2001 Kia Rio Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.49/5 Average
64 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Unbeatable price, peppy engine, decent build quality relative to price point, inoffensive styling, great warranty package.
Cons:
  • 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 51 through 60 of 64.00
  • Best Cheap Car on the Market - 2001 Kia Rio
    By -

    I got my KIA (with a crappy trade) for under 3 grand, I figured I would just run it thru the warrenty and throw it away. well, I have put 25k on it in one year, and I really like it a lot. Very reliable (new brakes, thats it) more fun to drive than you would think (and mine has a stick and NO power steering). Its a little rough on hills and bumpy roads but for a commuter car, I cant imagine a better deal out there.

  • Get what you pay for - 2001 Kia Rio
    By -

    The price is very appealing (not to mention the warranty), but Ive had nothing but problems after purchasing my new KIA Rio. At only 900 miles, the computer was shot. I was without a car for over two weeks as the dealership in Lansing, MI had the part on order. No loaner car while waiting, never calling me with status, etc! Since then it has never ran very well .. makes a whistling sound going down the highway about 70MPH, hard starting, etc Steer clear of the 2001 Kia Rio!

  • cute but cramped - 2001 Kia Rio
    By -

    I have had absolutely no problems with this car, but it is not for a family (I have 4 people!) and not for long trips. If you are larger/taller, it is not for you. Good performance for a small car with auto and air and great on gas mileage. Instrumentation simple and all within easy reach.

  • SHOULD HAVE NEVER MADE THIS CAR - 2001 Kia Rio
    By -

    LETS SEE HERE I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN THE SHOP OVER 20 TIMES NEEDING TO HAVE SAFETY AND DRIVEABLITY REPAIRS. AND THEY STILL TO THIS DAY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEMS. THIS CAR IS A LAWSUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN.... IT ONLY GOT 36,000 MILES ON IT I SEE OTHER PEOPLE DO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS AS I DO WITH THIS CAR. THEY NEED TO PUT CAUTION TAPE AROUND THE CAR SAYING DO NOT DRIVE

  • biggest waste of four years of payments - 2001 Kia Rio
    By -

    within 6 months the tranny went four times the last time kia refused to repair the car would constantly bottom out and had trouble starting even after the oil was being replaced with sythetic oil the suspension would go so low it would cause the car to bottom out worst money ever spent do not buy this POS

  • Best 4 wheels for the price - 2001 Kia Rio
    By -

    I bought the car hardly used (only 2500 miles) from the dealership for less than $5,000. No defects except a little minor damage inside on the cheap shift boot. Besides that the car is a blast to drive. pick up is fine, but shifting can seem tough with the hard gates. I am a highschool student who does a lot of city driving and this car has got me through it all not to mention dirt/off road driving daily... This car is a car for the masses, enjoy

  • I love my little green jellybean! - 2001 Kia Rio
    By -

    I bought it used with 19,000 miles on it. I drive it 90 miles a day, everyday. So far (knock on wood) I havent had any major problems. It even drove wonderfully in a foot of snow. Actually i was making it up hills that 4 wheel drive trucks couldnt make it up. I have only had a few minor problems with it...the door lock got frozen (from sitting out in the winter) and broke, also the molding between the drivers side window and the windshield keeps poping off. However, Kia has taken care of these problems for me in a very timely fashion. I would recomend this car to anyone who doesnt want to spend a lot on gas and who have long commutes everyday!!

  • Something - 2001 Kia Rio
    By -

    Nice car with cool featurs but it should have faster engine and i wish it came in a two door sport version.

  • Great for young or singles - not family! - 2001 Kia Rio
    By -

    We bought the car used in 2002; paid WAY too much for it. Kept up with regular maintenance, oil changes and tire needs; started giving us problems once we moved from FL/GA area to TX. Have had the car in shop 3 times since Xmas, replaced fan/timing belts and radiator pcs once it died on freeway. One month later it has completely died - engine out and is more costly to replace. It is great for singles or couples, if you are young and starting out or at college; not meant for family car (space is VERY limited). Excellent gas mileage and great for tight parking spaces. I like Kias, just be sure to do research and know what you are paying for; newer KIA models are worth the investment.

  • May It Rest In Peace - 2001 Kia Rio
    By -

    I drove this car for 6 of its 8 years of life.... Yesterday a Ford Expedition pulled out in front of me and I T-Bone it.... Air bags deployed as they were supposed to which probably save both my wife an my lives.... The Kia took all the impact and distroyed the front end but the inside was OK... We went to hospital but were relased with only minor nicks and scraps.... I just got back from getting our stuff out of the reckage and had to say good by to an old friend.. Except for minor fix ups and normal oil changes, this car has been a great car for me and my family...... I drive an average of 20,000 miles a year on the freeway and I got 32MPG.. It died with 150000+ miles on it.

Kia Rio Reviews By Year:
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