Is the 2002 Kia Rio a good car?
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2002 Kia Rio and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2002 Rio featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
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How do people like the 2002 Kia Rio?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2002 Kia Rio and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2002 Rio 4.1 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2002 Rio.
Vehicle
4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I bought my Rio from its second owner. The car had been wrecked by the first owner at around 12,000 miles and was subsequently rebuilt. The second owner took good care of the Rio. The interior was like new when I bought it at 52,000 miles and the car had been repainted '57 Corvette red. The original wheels were warped and the tires were horribly out of round, causing the car to vibrate at around 45mph, so I bought a specialty set of wheels and new tires that set me back about $1000. Despite most Rios' homely look, mine actually looks pretty sporty. There are several things I like about the Rio. It's a simple car. I especially like the fact that the windows and door locks are manually operated. The front seats, while not cushy, are comfortable and there is adequate room for two full size adults in the front seats. The back seats are strictly for kids. Ours are grown, so the rear seat is not a problem. Whoever designed the interior of the Rio did a good job. The controls and switches are well situated ergonomically. There's even a right armrest that folds down for the driver that makes driving on longer trips more comfortable. Steering is light and responsive. It's like driving a go cart. Visibility is very good. The 1500cc engine and automatic transmission are adequate for around town driving but are a little underpowered for trips in mountainous terrain. You'll get up the slopes, but you won't pass many people. Fuel economy with the automatic transmission is good but not spectacular. I've averaged around 32mpg in highway driving and 22mpg around town. I use only straight unleaded gas (no alcohol) in my car (Yes, it's still available if you look for it.). The only maintenance the Rio has needed since I bought it was the replacement of a rear shock absorber and, of course, periodic oil/air/filter changes. Since we use the Rio as our around town car, we don't put a lot of miles on it. The absence of cruise control is the main reason we don't use it on long trips. Currently, we have about 72,000 miles on our car. It stills looks showroom new inside and out when it has been cleaned up. We love our 2002 Rio. June 2017 - Yep, I still have my 2002 Kia Rio and use it as a town car and for short trips. Still love it. Thinking of giving it to my grandson who will get his learner permit to drive next month. Hate to part with it, but...hey!...he's my grandson and that's what granddads do. Small, economical, easy to drive...the Rio is an excellent car for new drivers.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2002 Kia Rio
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What options are available on the 2002 Kia Rio?
Available Kia Rio 2002 Submodel Types: Sedan, Hatchback, Wagon
Available Trims: LX, EX, Base, SX, Cinco, Rio5 LX, Rio5 SX, S
Exterior Colors: Bright Silver, Clear White, Aurora Black, Signal Red, Urban Blue, Digital Yellow, Silky Silver, Black, Platinum Graphite, Tropical Red, Clear Silver Metallic, Midnight Black, Phantom Gray, Sapphire Blue, Sapphire Blue Metallic, Cashmere Beige Metallic, Chestnut, Clear Silver, Electronic Blue, Sunset Orange, Tropical Red Metallic, White, Blue, Classic Red, Polar Blue, Polar Blue Metallic, Silver, Steel Blue Metallic, Titanium
Interior Colors: Beige cloth, Black cloth, Gray cloth, Black premium cloth, Black Cloth cloth, Beige premium cloth, Black leather, Gray
Popular Features: Rear Bench Seats, Tire Pressure Warning, Aux Audio Inputs, USB Inputs, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Stability Control, Trip Computer, Bluetooth, Back-up camera, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Alarm, Leather Seats, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Heated seats, Navigation, Post-collision safety system, Pre-collision safety system, Sunroof/Moonroof
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC, MANUAL
Fuel Types: regular unleaded
Drivetrains: front wheel drive
