Hey "Gridline_ex"

Currently I am driving a 2002 Spectra 5, predecessor to the new Forte. I cannot say enough great things about the Kia product(s). My wife has had a Rio 5 and is now in a Rondo. While I am awaiting delivery of my own Forte SX I will share this with you. I have test driven the new Mazda 3, Civic & Corolla (the last one was a complete waste of time) the Forte is the better vehicle hands down--when you compare everything you get and at the price point v.s. others in its class. As for "Kia" in and of itself, my car has 421,000kms and runs like the day she was born! Regular routine maintenance is the key. If you peruse this web-site you'll find all kinds of reviews by long time Kia lovers and newcomers to get your own understanding of not only the Forte but the entire Kia product line.
In closing, you stated you are "deployed" over seas at the moment I presume that means you're in the armed services. If I am correct...
....Wherever you are and whatever you are doing THANKS TO YOU AND ALL OF THE MEN & WOMEN OF THE ARMED SERVICES @ HOME AND ABROAD!

Here in Canada we have a little saying....If you enjoy the freedom you have... THANK A VET!

Cheers from Canada,
SpectraCanada

 

Gridline_ex

I have had the Kia Forte SX since May 5th of this year. I have to date driven 8K on it and there is only one word I can think of to describe the car... "unparalleled", for its class that is. Kia out did themselves with this car. I'm not going to say that its perfect because there is no such thing.. but its pretty damn close.

If you are going from a MS3 you are pretty much lookin at the SX model of the car, simply because it has a bigger more powerful engine and a really nice interior.

I have had only a couple of issues with the car, 1. windshield cracked... due to a stress point on the window seam, this was fixed at no charge for me, 2. Recall on some softare upgrades, 3. re-adjustment of the parking break. Other than those three issues... this car is really fun to drive.

From what i hear the US version has a full nav and all... which I am so upset about because the Canadian version doesn't come with.

I guess the best feature of the car is the 2.4L 178HP 4-cylinder engine which really has some kick on the sx model.

 

Welcome to the forum, gridline. First off, my qualifications! I do not yet own a Forte and have yet to drive one. However, I have likely read every english-language road test that has been posted from two continents on the internet (many dozens...18-20 pages of Google URL links). I have sat in, crawled under, and scrutinized several SX models (not interested in LX/EX) in such detail that the wife now refuses to accompany me to any more dealers until a preferred silver or titanium arrives that we can test drive. To date, the Forte has passed or exceeded every expectation with a caveat or two. Regarding build quality, fit & finish, appearance, size (especially legroom), comfort, features (e.g. fog lights, MP3, Bluetooth, integrated turn signals, tire pressure monitoring, trip computer, etc. etc.) and the most impressive array of safety systems STANDARD in any competitive vehicle costing thousands of $$ more, I've concluded that the Forte represents the best value on the road today. Reservations? Yes, a few. I don't think the manually adjustable driver's seat is suitable if two drivers are constantly interchanging use of the vehicle. The compromises Kia made with the rear suspension (torsion beam) may be an issue. The all-black leather interior is stark IMO...if I buy a Forte, I'll go with the sport cloth initially and install softer, dual-tone aftermarket leather at a later date for approx. $1,000 (same as the U.S. MSRP for leather option). But, if the Forte doesn't pass the driving test, all bets are off. I have concerns about road/tire noise of the 45 series wheels...I have a car with 60 series tires & 'European Sport Suspension' that is so noisy that you can't hear the radio above 50 mph on most roads. I hope the SX doesn't disappoint me. Re: the 2.4 engine...I anticipate it will be as satisfactory as the 2.4 I've driven in a Sonata. Good luck with your appraisal and choice.

Apecio...U.S. versions do not have navi.

 

Really?

I could have sworn I saw a brochure online with a pic that had the nav and full climate control.

 

Yes, I saw that brochure also...had it bookmarked for awhile...it was from a Korean or Indonesian blog as I recall. Navi is available or standard on the Asian Forte.

 

yeah it's not available also on EU market, I've been in one of those fully loaded SLi Korean models, it has the Navi, Center Mirror can handle hiPass cards, and Bluetooth buttons on the driving wheel is where the cruise control buttons on the US model.

there is also some interior trim that differs...

 

Thanks for the feedback guys and the welcome to the forum. Glad to see another forum of friendly car enthusiasts. ^^

Specrte: The Spec5 looks pretty good... isn't it built on the same platform as Mazda's P5? Anyways, looks to be a good car, I've seen a few of them back home and they're sharp. Thank you as well for the encouragement about Kia's quality. Good to hear some positive things about them ^^ Also, thank you for your support, it's very much appreciated!

Apecio: We were looking at an EX due to pricing, though the SX is very tempting... I had a Mazda 3i before the MS3 and the bhp is about the same as the Forte's EX model. Though if the we like the interior and drive of the SX better (if she can test one, I may go that route). I'll also keep an eye out for that recall and make sur ethey took care of it if we go with the Forte.

Curm: Thanks for the detailed input as well. Yeah, stark black is only so bearable. :/ I'm opting for the cloth seats over the leather as I've read in a few reviews that the leather seats aren't as supportive. And thanks for the heads up on the Navi. I'm not crushed by the fact it's not there as I've never had it in any of my cars. Plus my wife does a great job of being my navigator when we road trip. Hoping the torsion beam doesn't make or break the handling on it.

Also, my wife messaged me this morning and it not to count the chickens before they're hatched, but it looks like a very real possibility that we have someone to take over the payments for the MS3. If that goes through, I'll probably be waiting on getting myself another vehicle since my wife still has the VW. We really do appreciate the input. Kia looks like they've done a lot with this car and I'm definitely going to take one for a spin once I get back. Also I'll be hanging around the forums to update and see any other news. ^_^

 

Has anyone that has owned a Kia previously know how well Kia handles maintenance, etc.?
I really want to test drive one, but can't unfortunately as right now I'm deployed overseas so my wife may be the one doing the test driving for me. Also a big thanks to Conwel for the links to reviews. I will be reading through them and hoping for a reply!

Your welcome, all though I don't own a Forte, I do have the 2.4 in my Rondo and they engine is great with lots of power and very responsive. I get mine serviced through the dealer, but its not a requirement (just keep your receipts).
I have found the build quality first rate so far and with over 31,000 km its still as tight and rattle free as the day I first drove it home from the dealership. I did have the same problem with my windshield as apecio, but was replaced without hassle by my dealer. The only other warranty claim I've had was one of the strands on the heated rear window was not working, again repaired to my satisfaction. I have had no mechancial problems whatsoever - so far! I am about to head out on a 14-15,000 km journey, so we will see how it is when I get back.

 

I'm only at 1200kms right now and this tank is looking like it'll get 550-600kms on it and it's the 4 speed Auto EX. Wonder what'll happen by my first service! I really like it and the ride. My steering is a touch stiff compared to other vehicles I've driven but I kinda like it...feels way more stable when going over pot holes... come to think of it I haven't disabled the traction control to see if it changes the feel at all on bumps.
I think you both will like it a lot.

 

Gridline EX,

I've had my Forte for only 1.5 weeks now so it's not a long time to discover much. I don't have anything negative to report at all. My Forte SX is just nice and comfortable to drive, is getting good gas mileage, and has plenty of power/performance to keep me happy. Being able to merge into traffic is one of the areas I care about and this car does it well...LoL!

 

This is what happens when a non-enthusiasts buys a performance car, buyers remorse sets in -

1) Fuel prices went up, so Premium fuel runs almost $4 a gallon!

2) Replacement of the W or Z rated rubber, no you won't find anything cheaper than at least $125 a tire.

3) Do I need this much power? Nobody does, but honestly if you don't autocross, go to open track events or drag race, there is really no compelling reason to buy a Mazdaspeed 3 when a Mazda 3 Hatchback could have served the purpose just fine and you wouldn't be looking to off your current car.

My time is valuable to me so I put much time in researching purchases before I buy. Sure I have things I don't really need to live or entertain myself, but I don't find myself selling things on Ebay or going to Pawn shops to see how much something is worth.

Even the larger engine in the Forte is nothing compared to the rate of acceleration from a turbocharged engine. So getting the larger engine and taking a hit on fuel economy doesn't make much sense as a suggestion since he's looking to unload an already powerful car that gets good mileage for the power it makes (gotta love turbos).

I hope you're looking to "downgrade" to put more money in your pocket -

1) Less fuel use (better mileage) and less overall fuel cost (cheaper grade of fuel)

2) Less out of pocket monthly (lower car payment, lower interest rate)

If you don't need anything "special" I think the Forte EX represents the value leader if you opt for the power sunroof and 16" alum wheels as part of the $800 Premium package.

The only things your missing is the 6 speed manual which was likely needed with the larger engine in the SX to maintain the fuel mileage and range of the 2.0L engined cars and a few more standard features.

All the other things that are optional in 95% of the cars on the market are standard (Sirius, Bluetooth, Power Windows, Locks with Remote Entry and Cruise Control)

But I'm NOT considering a Forte to replace my hot rod, I'm keeping my hot rod -

 

This is what happens when a non-enthusiasts buys a performance car, buyers remorse sets in -

1) Fuel prices went up, so Premium fuel runs almost $4 a gallon!

2) Replacement of the W or Z rated rubber, no you won't find anything cheaper than at least $125 a tire.

3) Do I need this much power? Nobody does, but honestly if you don't autocross, go to open track events or drag race, there is really no compelling reason to buy a Mazdaspeed 3 when a Mazda 3 Hatchback could have served the purpose just fine and you wouldn't be looking to off your current car.

My time is valuable to me so I put much time in researching purchases before I buy. Sure I have things I don't really need to live or entertain myself, but I don't find myself selling things on Ebay or going to Pawn shops to see how much something is worth.

Even the larger engine in the Forte is nothing compared to the rate of acceleration from a turbocharged engine. So getting the larger engine and taking a hit on fuel economy doesn't make much sense as a suggestion since he's looking to unload an already powerful car that gets good mileage for the power it makes (gotta love turbos).

I hope you're looking to "downgrade" to put more money in your pocket -

1) Less fuel use (better mileage) and less overall fuel cost (cheaper grade of fuel)

2) Less out of pocket monthly (lower car payment, lower interest rate)

If you don't need anything "special" I think the Forte EX represents the value leader if you opt for the power sunroof and 16" alum wheels as part of the $800 Premium package.

The only things your missing is the 6 speed manual which was likely needed with the larger engine in the SX to maintain the fuel mileage and range of the 2.0L engined cars and a few more standard features.

All the other things that are optional in 95% of the cars on the market are standard (Sirius, Bluetooth, Power Windows, Locks with Remote Entry and Cruise Control)

But I'm NOT considering a Forte to replace my hot rod, I'm keeping my hot rod

I don't think I've seen a better "do as I say not as I do" post in a while...

...Went out and bought a Neon with a turbocharged engine when you could have saved money by buying a base Neon with the base engine...then come on here to tell people to save their money by buying a base Forte.

BTW the 2.4 doesn't require premium fuel.

 

Isn't that a neon?...

you should watch this video...

 

Isn't that a neon?...

you should watch this video...
YouTube - SRT-4 Accident

What's with not tagging this video as NSFW?

WTB forum ban.

 

I have had 6 Mazdas, RUN to KIA!!! I do not regret the transition.

 

The Hyundai Theta engine is not a Mitsubishi 4B12 engine. They are similar.

Mitsubishi 4B1 engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hyundai Theta engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

I'm also considering the Forte. (Here in Canada).

I like the leather / trim of the SX, but don't want the bigger engine (why bother?).

So I'll end up with the EX M/T I think...

Hoping to test drive EX & SX M/T's tomorrow.

 

Aren't the EX Leather Packages available in Canada?

 

Hey
I received my forte koup sx a day after they went on sale. looked into alot of initial reviews and then had the chance to take it out. i've been nothing but impressed with every aspect of the car. it looks amazing (pics to come soon) and drives like a dream..... this is after driving around for a while in an '09 GTI. my one area that i'm somewhat dissapointed in was the size of tire/wheel. i thought kia could have gone a little bigger, but overall, that issue is peanuts. a few friends have some tuner cars and gave me heck when i told them i was considering kia. i don't normally get hung up on what a manufactuer has offered in the past, i normally go and check it out for myself. i doubt that you will be dissapointed!

cheers!
Blitz


Orange Forte Koup sx

 

I love it and would recommend it so far! (Only 250 miles on mine though).