2011 Kia Forte Review
2011 Kia Forte Review





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2011 Kia Forte appraisal values can range from $1,821 - $4,612.
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Good fuel economy
- excellent handling in SX trim
- affordable pricing
- long warranty
- standard Bluetooth.
Cons
- Tepid handling except for SX
- road noise can be intrusive on some surfaces
- telescoping steering wheel only available on top trim level.
What’s new
For 2011, the Kia Forte lineup finally gets a six-speed automatic transmission, a new four-door hatchback body style and a minor equipment shuffle.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Kia Forte may not be top of mind for a lot of consumers, but it should be, as it compares favorably against perennial favorites from Honda, Mazda and Toyota.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.76 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$154/mo
Forte EX
vs
$197/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Until recently, Kia automobiles stood out about as much as a 12-year-old girl at a Justin Bieber concert — which is to say, not at all. Now the automaker is getting noticed in a big way with a fresh portfolio of vehicles boasting bold styling, solid performance and impressive overall quality. And one of the standouts among this group is the 2011 Kia Forte.
Thanks to stewardship by a former Audi designer, the Forte wears crisp, tasteful lines that help it get noticed in a segment seldom known for distinctive styling. There's more than just good looks, too, including a 156-horsepower base engine, impressive fuel economy, solid build quality and many thoughtful standard features. Of course there is also Kia's confidence-inspiring 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Unlike many of its competitors, the Forte is also available as a coupe (dubbed the "Koup"), which provides an extra dollop of style for those shopping this economy-minded segment. And this year brings another body style, a four-door hatchback offering greater practicality. The 2011 Forte also receives a standard six-speed manual transmission on all models and a new six-speed automatic. The latter features improvements in both performance and fuel efficiency over its precursor, a tall-geared unit that had but four speeds to work with.
Our only real gripe with the Forte is that the LX and EX prove rather uninspiring to drive. But the SX's sport-tuned suspension and more powerful engine make it another animal entirely, and one that should satisfy those seeking some driving kicks in their affordable compact. All things considered, the 2011 Kia Forte presents a legitimate choice for a small sedan, hatchback or coupe alongside mainstays like the 2011 Honda Civic, 2011 Mazda 3, 2011 Scion tC and 2011 Toyota Corolla.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Kia Forte LX and EX get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 156 hp and 144 pound-feet of torque. The SX uses a 2.4-liter that delivers 173 hp and 168 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the hatchbacks, which come with a six-speed automatic (the latter is an option on all models).
The EPA estimates for the LX and EX with the manual transmission are 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined. The numbers edge up to an impressive 26/36/29 with the automatic. Opting for the Fuel Economy package bumps the EX sedan figures to 27/37/30.
Kia estimates the more powerful Forte SX at 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway with the manual and 23/32 (23/31 for the Koup) with the automatic.
Safety
Standard Forte safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
The Kia Forte has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. However, its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to the new tests) for the sedan were five stars (out of five) in frontal-impact tests for driver and passenger. In the side-impact tests, the Forte earned five stars for the driver and four stars for rear passengers. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Forte sedan received the top score of "Good" in that agency's frontal-offset, side-impact and roof strength tests.
In Edmunds brake testing, a Forte Koup came to a stop from 60 mph in a very respectable 118 feet.
Driving
The 2011 Kia Forte isn't exactly a driver's car in LX or EX guise. It's prone to body roll during enthusiastic cornering and the steering is rather numb. The SX model's sport-tuned suspension, however, makes for a night-and-day difference. It lacks the precision of a Honda Civic Si, for example, but the SX's overall driving dynamics put it at the head of the economy class.
In any trim, the ride is comfortable enough, and with the exception of intrusive road noise on some surfaces, the Forte is a confident highway cruiser. With either of the new six-speed transmissions, the Forte's performance satisfies; the automatic even offers a manual-shift feature for those who occasionally enjoy changing gears themselves.
Interior
The Kia Forte's dashboard design doesn't raise the bar aesthetically — frankly, it's pretty boring — but it includes gauges that are easy to read, a clean layout and generally intuitive audio and climate controls. Standard Bluetooth connectivity across the lineup is also a nice touch. Materials quality is on par with the rest of this segment. Unfortunately, a telescoping steering column is only available on the SX, meaning taller drivers might have a hard time getting comfortable in the LX and EX.
Rear legroom is good for this class, though the Koup's rear quarters are predictably tighter and lack the sedan's center armrest. Cargo space is plentiful in the coupe and sedan, measuring 12.6 cubic feet and 14.7 cubic feet, respectively. The hatchback offers 19.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and more if needed when they're folded.
