Used 2002 Kia Rio Consumer Reviews
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Love it!!!
Amy Hammcock, 09/19/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best car in the world!! I have had it for a month and it is the best purchase in my life!!!You will love it if you buy it!!!
Good inexpensive car, and sporty.
EMT_Rob, 10/14/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a Kia Rio Sedan in light gold. The car looks catchy on the outside, while offering for the money, a decent, but no too powerful engine, good interior ergonomics, and overall great handling. You have to patient with the 96 horsepower engine getting up to speed, but take your time driving, and this sporty little car will get you around with good gas mileage and comfort for its class. Smoother ride than the comparable Toyota Echo.
2002 Kia Rio for sale near you
Showing 1 of 1 listings
- Base SedanMSRP: $8,9981,821 mi away
SOLID AS A ROCK!
steeveo, 09/18/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car rocks! My parents bought it for me for graduation, and I love this car. Solid as a Honda, although some of you may disagree. Better than American (terrible thing I should have to say, especially at a time I should be supporting my country), but I have news for you--that Probe you own is made in Japan, that Accord you own is made in America, and God knows who the h--- made the...
You Get What You Pay For
RaiderGirl, 12/05/2002
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very well-priced for a single mom, but I'm making up for it at the fuel pump; the Kia Rio Cinco is surprisingly UNeconomical in gas use. I can barely squeeze nine gallons into a nearly twelve gallon tank, and then I only get 200 miles on a tankful in the city. Also, it could accelerate MUCH better than it does. Other than that, it's pretty reliable and very cool-looking. The interior is very roomy - I can fit my large dog in the back with the rear seat in the upright position with no problem. Overall rating: 6
I am happy!
DesertBum, 12/05/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Hi Desert Kia in Victorville is great. Ask for Linda, she sold us this car. They do deal, so...be ready :) We love it. Its a small dealership, but their customer service makes up for it. I would buy again. It gets 31city/36highway DesertBum 2002'KIA Rio/Automatic/4-door
Good transportation
Good CAR, 12/19/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a 01 Rio.Its not a sports car. It gets you from Point A to B. Good all around town car. Car handles good on the highway. I have notice a wind noise. The car has a good ride. Radio plays good and sounds good. AC Works great! It has options that some Entry Level Toyotas or Hondas dont have. Such as a trunk light! They are some minor things The airbag light was on, Had it fixed. Drivers side door handle broke, Dealer fix it. It now has almost 49k miles and still running good .I have notice that the transmission will Lag in first gear (Auto)if you dont let it warm up in the winter time.The brakes are a little touchy at first.
16K miles in 6 months
Ed VanderVeen, 01/07/2003
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2002 Kia Rio in July 2002 and so far so good. I drive 85 miles round trip to work each day and the gas milage on my full size pick up was killing me. My wife & I decided that I needed an inexpensive vehicle with good gas milage and a/c to drive to work in. The Kia Rio was the solution. So far I have put 16,000 miles on it (including a trip from Dallas to Chicago) and have had zero problems.
How much I love my Kia
smsm, 12/13/2003
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have driven this car across the state of Michigan more times than one would think humanly possible. It has proven to be more reliable than my friends' new cars of substantially more price. Once, a rear tail light went out and the dealership kindly replaced. That is the only problem to speak of. I love this car!!!! I may have to sell it because of a move to the city, and it's breaking my heart!!!
College student's perspective
JK, 09/10/2005
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great fuel economy! Perfect for driving in town, not recommended for long road trips with friends because of the small backseat. Mine has 78K miles, only thing wrong with it so far was that I had a thermostat go out last winter. Can't beat the warranty! Another selling point for me on this car was the low car insurance premiums.
Good basic car
skishopgirl, 01/06/2004
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car because of the great price. I soon realized what I gave up. "Top of the line" means CD player, "power locks" (push down on driver lock), spoiler and I believe alloy wheels. I was misadvised at the dealership that the rear seats folded down. This caused a huge problem when I accidentally locked my keys in the trunk on a Fri. night - had to wait until Mon. for dealer who could only rekey my locks, not get into the trunk. Car was in the shop 4 x b/c service engine light constantly came on. Replacing gas tank cap didn't fix that. I soon upgraded to a fully loaded Chevy & have only vague memories of my dissapointments in this car.
