2002 Kia Rio Trims and Specs

The lowest priced sedan in the U.S. is low for a very good reason. There's not much to the 2002 Kia Rio Sedan. No air conditioning, no radio, no power features. Just some cloth bucket seats, disc brakes, 14-inch wheels, and a steering wheel (Power steering is extra). But the price is right, and the 2002 Rio sedan moves well in the city, thanks to its size and 1.5-liter, 96-hp I4 engine. Highway driving suffers from the expected labored acceleration and engine noise.

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, but a 4-speed auto tran is available as well. Intermittent wipers, dual front airbags, and a center console are about the only convenience features that come standard. Rear seats do not fold down for access to the trunk. ABS brakes are optional. Good handling, comfortable seats, and ample headroom are the highlights of the 2002 Rio Sedan, and the fuel economy is easy on the wallet. This first generation of Rios, however, need many repairs and there have been issues with the warranty not being honored. The small backseat and limited standard features are another common complaint.

New this year, the 2002 Kia Rio Cinco Wagon adds a sporty touch to the compact sedan. The five-door wagon seats four. Unlike the sedan, the rear seats split-fold to nearly double the space of the trunk from 24.8 cubic feet to 44 cubic feet (though they don't fold flat). It has the same 1.5-liter, 96-hp I4 engine and choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission as the sedan, and shares the 14-inch steel wheels. Power disc brakes are standard, and ABS brakes are optional on the 2002 Rio Cinco Wagon.

Along with the dual front airbags and intermittent wipers, the 2002 Rio Cinco adds a rear wiper, a clock and tachometer, power steering, and a radio and cassette player. Air conditioning is still only an option, along with a CD player, alloy wheels, and power locks. One of the attractions of the Cinco is the 27/32 mpg. Owners also like its size, which means it's easy to maneuver and the handling is tight. The lack of equipment, a small backseat, and the slow and noisy pickup are some of the downsides.