Used 2012 Kia Forte Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Great car for the money!
Dave, 10/14/2015
2012 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
23 of 23 people found this review helpful
I have had no major complaints about this car. Nothing outstanding, but it is a high quality, problem free compact car. The engine is peppy and acceleration is surprising for this car. The only issue I have is the remote start feature. It doesn't function properly all of the time. I haven't taken it in for that problem since it is out of warranty and I don't use the feature often. The dashboard and controls are very simple and easy to use. There are no annoying design features.
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Best car I've ever owned!
Lou, 10/14/2015
updated 05/02/2022
2012 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
42 of 44 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2012 Forte brand new. It's still going at 217k miles. I had to replace the pulleys which were loud and going bad at about 120k. I also replaced the steering bar and bushings because they had worn out. Other than that, this car has given me absolutely no problems. I have maintained it and its runs great and looks good. I plan on driving this car until the wheels fall off. So far it looks like that's going to be for a really long time. Love this car!
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2012 Kia Forte for sale near you
Showing 3 of 134 listings
- EX SedanMSRP: $10,50011 mi away
- SX SedanMSRP: $7,80084 mi away
- Koup EX CoupeMSRP: $7,99091 mi away
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Perfect little car!
mai_sai, 12/17/2014
updated 12/27/2017
2012 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Don't let the price tag fool you, this car is well built. It doesn't give that cheap feel you'd expect from a lower budget vehicle. The interior is very comfortable for my petite frame, I don't have trouble seeing the road or maneuvering. My larger passengers seem quite comfortable as well. Has a peppy engine and tight suspension, shifts smoothly, very quiet, brakes effortlessly.. This car does well on winding roads. The feel of the car when driving it is very similar to the '11 Ford Focus. My Forte has high mileage (70,000 miles) & hasn't had a single problem, runs great, & is very dependable which is great since the Focus started having problems at 21,000 miles. Update: car now has 115,000 miles and still runs great! It’s only needed regular scheduled maintenance and new shocks, that’s it! Car still runs and drives flawlessly!
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Engine Problems
Summer, 08/22/2020
2012 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
After hearing a knocking sound coming from my engine a few months back at 70k miles, it has progressively gotten worse. I went to the Kia dealership and they explained that there’s an engine recall for 2012 kia’s with the exact same problem but the forte ex model is not included. They wanted more money to replace the engine than I paid for the car. When I went to a local mechanic, I was told everything else about the car is perfect but the engine needs to be replaced. Kia has refused to help financially and after doing some research, there are a lot of other people experiencing the same frustration. I’ve read many reported complaints that these engines have seizures while driving on highways and even caught on fire. Overall, I would not recommend this car or any other Kia due to their large engine failure and company negligence.
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Just as I spoke highly of this.....
Ms. CC, 01/14/2020
2012 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Well I bought the Kia Forte used, about 4 years ago, just needed as gas saver at the time as my Ford Expedition was such a guzzler. I haven’t had any real issues, until now at 180,000 miles I need a new oil pump and the mechanic said he found copper shavings in my oil so that tells me it’s more than likely the engine giving out, NOT to mention the horrible knocking noise prior to me taking to the mechanic which led to the current diagnosis. Other than replacing wheel bearings I just was saying to myself how well the car has been. Then this happens....such a bummer too since my 2001 expedition has well over 200,000 miles on it and still runs to this day! I’m now disappointed, I was expecting the kia to last a little while longer.
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Absolutely LOVE this car!!
sarbronson, 04/03/2012
2012 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my car two weeks ago and I am so happy with it! I have four kids ages 13-4 including a car seat and we fit comfortably in this car!! My transaction was clean, and simple and I cannot recommend this car enough!
COMPAC-MEDIATE
Curt Utton, 04/05/2016
updated 04/15/2020
2012 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
Size of car implies a compac, yet overall handling & performance feels closer to an intermediate-size vehicle. Happy with overall handling on VT roads. Vehicle is light so during high wind conditions vehicle gets pushed around. Engine & transmission performance very good. Higher speeds on interstates /thruways car felt very controlled & gas comsumption/mpg is surprisingly very good. Lent car to visiting family members and all were impressed with this Forte. Traded car in 2016. Now own Lexus. 450h.
