2012 Kia Forte

Rating from Bluepig

(4)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Prior to this vehicle I have been driving VW Jetta's, and enjoy the ride, but hate the mileage. So I went to the KIA dealer and they said the car gets between 26-36 with a combined of 31 mpg. I have had my KIA Forte 5 EX for 9,110 miles and feel ready to render my review. I drive a commute that is 90% highway, and 10% mixed suburban driving. At Utah highway speeds (70-75) I have never once gotten better than 27.8. As a test I have taken the Legacy Highway out and back twice (55 mph) to see if the vehicle could get anything close to 36. NOPE, I got 28.4 doing 55 mph, so the mileage rating is wrong. The other hit I would give the car is in the area of hard braking. When a car dives in front of you and you are forced to aggressively attack the brakes, the car walks hard to the right, and unless you let off the brakes, you will be drawn into the other lane. I have done it twice and did not like the results of either emergency. When I went looking, the KIA actually had a better fit and finish than the new Jetta's I was considering. Nothing on my KIA has come apart; the seats handle my 230lb girth w/o complaint and are not breaking down. The tires are wearing well (a good indication of the suspension). The basic sound system is all I need, and having the incorporation of my Bluetooth phone is really nice. I did add the upgraded rear view myself, and front mud flaps, but otherwise the car is factory. After renting several Jetta's I am glad I did not buy one. The headliner in each rental was coming apart by the cabin lighting and storage, as well as by the door jams. The carpet is cheap and the seats wear poorly. I purchased this vehicle for its advertised mileage, and in that regard the purchase is a failure, as I am loosing almost 10 mpg over expectations, or increasing my costs by over 25% per year. My wife?s 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is getting better mileage in two wheel drive than my KIA. So if you want a well-built car that is fun to drive with plenty of headroom, the Forte 5 is a good car. If you?re looking for mileage, you might consider the Hyundai Elantra as my son?s car is getting 31-39. When he drove from SLC Utah to Dover DE he got 41 mpg. Hyundai sent my son a letter apologizing for the incorrectly advertised mileage, and offered him a refund for the difference. When I got to replacing this vehicle in early 2014, I will be looking for something that actually gets the mileage the salesmen and sticker promote. Kia might consider doing the same thing, so they don?t lose other business beside mine. Hyundai Elantra hatchback, here I come."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Nacho

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I drive the "forte" of routes in Patagonia Argentina. It is comfortable, quiet, the radio sound is excellent. The routes and climate here are very aggressive but the forte does it all. The car is noisy when accelerating at high speed. But then it is super quiet. Forte is a fascinating car that makes me happy."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Work

Rating from ForteForUs!

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"And it's all good news! My wife loves it, a 2012 Forte 5 door hatchback now has 14,000 miles...trouble free. We were so impressed that I bought myself a 2013 Forte Koup SX. Mileage is terrific, recently my wife took a 300 mile trip to visit her sister, averaged 28 mpg on freeway and climbing the steep prolonged "Grapevine" summit here in SoCal was easily handled by the KIA! The car is holding up perfectly, no issues or problems and everything is as new still. It is a great long distance car, comfortable and quiet, the stereo and the Sirrius radio keeps you company, and the hands free bluetooth system allows easy cell phone calls."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from LOVE MY KIA

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I LOVE THIS CAR IT MAKES ME FEEL LIKE I AM DRIVING AN EXPENSIVE SPORTS CAR. I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS CAR. I HAVE HAD IT FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS. I'LL ADMIT THAT I HAD TO GET ACCUSTOM TO THE STEERING BECAUSE I WAS OVER STEERING THE CAR ,BUT NOW THAT I KNOW HOW TO DRIVE THE IT'S MUCH BETTER."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from HatestoShop

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"After 6 months of car shopping, I bought a 2012 Kia Forte Koup SX based on its looks & performance. Since I was replacing a Nissan 240SX, I wanted a sports coupe for looks and a 2.4L DOHC for performance. The Forte Koup SX has both at a very reasonable price. I chose the base model with a spoiler (no leather or nav package). It still came with Sirius XM radio + USB port for my iPod/phone. I really like the radio/phone controls on the steering wheel for no-look music. I also like the 6-way adjustable driver's seat. Would definitely recommend this car -- at the very least, take a test drive. It's a fun car to drive & I enjoy the looks I get!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Kia lover

