Kia Forum - Kia Forte Forum http://www.kia-forums.com The forum for the discussion of the new Kia Forte en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:44:56 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.kia-forums.com/images/misc/rss.jpg Kia Forum - Kia Forte Forum http://www.kia-forums.com I have a stupid question regarding the exhaust http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55309&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:27:52 GMT Hey, My previous car was a very old one, when I bought the thing it was considered old then. So its safe to say, that my Forte Koup EX feels like riding on a cloud compared to that. I just have a question, how noisey is the exhaust supposed to be? It seems from about 30-60KM/H the exhaust is quite noisey, is this just normal with the dual exhausts? Again, it doesnt sound bad, kind of like an engine humming, I figure its by design with the dual exhausts but wanted to ask anyway! Thanks Hey,

My previous car was a very old one, when I bought the thing it was considered old then. So its safe to say, that my Forte Koup EX feels like riding on a cloud compared to that.

I just have a question, how noisey is the exhaust supposed to be? It seems from about 30-60KM/H the exhaust is quite noisey, is this just normal with the dual exhausts? Again, it doesnt sound bad, kind of like an engine humming, I figure its by design with the dual exhausts but wanted to ask anyway!

Thanks ]]> Kia Forte Forum ninian http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55309 Auto system upgrade? http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55306&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:41:00 GMT I am thinking about purchasing a 2010 SX Koup but the stock stereo system is so so. I would like to replace all speakers add a 4 channel amp to power the speakers + add a sub. I will keep the stock radio.

Questions:

- How difficult would it be to remove the door & rear panels to get to the speakers?

- Has anyone done this and if so can you explain the process with pictures if possible. ]]> Kia Forte Forum ajcac http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55306 My Forte EX http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55286&goto=newpost Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:24:24 GMT I thought I'd finallyupload some pics of my Forte.
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]]> Kia Forte Forum ile2010 http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55286 Interior material change http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55279&goto=newpost Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:43:58 GMT I had read about it online (perhaps here) but saw it for the first time today - changes made to the interior of the Forte.

My car is a March 09 production and has the all-hard plastic on the dash and doors.

I saw a July 09 EX that had a cloth insert in the door panels, kind of in the middle between the upper black and the arm rest; soft-touch material on the arm rest; and soft-touch material on the dash around the instrument pod and over to the passenger airbag, if you know what area I'm talking about.

I saw similar changes to an LX model but couldn't open it to check the date of manufacture.

I'm a little annoyed by this, especially because I'm seeing the issues with scuffing up the armrest area with gentle, every day use. I understand there had been the same problem with the Soul.

What are the chances Kia will change any of these parts for earlier made Fortes? I'm mainly interested in the door material. I asked my salesman about it and he said he'll get back to me. I'd hope they'd give some consideration given the issues being experienced and how quickly they made this change - it's not like it's a different year model, it's the same year, so they should be the same.

I also noticed these cars had the chrome ring trim around the radio and ventilation controls. Don't care about those. ]]> Kia Forte Forum BriGuy71 http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55279 Forte finalist for MT Car of the Year http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55271&goto=newpost Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:53:07 GMT I found it very interesting that the Forte (and the Soul) were finalists for Motor Trend's car of the year award.

Interesting that our new little car was among the finalists, and Kia had not one, but two in the running. Has that ever happened before?

Sadly, Kia did not win. Award went to the Ford Fusion.

2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year Webcast - Motor Trend

The Contenders The Fusion took home the Calipers from a field of 23 diverse contenders that included a number of highly anticipated models loaded with luxury, plenty of new features and a great range in price, size, and style. In addition to the Fusion, contenders included:

BMW 7 SERIES
BMW Z4
BUICK LACROSSE
CHEVROLET CAMARO
FORD MUSTANG
FORD TAURUS
HONDA INSIGHT
HYUNDAI GENESIS COUPE
KIA FORTE
KIA SOUL
LEXUS HS 250H
MAZDA3
MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS COUPE
MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS
NISSAN 370Z
NISSAN CUBE
PORSCHE PANAMERA
SUBARU LEGACY
SUZUKI KIZASHI
TOYOTA PRIUS
VOLKSWAGEN GTI
VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN ]]> Kia Forte Forum BriGuy71 http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55271 Forte 5-door http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55210&goto=newpost Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:30:37 GMT I was over at my dealer getting my 48,000 km service done on my Rondo and picked up a copy of "Inside Kia" for October and saw this information:

"Forte 5-door. A five-door hatchback model will join the Forte sedan and Koup, likely in 2010."

my dealer said they were expecting it before mid 2010, as he says he needs it to fill in the gap created by the demise of the Spectra 5. ]]> Kia Forte Forum conwelpic http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55210 <![CDATA[Ordering "My Kia" -- The way I want.]]> http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55205&goto=newpost Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:51:25 GMT I figure the voice of the people might be heard at KIA. PLEASE !!! Get someone to help me on this. My wife and I combined are 500 pounds so the bigger engine and five speed auto, bigger brakes and suspension are a necessity for "mountain driving". I can wait, but misleading info, uncertainty, and delay is unfair. This is a world car. Kia should act like it.

