2001 Kia Rio

Need reliable commuter transportation on a bare-bones budget? The two most common choices are: hunt for a late-model used economy car or find the lowest-priced new car on the market. For '01, the latter choice is the Kia Rio. With a base price of just $8895 and an industry-leading warranty, the subcompact Rio is an attractive alternative to buying used.

Offered only as a four-door sedan (a station wagon hits our shores later this year), this price-leading Korean import offers a surprising amount of value. A capable 1.5L/96-hp 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder is the sole engine offering. Power to the front wheels is delivered via a standard five-speed manual transmission. It's no rocket, but keeping the revs up through the gears (be careful, no tach!) helps the Rio hold its own in city and freeway traffic. We'd expect the available four-speed overdrive automatic transmission to exact the usual toll on small-powertrain performance.

This littlest Kia has a compliant ride, but exhibits considerable dive and squat during spirited up- and down-shifting. Four adult passengers will further illustrate that this is a mere 2300-lb entry-level car, with an equally light-duty suspension. Driver and guests are treated, however, to a comfortable, if not roomy interior for a car this size. Its seat materials feel durable, a nice change from the fuzzy, unattractively patterned fabrics in some economy models.

The Rio's base price includes dual airbags, power-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes, a rear defroster, and tinted glass. For just $380 more, the Upgrade Package adds power steering, tilt wheel, visor mirrors, bodyside moldings, and wheel covers. The few remaining items on the option list are reasonably priced, too: ABS is just $400, and A/C costs $750. So in real terms, a popularly equipped Rio is a $10,000 proposition.

Kia's competitive trump card is its Long Haul Warranty Program. Essentially a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty and five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, it also includes a five-year/unlimited-mileage roadside assistance plan. This is about as good as warranties get.

The '01 Kia Rio is no-frills, basic transportation and is packaged in a way that doesn't scream "Yugo." All in all, you get a new car, a pretty good return on your investment, and a long warranty that limits the downside risk.