2002 Kia Rio Consumer Discussions

Nissan Versa vs Kia Rio vs Toyota Corolla

• Re: 09 Versa vs 09 Rio vs used 07 Corolla [seijun]

  Written by: csklansky on May 31, 2009 2:17:02 PM

  I have had a Kia Rio since 2002 and it has been great. I get 30 mpg. The only problem I have is that I went to a Jiffy Lube for an oil change and the person putting in the plug stripped it.

Kia Rio

• Re: Helllllllooooooooo!!! [kennybeeak]

  Written by: Dansker on Dec 19, 2008 5:34:12 PM

  Oh how to I hate being a single woman when dealing with cars. I recently purchased a 2002 Kia Rio. It certainly looks like the salesman took me by the nose, moneywise and otherwise. Anyway, a friend of mine told me her auto mechanic suggested I get the timing belt replaced at or before 60,000mls. Otherwise, the engine would falter and I'd have to replace that as well. I've never heard ... Read More

Kia Rio Tire/Wheel Questions

• rear wheel bearings

  Written by: lilmama3 on Oct 18, 2008 5:05:07 PM

  I own a 2002 Kia Rio. Now that the warranty has went out, I have experienced several problems. In 2006, I had the rear wheel bearings replaced. Just 2 yrs later, I have to now replace them again. The service guy said that they have been having trouble with the bearings and they were replacing them every 40,000 miles. But I only have about 75,000 miles on my car now and ... Read More

Kia Rio MPG-Real World Numbers

• Re: 08 kia rio [lightfootfl]

  Written by: rioowner on Aug 4, 2008 6:08:58 AM

  My father bought a hundai, or however you spell it. It is a four door something. About the size of the sonata, but has a four cylinder engine. He drives to MickeyDees and back every morning. He drives it under 6k miles a year. He says he gets about 19 mpg. That is pitiful for that size engine. The car is heavy. I have noticed that Kia, Hundai, and others weigh ... Read More

• Re: 08 kia rio [rioowner]

  Written by: lightfootfl on Aug 3, 2008 2:06:35 PM

  Howdy again, well for the most part I drive a 2006 Hyundai Sonata LX V6, but I also have a 2002 Mercury Sable Wagon also V6.. and basically don';t get very good mileage with either one of them. But then again I drive mostly short trips in town, and have averaged less than 7500 miles total last year counting them both. Anyway the Sonata gets an overall avg of 18+mpg for ... Read More

Kia Rio

• Kia Doors

  Written by: ole58 on Jul 4, 2008 8:17:44 AM

  I need to know if the doors of a 2002 Kia Rio four door will fit on a 2001 Kia Rio four door.

Kia Rio Care & Maintenance

• Resetting the Clock

  Written by: hatchbackqueen on May 4, 2008 11:17:08 PM

  Ugh! Just bought a 2002 Kia Rio Cinco and am trying to get the clock on the correct time. There is a teeny-tiny reset button that sets it to 12:00 but I have completely failed to find a way to move the numbers to the current time. Am I supposed to rush to the car just before 12:00 (noon or midnight) to hit the reset button, or is there a way ... Read More

Kia Rio5

• Re: I can't believe they gave you the Sephia [iluvmysephia1]

  Written by: chuck1959 on Apr 26, 2006 5:41:00 AM

  I agree, Kia's are great rigs. The thing is, they're not expensive to buy them new(and you get that great Warranty that way) When you buy them used the remaining warrenty transfers to the new owner. When I went to the dealer (where I bought my 2002 Cinco...32,000 TROUBLE FREE miles....looking for a 2005 Cinco last August, (they were out of all 2005 Rios and Cincos). But they had a slightly ... Read More

Kia Rio

• Re: Don't think cruise is an option yet on the '06 [b3nut]

  Written by: chuck1959 on Mar 31, 2006 3:30:27 PM

  Don't think cruise is an option yet on the '06 but my dealer tells me it's in the works, since people apparently are pestering Kia for it. Yes and I was one of those people! :) I did it when I bought my 2002 Rio Cinco and again in 2004 Rio Cinco.