Kia may feel stockpiling "Least Common Denominator" Sales units is the way to go, but it sure feels far short of the otherwise stated "power to surprise""

++++++++++++++++++

A plea for help!

Ordering a Kia Forte Koup, I can fit in!

In early August I contacted my Kia Dealer about Clunking my 1988 Lincoln Town Car for A Kia Koup. The cars were due in anyday, but no one at Kia had any info on them with the exception of a sales brochure. Using the sales brochure we ordered a 2010 Kia Koup in brilliant silver, the SX model with bigger engine and handling package. We opted for fabric seats and NO SUNROOF. I'm very tall and find sunroof equipped cars bump my head.

August was coming to an end and still no word on the KOUP. News reports said the Clunker program was running out of money. The rules had been changed on the clunker program and a preorder of a car was now allowed. Kia could not or would not provide a vehicle ID# or VIN# to make the sale. I called Kia America in California and also spoke to the East Coast general sales manager. No help. Not wishing to lose the trade in value of the Lincoln, I purchased a brand new 2009 Rio. (Can you remember 1960's Mercury Comet with 2 Speed Fordomatic and "Gross" 144 CU in engine?" Definitely not the car I wanted, but it was purchased to preserve the clunker value of the Lincoln. This 2009 Rio is sitting in my driveway with seven miles on it, the distance from the dealer to my home.

Finally at the end of October, an SX brilliant Silver arrived at my dealer. I was right there, but as the wrapping was removed, I noticed the roof had the sun roof option. Well this isn't what I ordered I said. Try it I was told.

Now I had sat in the Forte 4 door, and had plenty of clearance. The 2 door KOUP is lower, but a "sit in" in the EX version WITHOUT SUNROOF proved that "three fingers" of clearance existed. I could hardly wait for my SX to arrive.

Well now an SX had arrived and WITH SUNROOF, I didn't fit. "ZERO CLEARANCE" No Fingers. "Neckbreaker! Okay. I have a peculiar body shape. I'm 6'3" but most of my height is not in my legs. It's in my trunk, and so I sit taller in the seat than normal. I have trouble with just about every car with interior roof lines cramped by sunroof mouldings and motors and other trim.

Sorry I told the sales crew. The GM of the dealership came out and at 6'5" he fit with headroom. He was shocked when I didn't.

So understanding my peculiar physical requirement, he set off on a search for the car I wanted. After a week when I checked in with the dealership, I was told that the car I had already waited two and a half months for was not available, and could not be ordered.

I could have an EX model without the sunroof, and without handling brakes and power, but if I wanted the SX model, the sunroof was mandatory even though it is listed as an option.

Now please understand that from the get go, I had stated NO SUNROOF. Not only have I experienced clearance problems with numerous sunroof equipped vehicles, but I am very hair challenged with male pattern baldness. At 63 years old, a sunroof induced sunburn is not my idea of fun, and driving with one hand while grasping a ball cap is not condusive to enjoyable driving. Both my spouse and I have no interest in a SUNROOF.

So I have written this letter to be distributed to anyone who I feel can help me. I fear my dealership has hit a stonewall, with no one above the dealership level willing to bother to satisfy a customer. My $2000.00 deposit is still with the dealer, my order still stands. The Rio I purchased sits in my driveway unused, and time is running out on the tax break for a new vehicle sales tax rebate.

So what's the difference? There are the significant differences between the KOUP EX and KOUP SX to ME!

A larger engine, which works better with the 5 speed automatic.
Improved handling package, and different rims and tires.
Exhaust system tuned for engine. Fog lights.

Aside from these, a telescoping feature is added to the steering wheel. There are other differences, but they appear trim related, and of little consequence to me.

At 63, buying a car with a 10 year warrantee is looking ahead to 2020 when I will be in my mid seventies. I don't like to contemplate it, but this could well be the last car I ever buy. I may expire before the warrantee!

So if you are in receipt of this letter, it's because I hoped you might be able to help me out in dealing with Kia America or Kia Worldwide.

