Used 2015 Kia Forte Consumer Reviews
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I Love My KIA Forte 5 Door EX Hatchback
Robert Tishkevich, 01/19/2016
updated 07/26/2016
2015 Kia Forte Forte5 EX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
54 of 54 people found this review helpful
Let me start by saying I LOVE my 2015 Forte Hatchback. It's probably the best car I ever owned. Are there things about it I don't like? