I was kind of thinking the same thing. The automakers have the safety thing down, performance is good, and the overall quality is much better than years ago.

They HAVE to have somethiing to work on.

ok

I hope you have not been hoarding those old-timey batteries, like you did with light bulbs...

I'm sure the classy replacement lenses for the projection beam are being designed as we speak:SmileWavy

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1323308481.jpg

watch out Zman's watching ,LOL

I think this exterior zone light is a good idea, especially in a dim garage for safety reasons.

I'm sure the cheesy glam aspect will appeal to the converted ricer crowd too.

I would like this model better if they took 12 inches off the rear, and lowered the hood at least 4 inches. While they are at it, shrink it down some and lighten the heck out of it.

I can dream, can't I?:cool:

Not what I would want but

It's original and if it sells MORE US MADE cars to people who would've otherwise bought a high end Lexus, Honda whatever.... Then that's a good thing.

I agree it is silly. Kinda like that faux fuel cap touting the Bullitt emblem on the rear of the "Bullitt" Mustang. Or the gun-sight graphic mounted in the center of the steering wheel with the word “Bullitt” prominently featured. “Bullitt” lettering is also found on the car’s metal sill plates. Hey, maybe you can get those mirror lights to spell out "Bullitt" instead of the mustang image!

Is it safe to assume you're a little gun shy???

Regarding the light, it's a little on the cheesy side but it's nowhere near as tacky as neon lights under the car.

Kia Rio Review
Save
2012 Kia Rio SX Hatchback
New Models

2012 Kia Rio SX Hatchback View photos
2012 Kia Rio Hatchback MSRP from $13,600
View Inventory
2010 Kia Rio Rio5 SX Station Wagon Shown View photos
2011 Kia Rio Hatchback MSRP from $15,095
View Inventory
2010 Kia Rio LX Sedan Shown View photos
2011 Kia Rio Sedan MSRP from $12,295
View Inventory

Used Models

2010 Kia Rio Rio5 SX Station Wagon Shown View photos
2011 Kia Rio Hatchback Used TMV from $13,249 Find Used Inventory
2010 Kia Rio LX Sedan Shown View photos
2011 Kia Rio Sedan Used TMV from $10,967 Find Used Inventory
2010 Kia Rio LX Sedan View photos
2010 Kia Rio Sedan Used TMV from $9,669 Find Used Inventory
2008 Kia Rio SX Station Wagon View photos
2010 Kia Rio Wagon Used TMV from $11,095 Find Used Inventory
2008 Kia Rio LX Sedan View photos
2009 Kia Rio Sedan Used TMV from $7,771 Find Used Inventory
2008 Kia Rio SX Station Wagon View photos
2009 Kia Rio Wagon Used TMV from $8,756 Find Used Inventory
2008 Kia Rio Exterior View photos
2008 Kia Rio Sedan Used TMV from $6,595 Find Used Inventory
2008 Kia Rio SX Station Wagon View photos
2008 Kia Rio Wagon Used TMV from $7,657 Find Used Inventory
2007 Kia Rio LX Sedan View photos
2007 Kia Rio Sedan Used TMV from $5,911 Find Used Inventory
2007 Kia Rio5 SX Wagon View photos
2007 Kia Rio Wagon Used TMV from $7,464 Find Used Inventory
2006 Kia Rio LX 4dr Sedan View photos
2006 Kia Rio Sedan Used TMV from $4,806 Find Used Inventory
2006 Kia Rio Rio5 SX 4dr Wagon View photos
2006 Kia Rio Wagon Used TMV from $6,079 Find Used Inventory
2003 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan View photos
2005 Kia Rio Sedan Used TMV from $3,690 Find Used Inventory
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon View photos
2005 Kia Rio Wagon Used TMV from $4,275 Find Used Inventory
2004 Kia Rio Exterior View photos
2004 Kia Rio Sedan Used TMV from $2,998 Find Used Inventory
2003 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon View photos
2004 Kia Rio Wagon Used TMV from $3,575 Find Used Inventory
2003 Kia Rio Exterior View photos
2003 Kia Rio Sedan Used TMV from $2,507 Find Used Inventory
2003 Kia Rio Exterior View photos
2003 Kia Rio Wagon Used TMV from $2,883 Find Used Inventory
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Sedan View photos
2002 Kia Rio Sedan Used TMV from $1,962 Find Used Inventory
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon View photos
2002 Kia Rio Wagon Used TMV from $2,210 Find Used Inventory
2001 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan View photos
2001 Kia Rio Sedan Used TMV from $1,639 Find Used Inventory

The Kia Rio is the least expensive model offered by a company that's one of the most budget-oriented brands in the business. 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. For 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-generation Kia Rio was cheap in pretty much every sense of the word, the second-generation Rio is vastly improved. It's a respectable choice for a new or used subcompact, though you'll definitely want to shop around, as some newer competitors are better all-around vehicles.

