Kia Forte

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2017 Kia Forte5: Unheralded hatchback shines tough segment

The 2017 Kia Forte5 is the hatchback trim of its more well-known sedan sibling. It’s reminiscent of the short-lived, defunct Volkswagen station wagon squareback that debuted in the late 1960s and ceased production six years later. The VW squareback was underpowered and quirky, but more than 350,000 were manufactured before its demise in 1974. Loyal followers liked the sizable cargo area, drivability, and versatility. The VW’s motto was, “Is it a small sedan that’s a station wagon or a station wagon that’s a sedan?” Key Takeaways Test car: the Forte5 SX, the sport-oriented trim, with a turbocharged engine, 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust tips and larger front brakes. $26,125 MSRP and $27,020 as tested. 201 horsepower and 0-60 mph in 5.9

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2017 Kia Forte worthy compact option beyond Honda, Toyota

The 2017 Kia Forte is the 10th year of the South Korean compact. It’s among the best of several cars in different segments trying to find a market against some of the country’s long-standing, best-selling vehicles. Matched against the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Jetta, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3 and others, the Forte remains unheralded. It’s in the sixth year of its second generation, but for 2017 has a restyled exterior, including more modern crafted headlights and taillights. Key Takeaways Test car: the Forte EX, a compact sedan with a 2.0-liter, 164-horsepower engine and a six-speed automatic. $21,200 MSRP and $26,540 as tested. 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds. 25 mpg city, 32 highway and 28 combined on the figures

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2014 Kia Forte Review: Redesigned, affordable, fuel-thrifty

The 2014 Kia Forte sedan is longer, wider, lower and sleeker than its predecessor, which makes it sound like something from a 1950s or 1960s American car advertisement. The Forte’s predecessor arrived at about the time when desirable compact car rivals hit the scene, so sales have been generally disappointing. Kia thus is presenting the third-generation front-drive Forte to compete with cars such as the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra. The Forte fits between Kia’s subcompact Rio and the automaker’s Optima mid-size sedan. Key Takeaways Test car: the EX with a 2-liter, 173-horsepower four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic, stickering at $19,400. Base LX, $15,900: 1.8-liter, 148-horsepower four-cylinder with a six-speed manual; $17,400 with the automatic. Premium Package, $2,600: power sunroof,

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2014 Kia Forte Review: New design delivers sedan hit

Four model years after its debut in the United States, the 2014 Kia Forte represents a new look for the South Korean carmaker. Sports car sedan is an oxymoron, but the newly designed Forte’s look fits the odd definition. The 2014 edition is more aggressive-looking than its older sibling, and it’s longer, lower and wider than its predecessor, too. Key Takeaways Test car: the EX, with a four-cylinder engine producing 173 horsepower and a six-speed automatic. Options: nearly two dozen items, including 17-inch wheels, sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, xenon headlights and a navigation system. 24 mpg city and 35 highway and 28 combined, per the EPA. UVO: Kia’s version is free and will first be available

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Kia Forte, 2010: Roman Mica's Rambling Review (Video)

Some Korean car manufactures have blatantly copied luxury competitors like the Mercedes Benz or Jaguar. But the Forte only takes the better design cues from the Civic and builds on them with a unique, original and sexy spin on the standard Civic. So does the new Kia Forte SX offer dependability, comfort, style, and safety at an MSRP that won’t bust the typical budget? Facts & Figures: 2010 Kia Forte SX Price as Tested: $20,490.00; Engine, Transmission:  2.4 16-Valve DOHC CVVT 4-Cylinder engine with 4-speed automatic transmission; Horsepower: 173; G-Tac as tested Data at 5420 feet above sea level; 1/4 Mile: 18.72 second at 83 mph; 0-60 mph: 11.6 sec; 60-0 stopping: 113 feet; EPA Fuel Economy Estimates; City: 23

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