2002 Kia Rio Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.87/5 Average
83 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

One of America's least expensive cars now comes in sedan or wagon flavor. Dubbed the Rio Cinco, the five-door Kia provides 44.3 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seat down.

Pros:
  • Unbeatable price, peppy engine, decent build quality relative to price point, inoffensive styling, great warranty package.
Cons:
  • Unrefined ride quality, power windows and cruise control are MIA from the option list.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 83.00
  • I LOVE my Kia Rio - 2002 Kia Rio
    By -

    The Rio hadnt 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. Thats 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.

  • I am happy! - 2002 Kia Rio
    By -

    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 2002KIA Rio/Automatic/4-door

  • You Get What You Pay For - 2002 Kia Rio
    By -

    Very well-priced for a single mom, but Im 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, its 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

  • what a great car - 2002 Kia Rio
    By -

    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)

  • Excellent Little Car! - 2002 Kia Rio
    By -

    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 wouldnt 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 510 keep in mind)

  • Money sucking - 2002 Kia Rio
    By -

    My God, where to begin my rant. I bought this car for 4 gs 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!

  • So So Car - 2002 Kia Rio
    By -

    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.

  • Cheap and Crappy - 2002 Kia Rio
    By -

    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.

  • My red hot kia rio - 2002 Kia Rio
    By -

    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.

  • Its Great! - 2002 Kia Rio
    By -

    This was the first new car Id 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 wasnt so tall then he could ride in it. But I tell him that I didnt know him when I bought my car.

Kia Rio Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area