Nissan Rogue Vs. Honda CR-V: Compare Cars
For small families, the vehicle of choice is no longer the minivan or the SUV; it's the compact... Read More
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Around The Web
the engine-management system hangs on to revs during shifts, complicating the business of smooth driving
good acceleration for a car in this class
the sport-tuned Koup SX feels cool and composed, with good body control and responsive steering
It’s still not as buttoned down as the sportier Honda Civic or Mazda 3, but gone is the mushiness of the Spectra
Steering could use some more weight, but it's quick to respond to inputs
PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
the engine-management system hangs on to revs during shifts, complicating the business of smooth driving
Popular Mechanics
good acceleration for a car in this class
MSN Autos
the sport-tuned Koup SX feels cool and composed, with good body control and responsive steering
Edmunds' Inside Line
It’s still not as buttoned down as the sportier Honda Civic or Mazda 3, but gone is the mushiness of the Spectra
Car and Driver
Steering could use some more weight, but it's quick to respond to inputs
AutoWeek
The 2012 Kia Forte remains one of the better picks for performance in a rather crowded class of compact sedans, although with a host of other models introduced over the past model year, the competition is a lot tighter. It's near the front of the pack in acceleration, although it lacks the well-rounded performance that would make it an enthusiast pick.
A 156-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder powers LX and EX models of the Forte, while sportier SX models get a 173-hp, 2.4-liter four. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard across most of the lineup, while a six-speed automatic transmission is available across the model line. Both engines deliver more than adequate acceleration, and they function just fine with the automatics as they're flexible yet happiest in the mid-rev ranges. Clutch-throttle coordination on manual cars can be frustrating, so we tend to recommend the automatic. Meanwhile, gas mileage is competitive for the class, at up to 26 mpg city, 36 highway.
The Forte lineup feels well-tuned for daily driving, compromising ride quality and crisp body control. It's not a sport sedan, and the suspension shows an underlying softness when pushed hard. What's more, the standard hydraulic steering in the 2011 Kia Forte is oddly stiff at lower speeds but lighter at higher speeds.
Conclusion
the 2012 Forte delivers a lot more driving satisfaction (and sophistication) than most value-minded buyers will expect.
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