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2010 Kia Forte Review

More about the 2010 Kia Forte
More About This Model

The 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX is a rare mixed bag from Kia, a slick fashion statement that handles better than it needs to and doesn't go as fast as it should. Like fellow Korean giant Hyundai, Kia has churned out a series of remarkably competitive products as of late, not least the Forte SX sedan on which the Koup is based. Indeed, that sedan took down a similarly priced Mazda 3 i in one of our most lopsided comparison tests ever. The Koup, however, could use some fine-tuning.

For years now, the Honda Civic and Scion tC have been the only names worth mentioning among reasonably priced sedan-based two-doors. Enter the Forte Koup, which comes with a choice of two engines, just like its rivals (if you count the tC's dealer-installed supercharger option), but offers more head-turning style than both Japanese entrants put together.

But the stakes are higher for coupes than for sedans, whose buyers often want extra flair in return for surrendering practicality. The 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX has a nice body, but its 173-horsepower four is unchanged from the sedan, whereas the high-revving Civic Si and supercharged tC boast 200 hp apiece and consequently much friskier acceleration.

And while the Koup SX's suspension tuning is sportier than the already capable sedan's — yielding a marginally quicker slalom run — the everyday result is a significantly harsher ride. In the transition from sedan to coupe, what the Forte needed, if anything, was more power — not better handling.

Consumers cross-shopping the comfort-oriented Civic EX coupe and base tC likely will find the Koup SX's ride stiff, and those interested in the Civic Si or supercharged tC will be disappointed with the Kia's lackluster engine. If only those 173 horses could be transformed into 200, or that suspension tuning could be dialed back to the SX sedan's level. One or the other might help the 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX join Kia's ongoing hit parade.

Used 2010 Kia Forte Overview

The Used 2010 Kia Forte is offered in the following submodels: Forte Koup, Forte Sedan, Forte Coupe. Available styles include LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A), EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A), Koup EX 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 4A), SX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A), Koup SX 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5A), LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M), EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M), Koup EX 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 5M), SX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6M), and Koup SX 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 6M). Pre-owned Kia Forte models are available with a 2.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 156 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2010 Kia Forte comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed shiftable automatic.

What's a good price on a Used 2010 Kia Forte?

Price comparisons for Used 2010 Kia Forte trim styles:

  • The Used 2010 Kia Forte EX is priced between $5,995 and$5,995 with odometer readings between 112000 and124179 miles.
  • The Used 2010 Kia Forte Koup SX is priced between $11,990 and$11,990 with odometer readings between 82475 and82475 miles.

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which used 2010 Kia Fortes are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2010 Kia Forte for sale near. There are currently 4 used and CPO 2010 Fortes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $5,995 and mileage as low as 59979 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2010 Kia Forte.

Can't find a used 2010 Kia Fortes you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

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Should I lease or buy a 2010 Kia Forte?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Check out Kia lease specials
Check out Kia Forte lease specials