The Forte is available in three different body styles: a sedan, a 5-door hatch or a 2-door coupe, dubbed the Forte "Koup" by Kia. All three body styles utilize one of two different 4-cylinder engines, a 2.0L, which makes 156 horsepower, or a 2.4L that produces 173. Both engines come available with either an automatic or a manual transmission. allowing the Kia Forte to produce impressive mileage for a non-hybrid car. When equipped with the Eco package the Forte Manages to produce 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
The Forte is available in three trims, LX, EX and SX. Regardless of trims however, it comes equipped with a nice list of standard features. Air conditioning, a fuel efficiency monitor, rear seat heater ducts, Bluetooth, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control and USB and auxiliary input jacks are included on all Fortes.
Forte Sedans are available with any trim level, but the hatchback and Koup are more upscale being available in only EX and SX trims. EX trim builds upon the base LX trim by making the automatic transmission standard on sedans and hatchbacks and adding power folding outside mirrors, power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel and metal finish interior accents. Options on the EX include fog lamps, 16-inch wheels, a power sunroof, a navigation system and automatic climate control. The Eco Package with low rolling resistance tires and a smart alternator is optional on EX sedans.
Buyers who order the SX trim will get the more powerful 2.4L engine mated to the 6-speed automatic, though a manual is still available. The SX trim also includes plenty of niceties such as 17-inch wheels, sport tuned suspension, automatic headlights, fog lamps, nicer cloth trim for the seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and aluminum pedals. Options on the EX include leather heated seats, an auto dimming rearview mirror and a navigation system.
Safety features on the Forte are numerous and include an active headrest, traction control, a tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock brakes and stability control. Standard airbags consist of dual front mounted airbags side airbags mounted in the front seats and full length side curtain airbags.
All Fortes come with Kia's excellent warranty, which includes a 5-year 60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with roadside assistance as well as a 10-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.
Attractive Styling
Economical
Available In A Variety Of Body Styles
Great Warranty
Plenty Of Standard Features
The Kia Forte has seen several updates for 2013. Styling has been improved, giving the car a more streamlined shape. More standard features have been included across all trim levels and Kia has added additional sound deadening to increase refinement levels.
The Forte is Kia's entry into the crowded compact segment, competing with the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus. Starting at $15,400, the Forte offers clean attractive styling and a warranty that's hard to beat. A major emphasis has been put on offering the Forte with plenty of attractive optional equipment and using high quality materials on the interior.
