Used 2015 Kia Forte Consumer Reviews
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Sporty Looking car with a ok feature list.
At the time I was looking for a used vehicle to purchase after I seen how cheap KIA's were and the warranty they came with I decided to purchase one. I bought this vehicle from my local KIA dealership on 7/10/2015 brand new off the lot. This car has a nice list of features/options you are able to get and customize like any other car. I was always a ford vehicle customer in the past until I purchase a 2010 CHEVY Malibu (JUNK) which was a complete nightmare I hated that car so I end up trading it for this. I purchased the EX Trim of the Forte, because of the options I seen on the car I was impressed with the price value of the sticker. Comparing to other compact cars this is a great value that not many can compete with. Pros: -Warranty- (Keep this in mind if you are purchasing a KIA dealers may try to add on extras not needed) 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty 5-year/100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan -Luxury Side- Automatic Folding Mirrors Push Button Start Heated/Air Cooling Driver Seat Heated Passenger Seats Dual Climate Control -Technology Side- Back Up Camera Satellite Radio UVO System (AMAZING) Navigation With the UVO System you can log into your account and see your driving score and base on the score it will give you tips. -Performance- Handles Great around turns 2.0L Engine Gas Direct Injection Highway Driving I have seen 34 MPG Around my area is rural I usually get approximately 29-32 MPG Cons: Acceleration is a bit slow at times It would be pretty cool if the GPS screen is a pinch to zoom type of screen Feature list on website is limited even for the ex trim Wish it had some interior lighting for at night like on most the newer ford cars Resale Value isn't all that great on KIA's Carpet Floor Mats is a option that should be standard not paying extra for it (Pay $75 for it) Back up camera can be a bit foggy at times
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Good value and reliability
Let me start off by saying I live in Minnesota where its -20 in the winter and 100 in the summer. If you’re looking for a car that will be reliable, good looking, and get good gas mileage then this is a good car for you but make sure the Forte you’re looking at does not have the 2.0l engine as it’s prone to engine knock unlike the 1.8l. My only real complaints about this car is the stereo, the 15 inch stock tires and the get up and go. The stock stereo in my base model has 4 speakers and it’s pretty much junk, so you’ll most likely want new speakers. I also upgraded the rims and tires on mine to 16 inches along with wider tires and the difference in ride quality is night and day, it no longer jumps around on bumps like people state it does on here and it rides much smoother than before. When it comes to power, this car has none. It’s constantly downshifting to get up hills and you pretty much have to hammer on the gas to pass anyone, but who buys this car because it’s fast? I average 28-32 mpg in the winter and 36-40 in the summer which makes up for the lack of power in my opinion. The interior in made up of hard plastic which is to be expected since it’s a cheap car but at 125k miles, there are still no rattles even in the bitter cold. The Forte gets around nicely in the snow and ice, better than expected and the heat gets very hot very fast. The AC is mediocre anything above 90 degrees usually requires it to be on full blast constantly to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature. Overall, it’s perfect for someone wanting a low maintenance car with great gas mileage and good longevity but if you’re looking for speed then look elsewhere.