(5)
Comfort:		3 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I've never owned a Kia before. I've had a Ford Taurus, Escort and Saturn SL2. I'd say the Forte is the luxury of those cars. I'm not great at writing reviews, but I'll give some brief thoughts. I love the power it has. It also gets 36-40 mpg highway mileage. City mileage kind of sucks, but there's nothing we can do about that. The interior is great to sit in. One big complaint I have is the short arm rest in the middle consol. You can't really rest your arm on it. Other then tat, I love it."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Ms. Particular

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I am very happy with my 2.4 litre Sx Hatchback and that is coming from a string of expensive luxury and European sports cars. I had to look twice when it was parked next to an almost identical Lexus. This car is both practical and sporty. It's fun to drive, responsive, easy to turn around, and park. The visability is good I've found if the driver mirror is adjusted out far enough. The larger motor in this model gives you all the power you need for safety, unlike it's competitors, in highway passing or mountain terrain and still provides great mileage. You don't have to pull over and park to figure out how to work any of it's convenience systems and and there are many. It is fitted standard with everything you'd want and more, and almost as importantly, just exactly where you'd want it. The usb is not under the tissue box in the center console or some other irritating place like that for which I have no patience. Both doors have a place for my water thermos in addition to the two center drink holders. There are two in the center arm rest in the rear as well. Other much appreciated little things stand out that I didn't find on other cars such as the adjustable red dash lighting, metal finish on the pedals and foot rest, the leather boot on the plus/minus automatic shifter with addl paddle controls, tilting sunroof, and leather wrapped steering wheel give it more of a sports car feel and look. That's not to mention the bluetooth, XM, etal. You can't believe how much stuff I can get into this vehicle by looking at it. I made the dealer give me a rubber mat for the back which I would recommend because I'm always carrying something. I could live for a week with what I have packed in the storage compartments under the rear deck. It would be nice if it had six way seats but then again I really don't want anyone else driving it."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from Avid Car Researcher

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"After several months of test driving and researching cars, I bought the 2012 Kia Forte 5 SX. All I can say is...wow! I would have never believed this was a Kia if the Kia badge wasn't on the front. This is a fine automobile at a good price! I feel like I'm driving an Audi or Acura, not a Kia. I think Kia is poised and ready to dominate the market. The handling, acceleration, and quality are second to none. Some have complained about a "stiff" ride. If you want a car that rides like a boat, then buy a Buick. The ride is firm but responsive, I give it 5 stars for a compact car. Visibility is excellent and the steering is refined and accurate. Pleanty of room for my 100lbs German Shepherd in the back with the seats folded down. I am 5'11" / 175 pounds and have pleanty of room. After I positioned the front seat, I jumped behind it to check the leg room. I had enough room for my legs, shoulders, and head to fit comfortably. If you are in the market for this type of car, then buy the Kia."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from BeepBeep

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I had my heart set on a Hyandai Elantra until I went into a local Kia Dealership to kill time between appts. The Kia dealership offered tons of incentives & the Forte has more trunk space, a roomier interior, & more base model features then the Elantra. The Kia also felt more "solid" & had a smoother ride. I've owned the car for 4 months(5,200 miles) & LOVE IT! Highway MPG is 33-34 @ 65-70mph & city is around 28-30mpg. The trunk is HUGE! The seats are comfortable & the interior is roomy & user friendly (I love the side water bottle holders). I traded in a Volvo S60 for my new Kia Forte and feel as if I "traded up" in comfort. Acceleration is quick and there is a super tight turning radius which I love. The car does feel a little light (out of control) if a curve in the road is taken too fast. That and the poor rear view visibility are the only negatives I have with the car."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around

Rating from TAG

(4)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I was looking for a new car for over 3 months and had test driven 11 different compact cars that were on my list. A KIA wasn't on that list until I saw a photo of of a Forte SX 5dr. Took one for a test drive and I was sold. The car has a definite personality. It's not perfect, the ride is a bit harder than it has to be, the interior could use some additional soft touch plastics here or there, and the brakes could be a bit more progressive. But, the pluses way out number the negatives. The main plus is value. The price to feature equation beats all its competition hands down. It's styling is tasteful and distictive. It's performance is on par or better than everything else I test drove. Also with the ridiculously fair deal I got, plus a $1000 rebate, I can buy a ton of gas with the many thousands of $ I saved over comparable/liked equipped competitors that may get a few more mile per gallon."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting