Used 2002 Kia Rio Sedan Consumer Reviews
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The Ideal Town Car
Dennis Howerton, 12/08/2015
updated 12/21/2023
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
'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...
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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!!!!!!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Good First car
hamerman, 07/03/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is just great. I bought one for my son, and the car seems very well built. For reliability, I had to put a "9" because I am not sure about Kia. It is a new company.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
what a great car
adam`, 06/20/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car it has filled my expectations and more(and I have always loved korean cars)!!!! Very reliable and fun to drive. It feels like a very well put together car! (I already have 2500 miles on it)
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.
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 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.
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.
Falling apart
Da Skipper, 06/28/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got the car for good gas milage. That's all I'm getting. Two year old car with only 33,000 is falling apart. Having troubles with breaks, interior trim falling off, extreme wind noise, and not the factory radio has died. Service dept. at dealer I purchased it from is totally worthless and I refuse to return to them.
My 1st car
Mac Daddy, 04/25/2002
2002 Kia Rio 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 1st car AND I love it. I would expect less from a car at such a low price,but it was worth every penny.I love its style,better than the Echo or Accent.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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