2001 Kia Rio Consumer Reviews

Not worth it

Written by: Becca on 11/29/2008

Vehicle

2001 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I got this car 2 years ago, and honestly I would have bought something else if I had known what I know now. The check engine light comes on when there is nothing wrong. The parking brake light stays on constantly. It is not a comfortable ride. The vibration is terrible and the car often "jumps" when accelerating. It's not very safe. I was in a minor collision and the other drivers car was not damaged at all, but my bumper fell off and the seatbelt didn't even hold me in place as I bumped my chest into the steering wheel. Its great on gas, but there are much better cars out there for the price.

Favorite Features

Great gas mileage, easy to repair

Suggested Improvements

Comfort, drive performance, and fix the dashboard lights as they come on at random times (check engine, parking brake light, etc.)

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Thank Goodness for Warranty

Written by: Ann on 08/23/2008

Vehicle

2001 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Within 1 year of owning the Kia the rear wheel bearings & automatic transmission gave out. Thankfully it was covered by the warranty & I also had all maintenance records! Have replaced the sun visors, the rubber insulation around the doors. Dealer replaced the pump for the wiper washer fluid and the air conditioning belt, but the belt still squeals & the washer fluid doesn't pump. The paint on the rear bumper is very faded and paid $50 for a plastic radiator fan which likely costs 50 cents in Korea. Saving grace is the gas mileage and that the car is paid for until the next repair, as the warranty has expired.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage

Suggested Improvements

Make a deal with Honda or Toyota to build the car.

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Reliable and Dependable

Written by: retze on 07/07/2008

Vehicle

2001 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have owned the Kia Rio since January 2001. It has been very reliable and dependable. It has some warranty and repair work done in the first two years I owned it, but I never had to pay any out of pocket expenses for repair work on the car. After owning a Plymouth Sundance and a Dodge Neon, this is the most dependable car I have owned. It's well over 100,000 miles now and still going strong. I also hit two deer with the vehicle and it held up very well. This car does not have any special features or a powerful engine, but its good on the gas and gets me where I need to go.

Favorite Features

reliable, good on gas.

Suggested Improvements

Engine power needs a little more zip. Radio is a piece.

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Great for young or singles - not family!

Written by: J & C Shep on 06/02/2008

Vehicle

2001 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We bought the car used in 2002; paid WAY too much for it. Kept up with regular maintenance, oil changes and tire needs; started giving us problems once we moved from FL/GA area to TX. Have had the car in shop 3 times since Xmas, replaced fan/timing belts and radiator pcs once it died on freeway. One month later it has completely died - engine out and is more costly to replace. It is great for singles or couples, if you are young and starting out or at college; not meant for family car (space is VERY limited). Excellent gas mileage and great for tight parking spaces. I like Kias, just be sure to do research and know what you are paying for; newer KIA models are worth the investment.

Favorite Features

- CD player (not factory, we installed, twice, after it was stolen) - Gas mileage - Can fit in ANY parking space

Suggested Improvements

- Antitheft, these cars are easy to break into (popped the lock when keys were locked inside) - more HP and more leg room in back (our child is LITERALLY hanging into the front seat from when car seat in middle) - more floor space (you have to crawl under seat to find something when it drops.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Careful

Written by: Tiago Moraes on 05/10/2008

Vehicle

2001 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

When I bought my Rio it was clean, I mean clean like new, you could still smell that new car smell in it, the other owner took such a good care of it and I was very exited to have a car that was so new, so I drove it to work and home and one day when I parked the car at work a piston broke off and that was the end of the car, for no reason or now warning signs a piston broke and now I have to change the whole engine. Kia won't cover it (of course) now I have a car that looks new but doesn't run, it has only 60,000 miles and all three mechanics told me it was garbage, so be careful and listen to what people have to say.

Favorite Features

I like the looks, its simple and good on gas, but with a engine that needs to be replaced all I have to say is. Thanks but no thanks

Suggested Improvements

I really don't know how to improve it...

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love My Kia!

Written by: Bobby on 11/01/2007

Vehicle

2001 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought my Rio, brand new, 6 years ago, and I'm still driving it. It now has nearly 90,000 miles on it. It's been in an accident, been broken in to, hauled furniture, been on a couple trips halfway across the states, and generally not been treated with kid gloves. Through it all, I have not had any problems, and it has been a very reliable little trooper. I am completely satisfied with this underestimated jewel.

Favorite Features

MPG, size, maneuverability, and manual windows (I hate power windows!).

Suggested Improvements

1) On the 2001 model, the taillights were ugly. 2) I forget if it was an option, but I'd like to have side air bags.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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unreliable car

Written by: Jenn on 01/10/2007

Vehicle

2001 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This car has already gone through 3 transmissions and is about to get another one. I have never had a problem with transmissions on any other car that I have owned, so I know it's not me. This car is more trouble than it is worth.

Favorite Features

None.

Suggested Improvements

Better transmission and a RPM gauge.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Kia Rio

Written by: Taylor on 08/10/2006

Vehicle

2001 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have had terrible luck with this car. It is a very uncomfortable car, with not a lot of room. I have had to get so many things done to it in a matter of a year. Including speed sensors that corroded, It breaks down every now and then while driving it, The gear shifts get stuck at times and are too hard to move, The wire harness linking to the transmission had to be replaced as well. This car is not recommended by me.

Favorite Features

My sunroof that came with the car.

Suggested Improvements

Better features, more durable, a little more space in the backseat.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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it's great!

Written by: Kaysie on 06/25/2006

Vehicle

2001 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have a 2001, and it's an awesome car. It's very reliable, and it is very stylish as well. One of my favorite things about it is how it doesn't use a ton of gas at one time, it is very conservative about gas usage. I really can't think of any major drawbacks to it, it is an all around great car. I've had it for 5 years and it hasn't let me down yet!

Favorite Features

I think some great features is that it has a cd player. I couldn't live without my cd player in the car! i also like how it's small, it's perfect for a small family or for 1 or 2 people.

Suggested Improvements

If I had to choose, I would fix the antennae. It's kinda in a weird spot...on top of the roof.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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My Putt Putt

Written by: Wendy on 09/16/2005

Vehicle

2001 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I love my little car. After 4 years I've had oil changes, tire rotations, and the usual maintenance. No major problems at all. This is the best car I've ever owned. The best part? It's Emerald Green ... my husband and sons won't drive it! LOL People laugh at it, but every winter I drive by the SUV's and bigger cars that go off the road or stall. It's definitely a keeper!

Favorite Features

Great heater, small enough to park anywhere.

Suggested Improvements

Put a better radio system in it, and a trunk opener inside the car.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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