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2010 Kia Forte Photo

2010 Kia Forte - Page 1 Review

MSRP: $13,695 - $18,695 See Local Classifieds
 
Shopping for a 2010 Kia Forte? MSRP: $13,695 - $18,695

SEE LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS
TheCarConnection.com has driven the 2010 Kia Forte, then researched reviews from other respected sources to bring you the most complete assessment possible. Here you'll find firsthand observations from the experienced TheCarConnection.com editors along with other reviewers, plus a comparison of the Forte to other affordable small sedans.

Likes:

  • Simple, elegant exterior styling
  • Tight, quiet cabin and overall refinement
  • Seating and cargo space
  • Top tech and safety features standard on base model

Dislikes:

  • Awkward clutch coordination for manual transmission
  • Steering feel (hydraulic assist)

Kia has renamed its core small-sedan model the Forte to signal a new beginning for the brand in this segment, and it only takes a glance at the new model to understand why. It’s a really good-looking car. While the Spectra that preceded the Forte certainly wasn’t a bad car, its anonymous styling didn’t win many friends and its feature set was far from exciting.

Like the fashionable 2010 Soul, the 2010 Kia Forte merits a new trip to the Kia dealership and perhaps a new look at Kia, which is quickly shedding its reputation for dowdy vehicles. The Forte has many of the elements of much more expensive cars, yet it’s still one of the least expensive small sedans.

Thank Kia’s new design studio in California for creating such a clean, assertive, and attractive look for the 2010 Forte. With smooth, clean sheetmetal and an uncluttered look in front and in back, the new Forte doesn’t go over the top and it’s likely to age well; even more to the point, the trim proportions are just right. The svelte Forte doesn’t have any awkward angles, and a nice wide stance from the front and back somehow matches the flowing, elegant roofline. Inside, the look is simple, with a smoother, more organic version of the teardrop center stack used in the Forte; the look is no-nonsense yet surprisingly upscale.

Specs: Select a Trim

2dr (4) MSRP Invoice MPG City MPG Hwy
2dr Coupe Man EX Specs $16,595 $15,810 25 34
2dr Coupe Auto EX Specs $17,595 $16,760 25 34
2dr Coupe Man SX Specs $17,695 $16,860 22 32
2dr Coupe Auto SX Specs $18,695 $17,810 23 31
4dr (6) MSRP Invoice MPG City MPG Hwy
4dr Sedan Man LX Specs $13,695 $13,430 25 34
4dr Sedan Auto LX Specs $14,695 $14,410 25 34
4dr Sedan Man EX Specs $15,995 $15,230 25 34
4dr Sedan Auto EX Specs $16,995 $16,190 25 34
4dr Sedan Man SX Specs $17,495 $16,660 22 32
4dr Sedan Auto SX Specs $18,495 $17,610 23 31

Other Choices

More Info

Why should I also consider these? X

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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