• Interesting comments for those like me

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Mar 28, 2006 12:54:34 PM

  who haven't traded in yet. I may not for many months so following how the 2006 Kia Rio's are doing performance-wise is going to be most enlightening. I still think after reading about the new small cars that Kia has stepped up to the plate with these new Rio's. Heavy doesn't bother me. In fact, heavy can help in collisions. I have read proof of that in accounts on the net ... Read More

New Kia Rio Owners - Give Us Your Report

• Kia Rio5 AC

  Written by: riomike on Mar 16, 2006 8:16:19 PM

  The Rio5 AC is awesome. I live in Miami where even in the winter temps are in the 80's. I use AC all day long and this is my sixth Kia. It gets so cold on level one that I rarely max it out. I know 2 people that bought '06 Rio LX and 1 other guy that bought Rio5. So far all of us are very impressed. It's hard to ... Read More

Kia Rio

• Re: Ahh, yes... [iluvmysephia1]

  Written by: riomike on Feb 9, 2006 9:33:46 PM

  Yes I get plenty of stares here, I was driving around South Beach this evening and I parked at a meter on Ocean drive, I had to piss so badly and I know a hotel where just about anybody could walk in and use the restroom, beats trying to find a bush! The spot was right across the street from a cafe where people were seated outside, I felt many eyes ... Read More

• Re: I've looked at the Fit online... [b3nut]

  Written by: riomike on Feb 9, 2006 7:42:23 AM

  I saw the Fit at the New York auto show, looked almost silly. Rio5 has sort of a muscular look to it, fit looks tiny like a Scion XA (which I test drove and hated, couldnt fit inside). I think the Toyota Yaris and the fit will both do well based on their names but I'll take my Rio5 over them anyday! I think I would even take my fathers Suzuki ... Read More

• Re: Kia Rio Named Most Improved New Car for 2006 by Autobytel [spectraman]

  Written by: chuck1959 on Dec 19, 2005 4:57:17 PM

  I for one am not surprised. I have a 2002 (actually I bought it for my mother) and 2004 Kia Rio Cincos, I couldn't believe what a difference 2 years made! I was set to trade for a 2006 but alas they went hatchback! I so much prefered the station wagon look. Oh well it looks like Kia has another winner under it's belt. Way to go Kia!!! By the way ... Read More

• Re: The 2006 Kia Rio5 is not [iluvmysephia1]

  Written by: chuck1959 on Nov 25, 2005 8:46:22 PM

  I am on my second Rio Cinco. My first was a 2002 and now my 2004. I like the 2004 better I couldn't believe how much improvment 2 years made. You are right about the buzzy sound but mine will respond also. IMO the 2006 will carry on that tradition.

• Re: And, yes, I also like [backy]

  Written by: chuck1959 on Nov 7, 2005 8:04:52 AM

  "but if the Sephia I once rented (they had nothing else available and I was anxious to try it out) is any indication of what to expect in a Rio, I'll pass". OMG I couldn't believe what I just read! I get sick and tired of people basing their oponion of Kia on the Sephia!!The Sephia has not been made since 2001!! It VERY obvious you have NOT kept up with ... Read More

New Kia Rio Owners - Give Us Your Report

• Re: 2006 kia rio LX [kiario06]

  Written by: chuck1959 on Nov 6, 2005 10:50:52 AM

  My mother's 2002 Cinco has a grey interior. It has yet to show any dirt. I am hoping the same for my beige interior.

Kia Rio

• Rio vs. Spectra

  Written by: chuck1959 on Sep 15, 2005 10:47:51 PM

  Of course the Spectra is going to be better than the Rio. It's the next step up in the Kia line up for crying out loud! There is nothing really wrong with the Rio. I have had 2 (2002 and 2004). Yes it may have hard plastic in the interior, but it has never bothered me. As far as the armrests go, I never put my arm on one anyway.

• Re: Value? [a_l_hubcaps]

  Written by: chuck1959 on Aug 24, 2005 5:45:06 AM

  Ok I understand. Your right about the new Rio. I also think that the styling of the 2002 is not as good as 2004. I would have considered a Spetra if my budget had allowed. IMO all Kias are really a good deal considering what you get for the price.