- Koup EX CoupeMSRP: $8,984116 mi away
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- LX SedanMSRP: $12,998450 mi away
Not a bad purchase overall
I have had this car for about 2 months now, I loved the sleek style of this car. Silver with Black wheel covers and the darkest tinted windows I have ever seen. Interior design is nice as well and cleans up great. The car has attitude! (visually) I saw the dealer I bought it from listed it on car gurus, as having premium pckg moon roof and leather and it was sharp! I get there and its a base model, no premium ANYTHING! Not even cruise control. I test drove the 6 speed manual silver Slow poke and realized it was a great gas saver and really, Drove pretty easily. The 1st bad thing I noticed immediately... the power, It has none! Even winding out the engine on the highway to get every ounce of power for just catching cruising speeds can make you feel like your in a damned ford escort from the 90s. (No attitude there) The clutch engages great but when the car is cold the engine seems to rev when the clutch is pressed and it makes shifting a bit challenging for smooth operation. (I have extensive experience driving manual) this one needs some RPMs in order to get her going from a dead stop. It is fun to drive in town. The tires however are horrible for taking corners. You can not push this car, its a cruiser/gas saver...treat it like that, haha. Stereo is crap,Bluetooth hooks up after about 30-60 seconds, even when your phone is hooked up. It isn't user friendly. I have another ride with a cheap little replacement stereo that hooks up as soon as the car is on. its fast, I was going to replace the head unit but that's 400 bucks!!! No thanks! Also, I have Sirius radio and its okay, but the sound overall is very bad. "Door speakers only?" yeah that's what i said... if its going to suck most areas...this area is NOT one of them that should lack, I dislike the skimping for sound systems. Yeah yeah I know, there are upgraded versions. But the base model should still have SOME KIND OF SOUND QUALITY! But it does not. Steering...its tight and is okay, seems a bit "go carty" no real center established and likes to pull to the right a bit. Its been aligned. Overall its just a learning curve, I do not really notice it now. Gas mileage is nice, but I haven't seen 37 mpg yet. I am not much of a highway driver, I am pulling in about 25 mpg consistently. My 2005 stratus got 17 mpg so, its a nice jump. Paid 9k and I am not to upset about it. had 40k miles and currently the only engine issue seems to be valve train rattle on low end of RPMs. It isn't to bad but I can tell its going to be, guess ill have it serviced and try to keep her purring. One more thing I dislike, the suspension is very stiff when you hit larger bumps, the rear end actually tries to swing out from under you...so go very slow over tracks and such. But!... I would have to say though after driving this thing for a couple months, it is rather nice to look at and it is a head turner even though it lacks in performance she still has that, "ohh that's nice" quality. I find myself climbing into it and thinking I finally have piece of mind about the car I own. Just know its not a performance ridden sound system having corner taking mustang, its great for daily driving or highway travel. (interstate, not so much) with the Interstate being a pot hole haven this ride is not going to handle it. One big bump with the wrong person driving this car, your in the ditch. I guess most of this post is negative, well, I have a need/want for a certain kind of vehicle, I did not buy that..I bought cheap and reliable, this car is just that. I shall buy another ride for interstate driving corner taking and bump absorption. Now go buy a 6 speed KIA, floor it, and cruise through town like you own it! Because cruising is all you can do in this thing!
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16,000 car? How much more do you want?
I'm a skeptical guy, and I don't believe advertising. That said, this car is incredible. My second Kia. The last was a new Optima 2012 EX, also great. I leased this one after 3 years with the Optima, and stepped down because a) my lease $ dropped from 295 to 165 and b) I couldn't tell the diff between the models on the road until I was right on top of them. Comfort-wise, just about as comfy (great seats and leg room) but a little smaller than the Optima, but no issue for me and I'm 6'2" and 225. Given the price, I don't see how I could have done better. Good for 5 people, the 1.8 engine is just fine, and on the highway I get between 42 and 46 mpg @ 65-70. Amazing. Around town/stop and go it's more like 23-24. As far as the rest, it's a great car. 29k miles and no service issues; wife and I just finished a 3000 mile road trip in it. $16,500 MSRP, are you kidding?
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Base model LX good bang for buck
"Never thought I would buy a new Kia!. After driving a Toyota Echo for the last 5 years I decided I needed something bigger, newer and almost as good gas mileage. I have owned the 2015 Kia LX 1.8L for the last month and have been averaging a combined 36 miles per gallon which is better than EPA rates. Decided to go for the base model as it was on cash special for $12,500(could not refuse). Decent features for base model, with power groups and satellite radio and blue tooth. Huge upgrade from roll up windows Echo. The ride is comfortable with good seats and driving feel. Ride noise is a little loud, but what can you expect for $12,500. Blue tooth and voice commands work very well.