2001 Kia Rio review from North America

The check engine light came on the second week and the dealer reassured me it was just a short, not actually a problem with the engine or any other components.

Within the next two months, the check engine light came on again and the overdrive light began flashing and wouldn't turn off. The dealer assured me again, just a short.

Within three months, the check engine light was on again and the car shifted hard. The dealer told me it was a transmission problem and to drive it until the part came in over the next three days. The part turned out to be a brand new transmission installed.

Within six months, the check engine light is on again, the car shifts hard and the windshield wipers don't work. The light is reset, the wipers put "back on track" and the dealer assures me no more problems.

Within a year, same problems. Same response from dealer, but I am finally told about two recalls they had not notified me on previously.

Within a year and a half, twice more the same problem, but now the car has died on me once. I don't bother going to the dealer as it starts later and seems okay. Besides, I know they will just treat me like I'm the problem, not their car.

Within a year and nine months, the car dies on my husband. We take it to the dealer. It is still under warranty from bumper to bumper, but we have to pay $150 for a new gasket, "not covered." They also want to do $600 worth of other, unrelated work that isn't covered under the warranty, but doesn't address the problems we've had.

Within two years the car has died again on me and now the motor is vibrating heavily.

I would never, ever suggest that anyone buy a KIA ever. The dealers are all basically franchises and are allowed to set their own policies. The manufacturer won't help at all. They only gave me a rental car once, for one evening and only because I refused to leave until they did. I bought this car because I am on a tight budget, work full-time and go to school full-time, and thought I was making the best decision for my monetary budget and time budget. KIA has confirmed for me over and over that I have made the worst car purchase decision in my entire life.