2007 Kia Rio Review

The 2007 Kia Rio and Rio5 offer a new car at the cost of a used car. Starting at $10,770, standard equipment includes dual air bags, dual front seat-mounted side bags, curtain air bags for both rows, four cupholders, a padded armrest for the driver, and an eight-way adjustable driver's seat.

The LX trim adds full wheel covers, an AM/FM CD stereo with four speakers, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, and a 60/40 split rear seat with adjustable headrests. The SX has all of those features, plus larger 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, a body color rear spoiler, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The Rio5 is only available in SX trim, while the SX sedan is new for 2007.

The five-speed standard transmission can be replaced with a four-speed automatic for $850 on the LX and SX trims. ABS brakes are a reasonably priced option at $400, and the $600 Power Package adds popular equipment such as power windows, power locks, keyless entry, power heated exterior mirrors, and tweeter speakers to the LX and SX models.

The Rio is powered by a spunky 110-horsepower, 1.6L four cylinder that makes 107 lb-ft of torque. This engine has double overhead cams, four-valves-per-cylinder and continuously variable valve timing, and offers reasonable acceleration.

All 2007 Kias offer one of the longest warranties available. The power train has a limited, five-year, 100,000-mile warranty. The basic car is warranted for 60,000 miles or five years. And, perhaps the most comforting, is the five-year, unlimited miles offer of roadside assistance.
The Kia Rio sedan gains a trim for 2007. The top-end SX adds 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, a rear spoiler, air conditioning, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, among other items, to the LX trim. The five-door hatchback continues with minimal changes. see less