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2001 Kia Rio Overview

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Trims

Base
54 national listings
Avg. Price: $3,453

Kia Rio Experts

#1 Francis Lapointe
Francis Lapointe
Reputation 120
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tenspeed
Reputation 110
#3 judge_roy
judge_roy
Reputation 70
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Average User Score

3.25 stars

Based on 8 reviews

Its A Kia But Its The Best Thing And The Next Thing I Would Buy Again by Emily
 — performance- brakes excellent, slow on acceleration. consistent with times. handling- very good... build quality- ij havent had to fix anything on this, except the usual things oil change tires... i l... Read More
Perfect Student Car. by Jillo
 — Nasty Color the Kia Rio was bright yellow, cheap, and reliable. I drove him from TX to NY and back with zero trouble. Cold A/C in the summer, warm heater in the winter, and a fantastic warranty. Kias ... Read More
Basic But Gd by Kalinga
 — nica car,very economical and basic performance.Just read other reports and agree what a great little value car a Rio is. A lot of so called road tests are very biased against Kia - most people can’t a... Read More

2001 Kia Rio Overview

Overall User Score

3.2 out of 5 stars3.2 out of 5 stars3.2 out of 5 stars3.2 out of 5 stars3.2 out of 5 stars3.25

Based on 8 reviews

2001 Kia Rio

The Kia Rio had the distinction of being the lowest-cost new car in the United States when it debuted in 2001.  Based on the Ford Aspire/Festiva, which Kia had built, the 2001 Kia Rio was a subcompact sedan focused solely on budget.  As such, few standard features came with it, and the first year suffered from some reliability issues.  But good fuel economy, a lightweight size and peppy engine, and the price tag made it attractive for city commuters on a budget.

The 2001 Rio came in one trim, a base sedan with a 1.5-liter, 96-hp DOHC I4 engine.  A 5-speed manual was standard and a 4-speed automatic optional.  This engine was particularly responsive in such a tiny car, and though there is engine noise at higher speeds (as with most compacts), for city driving the Rio was ideal for maneuvering around cars and into tight parking spaces.  There are few standard features.  No power windows or locks, no air conditioning.  Intermittent wipers, power brakes, 13-inch wheels, and dual-front airbags were all you got.  Options added ABS brakes, air, a CD or cassette player, and a rear spoiler.  

The biggest draws for owners of the 2001 Rio were its great value and the Kia 5-year warranty (10-year for the powertrain).  Owners liked the fuel economy and felt the seats were comfortable, although rear legroom is more suited to children than adults.  Negative comments mention the lack of power features, some body lean, no split-folding rear seats, and lots of repair issues.  The checking engine light comes on a lot for no reason.

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Looking for a Used Rio in your area?
CarGurus has 6,030 nationwide Rio listings starting at $2,995.
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Similar Cars Compared to a 2001 Kia Rio

2001 Kia Rio 2001 Honda Civic 2001 Ford Focus
2001 Kia Rio picture, exterior
2001 Honda Civic EX picture, exterior
2001 Ford Focus picture, exterior
Cost $3,379 Average Instant Market Value $5,696 Average Instant Market Value $4,613 Average Instant Market Value
Gas Mileage (highway) 29 35 32
Horsepower 96 115 130
Crash Test Rating 8 5 5
Front Leg Room (inches) 42.8 42.5 43.1

Kia Rio Questions

WAT
0

P0302 Cylinder 2 Misfire

I have a P0302 fault (cylinder 2 misfire). I replaced the spark plugs just a week ago, and when I checked them today they all still look new, except for the cylinder 2 plug. It is completely corroded...

3,807 views with 5 answers (last answer 2 months ago)
carlarose
0

2001 Kia Rio Wont Start

I have a 2001 Kia Rio with 66,000 miles. Recently when I try and start the car, its cranking up but it wont turn on. I have checked the battery, and the starter and they are fine. Please help!

171 views with 4 answers (last answer 7 months ago)
russelljay
0

Where Is The A/c Compressor Cut Off Switch

Not the one on the dash-the one that runs off the motor. the car is loosing power when the a/c comes on going down the road.

160 views with 1 answer (last answer 10 months ago)
chrisa22304
0

Where Is The Ignition Coil

852 views with 1 answer (last answer 2 years ago)
xXStorefrontXx
25

Fix For 2 Problems On A 2001 Model

Ok two problems...The first problem is that the back drivers side seat belt is totally jammed, can't use it at all....the second....whenever we roll down the passanger front window it falls in all cro...

277 views with 2 answers (last answer about a year ago)