2001 Kia Rio: Road Test
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2001 Kia Rio ▼
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- MSRP: $8,895 -$9,770
- Invoice: $8,200 -$9,000
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Our road test for the 2001 Kia Rio includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Kia Rio from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Kia Rio, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Kia Rio help you decide if a 2001 Kia Rio is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.7 |
Automatic-equipped test sedan ran 0-60 mph in a slow 11.5 sec. It coped well with fast-paced city/suburban traffic, but struggled to reach highway speed even at full throttle. Manual transmission feels only slightly livelier.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6.8 |
Unimpressive, given light weight and mediocre power. Automatic-transmission test car averaged 25.2 mpg. Manual-transmission version 22.9.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.7 |
Busy and not that supple despite soft damping. Choppy on scalloped freeways, with mild but unwanted bounce over large moguls and dips. Surprisingly absorbent on broken and patchy surfaces, though.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 4.2 |
Front-drive predictable, but soft damping and slim tires mean modest grip and lots of front-end plowing in tight, fast turns. Quite maneuverable, though, and simulated emergency stops were no problem for our non-ABS-equipped test car.
QUIETNESS
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.6 |
Engine moans and drones in hard acceleration or when cruising above 55 mph or so. Wind rush tolerably low, but tires sing a noisy tune even on fairly smooth pavement.
CONTROLS
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
Uninspired design, but logical and convenient save smallish audio controls. Lacks tachometer and release for trunklid, but intermittent wipers are standard. Low-budget cabin materials reinforce entry-level pricing. A test car's rear parcel shelf vibrated loudly when a rear door or the trunk lid was slammed.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.3 |
Adequate room for adults. Driving stance slightly confined for larger folks, and optional tilt wheel doesn't lift that high. Aft visibility slightly hindered by high-tail styling.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.1 |
Very tight for adult legs unless front passengers move well up. Limited head room, too. Entry/exit tight because doors have narrow bottoms and don't open wide.
CARGO ROOM
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.3 |
Good for such a small car, but trunk opening won't swallow large boxes, and a fold-down rear seatback isn't offered.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 4.6 |
Rio offers "cheap wheels" economy and a generous warranty, but Kia's resale values are low, partly a recognition of its unproven record of reliability. Our test Rios were optioned to around $11,400, which buys a larger, fancier used car in good condition--or a more-desirable Toyota Echo.
Total Score
| Base, man. | Base, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 26 | 27 | 42.8 |
Total Score: 27
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