2001 Kia Rio Compact Car Reviews & Ratings

The Kia's interior is straightforward, with no surprises or fancy features. Instrumentation is limited to a speedometer, fuel and temperature gauge set into a panel that elbows down into a center console with the audio and ventilation controls. The audio controls are large and easy to use, and the ventilation controls are the don't-read-the-manual-type rotary dials with a fresh air-recirc lever. It's all very Japanese looking, actually.

But forget power windows, locks and mirrors. In keeping with its low-price mission, the Rio doesn't even get these as options. The mirrors don't even have remote adjustment. The seats, however, are full cloth and there are matching cloth inserts in the door panels. The handbrake is located on the console between the seats. There are dual airbags and the Rio's body was designed for-and passed-the demanding European offset crash standards as well as, of course, all U.S. frontal and side impact tests.

Although there are five seatbelts, no more than four standard size adults will fit reasonably in the Rio, and knee room will be at a premium for grownups in the back as well (though headroom is sufficient for anyone whose legs will fit). Young families, however, will be able to fit three young 'uns, booster seats and all, in the back. Three-point belts are provided for outboard passengers only, however, with a lap belt in the center. There are dual depowered airbags up front and the front shoulder belts are height adjustable.

We thought, with the generous power-to-weight ratio of the Rio, that it should be a performer and at least by economy car standards it is. On Kia's Hwasung test track we were able to hit 100 mph with four aboard, and by jettisoning a couple we were even able to get there surprisingly quickly. Even at that speed engine and wind noise didn't prevent conversation and the Rio felt stable and secure, despite its shortish wheelbase. Naturally, most drivers won't go that fast, but it shows what the 1.5-liter four can do and that it's more than capable of handling your around town and Interstate driving. At 75, there's a steady muted thrum from the four-cylinder engine, but no more wind noise than cars costing much more. The engine only gets loud when pushed to higher revs and even then it's more earnest than strained. It's apparent that Kia has put effort into reducing the vibration that even a small four can make and send to the passenger compartment.

We drove both manual and automatic transmission-equipped cars. The manual was somewhat notchy but sufficiently precise in operation, the clutch light. The automatic?s shifts were smooth enough and it doesn?t seem to sap much power. There is a slight fuel economy penalty for the automatic. The EPA rates the Rio at 27/32 mpg with the manual transmission, 25/31 with the automatic.

As light and tall as it is, the Rio might seem susceptible to side winds. Unfortunately, it was calm when we drove the Rio, so we weren't able to test that hypothesis. Response to steering input was quick, but lane change maneuvers didn't upset the Rio and cornering, as one would expect for this class of car, was a safe and predictable understeer. The Rio listed to the outside but not severely. The suspension seemed tuned more for comfort than sport but that's what buyers in this class want. It's not a Miata or even a Hyundai Tiburon and isn't trying to be. The power assisted rack-and-pinion steering wasn't overboosted, however, providing plenty of feedback so the driver knows how hard the front tires are working.

The Rio's turning circle is a mere 30.8 feet and that's tight, folks, making the Rio, with its spunky engine and short overall length, it will squirt in and out of places bigger cars can only wistfully gaze upon. As an urban warrior, where agility ranks higher than overall might, the Rio should reign supreme.

The Rio is the low price anchor of a rapidly growing Kia lineup that includes the Sephia compact sedan, the Sportage mini-ute, the new Spectra 5-door hatchback and a V6-powered sedan called the Optima coming during 2001 plus a full-size minivan that will join the lineup during the 2002 model year. As such, the Rio will be offered as one model only but with an upgrade package and several standalone options. The Rio costs less than Hyundai's subcompact, the Accent, which for 2000 had a base price of $8,999.

The Rio's $380 upgrade package includes power steering, tilt wheel, full wheel covers, dual covered vanity mirrors and body-color side moldings. Options include an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission ($875), four-wheel anti-lock brakes ($400), a rear spoiler ($85), air conditioning ($750), and a choice of an AM/FM/cassette ($320) or AM/FM/CD audio systems ($395). Options are limited, as Kia wants to keep the Rio as strictly an entry-level car and keep it priced that way.

A uniquely styled hatchback, with a roofline that somewhat resembles a mini Saab wagon, is available in other markets, but not immediately in the North America. Kia Motors America may and, in our opinion, should import it, as it's the better looking of the two models and has its own funky charm.