2011 Kia Forte models
The 2011 Kia Forte is available in three body styles: four-door sedan, four-door hatchback and two-door coupe ("Koup"). The sedan is available in LX, EX and SX trims, while the hatchback and Koup come in EX and SX trims only.
Standard equipment on the base LX includes 15-inch steel wheels, a six-way-adjustable driver seat, a tilt steering column, 60/40-split-folding rear seat, Bluetooth connectivity and a four-speaker CD/MP3 audio system (with satellite radio and USB/auxiliary audio jacks). The EX adds keyless entry, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a six-speaker audio system and cruise control, while the EX Koup adds 16-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, sport front seats and a sportier exhaust note.
The SX trim comes equipped with a more powerful 2.4-liter engine, a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, wider tires, foglights, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an enhanced gauge cluster, a trip computer, unique cloth upholstery and metallic interior trim. In addition to the above, the SX Koup also gets unique 17-inch alloys, a sportier version of the SX sedan's suspension, and illuminated red speaker surrounds that can blink in time to the beat.
Options on the LX include air-conditioning and the split-folding rear seat, but no power accessories. The EX has an expanded range of options, including a sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels (sedan only) and leather upholstery with heated front seats. A Fuel Economy package for the EX sedan adds electric power steering, low-rolling-resistance tires and aerodynamic enhancements. SX options include a sunroof and heated leather seats, while a Technology package offering keyless ignition/entry, a navigation system, automatic climate control and chrome exterior door handles is available on the EX and SX.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Kia Forte.
5 star(54%)
4 star(40%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(2%)
45 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
Canadian Kia Forte 5 EX Auto
canuck29,12/30/2010
EX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
Purchased 2011 Kia Forte 5 as a commuter car for wife. Test drove hatchback two times and came away feeling it was a good combination of value, space, safety features, fuel ecomomy, performance and interior room.
So far have put on approx 900 kilometers ( approx 540 miles) all in the city and have averaged about 27 miles per gallon. Engine and powertrain ( 6 speed automatic) provide … good driving dynamics for the class of vehicle.
Unknown is Kia service as I suspect new generation of Kia vehicles are probably ahead of the service in terms of quality. Will find out in time.
3.88 out of 5 stars
first 500 miles
walt35,04/13/2011
EX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
I traded my three year old PT Cruiser... which I would have kept if it had not gotten such awful fuel enonomy..
So I wanted another hatch back.
The seating position of the Forte is like a race car .. I have to get used to that and the smaller wheel.. but handling is precise and very fun.. The Korean tires are made with nylon rather than polyester which I think causes too firm a ride at … times.. They otherwise handle just fine..
I had to pay a guy to put on painted body side mouldings.. KIA does not offer factory body side mouldings..
that was a small pain ... first tank of gas with mixed driving was 27.. that's good...
Overall quite happy so far.
4.88 out of 5 stars
good ride
cdog77,02/28/2011
EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
Had it for 8 months now and made 6 road trips and love the comfort and mileage.
Would definitely suggest it to anyone.
4.38 out of 5 stars
Forte SX hatch vs. Mazda 3 or Elantra Touring
rb7385899,02/22/2011
SX 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
We already have an 09 elantra touring.
The Kia is a step up (173 hp, 6 speed auto) and better styled.
We cross shopped it against the Mazda 3 (too little rear seat room) and Subaru Forrester (noisy, handles worse).
After about 1,000 miles i'm pretty satisifed with the Kia.
Returning about 26 mpg on my commute, and is fully loaded (leather, sunroof, power everything for $21K and … change).
Much peppier than the elantra, which I still love anyway.
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall4 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall4 / 5Driver3 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat3 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover10.3%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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More about the 2011 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 2011 Kia Forte Overview
The Used 2011 Kia Forte is offered in the following submodels: Forte Hatchback, Forte Koup, Forte Sedan, Forte Coupe. Available styles include EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A), SX 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 6A), LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A), LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M), EX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A), Koup EX 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6A), Koup SX 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 6A), SX 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 6A), EX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M), Koup EX 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6M), SX 4dr Hatchback (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 or a 2.4 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 173 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2011 Kia Forte comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic. The Used 2011 Kia Forte comes with a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. basic warranty, a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 10 yr./ 100000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2011 Kia Forte?
Price comparisons for Used 2011 Kia Forte trim styles:
- The Used 2011 Kia Forte EX is priced between $8,645 and$12,990 with odometer readings between 54689 and85670 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 2011 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) 2011 Kia Forte for sale near. There are currently 2 used and CPO 2011 Fortes listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $8,645 and mileage as low as 54689 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 2011 Kia Forte.
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Should I lease or buy a 2011 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
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