Current Kia Rio
The Kia Rio is a subcompact car available in sedan and four-door hatchback (called Rio5) body styles. A base model is restricted to the sedan and is the definition of "sparsely equipped." Both trims are offered in an LX trim (adding air-conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, CD player and auxiliary audio jack) and a sporty SX trim (further adding 15-inch alloy wheels and special styling items). Antilock brakes are available as an option on the LX sedan and the Rio5 SX, and we recommend this, as the ABS package also brings rear disc brakes that replace the standard rear drums.

All Rios are powered by a 110-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that provides just enough motivation for this tiny car. The five-speed manual helps the driver exact the most performance from the motor as well as the best city fuel economy, though this transmission is only available on the LX. At least the four-speed automatic achieves the best highway fuel economy. Handling is respectable, too.

The interiors of each are highlighted by a low dashboard rendered in a pleasant mix of materials. And while no one will mistake the Rio's interior for that of a luxury car, its comfortable front seats, decently textured materials and generous cargo capacity take most of the pain out of living with an economy car. As with all Kias, the Rio is covered by an impressive warranty. Buyers should be aware that the Rio has had some disappointing crash test scores.

Used Kia Rio Models
The current Kia Rio represents the model's second generation, which was introduced for 2006. Initially, the Rio5 and the SX trim were exclusive to each other. For '07, the Rio sedan SX was introduced, while the Rio5 could be had in LX form for 2008. Models prior to 2010 had a slightly different styling depending on trim, while cruise control and Bluetooth were added to the available features list that year. Prior to 2011, the five-speed manual was standard on all trims -- the four-speed automatic was optional.

The first-generation Kia Rio was introduced for the 2001 model year. The sedan came first and Kia followed up with the Rio Cinco hatchback for 2002. Both were among the least expensive cars in their classes. Unfortunately, the trade-off was limited feature content and a thoroughly unpleasant driving experience.

Based on reviews by our editors and Rio owners, the car delivered what its price promised -- simple, affordable transportation, but little more. Complaints centered on its noisy, unrefined engine, poorly controlled ride and shoddy build quality. Although the Rio's low residual value makes it convincingly cheap on the used market, this is not a car we can recommend. If you are determined to buy a used Kia Rio, it's best to go with a 2003 or newer model, as these benefited from a more powerful engine (104 hp versus 96), an improved suspension and a higher-quality interior.

Now if the Ford engineering department spent as much time on the Mustang's suspension as they did on a cheezy pong light projection, they may just have a car that can actually handle in the corners.

Just sayin'
-Z

Are you challenging Stephanie to try to keep up with your 944 on a road course? ;)

Everybody likes to slam the live rear axle...but if Ford went to IRS, they'd lose the drag racing crowd, which is a huge part of the Mustang market.

I signed up for the Ford racing newsletter...you name the motorsports venue, road, strip, rally, dirt, drifting, etc....Ford participates.

Last time I turned the wheel of my 944 with anger (on the track) was way back in May. Too busy with work, school, and house projects to actually drive the thing!
(And I'm looking to upgrade to a Cayman S - a modern, well handling car! )

Yeah, I know -- IRS's don't like hard launches! And indeed, the straight line racing is a huge part of the Mustang customer makeup.

Participate - yes.
Win - not so much. :eek:

How much for the fake portholes and fender vents? Those a package deal?

I dunno...you'd have to ask your Porsche dealer? Can't find either of those on my Mustang...

Ah Gee...no Porsche crest on your steering wheel? No model lettering on the deck lid?

Cool! Another thing Porsche can charge $700 extra for...;)

Right up my alley. Fluffy stuff.

LOL! Like a goose down comforter on a chilly night..

Reminds me of that image projected into the sky calling Batman.

I'm figuring it won't be long until the Mustang aftermarket comes up with various patterns. ;)