New Kia Rio Owners - Give Us Your Report

• Re: First report 3K miles [newflyer22]

  Written by: chuck1959 on Aug 15, 2005 1:37:37 AM

  I needed to replace my old car. So based on the good luck (25,000 trouble free miles) with the 2002 Rio Cinco I bought my mom, I decided to get one for myself. To my disappointment the dealer (and every other one in Houston) were out of Cincos. With the employee discounting they had sold their stock on 2005. I could have waited 2 weeks for a 2006, but I don't ... Read More

Kia Rio

• Re: I think I like the rear view [chrisducati]

  Written by: chuck1959 on Jul 18, 2005 10:34:58 AM

  I bought my mother a 2002 Kia Rio Cinco. It has been a great car. I was disappointed to see that they have screwed up the rear styling (as well as the Spectra 5). Looks like to me like they are trying to copy the Matrix/Vibe, Sicon (can't think of the model but it's a hatchback) etc. Yes, the new name will be the Kia Rio5,

Low End Sedans (under $16k)

• Interesting opinions and ratings Backy

  Written by: kmag on May 22, 2004 9:58:07 PM

  Here are mine, based mainly on reviews and sitting in the cars since I have driven very few of these....but I was in the market a year ago and considered many of them. I dont test drive a car i am not seriously considering buying just to drive it. My top concerns are good long term reliability and low maintenace cost, attractiveness to my eye, and price. NOT APPEALING: Dodge Neon-I ... Read More

• dinu and iluv

  Written by: dunworth on Aug 26, 2003 6:51:43 AM

  Nice photos Dinu. Holy schnikey does that sedan version of the new baby Mazda ever look like a 3 series BMW! One nice thing about the current Pro is that the new 6 looks like a giant version of it. So even though there will be a new small Mazda, the old one will not look horribly out of date. This is a complaint I have have from some buyers of ... Read More

Kia Rio5

• 2003 KIA RIO RX-V conv pkg

  Written by: bigmusclepaul on Nov 20, 2002 8:35:00 PM

  Hey everyone, I'm considering buying a new 2003 Kia Rio RX-V conv. package (different from the 2002 models). Looks like a good deal at $16,150 CDN (5 sp., a/c, pw, pdl, pm, cd, alloys, roof rack), and Kia of Burnaby (Vancouver Metro area)is throwing in 5 years scheduled maintenance (oil changes, brakes, exhaust, tune-ups, even wiper blades) to match the warranty. I'm jumping from a 2001 Volvo S60 (lost it - ... Read More

• 02 Rio Cinco questions

  Written by: deluxekitty101 on May 23, 2002 5:45:52 PM

  How can I find out what company actually manufactures the engines and auto-transaxles in the 2002 Rio Cinco? Or to rephrase can anyone here tell me who manufatures the above, Sephias and others are not a Kia product is what many have told me .I came to ask that question but now I see the 03 will be a 1.6 litre engine? So the 2002 Cinco is a one year only ... Read More

Low End Sedans (under $16k)

• Aerio

  Written by: hjr2 on Apr 21, 2002 8:40:42 PM

  needs to sell for No More Than $11,500, or Price of an Accent or Rio, since it is no better in quality,imo. 3yr/36,000 mile warranty? Hyundai=5yr/60,000 miles for Less $$$. Also, road side assistance from Suzuki is only 3 years vs 5 for Hyundai. Yes, quality and Hyundai are starting to become a more popular theme vs Hyundai=junk, as in 1986 Excel(with Mitsu underpinnings, I might add). You don't see Hyundai ... Read More

Kia Rio5

• 2003 Kia Rio changes.

  Written by: revka on Apr 4, 2002 5:46:35 AM

  Here's some information from Edmunds' coverage of the 2002 New York Auto Show: 2003 Kia Rio, by John DiPietro. Thanks for your comments. Revka Host Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

Low End Sedans (under $16k)

• "At least I've noticed a few people have at least driven the cars they criticize now."

  Written by: protegextwo on Jan 30, 2002 6:39:31 AM

  "If memory serves me right you always criticize the Korean cars even though you haven't driven them." by BJ FRANK42 B.J.,I'm pretty sure your memory is faulty. I have my opinions on Korean cars, nonetheless; I challenge you to find a single post in this topic were I "critized" any of the Korean vehicles. The one exception, might be the KIA produced vehicles. BTW, I rented a KIA Rio for a ... Read More

Kia Rio5

• Report Back

  Written by: luck11 on Oct 26, 2001 6:12:25 AM

  Well, my mom test drove the Rio Wagon on two separate occasions, once on her own and once with my sister. Her 2nd test drive confirmed her impressions from the first test drive. Let me begin by identifying the cars she had on her short-list: the Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, and Rio Wagon. With the economy the way it is, she just wants to get a good car and minimize costs. ... Read More

Low End Sedans (under $16k)

• Test drives

  Written by: majorthomecho on Oct 21, 2001 6:22:26 PM

  Just a quick FYI. My roommate and I took test drives of the 2001 Kia Rio sedan and the 2002 Kia Spectra sedan. The reasons behind the test drive and the details on the test drives including my thoughts on the cars will be posted when I have more time. I will also post responses to Backy including my pick for the best car and to Randy.

