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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  Great for the price - 2010 Kia Forte
  By jezdjb - September 10 - 4:04 am

  This little car is quick, comfortable, and good looking. 6700 miles so far and no issues what so ever. We avg 29mpg with city/hwy mixed. Havent gone on the "long drive" yet but Im guessing it will be fine. Like it so much we went and bought a 2011 Rio SX so it wouldnt be lonely :)

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2010 Kia Forte
  By lydiac8668 - September 2 - 8:11 pm

  I am amazed they have not recalled this car! My engine has stalled on me 4 times now and no one knows how or why. According to other sites, I am not the only one! I drive only 4 miles away from my home daily to go to work on a very busy street. The last time it stalled, my lights were still on in my car, except my engine cut off, as well as my power steering, in drive, and I had to throw on my emergency lights and use my entire body weight to pull into a lot. This is day 5 of having a rental car through Kia and they still cant "recreate the situation" or "fix it". If you wouldnt put your loved one in it, dont buy it!

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  Cant buy a better car!!! - 2010 Kia Forte
  By forteowner (: - July 29 - 4:16 am

  Ok i had a Ford Escort before and i loved the fact it was american. But when time came to get new I wanted something nice. I dont make a million bucks a year and i really dont need to with this. Had this basically since it hit the car lots. I do a good bit of driving and no matter how i drive whether its pedal to the metal or soft and slow the worst mileage i had was 28. I love the radio its a blast and everyone who rides in always loves it. Everyone who saw this car loves it. Its already gotten pretty cold here already and ive had no probs with it starting. This car takes corners and just all in all drives like a champ. I have no complaints about this car!! BUY IT!!!

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  A Very Good Deal Among Compact Coupes - 2011 Kia Forte
  By 353cathedral - July 28 - 4:39 pm

  I selected the forte EX coupe over the SX because I didnt want a sunroof and, more important, I already have a set of winter tires and rims that would fit the EX, but not the SX. I was impressed with the long list of standard features that are extra-cost options on cars like the Civic, Cruze, Corolla and Focus. In addition, compact coupes are becoming quite rare now, but the Forte fulfills my needs almost perfectly. Its 156 hp engine, 2845 lbs. weight and 6-speed manual transmission combine for lively performance and excellent gas mileage. In addition, it handles well, absorbs bumps better than my previous vehicle and brakes smoothly. Its also quite unique; Ive seen very few others yet.

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  Disappointment - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Patricia Wald - July 6 - 11:46 am

  This car is a major disappointment. Ride is rough. Brakes and gear shift poorly responsive, fuel injection uneven. No vision out rear window. Rear headrests further block vision. Back of car too high for vision. Drivers left vent for air very poor. Controls for sunroof make no sense in terms of open being opposite of closed. Takes excessive time for sunroof control to result in desired position. Remote key to open trunk is extremely slow. Have to be right at trunk for it to respond. The trunk door doesnt stay in the up position. Very narrow access to truck. Would recommend against anyone buying this car.

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  surprising gas mileage - 2013 Kia Forte
  By my_forte - June 30 - 6:03 pm

  Since I was starting a new job that entailed a considerable commute, I needed a car with good gas mileage that didnt hurt the wallet too much. However, since I was going to be spending a considerable amount of time in the car, I wanted as many creature comforts as possible for a low price. The Kia Forte SX 2.4 litre does not sip fuel as well as the 2.0 litre, but I found that driving 100km/hour(legal speed limit here in Ontario), I could attain exactly the 6.2 litres/100km that was advertised...until my last fill-up. The odometer reached 9700 km and at 70-80km/hr while taking the scenic route home, the average consumption dipped to 5.1litres/100km. The 80km trip averaged 5.5litres/100km.

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  Im in love - 2010 Kia Forte
  By crazyyank - June 20 - 1:23 pm

  I traded in my 07 Corolla for the 2010 Forte SX Koup. Ive had the car for 2 weeks and I still smile everytime I look at it. I got the silver exterior and the sunroof. The car handles like a dream and the acceleration is more than enough (esp when you hit it at 60 to get past a slower car). The ride is a little stiff, but as someone else said it is a sports car. I do not miss my Corolla at all nor do I regret not getting the 6cyl Mustang I was thinking about. You get more "bang for the buck" with this car and more than one person has commented on the exterior styling.

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  My Kia Forte has won me over - 2010 Kia Forte
  By chickyflyaz - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I had been driving a 2009 Nissan Altima prior to purchasing this Kia. I had originally set out only wanting another Altima but could not get a good enough deal. A friend talked to me into checking out the Kia dealership where I test drove the Forte. It was affordable and while I was disappointed it wasnt my first choice, I liked it enough to buy it. 3 weeks later I absolutely love it! I drove that car for 2 1/2 weeks before I had to put gas in the tank! I love the way it looks and the comfortable interior. I would like a little more get up and go, but it does get moving eventually.

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  Fun to drive - 2017 Kia Forte
  By wilberto reyes - June 2 - 11:54 pm

  Really nice drive and have a good pickup just need a better transmission with out high rpms

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  This car is a lot of fun! - 2014 Kia Forte
  By Jorge Munoz - May 25 - 7:29 am

  Ive always owned Kias and Hyundais and have never had an issue and this car is no exception. our car is loaded with Bluetooth, satellite radio, rear back up camera and stereo controls on the steering wheel, making this car a fun and comfortable ride on roadtrips! we purchased this car for my wife in July of 2014 and now has 15k in it and have had NO PROBLEMS! i absolutely love it. Now i am in the market myself for a new car and after reading the reviews on the 2014 corolla, 2014 sentra SR, two of the cars i was considering buying, i realized the serious problems these two cars have with their trannys and or other critical components. So at this point i am happily going to stick to kia or hyundai. The only 2 issues ive had with my car so far are just minor interior issues. The car door seal seems like it shrunk with the heat (we live in arizona) and its coming out of place. the other problem is the passanger electric windows switch broke off... both of these issues are nothing compared to problems with the engine!