2000 Kia Rio LX 1.5 from Spain

Summary:

At the price an excellent all rounder,

Faults:

So far nothing has gone wrong.

General Comments:

For a car in this price range the engine is surprisingly gutsy and very willing, especially on the narrow roads of central Spain. Motorway cruising is effortless at the legal limit (125 kph).

The ride is firm and the seating is comfortable and supportive. On a return journey to the UK, a total of 4000 km, one was surprisingly fresh at the end of each day's driving.

The car is a genuine compact 5 seater with ample room for luggage.

The car copes with all of Spanish and European driving conditions, including unsurfaced and cobbled roads. Obviously speed must be adjusted accordingly!

During the year, the car is left idle for up to 2 months at a time and on return, so far, has not failed to start first time. Say no more!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th December, 2002

19th Dec 2002, 19:06

They are reliable. But they are also hideous to drive! they feel like a 10 or even 15yr old car, the technology is yesterdays! they may be cheap, but so's the bus!

I'd recommend a nearly-new focus or xsara for the same money.

2000 Kia Rio Standard 2.0 DOHC from North America

Summary:

Low Low Low

Faults:

My wife and I noticed the first defect driving the car home from the delearship. The hood was not placed on the car straight, when you are going over 50 miles per hour, the car makes a high pitch whistling noise. The overdrive, airbag, and check engine lights all come on at random. The A-frame interior panels have started coming loose and breaking. The radio has been replaced. Gets poor gas mileage (25 miles per gallon) when the sticker on the window said 40+ miles per gallon. There are many other defects with our vehicle. Don not buy a Kia, ever! If your Kia is a good vehicle, you are lucky.

General Comments:

Piece of crap Rio.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th September, 2002

26th May 2006, 15:46

I just bought 2003 Kia Rio and drove it to San Francisco and back. I live in Santa Cruz County, 195 miles round trip. I got 44.69 miles per gallon!! Wonderful!! mac 5/25/06.

20th Feb 2008, 20:44

I agree that the Rio is not a very good car. Like you, the bonnet of mine has never lined up properly and the car is very loud at higher speeds. It has always rattled. I have always felt that the car is on an angle and that I am leaning into the door, the dealer assured me that it was all in my imagination. The radio had to be replace 6 times, the seats have springs breaking through the seats, the clutch, clutch cable and clutch box (whatever that is) have all been replaced. The spring in the divers door has snapped 3 times, stopping the drivers door from opening. And no matter how many wheel alignments I've had, the types always wear in a very strange pattern, wearing out faster than they should.

The positive about this car is that on a full tank of petrol, I get about 650km.