Market Position:
Subcompact car positioned as an affordable and fuel-efficient option, often a first vehicle or city commuter.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with vehicles like the Hyundai Accent, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo, and Toyota Yaris in its segment.
Key Features:
Practicality, fuel economy, simple mechanics, relatively low cost of ownership.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Drivetrain (Transmission, Axles), Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, ECUs), HVAC, Body & Chassis, Interior Components, Exterior Trim, Safety Systems (SRS)
Procedures Included:
Scheduled maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, repair procedures, component replacement, overhaul instructions, adjustment procedures, tightening specifications, wiring schematic interpretation
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete rebuilds)
Troubleshooting Guides:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common drivability and electrical issues.
Torque Specifications:
Includes essential torque values for critical fasteners in engine, chassis, and drivetrain components.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical system schematics for all major circuits, including engine control, lighting, power windows, and audio systems.
Component Removal Installation
Component Removal Installation:
Step-by-step instructions with diagrams for removing and installing major components such as the engine, transmission, suspension arms, brake calipers, and interior panels.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
Lists common OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) codes and their potential causes and diagnostic procedures.
Body And Interior Repair:
Guidance on body panel alignment, dent repair, interior trim removal/installation, and upholstery care.
Emissions Control Systems
Emissions Control Systems:
Details on the function and maintenance of emissions control components such as the catalytic converter, EGR system (if applicable), and evaporative emission control (EVAP).
Primary Engine:
1.5L DOHC Inline-4
Bore X Stroke:
75.5 mm x 83.5 mm
Horsepower Hp:
96 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Lb Ft:
96 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Cooling System:
Pressurized, liquid-cooled
Engine Oil Capacity:
3.7 US quarts (3.5 Liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Spec:
API SN/ILSAC GF-5 or equivalent, SAE 5W-30
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
Optional:
4-Speed Automatic
Manual Transmission Fluid
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent
Transmission Features:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Exterior Length:
156.1 inches (3965 mm)
Exterior Width:
66.1 inches (1679 mm)
Exterior Height:
56.1 inches (1425 mm)
Wheelbase:
96.1 inches (2440 mm)
Front Track:
57.5 inches (1460 mm)
Rear Track:
57.7 inches (1465 mm)
Curb Weight Min:
2,249 lbs (1020 kg) for manual transmission
Curb Weight Max:
2,337 lbs (1060 kg) for automatic transmission
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approximately 10.0 cu ft (283 liters)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approximately 42.7 cu ft (1209 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not rated (vehicles from this era often had limited independent testing)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Not rated
Active Features:
Front disc brakes, Rear drum brakes, Power-assisted steering
Passive Features:
Dual front airbags, Front seatbelt pretensioners, Crumple zones
Optional Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (typically optional on lower trims)
Infotainment:
Basic AM/FM radio with CD player, often with cassette tape option. Limited digital connectivity. Manual tuning and volume knobs.
Driver Assistance:
Very limited; primarily mechanical aids like ABS (optional). No advanced electronic driver aids.
Connectivity:
No Bluetooth, USB, or auxiliary input typically standard. May have provisions for aftermarket radio upgrades.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC system with rotary controls for fan speed, temperature, and air direction.
Instrument Cluster:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and engine temperature. Warning lights for various systems.
Service Intervals Oil Change
Service Intervals Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
Service Intervals Air Filter
Service Intervals Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Service Intervals Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (Long-life type)
Service Intervals Coolant
Service Intervals Coolant:
Flush and replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Fluid Specifications Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water (e.g., Asian Red or Blue coolant)
Fluid Specifications Brake
Fluid Specifications Brake:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap)
Known Issues:
Potential for minor oil leaks from valve cover gasket, catalytic converter issues, worn suspension components (bushings, ball joints), interior trim rattles, starter motor failure, occasional electrical gremlins.
Part Number Oil Filter Example
Part Number Oil Filter Example:
Kia Genuine: 26300-02500, Aftermarket: Mann-Filter W 811/80, Wix 51365
Part Number Air Filter Example
Part Number Air Filter Example:
Kia Genuine: 28113-22000, Aftermarket: Mann-Filter C 25 201, Wix 42117
Brand Heritage:
Kia, established in 1944, evolved from a bicycle manufacturer to a major South Korean automotive producer known for its value-oriented vehicles.
Model Evolution:
The first generation Kia Rio (DC) was introduced in 1999 as a replacement for the Kia Pride. The 2002 model year represents an early iteration of this generation, with a facelift occurring for the 2003 model year.
Production Years:
1999-2005 (First Generation DC)
Production Locations:
South Korea (Hwaseong, Gyeonggi), Malaysia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Philippines