• Fresh meat

  Written by: backy on Oct 12, 2001 3:57:27 PM

  Yes, I think we need fresh meat. For example, the 2002 Spectra sedan, the 2002 Protege DX with the 2.0L engine, the Focus ZX5, the 2003 Corolla (not too far off now), the Rio Cinco, the Cavalier/Sunfire with the EcoTech engine, the "fixed" 2002 Civic, inquiries from prospective buyers looking for advice, whether Daewoo will survive, whether the US and Japanese automakers will throw in the towel on low-end cars to ... Read More

• Mr.major-you must have missed one of my posts!

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Oct 8, 2001 10:25:12 AM

  I went to Jerry Smith Chev-Buick-Kia with the intention of getting a Rio Cinco wagon or a Spectra sedan. Turns out they had no 2002 Kia Spectra sedans or 2002 Kia SpectraWing's in stock. They had the 2002 Kia Cinco wagons(3 or 4 of them) and they had the red one I wanted. My wife and I even test drove a black 2001 Kia Optima with the V6 engine and leather ... Read More

• Mr.major, regarding the new Tuscani(2002 Tiburon)....

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Sep 22, 2001 12:42:48 PM

  it's very common throughout the car industry to copy parts of cars on newly designed models. I think Hyundai has done a great job with this Tuscani's design. Yes, there's similarities but a keen eye will see differences. For instance the hood slope and quarterpanels up from are different. Actually, Kia has made a concept car that can be seen on their Global website(the name escapes me)that's a sporty model I ... Read More

• Dudes, the '98-'00 Sephia's would have already

  Written by: iluvmysephia1 on Sep 21, 2001 11:08:36 PM

  been recalled if NHTSB deemed it necessary. Kia continues to elicit jealous comments. I don't know about you guys but the Rio sedan is looking better to me all of the time. Then again, so is the 2002 Kia Spectra sedan and the 2002 Kia Spectra hatchback and the 2002 Kia Rio Cinco. Kia's future's so bright they're gonna need the shades. Mr.major-do report back on how she digs her white ... Read More

• 2002 low-end summary

  Written by: backy on Sep 8, 2001 4:44:10 PM

  Just got my October Car & Driver with a (sparse) review of the 2002 cars. The bad news, for us here on this forum, is that not much is happening in the low-end market next year. For some reason (profits, maybe?) the automakers are concentrating on the more expensive cars, and trucks. For those of you w/o access to this mag, here's the details (with editorial commentary, of course): * Chevy: ... Read More

• NHTSA recalls 2000-2002

  Written by: bjfrank42 on Aug 28, 2001 8:53:09 PM

  Recalls for low end cars (none for 2002 yet) 2000 2001 Mazda Protege 1 1 Honda Civic 0 2 Kia Sephia 0 0 Kia Spectra 0 0 Kia Rio n/a 0 Toyota Corolla 0 0 Toyota Echo 1 0 Hyundai Accent 1 0 Hyundai Elantra 1 1 Nissan Sentra 0 1 and for anyone who says that this doesn't distinguish between major and minor recalls, neither does the JD Power and ... Read More

• Kia: Styling Champ of the Low-End Market?

  Written by: backy on Aug 26, 2001 11:32:45 AM

  OK, how about some positive comments about Kia for a change? I will nominate them as the Styling Champ for the Low-End Market. Why would I do this? (I am completely sober.) Consider these credentials: Rio sedan - sharp little car, cute even (if that's what you like), especially for $8000. Nothing else quite like it in the low-end market. Rio Cinco - New 2002 model, maybe the best looking little ... Read More

Kia Rio5

• 2002 Kia Rio wagon

  Written by: pocahontas on Apr 25, 2001 10:14:15 PM

  "Kia will offer the lowest-priced station wagon in the world when the 2002 Rio Wagon goes on sale in the summer of 2001." Read the complete article here: 2002 Kia Rio Wagon. Sounds like a lot of car for the dollars. What do you think? Thanks for your comments. ;-) Pocahontas Host Hatchbacks/Station Wagons Message Boards