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Fun Facts

Interesting Facts About the Kia Rio DC

The Kia Rio DC marks the debut of the Rio nameplate in 1999. As the first generation, it set the stage for a model line that would span four generations in the United States.

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First‑Generation Body Styles

The original Kia Rio, coded DC, was launched in 1999 and offered buyers a choice between a four‑door sedan and a five‑door station wagon. This dual‑body‑style approach gave early Rio owners flexibility that was uncommon for subcompact cars at the time.

Facelift and Early Evolution

The DC generation received a mid‑cycle facelift (referred to as 1.1 Facelift) before it was succeeded by the second generation (JB) in 2005. This early refresh helped keep the Rio competitive during its first six years on the market.

Long‑Running Popularity in the U.S.

Since 2001, four generations of the Kia Rio have been sold in the United States, beginning with the modest, bargain‑priced DC sedan that featured a 1.5 L engine. Its affordability and practicality have made the Rio a steady presence in the U.S. subcompact segment.

Popular Kia Rio Parts

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