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2012 Kia Forte Koup

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$17,200

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Coupe

Body style

28

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

176.4” x 55.1”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(32 reviews)

The good:

  • Crisp, clean styling
  • Linear braking
  • Powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder
  • Sensibly arranged controls
  • Hatchback versatility

The bad:

  • Firm ride
  • Raspy four-cylinder engines
  • Six-speed automatic holds low gears too long
  • Backseat legroom
  • Optional heated front seats only have one level

2 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

  • EX

    $17,200

  • SX

    $18,600

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2012 Kia Forte Koup trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Coupes for 2024

Notable features

  • Sedan, coupe or hatchback
  • Choice of four-cylinder engines
  • Standard USB port
  • Optional push-button start

2012 Kia Forte Koup review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The five-seat Forte is Kia’s entry in the compact-car segment, and it’s available with a choice of four-cylinder engines and comes standard with numerous safety features. It’s sold as a sedan, a four-door hatchback and a coupe, which Kia calls the Koup. Competitors include the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla.

New for 2012
For the 2012 model year, EX trim levels of the Forte gain a telescoping steering wheel and the Forte five-door hatchback is no longer available with a manual transmission.

Exterior
The Forte sports crisp styling that gives the sedan an athletic shape. You don’t have to look too closely to find resemblances to other small cars. The front end, for instance, looks similar to a Civic, and the Forte’s taillights look like the Mitsubishi Lancer’s. Exterior features include:

  • Standard 15-inch steel wheels with covers
  • Optional 16-inch alloy wheels
  • SX version gets sport suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Optional sunroof

Interior
There are available steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Kia says the sedan’s trunk offers 14.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and the hatchback has 19.4 cubic feet of space. Interior features include:

  • Standard cloth seats
  • Optional leather upholstery
  • Optional heated front seats
  • Optional air conditioning
  • Optional keyless entry
  • Optional telescoping steering wheel
  • Optional navigation system with backup camera
  • Optional push-button start

Under the Hood
LX and EX models are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 156 horsepower. Choosing the SX trim brings a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that generates 173 hp. Mechanical features include:

  • Standard six-speed manual transmission
  • Optional six-speed automatic
  • Front-wheel drive

Safety
Standard safety features include:

  •  Side-impact airbags for the front seats
  •  Side curtain airbags
  •  Antilock brakes
  •  Electronic stability system
  •  Active head restraints for the front seats

 

Consumer reviews

(32 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior 4.3
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value 4.6
  • Exterior 4.4
  • Reliability 4.6
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Most recent consumer reviews

Fun reliable car you can beat on

Got this car used in 2016 with 62k miles. Few years down the line I’m now at 130k with the only issue being the clutch needs replacing soon. Great car and very reliable! I definitely don’t drive this car nicely and it’s been holding up great. More impressed the ac works perfectly when I’ve seen some Chevys fail there by now.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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The best car I’ve ever owned.

Even used, this vehicle impressed me endlessly. From the speed and power to the handling and fuel efficiency. It’s been my daily driver for almost 8 months and I honestly plan on getting another newer one (if they make it) after my SX dies.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Love the 2012 Kia Forte Koup

This is a Great Car!! 2012, purchased new. Racing red. 6 Speed Manual. Lots of get-up-and-go. I'm 6'0" and good legroom in rear. Rides like a sports car .. a little stiff. Styling is perfect and still looks current.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • 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
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See all 32 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Kia
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
60 months/60,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/100,000 miles
Powertrain
120 months/100,000 miles
Roadside assistance
60 months/60,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
6 years or newer/less than 80,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12,000 miles
Powertrain
10 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
165-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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