2007 Kia Rio

The Kia Rio is the least expensive model offered by a company that's one of the most budget-oriented brands in the business. One shouldn't let this seemingly bottom-rung status get in the way of taking a look at the Korean-built Rio, however. The car has always represented an affordable way to get a new set of wheels, and the second-generation model, in particular, is pleasant to drive, loaded with features and surprisingly comfortable.

The Kia Rio is offered in both sedan and five-door hatchback body styles. During its first generation, the hatchback was shaped more like a wagon and was known as the Rio Cinco. In the current generation, however, it has been renamed the Kia Rio5. The sedan and hatchback models have identical mechanicals and interior components, though the hatchback offers significantly more utility. The Rio's four-cylinder engines have always emphasized frugality over performance, which is appropriate for this class of car.

Although the first Rio was cheap in pretty much every sense of the word, the current Kia Rio is vastly improved, with numerous unexpected safety and convenience features, including standard seat-mounted side and headliner-mounted side curtain airbags. Truly, the Rio and Rio5 represent a strong value in a segment of the market where value really counts. And they offer a great warranty to boot.