codes p0734, p0733
will not shift into high gear
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2002 Kia Rio Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Kia Rio. No, it's not the call of an exotic bird, but actually a plain subcompact sedan that at one time was the cheapest car in America. And some would say it showed in the initial quality, reliability, and features. The 2002 Kia Rio sedan does not go through any changes this year, but it is joined by the Rio Cinco, a 5-door wagon. It shares the 1.5-liter, 96-hp I4 engine and choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. But the 2002 Rio Cinco comes with a few more features that make it attractive to budget commuters looking for a little versatility.
With a 27/32 mpg, long-term warranty, and low price tag, the 2002 Rio is a great starter car. It comes with air intermittent wipers, dual front-side airbags, 13-inch wheels, and power brakes. The Rio Cinco adds a tachometer, cassette player, power steering, and a tilt steering wheel. Power windows, locks, and mirrors are not offered even as an option. Unlike the sedan, the rear seats in the Rio Cinco fold down to expand the 24.8 cubic foot trunk to 44.3 cubic feet. Unfortunately they don't fold flat. In comparison, the 2002 Rio sedan's trunk holds 9.2 cubic feet.
Generally, owners appreciate the extra trunk space in the Rio and the folding seats, something they wish was in the sedan. Though not winning any races, the engine is peppy because the Rio is so lightweight, and owners like the size for fitting into city parking spaces. Headroom is also ample for a subcompact, and front legroom is good. Rear legroom is suitable for kids. The 2002 Rio also rates highly for comfort. On the negative side, owners report numerous visits to the mechanic to deal with transmission and brake problems. They also don't like that there are few standard or optional features.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2002 Kia Rio
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by Anonymous
Apr 16, 2015
I can drive everywhere on $5 of gas!! Cheap repair costs. It has some pick up go under the hood, you wouldn't think it had speed. It handles well on the freeways. And when low gas light comes on, you can still go another 50 miles no problem. Apr 16, 2015
by Anonymous
Oct 22, 2010
Handles great, reliable mechanics, clean exterior, interior, very fuel efficient, low maintenance, operates on a small budget you won't be disappointed. Accessible reasonably priced parts. Good low budget vehicle. Great for college student, economical work vehicle, alternative family low cost vehicle and at US $2200, ono; IT'S A STEAL!Oct 22, 2010
by Anonymous
Jun 25, 2010
This is my very first car, and to be honeset, I was hoping for a Subaru Impreza. But I am happy with my Rio. It's fun to drive and it has great acceleration for its class. What I dislike the most about this car, is the lack of option. But there some option I would not want, like ABS.Jun 25, 2010
User rating:
by Anonymous
Apr 16, 2015
I can drive everywhere on $5 of gas!! Cheap repair costs. It has some pick up go under the hood, you wouldn't think it had speed. It handles well on the freeways. And when low gas light comes on, you can still go another 50 miles no problem. Apr 16, 2015
by Anonymous
Oct 22, 2010
Handles great, reliable mechanics, clean exterior, interior, very fuel efficient, low maintenance, operates on a small budget you won't be disappointed. Accessible reasonably priced parts. Good low budget vehicle. Great for college student, economical work vehicle, alternative family low cost vehicle and at US $2200, ono; IT'S A STEAL!Oct 22, 2010
by Anonymous
Jun 25, 2010
This is my very first car, and to be honeset, I was hoping for a Subaru Impreza. But I am happy with my Rio. It's fun to drive and it has great acceleration for its class. What I dislike the most about this car, is the lack of option. But there some option I would not want, like ABS.Jun 25, 2010
by Debb L
Jan 09, 2010
I like my car... near of love it!!!
the space, the confort, handling, the stile, the air conditioner, and the most of all the chip maintenance.. jajajajaja.... good for travels and trips.... ask to my friends.... and we love it cause all of us get together!!Jan 09, 2010
by Anna M
Nov 22, 2009
Well the kids must have added this to my profile, I did not, but while we are at it....it's a 2003. It has 150K plus miles on it. It never had a radio or an air conditioner or anything, a strip model. It has been driven hard all it's life. It has a cracked windshiedl, a door that does not work right, but....it starts every day and it runs fine. I have no complaints we will drive it til it dies.Nov 22, 2009
by Kay H
Nov 12, 2009
*Performance - accelration is ok, braking needs some work, handling is alittle bad right now needs alinement
*Build Quality - it has need alot of minor repairs, body rattles though
*Appearance - Interior is good but exterior needs work(need a new hood and has some minor to major dents that need repair)
*Cost of Ownership - gas mileage is about 35mpg highway and 28mpg through town, maintenance is alittle pricey for my income though
*Fun Factor - the car is sometimes fun yto drive when it is running good and i have money to put gass into herNov 12, 2009
by Joy G
Jul 20, 2009
Good quality transportation in a nice package. Does require you to stay on a strict maininence schedule. Has enough power in stock form to get out of its own way. Great on gas, with an average of 25mpg in town and 32mpg highway (my own results). Reliable, comfortable, and roomy for the small car it is. Looks that are all its own with smooth flowing body lines from the front all the way to the back. Absloutely a blast to drive when put to the test. Car handles well in hard cornering with minimal understeer. Slightly modified suspension yeilds unparalleled handling. Easy to work on which keeps maininence costs WAY down. Factory brakes are a bit lacking, yet with inexpensive rotor and pad upgrades, braking becomes superior. Acceleration is quick, for a car of it's size, with a 0-60 time of around 9 seconds (my modified Rio squeezes it in at just under 6 seconds). Car is good on gas, and does not require expensive maintinence, yet as stated does demand a good maintinence schedule. Jul 20, 2009
by Scott T
Jul 09, 2009
Honestly, it's not that bad of a car, i just don't personally like it, it doesn't suit me... I mean, it still gets great gas mileage, and that is a major plus to the car, but the fact that it's a hatchback, personally for me, ruins it a bit.Jul 09, 2009
by Anonymous
Feb 03, 2009
Solid little car.can plow through three feet of snow.Has great get-up-and-go.flipped three times before totaled.engine is in new rio and runs great.not bad and all of this get 40 mile per gallon.I like the overall durability of these little riosFeb 03, 2009
by Anonymous
Jul 31, 2008
Fantastic small car, first major repair at 131K (rear bearings $115 p&l), second at 161K (gear shift lever $298 p&l). Very comfortable on long trips, get 28mpg city, 35mpg highway. Car has 162K miles now, and the speedometer reading is fluctuating. Interior ratings pertain to gear shift lever, tape player which failed a few months ago, seat adjustment mechanism. Wonderful car, am going to upgrade to a newer one soon.Jul 31, 2008
by Lorrie H
Jul 09, 2008
i bought this car in '06. it's my first vehicle. i just finished paying it off. its blue and small enough to fit in my pocket! it gets me from point-a to point-b.Jul 09, 2008
by Jonelle L
Feb 28, 2008
Its a cute little car for girls!Feb 28, 2008
by John-David B
Feb 15, 2008
it's a great first new car - too bad it's a POS. gas milage is awesome. after 100,000 it's time for a new one! clutches and transmissions don't last more than 2-3 years.Feb 15, 2008
by Kemosabe Y
Feb 12, 2008
Car sucks, only has good acceleration, a FORD FIESTA could smoke it...Feb 12, 2008
by Rhia B
Jan 04, 2008
Great little run about for not so much money!
Great potential, but a bit of a problem if you want to get any performance or styling parts for it!Jan 04, 2008
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2002 Kia Rio Pricing
Original MSRP
$9,590 to $10,880Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent