2002 Kia Rio review from North America

5000 miles, extremely bad vibration thru steering wheel from 55mph to 75 mph. Tire rotation has no effect.

5000 miles, Aluminum strips in rain channels on either side of the roof blew out when driving thru hands free car wash. Had these replaced by dealer.

5000 miles, dealer installed rubber grommet inside fuel filler cap which was missing. Now filler cap does not close inside the body line.

23000 miles, replaced dead battery.

26000 miles, tires almost bald. (Thought I could see a nail embedded in the right edge of the right front tire. Turned out to be worn down to the steel belt!) All four tires replaced. Plus alignment.

34000 miles, Reprogrammed Engine Control Module under recall.

36000 miles, replaced fuel distributor under recall.

36000 miles, replaced brake pads and turned rotors.

42000 miles, engine radiator fan fell off.

50000 miles, replaced broken right rear shock absorber.

50000 miles, drivers sun visor broken, new one ordered.

50000 miles, trunk will not stay up when open, ordered new trunk balance spring.

500000 miles, severe front tire wear again will have to replace soon.

I like the styling of the car.

Good Radio and CD player.

Comfortable drivers seat with arm-rest.

However it's a badly engineered car.

Also, badly built and unreliable.

The severe front end vibration on the highway is caused by inadequately engineered steering column, front suspension components and engine mountings. The 03 model was re-engineered to fix this. I guess I'm a sucker for getting an 02.