2001 Kia Rio RS review from North America

Within the first month the lock on the driver's door broke - when locked.

The dealership took four days to repair it - and then, it was only a temporary fix because they didn't have the part.

The clock on the dashboard blinks in time with the turn signal. Service centre said it could be crossed wires, but not really sure.

The transmission went - completely - and the dealership attempted to say my warranty wouldn't cover the replacement because they had no record of me bringing it in for regular service checks. I provided them with the receipts and the service check book - they reluctantly covered the cost. BUT it took 5 days to fix the transmission and the dealership didn't have a courtesy car on site. They further advised that the warranty would only cover the cost of a rental car if the part had to be ordered from Korea. I live in Victoria BC - the part was coming from Toronto ON (almost as far as Korea!)

Then two weeks after the transmission was put in, it started 'jumping' when going from first to second. I really didn't want to have to go back to the dealership (considering the horrible customer service I received), but had to when the 'check engine' light came on.

Again, they wouldn't provide the courtesy car this time, as they said the Manufacture has changed the rules and courtesy cars are only provided for emergency use. Silly me - I thought an unforeseen engine problem would be considered an 'emergency'. But they did offer my partner and I bus passes for the day!

The seats have worn out - now have seat covers.

The lighter has been replaced 3 times.

The cover on the vanity mirror fell off the first month.

The windshield wipers broke in the middle of a thunderstorm driving on a dangerous road, causing me to have to pull over and wait for the rain to stop.

I can't complain about the interior design, as I bought the car knowing it was small.

It's great on gas - that's about it.