Kia Rio

Name: 2002 Kia Rio
Brand: Kia

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

The Rio sedan is one of the lowest-priced cars sold in the U.S. Expect to get what you pay for. Although based on the dreadful Ford Aspire, which was made for Ford by Kia in the mid-1990s, the Rio follows modern design convention with its tall body and rounded-off roof. A 1.5-liter Four is the only available powertrain for now. A wagon model, named the Cinco to reflect its five-door layout, joined the lineup. Like the sedan, it competes with other low-end economy cars as well as midpriced used vehicles.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2002 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands

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2002 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2002 Kia Rio

$2,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$2,775

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Ford Focus

$2,775 - $3,425

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Honda Civic

$2,900 - $4,825

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Honda Insight

$3,100

EPA MPG 65 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Hyundai Accent

$2,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Hyundai Elantra

$2,775 - $2,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Kia Spectra

$2,725

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mazda Protege

$2,925 - $3,425

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mini Cooper

$3,075 - $3,275

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mitsubishi Lancer

$2,800 - $2,950

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mitsubishi Mirage

$2,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Nissan Sentra

$2,800 - $3,075

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Subaru Impreza

$2,950 - $4,900

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Toyota Corolla

$3,325 - $3,675

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Toyota Prius

$3,150

EPA MPG 49 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Volkswagen Beetle

$ NA

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Volkswagen Golf

$2,975 - $4,075

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Volkswagen Jetta

$2,825 - $4,075

EPA MPG 38 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Features & Specs

wagon

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.5-liter 4 (96 hp)

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2018-2023

2018 Redesign Year

With its all-new platform, the fourth-generation Rio sedan and hatchback sit lower, wider, and slightly longer than before. The changes bring increased passenger space for both the front and rear seats. Cabin technology makes a step forward, with the top-level EX trim benefiting from a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, along with voice recognition, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine essentially carries over, though it sees horsepower decrease by 8 notches in the interest of fuel economy--a notable shortcoming with the last-tested Rio. A reworked suspension will hopefully address the stiff feel found on the previous model. Automatic emergency braking for city/urban speed is available. The Rio is available with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The EX trim and manual transmission were discontinued for 2019. Changes for 2020 included a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine matched with a CVT.

2012-2017

2012 Redesign Year

The 2012 redesign was a leap forward, making the Rio feel solid compared with some other subcompacts, bringing more power and space and better handling, along with a six-speed automatic transmission for better gas mileage. The typical ride, noise and space limitations -- expected from a subcompact car -- count against it. However, benefits include nimble handling, a smooth transmission, simple controls, and plenty of equipment for the price. Antilock brakes, traction control, and electronic stability control are standard. Higher trim models offer unexpected amenities such as heated seats and a rear-view camera.

2006-2011

2006 Redesign Year

The 2006 redesign makes the Rio a reasonable alternative to larger compacts. The ride is relatively comfortable and quiet, which makes this iteration of the Rio pleasant to drive. Most drivers found a comfortable seating position with plenty of room, though some found the tilt-only steering wheel was positioned too close ' yes -- for comfort. Controls are simple to use. Interior storage is modest. The sedan can hold more luggage than the hatchback with the rear seats up, but both have 60/40-split seats that fold to expand cargo capacity. Still though, the hatchback offers added cargo flexibility. Fuel economy is very good and handling is secure -- though not sporty. Standard curtain airbags are a plus.

2001-2005

2001 Redesign Year

The Rio has come a long way from its cheap roots. This corporate cousin to the Hyundai Accent used to epitomize the stiff-riding, noisy subcompact sedan. For 2001, the interior is put together well, the car is easy to park, and the Rio provides a tolerable ride. Handling is secure but not very agile. Still though, some vestiges of past transgressions remain, the cabin is noisy and cramped, it's not very quick, and braking is subpar. Antilock brakes (ABS) were offered starting with the 2005 model year.