Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, urban commuters
Key Competitors 2004:
Hyundai Accent, Toyota Echo, Honda Civic (base models), Ford Focus (base models), Chevrolet Aveo
Value Proposition:
Affordability, fuel efficiency, compact size for urban maneuverability
Engine Systems:
Lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, starting and charging
Transmission Systems:
Automatic and Manual transmission operation, fluid checks (if applicable for manual)
Brake Systems:
Brake system operation, parking brake
Suspension Steering:
Suspension components, steering system operation
Electrical Systems:
Lighting, instruments, wipers, horn, fuses, basic wiring diagrams (typically for component identification, not full repair)
Body Interior:
Doors, windows, seats, climate control, audio system, security system, owner comfort features
Operation:
Vehicle startup, driving controls, dashboard indicators, climate control operation, audio system usage
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement
Troubleshooting:
Warning lights and their meanings, basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., battery drain, engine not starting)
Safety:
Seat belt usage, airbag system information, child restraint system installation, emergency procedures
Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and operation. Does not contain detailed diagnostic procedures or complete repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Engine Code:
G4HD (common for this generation, though minor variations might exist)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder
Displacement:
1.5 Liters (1493 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
71.0 mm x 77.0 mm (typical for this engine)
Compression Ratio:
9.3:1 (typical)
Horsepower Net @ Rpm:
104 hp @ 6000 rpm (for the 1.5L engine)
Torque Net @ Rpm:
97 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (for the 1.5L engine)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, 87 Octane (minimum)
Emission System:
California/Federal emissions compliant (likely, specific certification details would be in the manual)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Torque Converter Lockup:
Likely present on automatic transmission for improved highway fuel economy
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 viscosity grade (typical for this era)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent DEXRON-III/MERCON (refer to manual for exact specification)
Length:
Approximately 157.7 inches (4005 mm)
Width:
Approximately 66.7 inches (1695 mm)
Height:
Approximately 58.3 inches (1480 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 96.5 inches (2450 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 87.1 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2200-2400 lbs (depending on trim and transmission)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:
Likely 4-star (based on similar vehicles of the era, exact rating needs manual confirmation)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:
Likely 4-star (based on similar vehicles of the era, exact rating needs manual confirmation)
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good to Acceptable (typical for the segment, specific rating needs manual confirmation)
ABS:
Optional (availability varied by trim level)
Traction Control:
Not typically available on this model year
Airbags Front:
Standard (driver and passenger frontal airbags)
Airbags Side:
Optional (availability varied by trim level)
Seat Belts:
3-point active front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
Latch Anchors:
Included (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
Engine Oil Change:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (typical, refer to manual for exact interval and severe service conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (typical)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (typical for platinum or iridium plugs, confirm type in manual)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months (typical)
Engine Oil Type And Capacity:
SAE 5W-20, approximately 3.5 quarts (refer to manual for exact capacity and API rating)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Asian vehicle formula), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific color and type.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Common Problems First Gen Rio:
Minor electrical issues (e.g., power window regulators), occasional minor oil leaks, potential for exhaust system corrosion, some reports of clutch wear on manual transmissions.
Standard Tire Size:
175/70R14 (common size, confirm specific trim)
Recommended Tire Pressure:
30-32 PSI (front and rear, check door jamb sticker for exact recommendation)
Brand Origin:
South Korea
Generation:
First Generation (TB/DC Chassis), produced from 2000 to 2005
Model Updates During Generation:
Minor styling updates and feature availability changes across model years. The 2004 model represents a mid-cycle iteration of the first generation.
Manufacturing Plant:
Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea (primary)
