Vehicle Segment:
Subcompact / Economy car
Target Demographic:
Budget-conscious consumers, first-time car buyers, urban commuters.
Key Competitors 2004:
Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Aveo, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit (Jazz), Toyota Yaris.
Design Philosophy:
Practical, fuel-efficient, and affordable transportation.
Notable Aspects:
One of Kia's earlier offerings in many global markets, focusing on value for money.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine management (ECU).
Transmission:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch system, driveline, axles, driveshafts.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (hydraulic, ABS), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, starting system, charging system, lighting, instruments, audio system, power accessories (windows, locks), body electrical, multiplex communication system (if applicable).
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk lid, glass, bumpers, structural components, corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections, tune-ups.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures for all major systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation.
Overhaul:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, major component rebuild procedures.
Adjustment:
Valve adjustments, brake adjustments, parking brake adjustments, clutch adjustments.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters.
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission diagnostics and repairs.
Diagnostic Tools:
Guidance on using diagnostic scan tools, multimeters, and specialized equipment.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Engine Code:
G4EE (common for 1.3L), G4HD (common for 1.5L)
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) or DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) depending on variant.
Displacement:
1.3 L (1341 cc) and 1.5 L (1493 cc)
Horsepower 1.3L:
Approximately 70-75 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm
Torque 1.3L:
Approximately 75-80 lb-ft @ 3000-4000 rpm
Horsepower 1.5L:
Approximately 85-100 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm
Torque 1.5L:
Approximately 90-105 lb-ft @ 3000-4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating may vary by region, typically 87 AKI / 91 RON recommended).
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with OBD-II diagnostic capabilities.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed automatic transmission (optional)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch (for manual transmission).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (refer to specific manual for exact specification)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent (refer to specific manual for exact specification)
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2440 mm (96.1 in)
Length:
Approximately 3810 mm (150.0 in) for hatchback, 4205 mm (165.6 in) for sedan.
Width:
Approximately 1670 mm (65.7 in)
Height:
Approximately 1470 mm (57.9 in) for sedan, 1480 mm (58.3 in) for hatchback.
Curb Weight:
Approximately 990 kg - 1100 kg (2180 lbs - 2425 lbs) depending on body style and equipment.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle specific VIN plate.
Towing Capacity:
Not typically recommended or specified for this vehicle class.
Crash Test Results Availability:
Limited public availability of comprehensive crash test data from major agencies for this specific model year and region.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - Often optional or standard on higher trims.
Electronic Brake Force Distribution:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) - May be integrated with ABS.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard. Side airbags optional on some trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear seatbelts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seating positions.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM stereo with CD player (single-disc). Optional premium audio systems may exist.
Display:
Simple digital or analog display for radio and clock. No integrated navigation or touchscreen on base models.
Cruise Control:
Optional on some higher trim levels.
Parking Assist:
Not typically equipped with factory parking assist sensors or cameras.
Auxiliary Input:
Rarely equipped with factory auxiliary audio input (often an aftermarket addition).
Bluetooth:
Not available from the factory for this model year.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Check manual for severe conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard spark plugs, or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for platinum/iridium plugs (if equipped).
Engine Oil Type:
API SL or higher, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (depending on climate and specific engine variant). Check oil cap or manual for exact specification.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.5 - 3.8 liters (3.7 - 4.0 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., Asian Red OAT or HOAT). Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine:
Occasional oil leaks from valve cover gasket, potential for timing chain stretch on higher mileage engines (check for rattling noise).
Transmission:
Manual transmissions can experience clutch wear; automatic transmissions may exhibit hard shifting if fluid is neglected.
Suspension:
Worn front struts/shocks, worn stabilizer bar links leading to clunking noises.
Electrical:
Corrosion on electrical connectors, failing alternator or starter motor on older units, power window motor failures.
Body:
Rust on rocker panels, wheel arches, and lower body sections, especially in areas with road salt.
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation, South Korea.
Generation:
First Generation (2000-2005 internationally, 2004-2011 in North America with a facelift).
Facelift Info:
The 2004 model year in North America often represents a facelifted version of the first generation, with updated styling and features compared to the original 2000-2003 models.
Production Years:
2000 - 2005 (first generation).
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea, Malaysia, Ecuador, and other locations under license.
Awards List:
No significant widespread industry awards are prominently associated with the 2004 Kia Rio, given its focus on budget affordability and entry-level market segment.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
Generally good fuel economy for its class, contributing to its value proposition. EPA estimates for the 1.5L engine were around 27 MPG city / 33 MPG highway (manual transmission).
Emissions Certification:
Meets applicable emissions standards for its market of sale (e.g., EPA standards in the US).