2007 Kia Rio5: Cheapest Wagon in U.S.? Only in Price
The Kia Rio5, with a starting price of $14,595 ($13,750 with a manual transmission), is effectively the cheapest wagon in America. And when you drive the cheapest wagon in America you expect it to feel...well, cheap. But the Rio5 doesn't feel cheap. In fact, it feels pretty expensive -- certainly more expensive than our loaded test car felt, even with its as-tested price of $16,260. The extra cost comes from the power windows, power mirrors, power door locks (with keyless remote), anti-lock brakes, carpeted floor mats and tweeter speakers.
Now some of you may think items like power windows and keyless entry are necessities in 2007, but I would argue that none of those options are really that big of a deal, at least not if you're truly shopping on a budget. I'd probably get the anti-lock brakes, for $400, and head out the door with my Kia Rio5 for a cool $15,575, including destination. Our TMV for a black one, in a Southern California zip code, comes in at $15,088.
For that price you'd have all the basics covered (a/c, CD player, rear wiper, airbags everywhere, etc.), plus you'd have dual power points, 8-way adjustable driver's seat, driver's armrest, auto-off headlamps, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and contrasting stitching on said steering wheel, seats and door panels. You probably can't tell from this photo, but the contrasting red stitching looks very nice. So do the majority of the interior surfaces, even though they are primarily a hard plastic.
The 1.6-liter, 110-horepower engine provides fully adequate, if not truly brisk, acceleration, and the EPA (2007) figures of 29/38 keep it economical. The four-speed auto offers responsive and crisp shifts, and even with the standard 15-inch wheels (16-inch alloys are optional) the Kia Rio5 handles quite confidently.
I remember driving a Kio Rio several years ago, and I remember stepping out and thinking, "I'd rather find a slightly used Civic." That's no longer the case. Between this car's solid interior, capable handling, attractive exterior and 10-year/100,000-mile warranty it offers a compelling package for new-car shoppers on a budget.
I can say this much with full confidence -- if it comes down to a Rio5 or a Caliber the choice is obvious. Nice work guys.
After test driving Rio5 I came away similarly impressed. Yes, the suspension is pretty soft and so is the brake feel. But they are certainly not nearly as bad as in the numerous other cars I have tried, including Camry and Mazda3. Rio5 was quiet, roomy and very comfortable. I liked almost everything about it -- the nicely weighted steering, the smooth gear shift, light clutch, VERY nice and quiet interior, excellent seats, exceptional material quality at this price point, very smooth and flexible engine. Outstanding car for the money!
Rio5 felt $10k more expensive than Mazda3s I tried.
Karl, would you still take the Rio 5 instead of a base Honda Fit, provided one can actually be found? All the base Fit is missing are the cosmetic items, like the extra body trim and alloy wheels and the upgraded stereo.
Oh, Fit is definitely better. The only thing I can say against Fit is its steering feel. It is just way too light and fast. It is probably OK for a city car but not so good on the highway. Rio5 has much more conventional steering (slower) that feels more relaxed.
Otherwise, Fit is outstanding. The cargo space is absolutely unreal, the back seat is very comfortable and roomy, the gearbox is sweet. Absolutely the best car in this class! And one of my favorite cars of all time -- this coming from an avid Honda hater.
I'm surprised to hear that, given the lack of attention the Rio gets in the media. I don't see any KIA advertising, either.
Kia is an interesting marque. Considered as the lowest of the bottom feeders in the USA, it's held in much higher regard in Europe. I guess it just goes to show you how important image is to everyone in the USA. I've compared fit and finish of Kia products, against a number of Japanese products, and they are remarkably close. Additionally, it's interesting to note that Kia seems to have better fit and finish on some of their vehicles than its parent company - Hyundai.
One of my colleague's husband is a Service Manager for a large Toyota dealership in Florida. Guess what kind of minivan she drives on his recommendation - a 2007 Kia Sedona.
True point about the options when on a tight budget Karl. When I was shopping for my entry level car last year I found that adding power windows / locks / keyless entry all add up and can put an entry level car out of an entry level price. Locking my doors manually and rolling down my windows doesn't really bother me in a car like this.
I remember ten years ago Kia most recognized as the brand with highest customer satisfaction. German brands like Mercedes were in the bottom of the list btw. And Toyota Corolla/Carina/Avensis were most reliable cars for as long as I can remember. So it is not reliability. May be what people get exceeds expectations (opposite to Mercedes).
And BTW how Kia may be better than Mazda3 or even Ford Focus. I think it is a very big stretch.
The Fit is more entertaining to drive around corners than the Rio5, and it has a more flexible interior. Material quality is pretty much a wash (Kis may have slight advantage...). I like the look of the Kia better, and as noted it has a more "relaxed" ride than the Fit, so non-performance addicts who don't need maximum cargo space may be better served by the Rio5.
But here's the kicker...we're arguing about a Kia versus a Honda here! And it's a close call that comes down to specific needs.
Tell me how many of you would have believed that a few years ago?
Bravo Kia!
Karl, how would you say the Rio5 adds up against the Spectra5 in terms of price versus value? I'm considering both for a future purchase and an editor's opinion would be something to keep in mind.
Edit: Now that I think about it, a Focus may fall into this price range too. How do you feel that stacks up?
The question is how will they feel 5 to 10 years from now? The Honda will still feel and work like new but will the Kia? In the past the answer was a huge NO. Korean cars were alway good cars for the money when new, they just didn't last.
Hopefully they've overcome this.
umm, the chevy aveo starts 4 thosand dollars less then this. at like 10,500 for the the hatchback.
if your going cheap go cheap, at this price i'd get the honda fit or scion xa or whatever the new one is.
Well, Ford killed the Focus wagon for 2008 (and no, I can't explain why...). Unfortunately, that takes that model out of the running if you're looking for a good five-door hatch/wagon. Really too bad, because I'm sensing a slow-but-steady rise in wagon/hatch interest from U.S. buyers.
I can't remember when I last drove a Spectra5, so it's been too long for me to have a solid answer about which is better. But Kia products have been ratcheting up in quality and refinement every year, so I'm betting the Spectra is better than whenever I lost drove it, too.
Since they are both at the same dealership you should drive them back-to-back (let me know what you think if you do).
"But here's the kicker...we're arguing about a Kia versus a Honda here! And it's a close call that comes down to specific needs."
Very true Karl but you forget that the Fit design is nearly 7 years of age!
Yes, but in 2000 I wouldn't have even picked a brand new Sephia over a 1993 Civic, so there's progress in there somewhere -- I think.
A bit off-topic, but while on the topic of odd Kia additions versus the Hyundai equivalent, I've been quite disappointed that little to no publications ever even mention or appreciate some of the Amanti's out of price-range features. Yes, those features aside, the car still lacks some luxury feel and important features, but look at the following features and explain how even a base Avalon or 3 series won't have them standard or in some cases, as options:
- Front LED turn signals. There are few cars including Bentleys that I can think of that have them, yet the Amanti had it since its intro!
- Xenon headlamps. Like, double-u-tee-eff mate, no Hyundai has that as an option yet! I thought Kia was a lower level Hyundai?
- Heated rear seats. Again another wtf moment. How many companies even offer those as options on their luxury cars?
Does it not surprise anyone that such features are included on a bargain near-luxury vehicle that isn't even in the brand that should be selling high-end ones?
the biggest problem with kia is people have yet to recognize how it has improved. the depreciation sucks.