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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 Kia Forte

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Kia Forte

Overview

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2010 Kia Forte Review

By KBB.com Editors

The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are the co-captains of the compact sedan segment. Refined over several decades and many generations, they've been the two best-selling cars in the category for what seems like forever. But today there are more viable alternatives than ever, and one of the very latest is the 2010 Kia Forte. More than a replacement for the Kia Spectra, the stylish and solid Forte represents a giant leap for Kia as an automaker. The lineup started with a sedan, continued with a coupe and should eventually grow to include a wagon.

You'll Like This Car If...

If stylish, tech-savvy and affordable are among your key compact car wants, give the 2010 Kia Forte a spot on your short list.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Although it has sporty style and class-leading horsepower, the 2010 Kia Forte isn't as engaging as category performance standouts like the MAZDA3 or Mitsubishi Lancer.

What's Significant About This Car?

With the introduction of the 2010 Forte, Kia has moved another chess piece across the threshold of style and perceived quality that typically separates a category's successful veterans from its revolving name-changers.

Driving the Forte

Driving Impressions The 2010 Kia Forte is most impressive on the highway, least impressive when pushed hard and pretty darn good at all points in between. Out on the open road, we've...

found it to be one of the category's quieter and more comfortable cruisers. On tighter, twistier asphalt, the Forte is quick when pushed and corners confidently, but isn't as fun to drive as competitors like the MAZDA3 or VW Jetta. Even in the more powerful, sport-tuned SX version, the Forte's steering, pedal and shifter feel don't really promote or reward enthusiastic driving. We'd also give up some of the SX's class-leading horsepower for a little more low-end torque and off-the-line response. Around town, the Forte simply drives like the solid little compact sedan it is, with our biggest complaint being a larger-than-average blind spot that can make backing out of parking spaces a bit dicey.

Favorite Features

Comprehensive Audio System
Every 2010 Kia Forte boasts a flexible AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat/Aux/USB audio system. When matched with the upgraded speakers, it's among the best sound systems in the segment.

iPod Bin
The 2010 Kia Forte features the same great iPod connection point we first loved on the Kia Soul: An open bin, in plain view and within easy reach, with readily accessible power and connection ports.

2010 Kia Forte Details

Interior

Stylish sheetmetal isn't enough: To compete with the best compact sedans today you also must have an interior with contemporary style and an absence of overtly cheap materials. The Forte's impressive passenger compartment goes even further than that, adding the roomiest interior in its class (more room than a Nissan Maxima, in fact) and a bigger trunk than the BMW 7 Series. Seat comfort is improving across the Kia line but continues to be a weak point for some folks of various sizes, so you might want to pay attention there.

Exterior

If you want to play with the big boys, you've got to look the part. Fortunately for Kia, the 2010 Kia Forte is among the most attractive cars in its class. The signature design element is a unique character line that drops down from the side mirror and extends all the way to the rear. We like the Forte's wide, low-profile stance, which adds to the sporty character and helps it stand out in a crowd of ever-taller compact cars. The Forte EX and SX trims sport side mirrors with integrated turn signals - a nice touch - and even the base LX has body-color side mirrors and door handles instead of the black plastic features you'll find on some base-level compact sedans.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Kia is quick to point out that even the cheapest 2010 Kia Forte includes Bluetooth phone connectivity, iPod integration and an impressive suite of safety equipment including six airbags, electronic stability control and a sophisticated brake system. Don't expect to pay base price, though, if you want power windows, remote keyless entry or air conditioning.

Optional Equipment

The 2010 Kia Forte is among the growing number of compact sedans that offers leather seating. Unlike many of its competitors, however, the Forte does not offer a navigation system. Other amenities available for a price include a sunroof, heated seats, cruise control, steering-wheel audio and cruise buttons, upgraded speaker system and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

Under the Hood

The front-wheel-drive Forte offers a 156-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that can be matched with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The top-line, sport-tuned SX trim features a 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter four matched with a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic with manual control. The mid-trim EX is also offered with a Fuel Economy Package that includes the five-speed automatic plus Motor Drive Power Steering, a load-managing "smart" alternator, high-silica low-rolling-resistance tires and unique aero enhancements to boost its EPA numbers to 27/36 mpg and deliver class-leading city/highway combined fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon.

2.0-liter in-line 4
156 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
154 horsepower @ 6200 rpm (SULEV)
144 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm
138 lb.-ft.of torque @ 4600 rpm (SULEV)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/34 (5-speed manual, 4-speed auto), 27/36 (5-speed auto)

2.4-liter in-line 4 (Forte SX)
173 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
165 horsepower @ 6000 rpm (SULEV)
168 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
161 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm (SULEV)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 (6-speed manual), 23/31 (five-speed auto)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Kia Forte vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2010 Kia Forte Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 173 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.6/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

8.7/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

9.0/10

One of the best ever

By KyGuy (KY) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great price, easy to drive, lots of options"

Cons: "dash squeeks since windshield was replaced."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Best car since the Datsun's of the late 70's This has been the most trouble free car I have owned in many years, plenty of pep, comfortable ride, been very dependable, awesome road hugging ability. Great quality and options for the price."

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One of the best ever

By KyGuy (KY) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great price, easy to drive, lots of options"

Cons: "dash squeeks since windshield was replaced."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

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Bought it and love it....

By Gambit (GA) on Monday, June 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "fun to drive, like all the options, good value"

Cons: "would like more interior colors"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this car right at 4 months ago for the wife, she loved it so much we bought a 2014 forte LX. I now drive the 2011 EX which replaced my aging 2000 dodge neon. I have nothing but good things to say about the Kia 2011 EX, it has all the cool toys of more expensive models, bluetooth, sat radio, power everything, sun roof etc..., good stuff. Unfortunatly some people still have issues with the suspension and steering, but trust me if this company keeps doing what they are doing then success is in the near future...keep it up KIA"

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I DRIVE AND DRIVE

By WOOHOO! (NY) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "GREAT PRICE, GREAT TO DRIVE, GREAT MILEAGE!!!!"

Cons: "EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS CAR SCREAMS I'M AWESOME!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I DRIVE MY CAR A LOT! AS YOU CAN SEE BY MY MILEAGE...I LOVE MY CAR TO DEATH...GREAT GAS MILEAGE! GREAT TO DRIVE!"

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Great car, reliable, affordable, lots of perks

By cee (CA) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "great price, bluetooth, easy to maintain, reliable"

Cons: "none so far-1 year owner"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've been really impressed with my 2012 Kia forte. It drives comfortably, its very easy to maintain, and I received many vehicle perks like bluetooth, wireless sinking of my iphone to vehicle, controls on my steering wheel (which costs extra if I had gone with a honda civic or toyota corolla). It's very safe, with surround airbags (even for the back seat!), and carries an 100,000 mile warranty which is extremely important and carries a lot of clout for kia's belief in it's vehicles. Value for money-I've been very happy with my vehicle purchase"

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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