2003 Kia Rio Review

Specifications

Wagons are Cool Again

I never thought I would be station wagon fan. As a kid I remember sitting in the back seat of my moms car and seeing these shopping mall appliances with wood-paneling down their sides - what we called road wood. Yuck. I never wanted to be caught dead in one of those or any wagon for that matter. But luckily, since my childhood, things have changed. Station wagons have transitioned from wood, to would be cool cars.

It was only after the family wagon, which was passed down from my mom, to my brother and then to me (just like a family heirloom), that I became a fan. And it was in my teenage years that I experienced the functionality of a five-door. During exam time I would open the trunk, sit in the school parking lot, hang out and study in it. I wanted to think I was cool, but I thought wrong. I mean, who gets popular in high school by driving around a station wagon, no matter how much trunk space it has? All the hip kids in school were in sports cars and SUVs, but not me. Nevertheless, wheels are wheels and I loved mine.

I parked my old wagon last week to spend time in Kias updated 2003 Rio Cinco. Its definitely a delight to drive. The feisty five-door struts its stuff on the streets, sporting a fabulous Rally Blue exterior finish that catches the eyes of passers by. Although it doesnt have as much power as I normally would like, only 104 horsepower at 5,800 and 104 lb-ft of torque at 4,700, the 1.6L DOHC engine is still adequate enough for its cause.

That cause, of course, is basic transportation, but while it might be one of the least expensive new cars available, I enjoyed driving it. Its P175/65R14 tires and sporty 14″ alloy rims, give the car a secure, planted feeling even at slightly above posted highway limits while it performed fairly well through corners. Overall I felt fairly in tune with the road.

I think my experience would have been further enhanced if the Rio in question was equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, instead of the optional 4-speed automatic that I test drove. The auto gearbox didnt meet my power needs. I know that it only has 104 hard working horses in its compact engine, but they would no doubt be harnessed a lot better with a stick shift model. OK, Ill admit it. I like to be the one in control of the power, not the drivetrain.

Speaking of confessions I never thought I would bring myself to say this, but I actually used the optional air conditioning a lot this past week. If you have read my reviews you might know that I am not a fan of the fan, but last week it saved me. Can I say HEAT WAVE? The northwest coast was seared with some pretty sunny days with soaring temperatures that reached well above 86ºF. Yipes, it was a scorcher. It just so happened that I was traveling down a coastal highway when a local marina caught fire and traffic came to a standstill. Luckily it was later on during the day, but the sun was still blazing. If it wasnt for the A/C and standard tinted glass I probably would have had heat stroke.

Other saving graces of the week were the Rio Cincos standard power windows and remote keyless entry - that incidentally incorporates the buttons into the key itself. I didnt really use the roof rack or fixed intermittent rear wiper and defroster, or even the fog lamps, but they all come standard on Kias little wagon. Other standard features include a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and tilt-steering column. Options are the previously mentioned air conditioning system, plus alloy wheels and upgraded stereo systems - the standard audio system features an AM/FM tuner with cassette and no CD changer.

While the Cinco seems little on the outside there is generous room inside. Here comes the 64″ boyfriend test again. Yes, for my tall readers, there is adequate head clearance. The compact Kia feels open and airy too, giving the driver and passenger great visibility. The cargo area is well proportioned, and comes with a standard trunk net to keep bags of stuff from rolling around plus a standard sliding cover to block out the sun or prying eyes from seeing valuables.

Any problems? I noticed that when parallel parking, I had to be really mindful of the car in front of me because the Cinco jumps forward when getting on the gas more than usual when reversing and moving ahead. Its not a huge problem but hindered me from trying to make those tight parking squeezes on the busy streets in town.

On the positive the Cincos optional AM/FM/CD stereos sound quality exceeded my expectations. For an inexpensive OEM upgrade, it blew me away. My boyfriend, who is an avid car stereo fan, and has equipped his ride with a subwoofer and multiple speakers, further commented on how good it was. What more can I say Kia, you rock!

But even with a rockin system and a really funky exterior colour, I think todays image conscious youth need a little more zing out of the Rio Cinco wagon to consider investing. Nevertheless, on all other points I liked it. Its an easy and fun car to drive.

Im glad the wood-paneling is gone and would-be-cool wagons are taking the automotive market by storm. They are starting to win over the young and restless who often tune them and add aerodynamic packages to make seriously funky-five doors. Yes finally, the tables are turning and wagons are happening cars - Im vindicated.

The 2003 Kia Rio Cinco is a decent ride, fuel efficient, spacious, wallet friendly, and a handy people transport; all qualities that young adults in this generation are looking for in a car. Go ahead and jump on the band wagon.