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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  Forte SX hatch vs. Mazda 3 or Elantra Touring - 2011 Kia Forte
  By rb7385899 - July 13 - 4:06 am

  We already have an 09 elantra touring. The Kia is a step up (173 hp, 6 speed auto) and better styled. We cross shopped it against the Mazda 3 (too little rear seat room) and Subaru Forrester (noisy, handles worse). After about 1,000 miles im pretty satisifed with the Kia. Returning about 26 mpg on my commute, and is fully loaded (leather, sunroof, power everything for $21K and change). Much peppier than the elantra, which I still love anyway.

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  2010 Kia Forte Sedan SX - 2010 Kia Forte
  By 1joeyoung - July 3 - 4:13 am

  In several online reviews, the clutch is mentioned as a negative. I agree that the clutch is definitely "Different" in the 6spd Manual, but I think thats the way it is in many cars. While shopping, I drove a MINI, Civic Si, Genesis Coupe, all manual. Every one had different clutch characteristics. Aside from that, I really like the Forte. It has great exterior styling for a compact car, and nice interior arrangement and surfaces for a car of this price range. The seats are comfortable and the upgraded cloth of the SX feels more durable than the standard cloth seats. The trunk is surprisingly large for a car of this size.

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  Forget Honda or Toyota - 2010 Kia Forte
  By bikermidget - June 3 - 9:06 pm

  Have no complaints whatsoever. Wife loves it. Smooth ride, comfortable, great interior and looks great. Have a 2005 Focus and the Forte makes the Focus seem like a wooden crate with wheels. I couldnt stand Kias in the past, they looked like generic junkie cars, but when we seen and test drove our forte ex we said "well take this one in White".

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  why buy anything else!!!!!!! - 2013 Kia Forte
  By bmorelock - June 1 - 10:22 am

  This is the best car i have ever owned. I work for ford and this car puts the ford focus to shame i will never buy another ford again

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  Work Commuter - 2012 Kia Forte
  By finzphan68 - May 14 - 5:12 am

  Needed a new car for my daily commute, and have wanted a hatchback for a while too, so came across the Kia Forte, and found that while its not the top of the line model, it offers everything that I needed in a functional and stylish package.

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  Best Car I have bought - 2010 Kia Forte
  By newcarbuyer - May 10 - 2:00 pm

  Between me and my wife we have bought about 6 new cars in the last 25 years. We have owned Ford, Mitsubishis, Toyotas, Nissans and finally Kias. I have owned the Kia Forte for the past 6 months. It is the best car I have bought. My enthusiasm for the car hasnt diminished in the past 6 months. I like the firm suspension that the Forte was intentionally designed with unlike the VERY soft ride of Toyota and GM. Quality, pickup and gas mileage is great. I do not know how they got the highest horsepower with the greatest mileage in its class for a gas driven car. The engineering of the car is solid and the interior is nice and the car lines are good. I would highly reccemend this car.

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  Coming from a 99 Chevy Lumina - 2016 Kia Forte
  By John - April 30 - 8:39 pm

  Upgrading to this car from a ill-maintened Lumina was one of the best decisions ever. Then again, Ive jumped quite a few years into the new-car-world. Ive been owning the Forte LX for 4 months now, and to say the least, its a great car. Not perfect... but great. It runs smoothly, quietly, and if you want, super fast. I was impressed at how the engine keeps it quiet, like the Toyota Priuss. However, after putting-in over 2,500 miles, the engine starts losing its futuristic engine sound. Im a music enthusiast and I was extremely overwhelmed with the possibilities of connecting your phone/mp3 to the car via USB, AUX and Bluetooth. However, I am not impressed with the sound quality, but of course, that can be upgraded later in life. The windows are supposedly made to keep the heat out of the sun, but thats not quite accurate. Its like any other car window in its family. Trunk space is awesome! Fold down the seats, and you can practically sleep back there. All-in-all, the car does its job quite well. I forget sometimes to be grateful when I begin comparing it to other cars I should have bought instead.

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  I hope I didnt make a mistake - 2010 Kia Forte
  By bj - April 28 - 10:33 pm

  I bought this KIA 2 days ago. I really liked the looks and the price. Today I noticed that my front right bumper little loose. I took it right back the dealership after they looked at it they said they have to wait for KIA motors response since they dont see any damage and they never seen this happen before. Interior looks nice but the material is little cheap compare to my 11 yr old Honda Civic. Leather doesnt feel like good leather. Too many oily fingerprints. I hope I didnt make a mistake buying this car. We own 7 Hondas in the family, this is the 1st Korean car.

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  Love my new Kia - 2013 Kia Forte
  By paulestep - April 9 - 12:24 pm

  I recently purchased a 2012 Kia Forte EX. I absolutely love my car. It has plenty of pick-up, very quiet, great features and great gas mileage. Recently took it on a little road trip and was very impressed with how well it ran. It has more than enough room for my family of 4 and the trunk is large enough for our luggage plus my guitar.

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  A nice car - 2011 Kia Forte
  By concordenerd - April 4 - 1:21 pm

  Had this last week as a rental and was very nice. I wanted a Optima or a Sonata, but they were out and said I would take a Prius. They were out of them too. Avis insisted that I try this as it was a nice car they said. Had 400 miles on it so it was new. A nice car with a lot of features standard. Useful features. Averaged over 180 miles 35 MPG.