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2010 Kia Forte Safety Review

August 20, 2009

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Not yet tested
NHTSA

Not yet tested
IIHS

An impressive acronym soup of safety features including ABS, ESC (stability control)
Motor Trend

Entry-level compact sedans aren’t typically—if ever—known for their standout safety features, but Kia is looking to change that with the new 2010 Kia Forte. The new Kia 2010 Forte offers just about every safety feature that its competitors do, but on the Kia Forte they are all included as standard fare, which is much more than can be said about any other car in this class.

Like most 2010 model year vehicles, the 2010 Kia Forte has not yet been crash-tested by either the insurance-funded IIHS or NHTSA, the federal government's program, and since the Kia Forte is an all-new model, there is little indication as to how the car will fare during its crash-test trials. Keep checking TheCarConnection.com for the latest updates on the Kia Forte’s crash-test ratings; we’ll bring you the results as soon as they become available.

Despite the dearth of impact data, TheCarConnection.com’s editors are comfortable giving the Kia 2010 Forte a very solid 8 in the Safety category thanks to its commendable list of standard safety features. Edmunds reviewers report that the “standard [2010 Kia] Forte safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.” Motor Trend adds that those features “are aided by an impressive acronym soup of safety features including…EBD (electronic brake force distribution), and TCS (traction control),” all of which “are standard across the Forte range.” There are still some much more expensive cars that don’t come standard with all of these available safety features, so to see a compact sedan offer the full complement of safety equipment on even the lowest trim level is refreshing and an indication of Kia’s commitment to driver safety—after all, only safe customers can become repeat customers.

The 2010 Kia Forte has one other major safety advantage going for it, and that’s the Kia Forte’s impressive driver visibility. Car and Driver reports that one of the Forte’s styling cues, its “upswept side-window line,” helps contribute to “front-side visibility.” TheCarConnection.com’s editors also notice the uncluttered sightlines during their test drive of the Kia 2010 Forte.

Conclusion

We don't know about crash tests yet, but the Forte offers a host of safety features, many of which are optional in rival models.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Not yet testedNHTSANot yet testedIIHSAn impressive acronym soup of safety features including ABS, ESC (stability control)Motor Trend Entry-level compact sedans aren’t typically—if ever—known for their standout safety features, but Kia is looking to change that with the new 2010 Kia Forte. The new Kia 2010 Forte offers just about every safety feature that its competitors do, but on the Kia Forte they are all included as standard fare, which is much more than can be said about any other car in this class. Like most 2010 model year vehicles, the 2010 Kia Forte has not yet been crash-tested by either the insurance-funded IIHS or NHTSA, the federal government's program, and since the Kia Forte is an all-new model, there is little indication as to how the car will fare during its crash-test trials. Keep checking TheCarConnection.com for the latest updates on the Kia Forte’s crash-test ratings; we’ll bring you the results as soon as they become available. Despite the dearth of impact data, TheCarConnection.com’s editors are comfortable giving the Kia 2010 Forte a very solid 8 in the Safety category thanks to its commendable list of standard safety features. Edmunds reviewers report that the “standard [2010 Kia] Forte safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.” Motor Trend adds that those features “are aided by an impressive acronym soup of safety features including…EBD (electronic brake force distribution), and TCS (traction control),” all of which “are standard across the Forte range.” There are still some much more expensive cars that don’t come standard with all of these available safety features, so to see a compact sedan offer the full complement of safety equipment on even the lowest trim level is refreshing and an indication of Kia’s commitment to driver safety—after all, only safe customers can become repeat customers. The 2010 Kia Forte has one other major safety advantage going for it, and that’s the Kia Forte’s impressive driver visibility. Car and Driver reports that one of the Forte’s styling cues, its “upswept side-window line,” helps contribute to “front-side visibility.” TheCarConnection.com’s editors also notice the uncluttered sightlines during their test drive of the Kia 2010 Forte. ConclusionWe don't know about crash tests yet, but the Forte offers a host of safety features, many of which are optional in rival models. 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.

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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!! :)

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