Used 2002 Kia Rio Consumer Reviews
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The Ideal Town Car
Dennis Howerton, 12/08/2015
updated 06/21/2024
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
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 seat is 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 under 74,000 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 - We still have our 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. December 2017 - We're still driving our Rio daily. I had thought about giving it to our grandson when he turns 16 in July but he's a growing boy. At 6'01", 300 pounds, he's a mite big for the Kia so we'll keep it as our old timer's transportation. The boy is going to need a truck...a big truck. June 2018 - Yep. Still have our 2002 Rio. Still use it daily. December 2018 - I jokingly call our Rio the Red Hot Chili Pepper and, yes, we still use it as daily transport around town and on short trips. No problems. Incidentally for those who read my earlier post about our grandson, I bought a 1997 Ford F-150 from my brother for him. It was a fixer-upper that I spent a shade over $2000 to have the seat and headliner and brakes and calipers redone. It had new tires and a fresh rebuilt starter. I also gave it a tune-up, radiator flush, new water pump, air filter, oil/filter, and exterior rear view mirrors. The kid is too big for a car. He needed a truck, and now he's got one with a 4.2L V-six engine turning a five speed manual tranny. December 2019 - Our 2002 Kia Rio still looks and runs great. It doesn't have all the high tech gee whiz gadgetry of the latest overpriced cars. I like that. It gets us where we want to go. Isn't that really what a car is supposed to do? June 2020 - Our Kia Rio is still running good. No problems. Too bad Kia stopped making the 2002 model. I learned Kia put a Mazda engine driving a Ford transmission in the car. It's a good, solid drive train combination. We're keeping it. December 2020. Everything I've said about our 2002 Kia Rio is still true. It's a good no frills car. Looking at the sticker price of new cars...even good used cars...these days tells me I'll be keeping the Rio. June 2022. Had a minor fender bender on the last day of 2020 when an uninsured driver failed to yield the right of way. The front right bumper has a minor boo boo, but the Rio is still driveable. Drove to Memphis and back recently cruising at a leisurely 50 mph and got 40 mpg. I've owned a lot of cars and trucks. My all time favorite was a 1984 VW Rabbit powered by a diesel engine with a five speed manual transmission that averaged 52 mpg, but the Kia Rio is giving it some honest competition. Dec 2023 We still use our Rio for 95% of our driving needs. I used some touch-up paint to cover the minor boo boo from my Dec 2002 fender bender. I'm thinking the Rio will be the last internal combustion engine driven car we'll ever own and plan to drive it until the wheels fall off. It's a good car.
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trouble free miles
nan25, 10/11/2013
updated 04/16/2016
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Everytime I get asked about the car i have said this. Bought her new with zero dealer add ons. Starting at 40K and today I'd say "got 207K trouble free miles" Check engine light has been working for 11 yrs. Gotta ignore it, it rearly goes off. I am lazy but do the oil changes religiously & read the review warning about timing belts. Got that at 149,000. At 200,000 got front wheel bearings & someother stuff there for $700. Hatch latch broke, using a bunge cord. If you dont like yours I will buy it :) update: sold car at 227K to a mechanic who replaced the original but just blown alternator and somehow the hatch latch ( bunge cord looked tacky) who resold it but I bought a 2014 Kia Rio and were at 44K now with no troubles
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2002 Kia Rio for sale near you
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- Base SedanMSRP: $8,9981,821 mi away
Favorite car in 40 years of driving
querflote, 12/14/2014
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought the car when it had 10 K miles, one year old, one previous driver. Since then have put 140K miles on it, with fewer problems than any other car I have ever driven. Replaced timing belt at 60 K and 120K. Has no AC (bought it in PA). 5 sp manual transmission. Fun to drive, plenty of acceleration in 1st and 2nd. Manual everything (windows, etc. ) means that nothing ever breaks, and no little things need repair. Incredible highway mileage, even at 65-70 mph (40-43 mpg). Had to replace gasket for trunk lid. Not a car for 4 large adults - better for 2 adults, 2 kids in back seat. Great value for the money I paid. Am expecting to put another 100 K miles on it.
Loooooove this car!!
sxbombannie, 01/04/2012
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
i just wanted to let everyone know what happened to me so it won't happen to you. i bought this car in 2007 with 20,000 miles for $4000. i know it's horrible but i only got maybe 3 or 4 oil changes. the car has 107,000 miles now. but this car just kept on going. i hit a wall on the highway goin about 50 and i just drove it away. never ever had a problem until 80,000 miles needed new wheel bearings. almost $500. not too bad. kept on going til pulling into my driveway one day it just dies! i knew it was the end because the car had been so good to me it was gonna end its life pulling into the driveway. got it towed to the mechanic and yup, the timing chain broke. broke the engine, $2500 to fix.
Mixed feelings. Under-rated, but I won't buy a Kia again.
harmonia2927, 01/09/2013
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This was my first college car. I bought it in summer of 2010 with 96,000 miles on it. I blindly went into buying it, no research done. I ended up falling in love with this little car. I drove it to school and back SEVERAL times (10 hour drive), and went on many road trips in it. It also made it up my mile-long dirt road at home. I'm surprised it lasted. PROS: great gas mileage, runs well with normal maintenance CONS: noisy engine, doesn't accelerate well with the AC on, tin can, cheaply made, manual windows and locks, tiny back seat I drove it to 118,885 miles. It could have lasted longer, but I hit a deer and totalled it. :( Lesson learned, I won't buy a Kia again. But it was fun.
R E L I A B L E ! ! ! Exactly what I needed.
Reile, 08/14/2015
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
Sure, I would like something prettier, flashier. And navigating traffic would be easier and more fun with a little more acceleration power. But for me, getting there is more important than how cool I look on the way. This car has NEVER broken down. Never left me stranded. Worry free, problem free, low maint. Oil service every 5k miles. Replace timing belt every 60k miles. It's survived multiple curbs and medians with just a quick alignment and/or new rim. Clutch cable strand snapped at about 58k miles. Felt a pop in the stick and the sudden subtle clutch pedal and shift resistance change when the remaining strands stretched (Only needed a $35-40 part but idiots at Kia replaced entire clutch- everything EXCEPT the frayed cable!) Btw, AWESOME WARRANTY! 5yr/60k bumper to bumper. 10yr/100k powertrain. Priced around $14k- my actual cost was closer to $30k (5yr 22%) but I still count it among my top 5 smartest buys (or luckiest). PS. It falls a distant 2nd place to my 69 toyota celica fastback. Paid $3k used w/120k mi. It's 2nd 100k Just as- if not more- reliable and low maint than the Kia's 1st 100k for only 1/10th the actual cost of the Kia. Traded it for daycare just over 200k miles. It was sold one more time just under 300k miles before I lost track of it.
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My red hot kia rio
My red hot kia rio, 05/10/2010
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I got my kia used for $2000.00. My check engine light came on after four days. So I took it to auto zone. It was the mass air sensor. Then I took it to kia they told me it would be $360.00 to fix. I started asking around. You can buy cleaner for the sensor. It will fix the problem most of the time. You can get the mass air sensor cleaner at autozone for $7.00. If you take the air filter out spray the cleaner there with someone giving the car gas for about a min. This safed me $360.00.
I LOVE my Kia Rio
SaltyDog, 04/18/2008
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The Rio hadn't been out very long when I bought it so I was kinda nervous, but let me tell you. I would die without my beloved kia rio. I watched other people at work by gigantic mc-cars and felt so bad in my little kia, but NOW with gas the way it is. I can proudly say with gas at 3.25 a gallon I filled up with $26. The only thing that has ever gone wrong with the kia is the alternator had to be replaced when it was 5 years old. That's it folks. Little things here and there. Door bell rings by itself, interior light comes on by itself, back seat leaks (think it comes from the trunk somehow) but who cares I love my Kia and I will have her until she dies literally.
Good Vehicle for it's Price
Diane, 11/03/2006
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The car is excellent in any weather and proved to be reliable transportation. I would buy another Kia. The gasoline mileage in town and on the highway would average 25 to 28 mpg. My highest maintenance cost was at 60,000 miles which I have completed. Without the air conditioner on, the car has excellent pick up speed for highway entering and exiting.
Miss my wagon
kialover15, 01/02/2009
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
We bought a Kia Rio Cinco back in June of 2007, we bought it for one reason, gas mileage. It replaced a 94 Cadillac Deville, (15 mpg). This Rio would get 32 mpg city every time, and only one trip on the highway we got 37 mpg! Going 70-75 mpg (no cruise). Loved this car. We had only trouble with it, and that was when I was driving, the rear right wheel locked up, as if the emergency brake had been applied to just the wheel. But what actually happened was that the rod that makes the wheel turn, was so rusted it collapsed. We would still have this car today if some idiot didn't run through a red light and total it. Tough car, I wasn't killed.
120,000 and still running great
bl, 08/02/2009
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
2002 Rio Wagon
mako787, 02/03/2013
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I just purchased a Cinco wagon in January with 106,000 miles on it. It was in excellent condition and I hoped to get a reliable car that was cheap to drive and maintain. I had an older Buick that had cost me a fortune and the engine was knocking so bad I was afraid it was going to throw a rod in my driveway. So far this Kia has been reliable except for the check engine light coming on abut five times now. First it was the O2 sensors that had already been changed out but I had to get another one anyway and then it was the gas cap. Now it came on again and I have no idea what it is this time. The car is noisy and has little power with the AC running.
I Love My Kia Rio Because It's Cheap
Flashturner, 09/08/2006
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Like the title says, I love my Kia Rio because it's cheap. Where can you purchase a brand new car for $8,000 with a 10 year/100,000 miles warranty except Kia? I also purchased the 7 year/100,000 bumper-to-bumper warranty. Haven't had a chance to use it because the car is like the Eveready Energizer bunny. It has the pep of the Pontiac Solstice or Saturn Sky. It's also fun to drive and a miser with gas. I fill up every two to three weeks at $25. Can't beat that with a stick. I must say the car is not put together with the best and strongest materials, but what do you expect for $8,000. I've noticed that the price has gone up and you can't get the great warranty anymore.
Very Happy with This Car
Brandon Mintern, 03/30/2006
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
It's not often you can get a 4-year-old with only 35K miles for $5K, but that was the case with this one. The fuel efficiency has been great, and it gets around the small confines of the city very well. Parallel parking is a breeze, and the manual transmission makes it fun to drive in spite of a bit of a lack of power. Actually, driving it at about 5-6000 RPM can generate decent power for the small engine, but I drive more easily for gas mileage close to 35 MPG. I was very surprised by the amount of space. Front and back seat passengers will not be cramped, and the trunk is surprisingly roomy. For the low price and dependability, along with the overall good design, it's a bargain.
Great economy car very dependable.
Mark, 01/05/2010
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is my second Kia Rio 4 door sedan. I buy the base model with no power steering, no air, no radio. I live in Minnesota and in the winter at 20-30 below zero it always starts right away and heats up in less then 2 miles of driving. Gas mileage is 33-35 city and 45-48 highway. This car uses the old Mazda 626 drivetrain and so it is a very dependable car. Several of my family members have also purchased either the Rio, or Sophia. Just a really dependable vehicle for the day to day drive, with a fully adjustable drivers seat (On the Rio only). Maintenance through the dealership is very reasonable compared to other cars.
I love it
Riand, 07/17/2009
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
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!
'01 Kia Rio
Nate812, 07/26/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
For the price - you get what you pay for. No dragging in this car! I've gotten it up to 110mph but it started feeling light so I backed off. The only real complaint that I have is that the car needs atleast 5 (more like 10) more HP. Getting on the highway is not bad, but acceleration from 45-65 is sluggish in 5th and not recommended that you dowshift to 3rd. On high mountians with sharp climbs the car gives off a "odor" what I think is just the engine working too hard. Pluses!! Lots of trunk room and great gas mileage...
The Little Rio That Could
RoNiN, 10/01/2009
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Dogs and I love it!
RiowithDogs, 10/06/2002
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car! I got it so I could haul my two mini-greyhounds in the back. They love it, too! Very fun to drive, great mileage. The dealership was awesome and the price was right! Everyone thinks it is a sporty Honda Civic. There are no bells and whistles, but truly a well put together car with a fantastic price. I would buy it again!
Love my Rio!!!!!
debj1, 09/24/2011
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bougth my Rio used with about 50,000 miles on it in 2004. I've only put normal maintanence in it, except for the rear wheel barring that need to be replaced. I absolutely love driving it!!!! I'll be buying a Sportage in the next few months, but I will be keeping my Rio. It will remain my go to car, at least until it dies. I'm at 150,000 miles right now and hopeing I'll get a 100,000 more out of it. Not much on luxury, but a true JOY to drive!!!!!!!
Excellent deal
kerri9494, 04/05/2002
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Just brought this car home, so I don't know about the reliability yet. However, I'm happy with everything. The seats are firm and supportive, there's no body roll on corners, the leg room in the front is ample (although much less in the back), everything WORKS. It's not a performance car, but heck, I'm a soccer mom. I got in the car this morning, started it up, and it got me all the way to work safely, in climate-controlled comfort. What more can you want from a LOADED car (every option) that I got for $12,700?
Great little car.
James, 10/26/2015
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought to teach the kids to drive. Worked out great. Good car.
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Awesome Wagon
kialover15, 06/22/2008
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We recently bought a 2002 Rio Cinco, and we are loving our decision. This car was purchased by my grandfather. This is his work car, and soon, I will share it with him. (I get my license in July.) We sold a 1994 Cadillac Deville. A nice Caddy, no problems, but with gas at 4.18 a gallon, there was no option but to sell it. Once we got the Rio, we were a little unhappy, no AC, but when we filled it up for the first time a got 31 mpg, we were fine with no air. The gas mileage kept getting better too. The highest is 34 mpg, complete city! Great car!!
vegas daily driver
vegas driver, 05/27/2009
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great little vehicle. Get's 35 mpg mixed city driving. Was a vehicle from michigan and had little spots of rust on trunk, undercarraige. replaced breaks, wipers, basic items. May need Motor mounts eventually. 1st car I've had without p/w, p/l. Compact little car I use synthetic oil for daily driving. Avg.300 miles on 9 gal tank. Wish it had criuse as an option. Nice little vehicle for the money and certainly for the year. Could see another 100k, with minimal costs involved. Oh,A/C great on 1st setting here in the desert!
Nice Little car w/a price U CANT beat!
David-WI, 06/21/2002
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I REALLY like this little car. Plus I COULDN'T pass up on the price either. Granted it is a little 4cyl car but it has nearly everything you need at a base model price. I paid 12K even for this car and got nearly everything I wanted. I had the dealer install after market cruise and I am set!! The A/C works just fine, it has a roomy hatch and it looks great!!! All for 12K!! How can you go wrong????
Money well spent
Roguebull, 12/27/2008
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought Rio with 53K miles on it (still in warranty!), took the back seats out, used it as a mini ranch truck so I could drive my truck less. I live in the cold Pacific Northwest but the Rio has never failed to start on the first revolution. I've had it off road, (which it is not designed for), and on snowy mountain fire trails. I carried lumber, pipe, dogs and feed bags inside with the windows up and the rear seats out. It got from 29 mpg to 37 mpg depending on how I used it. Only complaint: little hard for big man in western hat to squeeze in and out of. But it never let me down in 40K miles, did all it was asked to do and more, and thus is one of the best buys for the dollar I've owned.
Never again
commdeus, 09/23/2007
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This was an awful car to drive. It was uncomfortable, had little power, no acceleration, and started breaking down about a year into its life. The paint job was of poor quality. Corrosion started in its 4th year despite biweekly washes and bi-annual waxes. I was only too pleased to return it after its lease ended. It has put me off Kia all together.
Desert Diver
bobbytimmy, 07/05/2009
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Mixed bag
treacherousdad, 10/19/2010
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my little Kia... except that this year has many problems. You either get one that will last forever, or you get an utter lemon. My luck has given me the latter. These things have a nasty habit of bad grounds, blowing head gaskets, and having sensors go out... all at a premium cost if you can even find the parts. If the car were more reliable, I would recommend it to anyone. What I love is the handling. The car is fun to toss around in S-turns and roundabouts. I like the interior and it is comfortable. RPM spin a little high on the freeway, but then the motor is tiny, so what do you expect.
a wagon for Empty Nesters
pizza driver, 08/01/2002
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It handled our late winter snows and our steep driveway. Gets 30+mpg on road trips. For a wagon, the AC is very good, we've had the hotest July in over 10 years. It's fun to drive, even with the Automatic. We are looking forward to an Autumn trip to the Ozarks.
Kinda scary
richard, 06/14/2008
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just purchased this "Korea car" used, need it to commute, standard 5 speed trans, no air? At 93,300 miles how long will this be trouble free? Notice alt belt is frayed, how often should you replace the belts? What happens when the timing belt breaks? How many trouble free miles can you get from Korea?
Underestimated
Ronin, 07/24/2008
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was a bit wary about buying this car especially when I'm used to BMW and Audi. I was surprised with the elasticity of the 1.5 L engine with its 97 BHP. In a world that is dominated by V6s and V8s you understand. With the fuel prices soaring like they are, and commuting 66 miles a day this is definitely a welcome change to the 17mpg average I was getting on a '95 Rodeo. It gets an average of 33mpg! The only thing I noticed is driving in excess of 70mph I get a howling through the window. This car is definitely worth the money I invested in it. Bought it with just a little over 60k miles on it.
GOOD RIO
nick b, 04/25/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i have had the rio for almost a year now.i use it every day an so far it hAS BEEN RELIABLE.I AM PLEASED WITH IT SO FAR.GOOD BASIC TRANSPORTATION.
Good basic Transportation
tkorcal, 09/21/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Rio in Jan. 02. I have had no problems. I use it as a second car for work and back daily and running the kids back and forth.
I love it!
Steevo, 10/08/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great! My dad bought it for me for graduation from high school. This has been an excellent vehicle. I have only had it for 2 months and love it! I was a little hesistant being that it was a Kia and a Korean product, but every hundred miles quells those fears. Take that, Honda and Toyota!
Great!
neo, 05/09/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This price can't beat, even with other better brand, reliable on normal driving condition, this is not for full size family, i like almost everything for the price i paid for this car except handling should improve.
This car is great!
foxy, 10/08/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been very satisfied with my Rio. It represents very good value, and I love it. Fun, peels out well
Love it!
E.Z., 10/08/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's superb--no need to spend extra on Honda.
Amazing Car; Absolutely No Complaints!
Aaron Bruhnsen, 10/17/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got my new Rio about 3 weeks ago, and I'm extremely impressed with its reliability, power, comfort, and handling. The customer service at the dealership I purchased the car from (Red Ridge KIA) couldn't have been nicer when selling me the car, and they took the time to go over all the warrenty info. and special features of the car. When I first test drove the car, I didn't expect alot from the car due to its extremely low price, and the prior reviews I had read. I loved my Rio; it drove very sturdy, and the pick- up was incredible for such a small engine. Gas milage is great, the insurance is cheap, and the safety features are excellent.
My Rio Wagon.
Liseannedg, 01/31/2002
2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4dr Wagon (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The price could not be beat. Enjoy the ease of a hatchback. Very family friendly. Easy to tell that materials, i.e., hatchcover are not of highest quality. Otherwise, great car.
HAPPY FOR 1 YEAR NOW
Bandido, 05/11/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have delivered pizzas part-time for 12 years. Out of all the cars that I have had for the job, the Rio is the best. I am at 13,000 miles now and satisfied. This is the best car purchase I have made. The stereo is GREAT, the car is as fast as a Civic, and is affordable for whatever you want to do with it. I wish I could modify the body roll with stabilizer bars though.
Sop far so good
OldBear3468, 10/30/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Twotanks of gas and one freeway trip equals suprising improvement in my 2003 Rio, which , though they have been out two months Edmunds fails to note. P is up to 104 and power windows are available. At 6' and 250 I'm comfortable in the cabin at all speeds.
Great car!
SFox, 09/18/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great. I have had it for three months now and NO problems. Okay, so some of you are probably reading this and saying, oh, COME on! PUHLEEESE! Seriously, this car IS GRWAT and have had no problems. Excellent college car. Floor accelerator, let up off clutch, and SEE YAH (tires squeeling!)
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!!!
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.
should of bought a spectra
mcsmith, 04/25/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have currently 1000 miles onthe car. INTERIOR: decent headroom and legroom,but tight width wise. EXTERIOR:doors and trunk are so light that it makes it difficult to close(bounce back open) ENGINE: peppy around town, cruises at 75 no problem, but no power up steep grades and a.c. overburdens the engine. HANDELING:anti-sway bars not up to par. MILEAGE: 24mpg driving very conservatve.
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.
A lot of car for just a few bucks!
Carlos L. Ortiz, 06/18/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's been 9 months and 10.5K miles and I am very happy with my little cheap car. Other family members who made fun of me at time of purchase have driven it and been impressed. Dealership excellent service has been a plus in terms of customer satisfaction. A/C was freezing, got it fixed in one day, never had a problem again with it. Dealership provided ride to work and pick up. Hey! That's European Service at Korean Price! Recommend the car and probably will replace for a bigger Kia. Cousin already bought Rio Cinco after my experience!
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