+++++++++++++++++++++++


tdccas@gmail.com

Mineola, NY 11501


My Dealer is:

..... ....... ...
XXX-XXX-XXXX

My salesman is .........

the manager is ........
They have been very helpful to me, but they are being told no.

I didn't want to publish the names or dealer info. An E-mail will bring that to you if you may be able to help me. ]]> Kia Forte Forum tdccas http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55205 check engine light! http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55188&goto=newpost Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:54:07 GMT Well kids just over 1000 k, the Mrs. called said the check engine light just came on. Anyone else? Taking it to the dealer Tuesday. We'll let you know. ]]> Kia Forte Forum bloodyknuklz http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55188 Forte on Motorweek -- Good Review http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55186&goto=newpost Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:41:19 GMT Forte was on Motorweek(Speed Channel)this morning...I didn't see it but heard it had good reviews of the Koup. Motorweek is scheduled to be on again at 6 AM tomorrow (17 Nov) with the Koup review. If someone knows how to uplaod it as a viewable file please do!

Thanks! ]]> Kia Forte Forum KIAOwnerX3 http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55186 <![CDATA[So what's so great about Kia?]]> http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55182&goto=newpost Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:45:43 GMT So, I'm a first-time Kia owner tooling around in his Forte. And since I bought the car I haven't seen another on the road here, although I do often see other Kias - cars, SUVs, and the occasional minivan.

I'm sure many people would be shocked to hear there is such a thing as "Kia enthusiasts."

I'm sure people thought Kias are or were cars people bought because they "had to." Well, I bought my Forte because I wanted to.

But just what's so great about Kias anyway? What are they known for, what's their strong point(s)?

Being a Nissan guy before, I knew Nissan was known for their strong, reliable engines. Toyota has a rep for overall reliability. Volvo is known as the safety king.

What stands out about Kia? Is it only value? ]]> Kia Forte Forum BriGuy71 http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55182 Kia Forte to EX or SX http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55172&goto=newpost Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:46:49 GMT Hi guys.

I'm new here nice to have forums and get ideas about the car. I'm still on the deciding factor as of now upon getting the Sedan or the Koup. I got a schedule for a test drive this saturday and see how it handle. I do admit the Koup is very nice to have I really like it and if budget permit I'll get it. Anyhow any advice will be much appreciated btw I'm from Canada

thank you ]]> Kia Forte Forum skyline510 http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55172 Interested in making parts http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55159&goto=newpost Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:14:16 GMT I know the owner of motorsports shop and he is interested in making parts for the Forte. Are there any interested parties in Southern California area willing to bring in there car. Any car will do, 2L or 2.4L, manual or automatic. The more people the better. I know the owner of motorsports shop and he is interested in making parts for the Forte. Are there any interested parties in Southern California area willing to bring in there car. Any car will do, 2L or 2.4L, manual or automatic. The more people the better. ]]> Kia Forte Forum punksmurph http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55159 RedlineTuning Hood Lift Kit http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55144&goto=newpost Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:08:24 GMT Just installed a RedlineTuning Hood lift kit -- replaces the hood prop-open rod with 2 pneudraulic cylinders. Hood raises by itself after opening it and lifting it a few inches.

Easy installation...30 minutes. Good instructions.

Need:
Green automotive tape
Drill
#11 drill bit -- buy one, better than a substitute 3/16" bit
Pop-Rivet gun with 3/16" adapter

I used a sheet to cover the engine compartment to catch steel flakes from the drilling -- have to drill 2 holes in each side under the hood for the upper bracket. Lower ball replaces one of the fender bolts on each side.

http://www.kia-forums.com/gallery/index.php?n=1043

http://www.kia-forums.com/gallery/index.php?n=1044 ]]> Kia Forte Forum KIAOwnerX3 http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55144 Trade wheels? http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55134&goto=newpost Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:01:26 GMT I've never warmed up to the Koup's wheels, and it looks like I may never. It seems everyone but me likes them...I just don't.

Any Dallas area SX sedan owners interested in a wheel trade? ]]> Kia Forte Forum CorsaKoup http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55134 Low Rolling Resistance Tires http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55119&goto=newpost Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:02:31 GMT I did my research and if you are looking for a good LRRT, check out the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max, most of the reviews I read were very good and most owners gave them a 5-star rating. I did my research and if you are looking for a good LRRT, check out the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max, most of the reviews I read were very good and most owners gave them a 5-star rating. ]]> Kia Forte Forum duke207 http://www.kia-forums.com/showthread.php?t=55119