2003 Kia Rio Trims and Specs

More power and a more refined ride, thanks to larger brakes, a retuned suspension, and improved steering column, and a larger stabilizer bar, are some of the improvements offered in the redesigned 2003 Kia Rio sedan. Better cupholders, a more ergonomic instrument panel, and new variable intermittent wipers are other additions. The 2003 Rio sedan also gets optional map lights and a sunglass holder.

For 2003, the Kia Rio sedan adds 8-hp to its 1.6-liter, I4 engine, for a total of 106-hp, which is paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto tran. The 2004 Rio sedan is very basic, with a rear defogger, center console, dual front airbags, and power disc brakes. ABS brakes are optional. The rear seat does not fold to expand the 9.2 cubic foot trunk. Rear heater vents have been added, but air conditioning is optional. Other extras include alloy wheels, power windows and locks, fog lights, power steering, a CD player, and a tachometer. Owners generally buy the 2003 Kia Rio for its price and fuel economy (26/33 mpg), and are surprised to find how roomy it is for a subcompact. Rear legroom and warranty issues come up frequently as complaints.

The 2003 Kia Rio Cinco Wagon is affordable and versatile, with lots of cargo room for its subcompact segment and good handling and maneuverability, thanks to a revitalized 104-hp, 1.6-liter I4 engine and a small and lightweight size that makes its nimble in city traffic. For 2003, the Rio Cinco Wagon gets a new front end, a body-colored spoiler, a standard CD player, rear heater vents, variable intermittent wipers, and improvements to the suspension, brakes, and steering column to enhance performance and reduce road vibrations.

Like the sedan, the 2003 Rio Cinco Wagon is not overly equipped, in order to keep the price down, but it does come with more than you'll get on the sedan. Standard features include 14-inch wheels, split-fold rear seats, dual front airbags, power steering, a clock and tachometer, a rear window wiper, and the aforementioned CD player. You can add on air conditioning (no, it's not standard), alloy wheels, ABS brakes, and foglights. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 4-speed automatic is optional. Though it's a subcompact, the 2003 Rio Cinco holds a good amount of cargo and has great headroom for passenger comfort. Fuel economy, the price tag, and the Kia warranty are the biggest draws.