Love the car after a year!
DesertBum, 01/17/2004
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned the car for more than a year now. I got it when the car had 10k on it. So far, I had the dealer replace the shocks (front) under warranty and a rear seat belt, under warranty. I also just replaced the tires (all four) with Pirelli tires "P3000" 185/60/14 w/85,000 mile warranty (Great tire) and that it, oh, I got tires, cause I wanted a better tire! I get 28city/33highway. I also did the exhaust (2"catback) which improved performance 100%, a must. Might even buy another one or wife!! I would say if your looking or thinking, go buy one. PS. My other car is a Suburban (Big Block) and I enjoy driving Kia more =)
Incredible
paganboyscout, 01/24/2004
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Kia Rio as a last ditch effort to get out of used cars. I had just gotten my license, and I needed a car to get from home to work every day. The Rio proved to be a godsend, allowing me to go anywhere, do anything, without breaking my bank. I've named her Regina, and she's done more than I ever expected, often out performing cars priced 2-3 times as much. She has never stalled, never gurgled, never gotten stuck. I've hauled over 1400 pounds (no typo) with her, gotten her through 3 foot snowdrifts, plowed her through 1 1/2 foot streams, and never has she so much as complained. I love this car, and will tell anyone buying a car to Go Kia.
Kia Rio
The Cat, 12/24/2005
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my car for almost four years and have not had any major problems with it. Outside of the routine maintenance, everything else has been just great.
MY FIRST CAR
Sherman, 01/04/2006
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a 2002 Kia Rio and I had for about one year now and I have nothing but good things to say about this car. This is my first car and luckily it is a very good one. When I first bought this car I was a little leery because I grew up an American car lover and this one was Korean. Second I was concerned about the performance factor since it only has 96 horsepower. All my worries were put to sleep when I had the car for a day and the way it handled and the surprising snap it had for only 96 horsepower. Next is the reliability; in the 11 months I owned it the car never gave a sign of problems. The only money spent was for maintenance and the crazy wheels, paint and engine upgrade. great car.
It's been a great car!
Jon Hill, 03/23/2006
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As y'all read this, understand that we bought this car new and use it in Egypt. We have gone from one end to the other including the Sinai on numerous trips. Gas mileage is great (even though gas is .80 cents a gallon here). We have depended on this car with our lives and to date only replaced both the front drive axles. The roads are notorious with potholes, etc. Would buy another one and more. Try it ... you won't be disappointed.
It's Great!
Carolyn, 03/27/2006
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was the first new car I'd ever owned. I bought what I could afford & I really believe I got a great value along with a fun, reliable car to drive. I have never had any problems other than normal maintenance like tires, battery. If I had to do it all over again I would! I love my car and plan on keeping it for quite sometime. I tell all my friends & family what a great car I have. I just wish my husband wasn't so tall then he could ride in it. But I tell him that I didn't know him when I bought my car.
Bad Crunch
Annie, 03/29/2006
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is okay but does not hold up well in an accident. I was in one about a month ago and it wasn't even my fault. The other people had their car fixed and back to work. Mine was totaled at the scene and I'm still not allowed to go back to work because of back and neck injuries. We were hit by a 95 Jeep Cherokee and they only had minor damages to the vehicle.
2002 Kia Rio - My Goldmine
TRzDaddy, 03/16/2004
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car runs perfectly. It has plenty of power, unless there is someone in the backseat over 45 pounds. Everything works well. The dealer service has been excellent. They seem so earnest in pleasing their customers. What a good idea! My only complaints are that the sun visor doesn't fold flat against the windshield and that the clock on the radio doesn't stay on - it has to be reminded to go back to clock everytime you change the station. The only thing that has gone wrong is a window crank with stripped gears. The dealer fixed it during an oil change, under warranty.
