Despite being under Hyundai ownership since 1998, it's only in the last couple of years that Kia's vehicles have risen above mediocrity -- and straight on to meteoric, as it happens.
Kia's latest revamp is the 2012 Kia Rio. Now, you've already seen my list of the Best New Cars of 2012, so you already know that I like the Rio -- but since this is how I get paid, I'd really appreciate it if you'd delve into the details in my 2012 Kia Rio review. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
Great review. When I was shopping for my Kia Optima, I looked at the Rio. I was flat out shocked at what a nice car it is.
Might want to add Ford Fiesta to the “other cars to consider” category at the end.
Interesting car. I too remember very vividly the “crappy old days” which existed not all that long ago. At some point in the late 90’s, I recall my local Kia dealership offering a free Rio with the purchase of a Sedona minivan. Yes, you read it right. They were giving away Rios. Apparently they couldn’t sell them. My best friend worked at the same Kia dealership as a service technician, and told me stories about how horrid all Kias were with regard to quality. BTW, Kia’s warranty existed even then.
It’s nice to see that they’re finally making strides forward. I like the sedan design, and the interior looks very nice. It’s also at a nice price point. Surely beats Toyota’s IQ with regard to size, room and price! It will still be a long time, if ever, before I consider a Kia, but, at least the Rio seems to be worthy of consideration now.
By reading your review my wife just added the Rio to her list of prospects for her new ride. Bye bye Accent.
Good on her! I’d take the Rio over the Accent. Better looking and better value-for-money, IMHO.
Aaron
I second your wife’s opinion, Don. Nothing particularly wrong with the Accent, but I’d go for the Rio, too.
kia and hyundai are garbage, they have no resale value, and dont come close to the quality of toyota or honda, buy the real thing, not a knock off,
Well Steve, My wife keeps a car till resale is of little or no concern. As to Hyundai & KIA reliability and durability…well they are quickly becoming legendary. Toyota and Honda with their trite and “buisiness safe” vanilla mobiles are leading the way toward a world of boring, soft handling cars reminiscent of the X body cars from GM in the 70’s (eg. Chevy Citation).
LOL @ Steve’s comments-they’re so 90’s! Actually it’s Honda and Toyota who need to step up their game plan if they want to remain relevant and competitive in the new automotive paradigm of 2012. Resting on the laurels of past accomplishments and turning out vanilla-boring vehicles will no longer cut it when there are so many exciting high-quality models available in today’s marketplace.