Overview & Reviews

In recent years, some of the most improved players on the automotive playing field have been entry-level compact sedans. Many of these so-called economy cars now offer levels of style and equipment that rival larger and more expensive cars. A good example is the Kia Forte.

Although the first Forte was generally a good car that also boasted strong crash test scores, the more refined second-generation version propelled this Kia to high honors in a very competitive class. Specifically, the newer Forte more than holds its own against the old segment standbys in terms of style, features, driving dynamics, fuel economy and value. Thanks to its choice of three body styles versus the more typical one or two, the Forte is able to appeal to several types of buyers whether they prefer a traditional sedan, a dynamic coupe or a practical hatchback.

Current Kia Forte
Redesigned for 2014, the current Forte is available as a sedan in LX (1.8L) and EX (2.0L) trim levels. The four-door hatchback (Forte 5) and two-door coupe (Koup) are available in EX and turbocharged SX trims.

There are three four-cylinder engines: a 1.8-liter with 148 horsepower, a 2.0-liter with 173 hp and a turbocharged 1.6-liter packing 201 hp. Power runs to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The EPA combined fuel economy estimates range from 24-29 mpg, depending on engine and transmission.

Standard feature highlights include air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and USB/iPod/auxiliary inputs. Midlevel trims add a more powerful engine, alloy wheels, foglights, keyless entry, a voice-activated infotainment system with Bluetooth audio connectivity and a rearview camera. The SX trims also include sporty styling tweaks, xenon headlights, LED taillights, dual-zone air-conditioning and a navigation system. Options (depending on trim) include a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a ventilated eight-way power driver seat and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

In reviews we've found the EX's substantial equipment level more than compensates for its slightly lower fuel economy. Furthermore, the 2.0 is one of the peppier four-cylinders out there so it never feels like an economy car. In Edmunds testing, a Kia Forte EX sedan accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, making it one of the quickest cars in its segment. Of course, if sporty is what you're after in a compact car, we'd recommend the turbocharged engine with the manual transmission for maximum performance and fun.

Overall, the Forte has precise steering, and handling is steady. On upper trim levels, you can even adjust the steering effort via a three-mode (Comfort/Normal/Sport) button on the wheel. Most shoppers in this segment will likely be satisfied with the Forte's overall ride quality. That said, broken pavement can produce a somewhat rougher ride than what you'll find in the Forte's well-established European or Japanese rivals.

Used Kia Forte Models
The first-generation Kia Forte was available from 2010-'13 as a four-door sedan or two-door coupe (Koup). The four-door hatchback (Forte 5) joined the lineup in 2011. The sedan was available in LX, EX and SX trims, while the hatchback and coupe were EX and SX only. The LX and EX came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that made 156 hp. The SX came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 173 hp.

For the LX and EX, the initial transmission choices included a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, while the SX offered a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed automatic. The latter came standard on the EX with the available Fuel Economy package. For 2011, transmissions choices were simplified, as the six-speed manual transmission was standard on all but the hatchbacks, which came with a six-speed automatic. The latter was an option on the others.

The base Forte came standard with air-conditioning, Bluetooth phone connection, satellite radio and a CD stereo with auxiliary/USB audio jacks. Upgrading to the EX model added alloy wheels, full power accessories, cruise control and, on 2012-'13 models a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The Forte coupe featured a firmer suspension, a retuned exhaust and sport seats. The EX sedan and hatch were available with that Fuel Economy package, which added low-rolling-resistance tires, aerodynamic enhancements and electric (rather than hydraulic) power steering. The sportier SX trim featured the larger engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning (sedan) and various interior upgrades. The SX coupe further received suspension retuning. Leather upholstery, heated seats and a sunroof were optional on the SX.

The driving experience largely depends on which version and from which year Forte you're in. We feel the first year (2010), while not to be avoided, isn't the year to look for due to the somewhat dated automatic transmissions. As such, we'd suggest going with a 2011 or later Forte, which in addition to featuring six-speed transmissions across the board, also had better standard and optional equipment including navigation. Taller drivers should note that a telescoping steering column was available on SX models only in 2010 and '11, then also on the EX in 2012 and '13.

In reviews, our editors praised the Kia Forte's relatively generous front and rear seating, tidy styling and clean and pleasant cabin layout. The LX and EX handled like typical economy cars, meaning distant steering, noticeable body roll when pushed and a comfortable, though sometimes noisy ride. The SX -- the coupe in particular -- was a completely different story with its sportier handling and notably firmer ride. Although it still wasn't quite as much fun as the sprightly Honda Civic Si, the SX provided enough entertainment behind the wheel to make it a good choice for driving enthusiasts.

Previous to the Forte, Kia's small car offering was the underwhelming Spectra.

User Reviews:

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  I am coming back 5 years later to write this - 2011 Kia Forte
  By kinsey - November 29 - 3:38 am

  I absolutely adored this car. Bought it brand new off the lot, had one weird fluttering valve issue to start, that got fixed immediately and for free, and then I literally never had a single problem with this car since. It was reliable; I drove it 4 hours to and fro from college to visit home quite a few times, and I took this thing across the US in three days. Fantastic. I just totalled it (I am unhurt, thank you, KIA!) and am already on the hunt for my next Kia. I guess a lot of people complain about road noise? I didnt notice. Stereo could be a bit better and front seat a bit more comfy. I never did any of the 15,000/ 25,000 whatever mile maintenance either. They kept telling me the car was in such great shape I didnt need to and it looks like they were right.

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  quicker than you expect - 2012 Kia Forte
  By rb7385899 - November 23 - 1:20 am

  I have the hatch with the 2.4 liter. this is a seriously fast car (for its class/price) with 0-60 in about 7 seconds (A/T). ive owned mine since february 2011, and have about 11,000 miles on it. no service issues so far.

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  Canadian Kia Forte 5 EX Auto - 2011 Kia Forte
  By canuck29 - November 12 - 7:28 pm

  Purchased 2011 Kia Forte 5 as a commuter car for wife. Test drove hatchback two times and came away feeling it was a good combination of value, space, safety features, fuel ecomomy, performance and interior room. So far have put on approx 900 kilometers ( approx 540 miles) all in the city and have averaged about 27 miles per gallon. Engine and powertrain ( 6 speed automatic) provide good driving dynamics for the class of vehicle. Unknown is Kia service as I suspect new generation of Kia vehicles are probably ahead of the service in terms of quality. Will find out in time.

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  2010 Kia Forte Koup - 2010 Kia Forte
  By kiaaed - November 1 - 10:49 am

  Good car and fun to drive. The exterior is very nice and the interior looks nice but the material doesnt look like it will last very long. There are some issues:1) The sun-roof is very noisy and bounces around when hitting a bump. 2) Air condition doesnt feel cold enough especially on a hot 100 degree day.3) There are leaks in the floor board or door that is causing mold to grow on the passenger floor mat. Kia cannot figure out the problem. They just bandage the problem by trying to kill the mold that eventually comes back. Make sure you check yours!4) Gears shift hard unexpectedly.5) Alignment/tires wear down in the inside of tires & change tires after 20k miles. Bluetooth/addressbook bad

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  Absolutely LOVE this car!! - 2012 Kia Forte
  By sarbronson - October 27 - 12:14 am

  I bought my car two weeks ago and I am so happy with it! I have four kids ages 13-4 including a car seat and we fit comfortably in this car!! My transaction was clean, and simple and I cannot recommend this car enough!

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  ITS A SURE THING! - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Duggy - October 2 - 7:03 am

  Have had a Camry, Jetta, civic, and between the 4 cars, the Forte has had the worst mpg.. Granted I warm my car n winter and only avg City 18 mp.. Hopefully 22 in the Spring... Otherwise car has been a Dream! It felt and still feels like quality, from its sleek design exterior/interior, To its amazing warranty! Its rough on bumps, but seats are comfy and the bumps just makes it feel TOUGH! Love the AUX/USB Ipod hookup! Plenty of storage..Traction Control is great in winter! Downside to buying LX is no Cruise.. Aftermarket $399 installed..Only have driven 1260 miles but very SATISFIED!

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  Outstanding Value - Fun To Drive - Safety No. One - 2011 Kia Forte
  By btatr - September 24 - 4:25 pm

  Our priorities ar safety, comfort, fuel efficiency, and the fun to drive quality. We bought a KIA 5 Door SX and love it! We think its tons of fun to and the price was very reasonable. If that isnt enough, the warranty is fantastic. The Forte has a vast array of safety features such as Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, etc. The silky smooth, powerful 2.4 Liter Engine in the SX model packs plenty of power and is far superior to the 2.0 Liter version in the EX model. Every day we cant wait to drive this car. Compare it with the 2012 Ford Focus Hatchback and see which one you prefer.

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  Minor glitches, not getting MPG advertised - 2011 Kia Forte
  By sschultz - September 7 - 2:41 am

  I bought the 2011 Kia Forte 5-door four weeks ago and already need to head into the shop. The clock quit working on a drive the other day, the key fab control for the hatch isnt functioning and the power outlet casing comes out when I try to remove my ipod charger. Relatively minor things - but it is a new car. Averaging 30MPG (not included in the trip computer, but a manual calculation) driving 60 miles highway every day. Im not an inefficient driver so unclear on when Im going to start getting 34MPG. Overall its a fun car to drive but have concerns about the build quality and reliability of electronic components specifically.

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  Great Compact with world class feature - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Rene Benjamin - September 1 - 6:10 pm

  I looking for gas saving vehicle. I live in Puerto Rico, so gas is very expressive. This Kia Forte has everything that I looking in a vehicle, standard options like sat radio, leather,ipod interface,style and sporty lines and off course the 2.4 powerplant to feel the power. This is a very, very hit in it compact segment, a great competitor to corolla,civic,elantra,lancer and others.

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  Excellent Choice - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Mike - August 19 - 12:40 am

  After seeing a commercial for the Forte, I went to a dealership to check it out. I checked it out, drove it, and did some research online. I bought one about a month later. I couldnt be happier. Ive always driven trucks and SUVs, but I needed a more fuel-efficient car because of my daily commute. The Forte SX is fun, looks great, decent gas mileage, and a ton of standard features. I never thought Id drive a small foreign car, but I love this car. I could afford more expensive cars, but I think this one had the most bang for the buck. For me personally, I wasnt interested in the LX or EX, the SX was the only option.