If All You Do Is Drive Around
Suzanne, 08/22/2006
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Kia was cheap, hence my initial attraction. But it also loses its value rather quickly. Then I noticed things like... the back seats don't fold down and the battery is so underpowered and short-lived, listening to the radio for more than 10 minutes drains it! It is also extremely intolerant to delayed oil changes. Most other vehicles, the 3,000 mile limit is for high-stress vehicles like cop cars and taxis...but watch out for lifter noise if you go that long. The mileage has been decent, like an old Escort, about 28 mpg. Not the 35 advertised certainly. It needs more power if it's going to take on hilly terrain. I will never buy a Rio again!
Good second car
tkorcal, 05/05/2004
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Has been a good dependable second car. Too small for primary vehicle of family. Would be good for young person also. No problems, Oil changes only.
Great value
Larry Hofmeister, 06/04/2004
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For a $7000 car this thing has been very impressive. Runs like a watch, comfortable to drive, great mileage and nice looking car.
Great car at a great price
citygirl, 01/12/2006
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been great to drive. My family is a Kia-owner one, and so far out of numerous cars, we have never had any big problems. Sure, every brand will have some lemons or you are going to be disappointed if you are forced into a car or are lied to like some posters here have been (everyone should do research before visiting a dealer, including the disappointed poster who believed the dealer that this car gets 35-40 mpg).The Kia may not be as trendy to drive, but the quality surpasses many brands I've seen, including Toyota and Ford. The $12k I paid was great and I have used the roadside assistance when I locked keys inside. The a/c broke once and it was fixed in an hour, under warranty.No other problems.
to quote the Simpson's; "Worst Car Ever"
Randy, 08/30/2006
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife actually bought the car before we got married. It seemed like a cute little car. It was also nice that it had a "warranty". However, the first time it rained, the entire trunk filled with water. When I checked about the seals, and how to have them replaced, they were not covered as a warranty piece. I tried to seal it several times, but they never seemed to stick in place. At 55mph, we had a loud whistle noise in a door that the dealer could not figure out. It was a non-fixable air leak in the window seal. Then, my favorite, at 55,000 miles, it mushroomed a piston-head. I could only prove 18 of 19 oil changes, so it was considered not under warranty. Kia, the enclosed go-cart!
Wish I had Not Purchased
hatetherio, 01/04/2003
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Kia Rio for about 16 months now. The whistling noise is more than annoying, I have already had to replace the brakes and tires, although the gas milage is great there is nothing else good I could say about the car, I am trading it in this week for something much much more reliable.
2002 Kia Rio!
Kevin Zollner, 01/16/2003
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Runs great, looks good, and I really lke the car.
good for transportation only !!
tok, 03/22/2002
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
if you need basic transportation, then get the rio...nothing good about it. should consider the new toyota corrolla, suzuki aerio, or ford focus zx3..etc. also, if has a horrible engine, no power.
5 reasons I returned mine....
lizm1, 03/27/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I drove mine for one full week. 1. After 300 miles, my tires are already squeeking. 2. The car has absolutely NO control in icy or snowy conditions...I've been slipping and sliding all week. 3. The trunk doesn't close properly. You have to push down precisely in the middle. 4. My insurance company wouldn't insure it because (and I quote) "They fall apart too easily". 5. The "new car smell" is very fishy and gave me a headache. ---I was lucky enough that they tried to pull the "Your Financing Didn't go Through scam". I opted to not try to finance it again and I returned it. I'm buying year old Honda instead.
Excellent Little Car!
April, 04/29/2008
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has made me consider never buying an American car again! I love my little Kia Rio and have never had any major problems with it except routine work. I have an hour commute to work, so I needed something with better gas mileage, and this certainly has it. Having never driven a four cylinder before, I was worried that I wouldn't like the slower pick-up. I was pleasantly surprised to discover how fast it could go to 70 or 75 on the freeway. Also, for such a small car it is awfully roomy (This is coming from someone who is 5'10 keep in mind)
Don't waste your money
total garbage, 05/06/2008
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car and have had nothing but problems. the dealer is crappy they don't even work with the buyer. The car makes a horrible squealing sound when driving, the bolts from the steering wheel fall out when driving the car. the air bag light stays on, the car rattles when driving, this car is a total lemon and I am not afraid to share it with anybody, You couldn't pay me enough to drive another Kia. when I am able to get rid of this one it needs to go to a junkyard so no other poor soul has to deal with the cost of monthly repairs to keep it on the road.
