Base price: $9745
Vehicle type: front-engine, front-drive; 4-door 5-passenger sedan
Interior volume, F/R/cargo (cu ft) 52/38/9
Wheelbase 94.9 in
Length/width/height 166.9/65.9/56.7 in
Turning circle 30.8 ft
Curb weight 2400–2500 lb
EPA city/hwy mpg 25–26/32–33
Fuel-tank capacity/range 11.9 gal/298–309 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger airbags
POWERTRAIN
1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-in-line, 104 hp; 5-sp man, 4-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, integral trailing arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/drum
ABS optional
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KIA RIO
The Kia Rio holds the singular, and possibly dubious, distinction of being the least-expensive new car on the U.S. market. But cutting costs requires compromises, and this manifests itself in the Rio’s rather insubstantial feel: It’s buzzy at high engine speeds, the shifter and steering are vague, and the whole structure feels tinny. For 2003, the Rio gets help from a more powerful (104 hp) 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder. A minor makeover and bigger front brakes are also new. The little Kia comes with a five-speed manual transmission; a four-speed automatic is optional. The suspension system uses anti-roll bars both front and rear. And the steering is a modern rack-and-pinion system. Another thing the Rio has going for it is a 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which—along with its price—puts this car high up on the value chart.
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