Handling and Braking

Considering it’s one of the least expensive affordable small cars in the class, the 2011 Kia Rio handles very well. Test drivers report that its ride is smooth and stable, and the cabin is quiet at highway speeds. They do caution, however, that the Rio’s suspension doesn’t absorb a lot of bumps on rough roads. You’ll have to pay more for a car with a smoother ride, like the Kia Forte. It costs $1,650 more but offers more standard features than nearly any car in the class and a better suspension. If the Forte is too expensive, don’t worry; the Rio is well suited for city driving and will meet most drivers’ needs just fine.

    See also:

    Industry-Leading Warranty
    Like all Kia models, Forte is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain ...

    Smart key
    With a smart key, you can lock or unlock a door (and tailgate) and even start the engine without inserting the key. The functions of the buttons on a smart key are similar to the remote keyless ...

    Cruise control system
    The cruise control system allows you to program the vehicle to maintain a constant speed without resting your foot on the accelerator pedal. With cruise control, you can set and automatically mai ...