheap to fill. It was a little beast in the snow too. The only problems I had with it were both front door handles broke, which is apparently an issue with this make and model. It also is not very family friendly as the car is really a compact, regardless of what the title lists it as, so when I got married and started a family, we very quickly outgrew the size.

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
3.0
Recommends this vehicle
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15
8

Jenn
7/21/2015
fullStarfullStarfullStarfullStaremptyStar
good little 4 cylinder car
Pros

good gas mileage

good looking car, inside & out, no pictures to add at this time, great gas mileage, a/c works great, bought approximately 2 months ago, not adapting well to the lack of the power steering option & shifting, years ago, no problem. I have bad shoulders & right elbow, the more I drive the car, the more pain I'm in. I need a 4cyl, automatic.

Value
4.0
Performance
4.0
Quality
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Reliability
4.0
Styling
4.0
Recommends this vehicle
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18
10

Dazy
7/4/2015
fullStarfullStarfullStarfullStarfullStar
Very reliable transportation
Pros

Great price and gas mileage!

Cons

Only thing I'd change would be to have air!

I bought this car new...no frills...needed dependable transportation ....this car has been fantastic! Has never given me trouble, never broken down, always starts, very good on gas...I've spent a little over $1000.00 in 14 years of ownership to replace timing belt, boots, etc....never wore out just as precaution....I've changed oil approx every 3000 miles.....great transportation car! AAA told me they've never had a call for a Kia! I wouldn't be getting rid of it but have a new grandchild and need air conditioning and more airbags.....I will buy another Kia!

Value
5.0
Performance
4.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
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20
5

Ken
5/31/2015
fullStarfullStarfullStaremptyStaremptyStar
it is dependable and decent on gas, a lot of fun
Pros

good running,

Cons

small gas tank

It has a lot of highway miles put on it , it has been to new York ,Tennessee, Colorado, new Jersey, Kansas and Texas. Minor repairs

Value
3.0
Performance
4.0
Quality
3.0
Comfort
3.0
Reliability
3.0
Styling
3.0
Was this review helpful?
9
11

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