Overview & Reviews

With a base MSRP that makes it the least expensive car in America, the roomy little Rio is a peppy 96-horsepower entry-level sedan. While the design and materials used on this car are nothing to write home about, build quality is impressively tight. And Kia's new Long Haul Warranty Program offers the added security of a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, along with impressive levels of bumper-to-bumper and roadside assistance coverage.

• Unbeatable price, peppy engine, decent build quality relative to price point, inoffensive styling, great warranty package.

• Ultra-light curb weight could equate to substandard crash protection, power windows and door locks unavailable at any price, cruise control is MIA from the option list.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 64.00

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  Worth My Money - 2001 Kia Rio
  By 1st Time Kia Owner - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought it with 39000 miles on it. Went through a cold icy winter with only 1 problem - the lock tended to freeze up. But it has always started on the first try, has a great heater. Gas mileage is better than I expected. Because Im short there is adequate leg room in back of the driver for one of average height.

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  No real complaints - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Josh - July 10 - 11:53 am

  I bought my rio with 60,000 miles on it, it now has 128,000 and have done nothing but replace the rear wheel bearings, its very gutless but the manual tranny helps. it should have been made a coupe or roadster, since the backseat is pointless, and a manual w/o a tach. is just silly, but very relaible, economic, and out does all those useless SUVs in every way, especially the handling! I love my car, even though its not perfect

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  Kia Rio - 2001 Kia Rio
  By greygeo - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Reliable, fiesty, economical, great short drive vehicle. Interior is a little tight for long trips but its great handling and above assets make it an ideal choice for two or three people to transport

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  Better Than They Say - 2001 Kia Rio
  By JJackJoe1 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a peppy car - forget what a few reviewers (and motor magazine articles) are saying about the zip in this car. Its plenty fast, even uphill and certainly on the freeway. We are getting a consistent 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. There is lots of front seat room, decent rear seat room if you are careful (!), and a generous trunk space. The Rio handles nimbly. Our Rio has been very dependable with zero dealer repair needs. To tell you the truth, this Rio reminds me a whole bunch like the Honda Accord quality of the mid to late 80s. And thats good, folks!

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  Been a good one for me - 2001 Kia Rio
  By spanky116 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Well, I have had the car for a year now and have no problems whatsoever with it. It has never seen the dealership for anything. No recalls, no mechanical problems. Gets me about 35 to 36mpg on each tank of gas. Standard with air(cold air at that.)If you are looking for a cheap inexpensive vehicle for your kid or you to drive to work and back, then this is your car. I would not recommend it as your only car but for a second vehicle, you cant go wrong.

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  love it - 2001 Kia Rio
  By doser426 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  for the money its a great little car,have put 75,000+ miles on it since I bought it new in 2001. Ive been from Wi. to S.C. three times and no problems with it. Ive drove it with a foot on snow on road and never got stuck. only problems ive had is a burnt plug wire and visor broke .

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  Reliable and Dependable - 2001 Kia Rio
  By retze - November 7 - 11:56 am

  I have owned the Kia Rio since January 2001. It has been very reliable and dependable. It has some warranty and repair work done in the first two years I owned it, but I never had to pay any out of pocket expenses for repair work on the car. After owning a Plymouth Sundance and a Dodge Neon, this is the most dependable car I have owned. Its well over 100,000 miles now and still going strong. I also hit two deer with the vehicle and it held up very well. This car does not have any special features or a powerful engine, but its good on the gas and gets me where I need to go.

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  Shake shake shake! - 2001 Kia Rio
  By lilbetty - September 16 - 1:50 am

  Oh my little kia! I got this car in 2007 with 45k on it as a gift from a friend. Great on gas and does pretty well on the hgwy, but, it shakes and shakes, Its noisy like it shook something loose in frnt and no one can figure out why.really my only complaint about my kia. I also have an issue with staying aligned though it may be my own issue as we like to drive dirt roads, this car will take you anywhere, if you dont mind being slow on the hills its a good ride, I also feel safe, I have been in 2 accidents Though minor and while the other car sustain ample damage the kia had only a paint scratch in each accident...I love this car

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  good cheap car - 2001 Kia Rio
  By cpatriaw - April 13 - 2:00 am

  this car is great for single guy and not suitable for family car.I bought mine on Oct 00 and in Feb 04 ive drove over 60K miles. In 2003 I drove this car from New York to San Jose,California without problem. Things that should be improved from Kia is they need to bigger their second row seat.

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  Gets you where you need to go - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Rio90 - August 14 - 6:53 am

  I bought this car from my uncle in late 2008, it had about 88,000 miles on it and I have only put about 3,500 miles on it. It runs pretty nice..better than i had expected. My uncle took very good care of it because the interior still looks great. The car starts always starts right away and i kinda like the sound it makes when you accelerate and the radio is off. Speaking of the radio, mine has the stock with CD player on it, its pretty decent, but will probably put a new one in. Can drive to high speeds(highway)if need be, but most of my driving is in town. Overall, this car has been reliable & hopefully it will keep being a good car to me. I plan on driving it until the wheels come of.