2001 Kia Rio review from North America
"Buying my Kia Ria was the dumbest thing I've ever done in my life"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
There's lots of stuff that is bad with my Rio.
The paint was chipped and scratched when I first bought it. The Dealer said it was my problem to deal with. Kia said they'd stand behind the dealer.
The dealer then charged me $10 for a "fingernail paint" sized bottle of touch-up paint!
After 2.5 months, the brakes began to squeal.
After 3 months, the air from the AC started to have a stale smell. Also, the mirror cover on the passenger side visor fell off.
After 4 months the car began to jolt when it changes gears while climbing a hill.
After 4-5 months the exhaust started to smell like rotten eggs.
Gas mileage is more like 25 miles/gallon not like the 40-44 like the sticker said.
The engine is very loud, comparable to a truck! Its even louder when the AC is on.
Last week I had to replace the battery.
Today, I have to have the starter replaced!!!
Just a few days ago, when I got into the car after doing some grocery shopping, my 17 month old car with 19K miles wouldn't even start!!! That was very frustrating and embarrassing.
I'm never buying a Kia again. I'm never buying anything Korean again either.
I loved the Toyota that I had previously so I'm not giving up on Imports... at least not yet.
General comments?
Kia is the worst!
Never buy a Kia.
Recommended reviews
| A piece of crap! |
|
| Piece of crap... never buy any thing kia!!! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 2001 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 3 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 1 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 1 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 1 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 17 miles |
| Most recent distance | 20000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Tercel |
| Date of Entry | 10th October, 2002 |