An Economy car; or is it a luxury sedan!
I purchased the fully loaded EX model. The outside body design is sharp with distinctive styling, particularly its tail lamps and running lights, and HID headlights. The six-speed automatic transmission works seamlessly. I am impressed by the interior styling with its soft-touch dashboard and carbon fiber pattern around the center console and the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with two memory positions, combined with the LCD screen with a trip computer and vehicle settings sits between the gauges, and a number of other luxury options uncommon to the compact car segment. It makes me wonder if I'm really not driving a luxury class car. I love having the Rear Display Camera when I shift the car into reverse. The car is much quieter than I have experienced in all other cars in its class. The Dual-zone automatic climate control, Flex Steering, large touch high-resolution display screen Navigation System and voice commands for most all Forte functions, and Forte's Bluetooth pairing system make it a pleasure to drive. The air cooled driver's seat is such a big plus on a hot summer's day. The only one real negative is that I wish the automatic headlights came on earlier at dusk and would turn on when using the windshield wipers.
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
More Bang for Your Buck
I will confess that, for me, a car is a tool to get me from point A to point B. When I shop for a vehicle I aim for the best array of features at the lowest possible price in a package that has some curb appeal to me. The 2014 Kia Forte won me over with it's handsome looks and amazing value. I purchased the LX model with the Popular Package. The Popular Package raised the price by $1000 but provided a host of aesthetic and a few minor functional improvements that more than justified the increase. Favorite items from the package are the LED lights above the headlights and the upgrade to 16" tires and rims. The exterior is ridiculously refined looking for a car in this price class. The higher trim levels offered larger rims and additional tail LEDS as well as motorized exterior mirrors but this version captured most of the good looks of the EX model without the big price jump. The interior is not as striking aesthetically as the exterior but it is well thought out and has a couple of highlights. I was very impressed with the instrument cluster. The center digital display is very simple but it was color matched to the low tech analog displays on either side of it (tach and speedo). The end result gives a very uniform and appealing appearance. The other highlight for me was the instant mpg reading in the digital display. This is the first vehicle I have had with this item and it has immediately caused me to lessen some of the lead in my foot as I guiltily look at my mpg dropping every time I drive aggressively. This is not a performance vehicle. That is not to say that it is unpleasant. I actually enjoy driving this vehicle and I find the ride to be smooth and confident but it is not as sporty as some other vehicles in its class. This is also the first vehicle I have owned with electric steering and at this trim level I didn't get the multiple modes mentioned in most of the reviews. The steering is starting to grow on me and I think it is a smart bit of technology but it is a bit like driving with a video game racing wheel. Some of the feedback and dynamics of hydraulic steering are just not present. In conclusion I have felt that I have gotten way more than my money's worth. I have people compliment my vehicles looks and they are shocked at how low the price was in comparison to the features and styling. If you can afford the higher trim level and it's multitude of additional features then go for it. If you are like me and need to limit your budget then you can't go wrong with the LX trim but treat yourself to the features of the Popular Package.
- Comfort 4.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 4.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
Awesome car!!
I have never reviewed a car before but felt that I had to after having this vehicle for 6 weeks now. I have had cars that draw attention before but not quite like this one. Everywhere I go someone stops me to talk about it. I did opt for the EX with the 17" wheels and it does not disappoint in any area. Ride quality and comfort is premium. All the options make you feel like you are driving a luxury car. And the performance for a sedan is the best in its class (do your research). At 175 hp it has plenty of pep. I installed a cold air intake and its amazing. The GDI is very throaty now and still quiet when I'm out of the throttle. Just had it on the expressway and hit 140 mph like it was nothing. What else could you want from a compact sedan? Oh...and the abyss blue is the color to have. My family now has two 2012 Rios, a 2013 Optima, and now two 2014 Forte EX. The Forte is amazing and so is Kia. Can't wait to get a 2014 Koup SX, it's next on our list.
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Does recommend this car
Look Out Civic
Owned this car for several weeks and it has to be one of the best in it's class. I test drove theCivic and found it to have more pick-up when accelerated but for the features I would have to pay thousands more. This is truly a great choice for anyone seeking an economic vehicle.
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 4.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
Great Car!
I went to Bill Doraty Kia, in Medina, OH to test drive the 2014 Kia Forte. They had a great selection and the sales department was excellent! They reviewed the models and explained the options to help me make the best selection for my needs. I was not pressured to purchase and all my questions were answered. I did purchase the EX model and was very satisfied with their finance department and delivery of the vehicle. I would highly recommend the dealership.
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
nice ride, awesome value for the money!
just bought the 2014 forte ex and no regrets. i did not give it a 5 because coming from a vehicle with leather seats and now having cloth seats takes time to get used to the down grade... overall its a nice ride full of extras, gadgets and tech updated. the handling option modes are very cool.
- Comfort 4.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 4.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
Love this car.
I went from a 14 year old truck to this car for college and I can say I'm glad I did. This car is phenomenal for the price. The styling is amazing, I've had people at gas stations ask me what it is when I first bought it (I had the first one in the city). It's averaging 26.7mpg city and averaging around 400 miles per tank! The ride is extremely comfortable and quiet, unlike the outgoing model which I also test drove. So far in the two weeks I've had it, I've drove 750 miles. The UVO system is flawless, working great with my GS3. It's not the fastest car out there but that's not what you should be looking at when test driving this car. To sum it all up, I absolutely love my Forte!
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 4.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Does recommend this car