The New Honda Element Dog Friendly Package is...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2010 Kia Forte Features Review

August 20, 2009

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Plenty of standard features on most trim levels
Edmunds

A Forte LX starts at just $14,390, whereas the base Civic and Corolla both ring it at just over 16 grand
Car and Driver

Can be optioned with upscale features like heated leather seats
Cars.com

By all indications, it appears that Kia is trying to become the de facto leader in high-value compacts with the 2010 Kia Forte. Kia understands it’s not enough anymore to simply have the lowest price tag; rather, Kia finds a way to combine bargain-bin prices with a significantly better-than-average features list on the 2010 Kia Forte.

Even the base Kia 2010 Forte LX, which Car and Driver points out “starts at just $14,390,” comes very well equipped for the class. Motor Trend reviewers state that “standard features across the range include Bluetooth hands-free integration and a CD/MP3 system with three months of free Sirius satellite radio.” Car and Driver adds that “USB and auxiliary input jacks” are standard on all three trim levels of the 2010 Kia Forte. Moving up to the Kia Forte EX, Edmunds reports that the standard features list grows to include “air-conditioning, full power accessories, a six-speaker layout for the sound system, cruise control and a 60/40-split folding rear seat with a center armrest.” The top-end Kia Forte SX gets a larger engine, along with “fog lamps” and a “telescoping…steering wheel,” according to Car and Driver.

The Kia Forte offers so many standard features across the lineup that TheCarConnection.com’s editors discover very few options to choose from. In fact, one of the most noteworthy aspects of the options list is what’s not on it; Motor Trend is disappointed to find that “one notable omission from the option list is a factory navigation system, although an aftermarket Garmin package will become available.” Edmunds points out that “options on the LX include air-conditioning and the split-folding rear seat, but power accessories are unavailable,” while the Kia 2010 Forte EX is available with “a sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels and leather upholstery with heated front seats.”

Conclusion

You won't pay a bundle to get the most desirable features. In fact, some of the most desirable ones like Bluetooth are standard.  

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:Plenty of standard features on most trim levelsEdmundsA Forte LX starts at just $14,390, whereas the base Civic and Corolla both ring it at just over 16 grandCar and DriverCan be optioned with upscale features like heated leather seatsCars.com By all indications, it appears that Kia is trying to become the de facto leader in high-value compacts with the 2010 Kia Forte. Kia understands it’s not enough anymore to simply have the lowest price tag; rather, Kia finds a way to combine bargain-bin prices with a significantly better-than-average features list on the 2010 Kia Forte. Even the base Kia 2010 Forte LX, which Car and Driver points out “starts at just $14,390,” comes very well equipped for the class. Motor Trend reviewers state that “standard features across the range include Bluetooth hands-free integration and a CD/MP3 system with three months of free Sirius satellite radio.” Car and Driver adds that “USB and auxiliary input jacks” are standard on all three trim levels of the 2010 Kia Forte. Moving up to the Kia Forte EX, Edmunds reports that the standard features list grows to include “air-conditioning, full power accessories, a six-speaker layout for the sound system, cruise control and a 60/40-split folding rear seat with a center armrest.” The top-end Kia Forte SX gets a larger engine, along with “fog lamps” and a “telescoping…steering wheel,” according to Car and Driver. The Kia Forte offers so many standard features across the lineup that TheCarConnection.com’s editors discover very few options to choose from. In fact, one of the most noteworthy aspects of the options list is what’s not on it; Motor Trend is disappointed to find that “one notable omission from the option list is a factory navigation system, although an aftermarket Garmin package will become available.” Edmunds points out that “options on the LX include air-conditioning and the split-folding rear seat, but power accessories are unavailable,” while the Kia 2010 Forte EX is available with “a sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels and leather upholstery with heated front seats.” ConclusionYou won't pay a bundle to get the most desirable features. In fact, some of the most desirable ones like Bluetooth are standard.   2010 KIA FORTE STYLING | [8 out of 10] Motor Trend: “Bottom line, this is one slick-looking compact” Edmunds: “Undoubtedly one of the best-looking small sedans on the market” Automobile Magazine: “Cabin is nicely appointed” The all-new Kia 2010 Forte signals that Kia is ready to ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2010 Kia Forte lands in a crowded field of compact sedans, though it holds its own thanks to its ride and refinement, which are near the head of the pack, and its very generous list of standard technology and safety features. Bluetooth and steering-wheel controls with voice activation aren't standard on any of these other models, but they are on the Forte—even the base LX model. Within this group, the Corolla is the legendary leader for reliability, longevity, and all-around frugal driving, but the Corolla isn't quite as refined as the Forte. The Hyundai Elantra is another one of our top picks in this class, but the Forte strikes a simpler, more elegant, pose from the outside. The Chevy Cobalt is especially roomy and has a good ride but skimps on the features, while the styling on the Focus still isn't to everyone's liking. Among these, our favorite is the Mazda3, but admittedly it's not perfect, and in terms of features, the Forte has it beat.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2010 Kia Forte from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2010 Kia Forte

Check Financing Rates

for the 2010 Kia Forte

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2010 Kia Forte near you

See the Kia Forte in Other Years:

2010

Comments (5 total)

  1. By Jim #1, Posted: 9/29/2009

    I've had the Forte for 3 months now and I'm very happy. I travel 54 miles per day, mostly highway and have been getting 38-40mpg consistently with the EX model. Comfortable ride with plenty of trunk space.

  2. By  KiaForteClub #2, Posted: 10/12/2009

    The car defiantly has providential. I'm on the look out of other owners. Please stop by the web page, and get a community growing for this cheap spectacular car.

  3. By  Auto chart #3, Posted: 10/21/2009

    looks more like a Honda Civic to me, with revised things here and there

  4. By  Mark Casazza #4, Posted: 11/21/2009

    After reading this and other reviews A was sceptically taking one out for a test drive. What is the real bottom line? For the money (or several thousands more) this car has the most room, most horse power, very respectable mileage, and the ride is just fine. I will agree that the throttle and clutch are different from most cars, but nothing you won't figure out in a few days. It took me 3 test drives to get there.
    I just picked up my Bright Silver SX 6-speed sedan last night and I was real impressed climbing the hills on the way home. I won't get the 38 MPG my 100HP Saturn got, but I expect to be getting 33 to 34 and having a lot more fun behind the wheel.

  5. By Vanessa #5, Posted: 11/22/2009

    I bought the forte last sunday 11/15 and i love it. I drove from from homestead to orlando on one tank of gas. GREAT gas mileage. Compared to my old izuzu amigo. I made it to orlando and still had gas to spare. Filled up my tank with 28 dollars and it was above the full line.. i absolutely love this car. Bluetooth feature is awesome, it has things to plug in ipod and the brakes are amazing. The satellite radio rocks and there is a setting that tells you when you are driving fuel efficiently. it says "ECO" of the dash board. in my opinion great car love the leg room and the back seat is comfy and the trunk space is huge!!
    only downer would be the color inside. it comes in a beige and light grey. :( not good for drivers or passengers that spill things... but there are always car seat covers that can be bought!! :)

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy