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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  LOVE MY NEW 2016 FORTE LX - 2016 Kia Forte
  By Joshua Evans - August 26 - 4:15 pm

  I bought my 2p16 forte lx after driving my moms car she had just purchased. I cruised in ir a few times and two weeks later I went and bought mine...only she has the AT am I have a manual. LOVE DRIVING THIS CAR!!! I TURNED THE ECO OFF AND ZOOM IM OFF AND RUNNING!! I would recommend this car to anyone who wants comfort and style without breaking the bank!

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  Amazing car for the price - 2012 Kia Forte
  By marco34 - August 18 - 1:14 am

  I purchased the Kia Forte Hatchback (really a wagon) with 16,000 miles for $12,400. I drive short distances to work and weekly long highway trips to family. Recently got 43.7 mpg on a flat highway for a 100 mile drive. Normally average 25 mpg in the city. Easy to hit 36 mpg on the highway at 70-75 mph. Absolutely no problems at current miles of 27K miles on the odometer-only oil changes so far.

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  Great value at a very good price! - 2012 Kia Forte
  By bd21 - July 29 - 5:46 am

  The Kia Forte is a well engineered vehicle that I believe is best in class for the price. I paid $17,713.00 out the door for a EX 5-door in Titanium with stone interior. My car was equipped with auto-dimming mirror w/compass, wheel locks, rear bumper applique, cargo net, cargo tray, spashguards and an i-pod cable. I had no trade-in and the price included 6% sales tax and all dealer fees. I did get $2,000.00 in rebates. This car is fun to drive around town and on the interstate. Im very impressed with the design, quality and functionality of this car. I dont think you will find a better car under $21K.

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  For this $, U cant beat this car - 2010 Kia Forte
  By kdominy - July 28 - 4:36 am

  Ok, I paid $16K, without the equity from my trade, it would have been $17.5K including all taxes and fees. Now tell me another car that gives you the following at that price. Full steering wheel controls, pwr windows/locks, keyless, cd/mpw, flash drive, ipod connectivity, sirius, 5 speed auto tranny, ac, cc, etc. Oh, 5 yr/60 month b2b, 10 yr/100K pwrtrain. I have more headroom than I did in my Tundra, 40 mpg on the hwy, and a very reliable and well handling suspension. Nice pep on that engine also!

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  Great car - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Richard - July 15 - 11:26 am

  I recently picked up the forte SX. I guess there is a very limited number of leather packages out there and I could not pick one up. But I did get the sun roof. This car is great. Awesome feel when driving. Takes corners pretty tight. Engine has enough go for what I need. Car looks awesome with the 17 tires.

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  Amazing - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Robert - July 5 - 2:20 pm

  Kia has definatly come a long way. This car has amazing handling and great power I did not even realize it was a 4 cylinder. I am 6’2” and have an enormous amount of legroom. Everything in the interior is easily accessible. The look is amazing it will be a great replacement to the Spectra. And 40 MPG can’t ask for anything more.

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  Worth the money - 2011 Kia Forte
  By skaterer - June 29 - 9:51 pm

  Purchased an SX model with all the options including NAV. Just been a few weeks. So far so good. A few rattles, but nothing major.

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  Love it!! - 2010 Kia Forte
  By metgirl6 - June 29 - 5:50 am

  We have had this car less than a week but I love it. Its fun to drive, very smooth and quiet. We got the standard EX package with the fuel package. Gas mileage has been about 30 mpg on the first tank. We looked at every car out there and this one seemed to have it all. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Awful Build quality! - 2010 Kia Forte
  By usereks1187 - June 29 - 1:03 am

  We purchased our 2010 Kia Forte brand new car has been the worst car we have every had, heated seats never worked it came from the factory with them not connected, sunroof cracked for no reason took a month for Kia to pay for it. Then windshield cracked overnight for no reason. now at 7000 miles transmission has went out and Kia said it will take two weeks to fix it and will not provide us with a loner car. We will be trading this car in when we get it back but it has awful resale value. We will never purchase another Kia.

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  Great affordable sports car! - 2010 Kia Forte
  By Dan - June 20 - 12:36 am

  I can only echo the comments by Rockin RN -- I agree with everything except that I think its a little harsh on the bumps, but thats to be expected since its a sports car. The 2.4 engine is very responsive from the start and even after its up to speed. The gas mileage is good so far (Ive only had it for about three weeks) and Im averaging 26 MPG combined city/highway. Ive also got the Racing Red, automatic and it gets a lot of compliments. Kia did a great job with it and with their warranty its a winner so far.