2010 Kia Forte
by Rebecca Antioco -08/2009

The attraction to Kia vehicles, if you can really call it that, has always been two things: low price and killer warranty. Not style, not quality, not reputation, not necessarily value, just price with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty to back you up if things went wrong.

With the introduction of the Soul for this model year, Kia is trying to change that perception. They want their vehicles to be coveted for their look and value, not just because they’re easy on the wallet. The Soul was a great start, and the Forte is another step in the right direction.

The Forte replaces the Spectra in Kia’s lineup, and still comes with an attractive base price and that famous warranty. But that’s really where the similarities end. For starters, Forte is a much better looking vehicle, sporting an attractive profile and attractive elements like swept-back headlamps that wrap around to the side, and a slight bulge around the front wheel-wells. There’s an attractive crease just forward of the a A-pillar that runs down the hood adding character to the overall look. The interior is nice, with a clean intuitive set up that doesn’t necessarily “wow,” but doesn’t seem cheap or chintzy.

Kia is priding itself on offering cool amenities like Bluetooth connectivity and both USB and auxiliary input for MP3 players in the Forte, which is great news. But paradoxically, the base LX doesn’t come with standard air-conditioning and telescoping steering is only available on the top-of-the-line SX. To get A/C on the LX, you can add the Convenience Package ($1500).

Forte is available in three trim levels: LX, EX and SX. A 2.0-liter 156-horsepower four-cylinder engine is standard on the LX and EX and is paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic ($1000). The SX upgrades the engine to a 2.4-liter four-cylinder generating 173 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a five-speed automatic, available on the EX with the Fuel Economy Package, is optional.

In addition to the features mentioned above, 15-inch steel wheels, six-way adjustable driver’s seat and tilt steering are standard on the LX. Upgrading to the EX gets you standard air-conditioning, power features, cruise control and 60/40 split folding rear seats. Move up to the top-line SX and you get upgraded trim, trip computer, tilt/telescoping steering, 17-inch alloy wheels and foglamps. 

The Forte is comfortable to drive, if not particularly inspiring. My favorite feature is the USB iPod input that enables you to control your device through the audio system and steering wheel controls. It’s a feature not found on more expensive vehicles.

I drove a Forte SX, with the five-speed automatic transmission, Leather Package and optional sunroof ($600). The SX is sport-tuned, but the Forte is far from an enthusiast vehicle. There is some intrusive road noise on the freeway, but the five-speed shifts smoothly through the gears. We did not have the opportunity to test the four-speed automatic or the manual, but others have given those two transmission options less-than-stellar reviews. During our week of driving, we achieved an average of 28.7 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving.

In terms of safety, Forte comes equipped with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags and active front head restraints. As of this writing, the Forte has not been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Overall, the Forte is a good car that gives Kia a decent entry into this competitive segment. While it may not be as refined as some of its main competitors, it’s a significant improvement over its predecessor, and its price point and warranty make it an attractive choice.