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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  Really good, roomy and nice looking car and great value! - 2012 Kia Forte
  By mazda5forme - February 26 - 6:39 pm

  Everytime we buy a new car, we look at all the brands and compare. Mazda, Toyotas, Honda, Fords, etc. We currently have 2 Fords and we also have a Mazda5 that we bought new a few years ago, that my college age daughter is now using.We bought a brand new 2011 KIA Sorento SX suv in March. Very impressed with the quality and value, also the styling. Then we needed a car for my wife, and looked at everything in the way of small sedans. To make a long story short, we bought a 2012 KIA Forte 5 door EX.

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  Kia Forte Koup - Do not buy - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Lynn - February 25 - 10:50 pm

  Carpet on below the mats are ripping and I have had them replaced and they are ripping again. Below my glove box the carpet is hanging down and I can see the bolts. My gears are slipping already. Horrible. I have only had it for 4 months.

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  Little things mean a lot - 2014 Kia Forte
  By minaramsey - December 31 - 2:14 pm

  Have had the Forte EX w/Premium package since April 2013, and like it well enough. It will never be a car I love, and Kia has not won my brand loyalty with this model.

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  Amazing Comfort for a Compact - 2010 Kia Forte
  By pnassos - December 29 - 11:43 pm

  I downgraded from a Chrysler Concorde; the Forte is really quite comfortable & I am 62", 230 lb. Buy the SX trim - great value, handling, & fast engine. This car hits 90 with ease -- feels like 60. The 2.4 Liter engine & 5 speed work well together. My family likes the heated seats, iPod / USB port, Bluetooth, & satellite radio; prior to this car, I called these luxuries - but they are now necessary. You have to spend $ 25K plus to get this equipment in comparable cars. This car has been solid from the start & is more comparable to Camry, Fusion & Malibu than the compacts. A great value. Kia has now come to Georgia to build their cars & SUVs.

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  so far so good - 2014 Kia Forte
  By loebywon1 - December 21 - 10:12 am

  went in memorial day to trade in my wifes 15 year old BMW328i(tired of sinking money into it) on an Optima because we liked the reviews, etc. She had difficulty judging it for parking, etc(shes tiny). Salesman suggested the 2014 Forte that just came out. She was able to handle it much more confidently with the large windshield. Didnt get a great deal but we bought it and love it so far.

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  Good Car - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Dot T - November 22 - 2:20 am

  We all like new cars so I kept this 4 months before writing a review. I get good gas mileage, an average of 26 -28 mpg hwy/cty. I love the stereo, cell phone and other controls on the steering wheel and the fact that I dont have to turn my lights off and on. I will wait to really rate reliability. In 4 months Ive had no problems. My previous car was an Accord, this car is quieter and more fun to drive. I hope it lasts as long.

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  2010 forta - 2010 Kia Forte
  By weso1 - November 16 - 4:33 pm

  Wow this car is fun to drive. Its everything said about the car and more. We first tested the 2.0L EX 5 speed with a little better fuel mileage and like the car. We then tested the 2.4L with a 6 speed SX model loaded with options and fell in love.The transmission was a little getting used too with the gears so close and has a lot of get up and go.I would get this car in this price range over any other. We are very happy.

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  2010 Kia Forte SX (5A) - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Chris - November 10 - 8:50 pm

  In August I purchased a 2010 Kia Forte SX with black cloth interior, and love it. I looked at the Civic, Mazda3 and Corolla; the Forte SX was ~$1500 less money, had a few more standard options (e.g., bluetooth)and to me, looks better than the other three. Plus, the warranty is very good (5/60 & 10/100). The exterior color is black, and I had the windows tinted, so it really adds to the overall looks. With the sport suspension, it takes the small road bumps kinda hard, plus there does seem to be a rattle in the suspension area when going over the bumps (Ill drive a little longer, if still an issue, Ill get this checked out). Overall, great ride, great looking compact car, great value.

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  Best car in its segment! - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Muhammad Waqas - November 2 - 2:33 pm

  I bougth this car couple of months ago. I dont think there is any car better in this segment than forte. I have driven almost all the major cars in the segment, and forte beats them all. Civic might be a little more refined, but forte has more power and features. Mazda 3 is fun to drive on short routes, but on highway, forte beats it and it has better fuel economy with more space. Lancers engine is very noisy, and it has a terrible fuel economy.

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  pleasantly surprised - 2017 Kia Forte
  By joe mccorry - October 26 - 11:38 am

  first let me say tis is the first brand new car I purchased/leased since 2001. Until oct. 2014 I was driving a Chevrolet cavalier. in 2014 it was going to cost me over $4000 just to get it ready to pass inspection. surprising to mea s it only had about 80,000 miles on it. so I traded it in on a 2008 Hyundai elentra. very pleasant surprise. it got about 6 mpg more then the cavalier. had the elantra for about 2 and half years. had 78,000 miles on it. when I traded it in on the 2017 kia forte lx it had a little over 86,000 miles on it. as you can see I dont do a ton of driving in a year. decided to check out a deal I heard on the radio from a local Pennsylvania dealer. very misleading ad. in the ad they stated that they would guarantee $6000 for your trade and $9000 off list price of a new 2017 sonata. called the dealer as I did not want to drive over an hour for nothing. the salesman told me I had misheard the ad. it was either the $6000 trade in or $9000 off list price. I was not the only one who heard the ad the way I did. so I started looking at other Hyundai dealers. after talking with the sales people they informed that an elntra might be a better fit for me. as the incentives were better.got some ok deals. then remembered that kia was the sister company of hyundai so I called a couple of kia dealers and asked about the optima. but since I wanted to stay at roughly the same monthly payment I was at they recommended the forte. took one out for a test drive and found I liked it better than the 2017 elentra I had test driven. comparing the elantra and forte to me I found the forte better handling and as good a ride. the interior of the forte again to me seemed better quality. got the forte on 4/7/2017. have had it a month and I am very happy with it. I am getting over 30 mpg in what is basically local driving. would recommend this over the elantra. also have to like the 5 yr warranty.