2007 Kia Rio Review

What reviews like:
For the money, reviews say the Kia Rio is a great little car. It's pleasant to drive, especially in city driving. It also looks good and sips gas relatively slowly. Six standard airbags are unusual at this price point, and the long warranty is another plus, say reviews.

What reviews don't like:

As with most subcompact cars, the Kia Rio is criticized for a cramped rear seat. Traditional resale value isn't great. Interior materials aren't anything special, and road noise on the highway can be annoying.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 29 to 32 mpg/city, 35 to 38 mpg/highway, depending on engine

2007 Kia Rio review highlights

Although not as splashy or impressive as some of the new subcompact hatchbacks, reviews say the 2007 Kia Rio is a nice, unassuming compact car with some surprisingly good attributes for the money. Most critics say the Kia Rio is pleasant to drive, with a good comfort level for the price. Cargo space is ample, and the 110-hp engine is adequate for the money. Side airbags are standard. Although not really exceptional in any way, critics say the Kia Rio is a very good choice if price is your main criterion. A long warranty sweetens the deal. In this price range, reviews also like the Hyundai Accent (*est. $10,415 to $13,915).

Cars like the 2007 Kia Rio often get overlooked in reviews. The Kia Rio isn't as flashy or as heavily advertised as hot-button competitors like the Toyota Yaris or Honda Fit. However, notable reviews at Edmunds.com, Cars.com and CarCritic.com say the 2007 Kia Rio is a nice little subcompact car. The Edmunds review is especially well-balanced and thoughtful.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Edmunds.com
2007 Kia Rio review
Editors of Edmunds.com

The editors of Edmunds.com say the Kia Rio is the best sedan under $15,000. Editors say it is pleasant to drive and surprisingly comfortable, with a decent engine and good cargo space. Furthermore, you get better safety features than you might expect, along with a long warranty. Overall, editors say the 2007 Kia Rio is a very good inexpensive car.

2. Cars.com
2007 Kia Rio review
Editors of Cars.com
Oct. 2006

Cars.com offers a nice rundown of the 2007 Kia Rio that is broken down into sections such as interior, exterior, options, safety, etc. The editors' opinion of the Kia Rio is evenly balanced: The car performs well in terms of acceleration, but engine noise can be a problem. The ride is smooth, but rear-seat space is cramped.

3. CarCritic.com
2007 Kia Rio review
Don Vorderman

CarCritic.com editors offer a quick assessment in an effort to get right to the point; you won't find lengthy discussions or features lists here. The Kia Rio is said to be "cute as it can be" with a "cheerful disposition." Editors prefer the 5-door wagon version, called the Rio5, to the sedan version.

4. BuyingAdvice.com
2007 Kia Rio Review
Staff of BuyingAdvice.com
Jan. 8, 2007

BuyingAdvice.com has a nice overview for the 2007 Kia Rio, which includes some casual comparisons to other cars, plus a list of links to other reviews. The Kia Rio is commended for its long warranty, low price and standard side airbags, but is criticized for its "cheap" materials and "weak" performance.

5. Consumer Reports
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2007 Kia Rio review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Editors at Consumer Reports generally review most cars eventually, but at the time of our visit (March 2007), editors hadn't yet tested the 2007 Kia Rio. Editors did test the 2006 Kia Rio, which at the time was newly redesigned. In order to read this report, you must be a subscriber.

6. TheCarConnection.Com
2007 Kia Rio
Eric Peters
Nov. 2006

This review is not truly useful since it's mainly a features list. No hands-on tests are cited. A link to a longer review of the 2006 Kia Rio is included.

Also see full report: Economy Cars