Overview & Reviews

For 2012, the Kia Forte lineup returns largely unchanged save for the midrange EX model, which gets a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Revised gauges have also been added to the EX Technology package.

• Excellent handling in SX trim.
• Affordable pricing
• Long warranty
• Wide variety of body styles

• Lackluster interior
• Rear seat short on legroom.
• Tepid handling except for SX
• Intrusive road noise

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 18.00

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  Love my Forte! - 2012 Kia Forte
  By double77s - December 6 - 5:04 am

  I decided to purchase the Forte Sedan because of all the features I got for the best price. Kia also has the best warranty in the business and that is what truly sealed the deal for me. I do not have a great history with cars and was reluctant to have a car payment again. I chose Kia because if something goes wrong...its covered by warranty. Also, I am driving the most fun car I have ever owned. Sunroof, satellite radio, and very comfortable seats sold me when I took the test drive. This is the smallest car Ive owned but it drives like a bigger car and is great on gas. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a great car with great features and warranty at a great price.

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  Buy a coleman grill instead - 2012 Kia Forte
  By krkelsoe - March 12 - 8:08 pm

  Well, I bought mine brand new in December. Took her off the lot with 33 miles. I added a lowering kit, 20" wheels, and exhaust. I loved that car. It was fun to drive, but pretty slow. Still really caught a lot of looks though... But then I was driving home from buying bread last week and she went up in flames in mere minutes. Not sure what happened, and its under investigation with Kia. It only had 8,900 miles on it. Just feel like people should know. If I had kids in the back or was disabled or slow-moving, there could have been serious injuries.

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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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  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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  Perfect So Far - 2012 Kia Forte
  By mustrockon - December 13 - 8:13 am

  Ive owned this car for 3 weeks and absolutely love it. I traded in my 2010 Nissan Sentra SR. I have a dog that is close to 100lbs and he fits in the hatch area no problem. It came with leather, a sunroof, bluetooth, all cargo accessories, heated seats, great radio, and Ipod plugin. It has some serious getup and go even transferring from Nissans CVT which I wasnt sure about. My nissan was fully loaded, but didnt have all the features of this Kia for the same drive out price 21K. I have gone on 3 long distance trips already getting 29+ mpg hwy/city without even being broken in. If you live in Houston area go to the dealership in Conroe, theyll treat you right. Couldnt be more pleased.

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  My Kia Forte SX Koup - 2012 Kia Forte
  By rskipk2 - June 20 - 11:05 pm

  This is a short review of my new Kia which I have had for several months now. I am still getting to know the car but these are my impressions so far: First off, I know the Koup will be completely changed for 2013 but I love the look and style of the one I have, light silver with black leather interior w/red stitching. About the interior: It is well built and very comfortable however some of the materials used in the door panels are just average.The car is quick, good looking, and very easy to live with on a daily basis. Average mpg is about 23, it likes to be driven and that is what I love. There are no rattles or noises, it feels solid and is very fun to drive, especially on two lane roads.

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  Have had Forte Sedan EX for about one month. - 2012 Kia Forte
  By martin2013 - August 14 - 12:50 pm

  Ive only had this car for about a month and have really liked it so far. The ease that the majority of functions in this car is nice compared to my previous car. Even though the majority of my driving has been shorter in-city distances, its gas milage has been pretty close to estimated mileage. I will soon see how well the gas mileage does with a long trip.

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  Great MPG ffrom automatic... - 2012 Kia Forte
  By waltchan - August 2 - 6:18 pm

  I rented one, and this Forte gets up to 50-55 MPG on highway if cruising only up to 50 mph speed (no higher) at the magic, low 1,500 RPM mark, A/C off, cruise control on, and windows closed. Accelerate this Forte very carefullly by not letting it run higher than 1,500 RPM for each and all transmission gears it shifts from stop to go in city driving, regardless if other drivers behind you find you too slow. Shift to neutral for all downhill driving as much as possible to receive up to 100 MPG. Shift back to drive if neutral driving reaches below 50 mph. Anyone can do it. Happy traveling...

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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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  Love, love, love my Kia Forte! - 2012 Kia Forte
  By doitalone - September 29 - 5:25 am

  Its a fun car to drive. Even with being one of the bigger hatchbacks on the market, (I call it a mini-SUV) its got great handling and fun engine. My previous car was a suped up Ford Focus, and I actually like driving this Kia more. The back seat provides a ton of room for passengers. Seats are comfortable to sit in, and I drive 40 minutes to and from work most mornings and never have problems with my knees or back - which was a problem with my focus and sometimes my boyfriends civic. The price is a little high for the SX version - but see if you can find rebate deals. I got mine on a lease fully loaded for $250 a month. If I choose to buy it out Ill only pay $20,000 total.