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Love my Forte!
double77s, 12/13/2011
2012 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
25 of 41 people found this review helpful
I decided to purchase the Forte Sedan because of all the features I got for the best price. Kia also has the best warranty in the business and that is what truly sealed the deal for me. I do not have a great history with cars and was reluctant to have a car payment again. I chose Kia because if something goes wrong...it's covered by warranty. Also, I am driving the most fun car I have ever owned. Sunroof, satellite radio, and very comfortable seats sold me when I took the test drive. This is the smallest car I've owned but it drives like a bigger car and is great on gas. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a great car with great features and warranty at a great price.
new car
crunchyed, 09/14/2013
2012 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I traded my 2009 Nissan Versa Hatchback for the 2012 Kia Forte Ex. So far I love it. It had all the bells and whistles that I wanted without the extra cost. It's a lot more fun to drive than the versa.
Safety first
John, 07/31/2019
2012 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My initial opinion of this car is that is sucked. We bought the car in 2012, after a year we had to replace the motor because of a manufacturer defect. A year after replacing the motor we started having issues in the wiring (issues to this day that were never solved by Kia.) The car after those two big issues has been a dependable daily driver for my mom who commutes back and forth an hour each way everyday to work at the hospital. We also took the vehicle to Ohio and back multiple times (1,000 mile trip one way.) However what I absolutely love about the vehicle is it saved my families life. I am a Firefighter in the state of Arkansas and have seen countless vehicle collisions. Friday my mother and sister were driving the Kia outside of Little Rock when she was cut off by an 18 wheeler. She swerved to avoid the collision and as a result over corrected causing the vehicle to rollover 3 times before sliding in an embankment and landing on some trees. The car was totaled and the body was pretty well mangled. However, the generous amount of airbags as well as an astonishingly strong frame saved the cab of the car during the rollover & prevented serious injuries to my mother and sister. During my time as a firefighter it's very rare to see a rollover accident have as little damage to the cab as their wreck did. Kia did an amazing job on that aspect of the car IMO.
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Good bang for the buck
Cw, 05/26/2020
2012 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had my Kia Forte 8 yrs now and could not be more pleased. I have 165,000 miles on it and have done only normal maintenance to date. The car rides nice. It handles corners really well. It is comfy and gets great gas mileage. I paid 18k for it and it was worth every penny.
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2012 Kia Forte
Austin, 08/16/2015
2012 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
Comfy little car, trust it on long trips, but the interior design is basic, bunch of rattles here and there. engine makes weird noises sometimes, clutch started feeling weird 10 minutes after i left the dealer.
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Have had Forte Sedan EX for about one month.
martin2013, 06/11/2013
2012 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've only had this car for about a month and have really liked it so far. The ease that the majority of functions in this car is nice compared to my previous car. Even though the majority of my driving has been shorter in-city distances, its gas milage has been pretty close to estimated mileage. I will soon see how well the gas mileage does with a long trip.
Value
Jean, 01/27/2018
2012 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Love my car.....great value. Definitely worth the price. Easy to get kids in and out. Cargo space very roomy for a small car. Rides nice. Only issues is traction on wet or snow very light car handling is loose in heavy wind also. Had issues with air conditioner line clogging and normal maintenance only.
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Great MPG ffrom automatic...
waltchan, 11/08/2012
2012 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 11 people found this review helpful
I rented one, and this Forte gets up to 50-55 MPG on highway if cruising only up to 50 mph speed (no higher) at the magic, low 1,500 RPM mark, A/C off, cruise control on, and windows closed. Accelerate this Forte very carefullly by not letting it run higher than 1,500 RPM for each and all transmission gears it shifts from stop to go in city driving, regardless if other drivers behind you find you too slow. Shift to neutral for all downhill driving as much as possible to receive up to 100 MPG. Shift back to drive if neutral driving reaches below 50 mph. Anyone can do it. Happy traveling...
Buy a coleman grill instead
krkelsoe, 10/03/2012
2012 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 19 people found this review helpful
Well, I bought mine brand new in December. Took her off the lot with 33 miles. I added a lowering kit, 20" wheels, and exhaust. I loved that car. It was fun to drive, but pretty slow. Still really caught a lot of looks though... But then I was driving home from buying bread last week and she went up in flames in mere minutes. Not sure what happened, and it's under investigation with Kia. It only had 8,900 miles on it. Just feel like people should know. If I had kids in the back or was disabled or slow-moving, there could have been serious injuries.
Worth every dollar 👏🏻
Ally, 08/21/2021
2012 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had to not do one but of engine work besides my air compressor going out which happens on a car with 150,000 miles but hey most reliable car I’ve ever had cute and sophisticated while also compact and durable .
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