Kia Rio5 reviews

2008 Kia Rio5 Review Summary

What reviewers liked most about the 2008 Kia Rio5:

• Unlike the previous four-door Rio and Cinco wagon, the redesigned sedan and five-door Rio5 add a bit of styling flair to the compact car segment. The front end features a black mesh grille, black air dam insert, and more pronounced hood lines. The side flanks add sporty wheel flares, and the rear end has been reshaped for a cleaner appearance.- AutoSite.com

• The hatchback...can hold 15.8 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seat. With that seat folded, space increases to 49.6 cubic feet.- Cars.com

• Rio buyers may want to opt for the optional antilock brake package, that adds not only ABS but also 262-mm solid rear disc brakes and electronic brake force distribution.- AutoSite.com

What reviewers liked least about the 2008 Kia Rio5:

• Acceleration is average at highway speeds with either the manual or...4-speed automatic transmission.- MSN Autos

• Company executives claim they haven't yet conducted acceleration tests, but it's safe to say this baby Kia won't be keeping the Corvette Z06 up at night.- AutoSite.com

• Key differentiators that set the LX and SX apart and above the base Rio include a tilt steering column, four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, and air conditioning -- none of which are even available as options in the entry-level car.- Motor Trend

• We recommend against the automatic. It hunts endlessly for gears while heading uphill and produces an unpleasant grinding sound at highway speeds.- Car and Driver

Best one-liners about the 2008 Kia Rio5:

• ...value is no longer the only reason to buy one.- Car and Driver

• Doing the math with six standard airbags, thrifty fuel economy, and more interior room, the Rio5 adds up to a smart buy. - Motor Trend