2002 Kia Rio Cinco review from North America
"There is a reason for the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. The car is terrible"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Doors occasionally lock when entering or exiting. Duplicated by dealership, but unable to correct problem.
Rubber piece on roof replaced 2 separate occasions.
Car constantly stalled. Even after dealership recall corrections made.
Constantly needs alignment and new tires.
Fan "completely deteriorated" per dealership at 61,000 miles causing car to overheat.
Gas light comes on at half a tank.
Plastic around radio and air conditioning cracked and broke within first month of ownership.
Crack in plastic covering speedometer after second month of ownership.
Motor mounts have been replaced two times.
Water pump seized/timing belt broke at 80,000 miles. Brand new engine installed (at my expense).
No problems with stalling since new engine (put in at my expense).
General comments?
Remember to replace timing belt and water pump at the same time. You will be better off replacing the alternator belt as well. Dealership will most likely neglect to tell you this. They will check the car and if they don't replace it when it does break your warranty will be void. This means roughly $500.00 to $1000.00 every 60,000 miles.
Recommended Reviews:
  | A great purchase |
| A totally unreliable, piece of money sucking junk |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 1/10 |
| Reliability marks | 2/10 |
| Comfort marks | 2/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 3 miles |
| Most recent distance | 130000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 1st October, 2007 |