Money sucking
JoBlow, 05/14/2008
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My God, where to begin my rant. I bought this car for 4 g's and a year later the engine went and then the trans went, needless to say I put just as much into it as I paid for it. TERRIBLE TERRIBLE car I will never buy a Kia or anything that has anything to do with a Kia ever again. And now to top it off the mass air intake needs replacing, please heed my call and stay away!
Great little gas saver
Jennifer, 06/04/2021
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 2002 Kia Rio was a great little car it has over 280.000 miles by now or more i bought the 02 Rio in December of 2013 from a friend that had the car since brand new when it only just had 3 miles on the clock in when got the Rio the only 116,000 miles on it but since I drive a lot only in 2 years I putted 200.000 miles on the clock in late December 2015 I started to have troubles with the Rio when it only had 208.330 miles I started having transmission problems one day on dec 31 2015 my Rio transmission would not get in to gear and drove at 25 mph and would stop a light but when the would turn green I wouldn’t be able to go thru the green light in time but made it home but pulling in to my drive way my motor started to smoke so I was already in my driveway and I It mediately put it neutral and turned the motor off so after that 2 weeks I got a new transmission in it and it was all back being into my normal daily driver but a month later I gave it to my neighbor cause I gotten a used 2015 Kia Rio so I gave to my neighbor and he said it has done him good
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A mixed bag.
Joseph, 07/10/2021
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The head gasket will fail before 120k and the manual transmission will usually explode, due to a faulty bolt in the clutch assembly around the same time. But fun to drive and great gas mileage. Try to find one built 2006 or later if you prefer a reliable car. I put nearly 300,000 on mine, but I'm weird. Most people aren't going to go through the effort and cost of rebuilding these if they aren't comfortable doing it themselves.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
ooops
Ron Kotler, 06/10/2009
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Fuel mi.(@55mph.) stinks,,,trans. hunts all the time. driving layout poor. body, at freeway speeds, sounds like your in a wind tunnel. just a terrible auto! I'm afraid to drive it, it may cost me again.It holds the road ,,,,Not.
Solid and Sane
albuscornix, 07/09/2009
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
WISH I COULD RETURN IT!!!
mitchttj, 04/25/2002
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
Less than 700 miles into my "coerced" ownership of this vehicle I was feeling like a major fool!! 523 miles-car dies in a parking lot. They towed to dealership and changed battery-NOT THE PROBLEM! More quitting on the road(with a baby in the back!)and then they change the alternator(somewhere around 700 miles)-guess that was the problem. The car whistles when the wind hits from certain directions, the back windows roll THEMSELVES DOWN and we don't get anywhere near the mileage they said! (supposed to get approx 35-40, we are lucky if we get 25-30!) If you have kids, the car seats don't fit very well! One more complaint, you can't shift the car without spilling your drink!
So So Car
macbob, 06/05/2010
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Recently bought this used Kia Rio Cinco with 33.000 original miles. Weak performance, especially with a/c on. Engine light is on and not fixed yet. Unknown why light is on. Car handles badly with vibrations, etc. A car with only 33k miles should not have these problems. My 1991 Buick regal I sold to buy this Kia was a lot better running car. No more Kia for me.
I hate this car...
alvaniceia, 08/15/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my Kia in October of 00' and was pushed into it I felt like, by the dealership and sales guy. I bought the car basic. No A/C no radio, no power steering etc. Manual...First of all the air bag light has been on since about 25thousand miles have been on my car, Im up to about 80,000 miles and the air bag light is still on for no apparent reason, Ive taken it to the dealership in Highland IN several times in the past the service is HORRIBLE, they treat U like CRAP! Every visit to try to get the light right I waited 4 and 5 hours at a time only to leave and before Id make it to my door step the light would be on again. I love the model but hate the car
Cheap and Crappy
jjepps15, 12/27/2011
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 50,000 and it has been nothing but problems from day 1. I want to sell it ASAP so I dont have to keep paying for it. My mechanic said that is just a cheap car.