2002 Kia Rio Base from North America - Comments

Ignition went out. (Had to constantly jump start car until I could take it in)

Sulfur smell (Maybe a combination of cheap gas and something with the car. Had it fixed though, finally)

Constant wheel misalignments.

Brakes wore out way too quickly. (Just about to the metal) Definitely unsafe for driving with.

Carpet coming up out from passenger side.

IRRITATING high whistling noises when going from 55-85MPH.

Rear seatbelt frayed for no apparent reason.

Weights on tires continually come off so that I have to get the wheels balanced almost every time I get a service ($90)

Engine light went on and off for a while (got it fixed though)

Gas light will come on and off when it feels like it.

Rough idling.

Constant stalling (got it fixed from the recall)

I got this car for my 16th birthday. I was THRILLED to be able to get a brand new car, straight from the dealership. Many of my friends had used cars.

I love this car, but unfortunately there have been more negatives than positives.

A couple of things that Kia should have offered were power windows (it's unsafe trying to crank your passenger side window up/down while driving) and a trunk release button (frustrating when I would drop off my friend after school. She would keep her backpack in the trunk and when I got to her house I'd have to park the car, turn off the engine, get out of the car, unlock the trunk, then get back into the car and start it)

This car has the potential to be a great little first car, but I think they need to work on a couple of things to make the purchase worth it.

Slow acceleration from a miniature horsepower engine is scary when trying to merge with fast traffic.

Since the car is so light, braking on wet roads can be nerve-racking and driving at highway speeds with big SUVs beside you is intimidating.

I love how anti-lock brakes are available, I believe it should be required in all cars now. The only complaint is that I have found with this car that the anti-lock brakes go off more than usual; when the regular braking should work fine. (I haven't had that problem with any other car I've driven)

Gas mileage is awesome. The only thing is that the Rio has a small gas tank, so you're at the gas station filling it back up anyway.

All in all, I think you get what you pay for. I would switch this car with another, however I am upside down on it (owing more than it's worth).

If you really want a new car, this one is a great budget car with great gas mileage. (And on the newer models they offer power windows and a trunk release) Not so great for people who car pool since the back row is tight, but I have taken my car on many long road trips and it never failed.

Definitely shop around for a good car dealer. The car dealership where I bought my car wasn't the greatest when I needed service. Since then I have found a new place and they are so much more knowledgeable, helpful and friendly than the previous place.

If you don't mind so much about not having that brand new car scent, then I would suggest opting for a slightly used car that will hold its value longer and will feel a little sturdier.

It doesn't seem like it's really worth it. I definitely agree that a slightly used car would serve a lot better.

My bother has a KIA hatchback and I am far from happy with most aspects of its design. He hasn't had the kind of trouble you have, but he has had to return it to the dealership soon after purchase for fixing.

From some of the points you mentioned, I'm wondering whether a small car is exactly what you are looking for - stability on the road at high speeds... acceleration... etc. If these are a rather significant factor in your purchase, then most small cars never would have met your expectations.

I once was loaned a Toyota Echo whilst my Holden Commodore SS was being serviced. Driving at 110km/hr down the Hume Highway in bad weather was a very frightening experience in comparison with the handling and safety of my own vehicle. Around town - it was like driving a matchbox. Even other sedans seemed somewhat intimidating.

My personal preference is to stay away from smaller / lighter cars as they don't offer aspects of a motor vehicle I prioritise. However, these cars match others requirements - except when they are that small / light so much performance (etc) has been compromised.

JD.

You shouldn't be rolling down the window on the passenger side while driving in the first place. I drive my Cinco on the highway a lot (@ 70 mph) and it just cruises great! Being intimidated by being next to large SUVs is not the car's fault. It's more about something with you. You shouldn't be staying very long next to large (or any size for that matter) vehicles anyway.