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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  Problem child - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Cinda - May 10 - 9:46 am

  I inherited my Rio and have had problems with the motor mounts (heavy shaking). The engine light continued to come on and when I had taken it for a diagnostic they couldnt find the problem. Then we started replacing everything coil, wires, plugs etc. The engine light still came on of course they charged me for another diagnostic! Replaced the #1 fuel injector less than a year ago, seemed to fix the problem. Guess what! The engine light is on again and its misfiring again due to the #1 fuel injector. This car has been nothing but a HUGE MONEY PIT! My mother is probably rolling over in her grave and very sorry she left me this trash car.

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  Kia Rio - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Taylor - February 27 - 8:26 am

  I have had terrible luck with this car. It is a very uncomfortable car, with not a lot of room. I have had to get so many things done to it in a matter of a year. Including speed sensors that corroded, It breaks down every now and then while driving it, The gear shifts get stuck at times and are too hard to move, The wire harness linking to the transmission had to be replaced as well. This car is not recommended by me.

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  You get what you pay for - 2001 Kia Rio
  By samsonov - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I get great gas milage (38-43mph) but you get what you pay for. I have named it a "Utilitarian" car, I have the base model, with no bells or whistles. Only a few minor problems (even with 36,420 miles!) The stereo I had put in required a special wiring solution to bypass the fuse block because of shorting out in the fuse box(poor workmanship).

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  Good first car - 2001 Kia Rio
  By rio888 - June 29 - 6:20 pm

  I bought it used with 98,000 miles. Now it has 138,000. I have driven it across the country and back, with no porblems and good gas mileage Mine gets in the low 30s city, and high 30s highway. It doesnt have much power, put it still runs good at 80 mph, and topped it out at 116. If you dont mind an odd looking car, then get it. It dont have ac or power steering, but its small and not hard to steer, and ac is overated.

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  Thank Goodness for Warranty - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Ann - August 29 - 6:23 am

  Within 1 year of owning the Kia the rear wheel bearings & automatic transmission gave out. Thankfully it was covered by the warranty & I also had all maintenance records! Have replaced the sun visors, the rubber insulation around the doors. Dealer replaced the pump for the wiper washer fluid and the air conditioning belt, but the belt still squeals & the washer fluid doesnt pump. The paint on the rear bumper is very faded and paid $50 for a plastic radiator fan which likely costs 50 cents in Korea. Saving grace is the gas mileage and that the car is paid for until the next repair, as the warranty has expired.

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  Promises they dont keep - 2001 Kia Rio
  By pattytrisha - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I got this on a trade and the gas millage is ok (not what the window sticker says), my transmission started leaking at 54K, this should have been made as a two seater car because there is only six inches between the back of the front seat and the back seat. Here is the killer though that wonderful 100,000 mile warrenty is only good if you are the origional owner. If you arent it is only good to 60,000 miles and it may even go down if you are the third who knows. One thing that is really good is the comfort if you are the driver I love the versitility of the seat. Lots of trunk space probably bigger than the back seat. Service dept. was really nice.

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  When you really need a car..... - 2001 Kia Rio
  By darinordino - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Weve gotten what we expected out of our Kia Rio. It has been reliable through the first 8000 miles, so thats a good sign. Features are very good for a car that cost $11,400 out the door - A/C, multi-adjustable driver seat and armrest are nice features for an econobox. The interior space is a little cramped when putting a car seat in the back. Most surprising feature: Very low interior noise. The sound on the road sounds like a much more expensive car. Overall, if you dont expect a whole lot you may be nicely surprised at how far your dollar goes in a Kia.

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  My Rio at 2 Years Old - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Cassie1 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Air bag light came on about as soon as I got it - dealers say moisture, finally after near 2 yrs they are replacing clock spring, trunk leaked when it rained, theyre fixing, driver seat broke, theyre fixing. It doesnt do well in snow, wind blows it around too much, too light of a vehicle. Windows fog up easily & its hard to get the defrost to unfog them. Only engine trouble is needed plugs & wires. Back seat room limited, cup holders too small for most cups, armrest cant be used comfortably while shifting, A/C very cold.

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  Love my Little Car - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Taclivin - December 28 - 10:00 am

  This little car has been a great one. No issues with regular oil changes, tires, and brakes. It is a tiny car and really only fits the driver comfortably. Kids in the back have absolutely NO leg room,and if you have a passenger next to you be prepared to be close...really close.This little car never did me any wrong, and with had no frills, there was never anything extra to break. It was my daily commuter. The heater in this car works amazingly! Cold start to fully thawed in 5min flat! After ten years it has began to rattle itself to death. To the point where I no longer want to drive on the freeway. I have no interest in getting my little beater fixed, just gonna drive it till it dies.

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  2001 Kia - 2001 Kia Rio
  By FUSILIER - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had no major problems with this car. It needs a lot more power. 98HP is not enough