2002 Kia Rio Review
Fuel Economy
24 - 26 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
This is one of America's cheapest cars. If you're low on ducats and are absolutely addicted to that new-car smell, the Rio should do well by you.
Pros
Unbeatable price, peppy engine, decent build quality relative to price point, inoffensive styling, great warranty package.
Cons
Unrefined ride quality, power windows and cruise control are MIA from the option list.
What's New for 2002
One of America's least expensive cars now comes in sedan or wagon flavor. Dubbed the Rio Cinco, the five-door Kia provides 44.3 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seat down.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
The Little Rio That Could
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
This is a follow-up on this car. In short, I bought it early summer 2008 USED with 69K on the odometer. It's coming up on 100000. By the end of this year it'll be beyond that. Things I've replaced so far are four sets of tires about 5 oil changes and a right rear wheel bearing that was going. Other than that, this car is still going. I live in Florida and without AC you'd die out here. I have not had to refill the AC unit yet. It's still going strong. One of the best AC units out there. I'm going to put tint on the windows this winter and see if that'll make a difference. I'm still on the original brake pads when I bought the car.
Favorite Features
Fuel economy, reliability and simplicity. Transmission shifts smooth. The engine with its 97 ponies is very elastic.
Suggested Improvements
My only issues with the baseline model, the idle is rough when the AC is on. The rear coil-springs are too soft with 4 adults in the car and to Kia, put cruise control in your sub-compacts ! ! !
120,000 and still running great
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
My cinco has been the most reliable car I've ever owned. I'm so happy with it I'm buying another kia. Why can't we build cars this reliable. I only wish they put a light in the glove compartment.
Favorite Features
the car itself.
Suggested Improvements
light in glove compartment. indoor latch for the hatch.
I love it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I love my little Kia , its done well over the years and have been reliable. I havent had any problems with the car and I would recomend some one to buy!
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Solid and Sane
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 2 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 4 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I have had no problems with the car so far, it runs well, gets amazing mileage, and is fairly comfortable, the interior is a little cheap, but it keeps moving and thats what matters.
Favorite Features
reliability, trunk room is amazing, reliable.
Suggested Improvements
interior is cheap, has a tendency to fall apart
Desert Diver
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Has been a great daily driver thus far. Brakes and maintenance have only been minor thus far. Outstanding Air conditioning but noticeable pausing from time to time. We're getting 33 mpg on mostly cross town driving (60 miles daily}Air is on 1st setting.
Favorite Features
Air conditioning 1st setting which cools it quickly
Suggested Improvements
5spd auto, fog lights, p/w, pdl, s/r option...
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