2001 Kia Rio RS review from North America

The windshield was cracked when I picked it up from the dealership. A new windshiel took four weeks to arrive and also was cracked.

The exterior was damaged with scratches from being parked under snow and ice at the dealership and the external mirrors were peeling.

The transmission fully died within less than a week. After six months it needed a new speed sensor and linkage adjustment. After a year the transmission computer was replaced and

the car still jolted between gears.

The electrical clock component was replaced.

The car's engine emitted the smell of sulphur and gagged me.

The overdrive on/off light flashes occasionally and randomly.

The check engine light appears all too often.

The dealership claims the manufacturer is responsible. The manufacturer claims the dealership is responsible.

I have dealt with a total of nine people between the dealership and manufacturer.

It is not Kia's policy to provide alternate transportation while my car waits weeks for repairs.

No follow up is given from the manufacturer, their promises are lies.

The transmission is safe enough to drive although it jolts my two year old in between gears. No further repairs will be provided at this time.

The car was a bad buy. The lack of appropriate customer service just ices the cake.

Kia's may be cheap to lease or buy, but cost a small fortune to keep going.

I have learned a valuable lesson. Any dealership can pass off a lemon, a classy company would be courteous and reasonable while making repairs and honouring the warranty.

I am currently starting the paperwork for arbitration. If it's such a great car, the dealership or manufacturer can have it!