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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  POOR CRAFTSMANSHIP - 2001 Kia Rio
  By milesofprojects - December 9 - 2:00 am

  i BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 1/2001. i HATE IT. IT WAS CHEAP SO i BOUGHT IT. ITS TOO LIGHT, WAVERS IN WIND, RAIN, SNOW ANYTHING AND GETS ABOUT 15 CITY MILES PER GALLON. I SPEND MORE MONEY ON GAS THAN i DO OIL CHANGES AND REPAIRS. IS THIS NORMAL. A LOT OF THE REVIEWS SAY 30-38 MPG BUT THAT IS BS. mAYBE MINE IS DEFECTIVE.

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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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  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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  My Putt Putt - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Wendy - April 11 - 7:50 pm

  I love my little car. After 4 years Ive had oil changes, tire rotations, and the usual maintenance. No major problems at all. This is the best car Ive ever owned. The best part? Its Emerald Green ... my husband and sons wont drive it! LOL People laugh at it, but every winter I drive by the SUVs and bigger cars that go off the road or stall. Its definitely a keeper!

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  2001 KIA RIO - 2001 Kia Rio
  By hallgnh - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Lots of trouble when I first purchased vehicle. It took dealer four service visits to find the problem. I have had no problem for four months, about 6,000 miles,

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  I love it - 2001 Kia Rio
  By T - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Its fun to drive, econmical, and easy on the gas.

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  Make fun if you want, but its a good car - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Gifted1388 - October 21 - 8:46 pm

  My friends like to pick on my little car, but it is perfect for zipping down the roads. Put a CD player in there and now I am jamming. Learning to drive a 5- speed as my first car was an experience but now I can take off fast and it impresses people that girls can drive a stick!

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  Cute as a Bug !! - 2001 Kia Rio
  By Velveeta - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car to save on gas, since I am a college student who lives outside of town. It has saved me hundreds in gas money and it holds myself and my three children quit comfortably. I will definatly be keeping it around a long while. My favorite question that I get from strangers all the time is..."What do they call that color?"

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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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  Best Investment - 2001 Kia Rio
  By HappyRioOwner - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I live in city and this car is perfect for parking. Gas mileage is wonderfull and I have never had to take it to the dealership for repairs. I love my Rio!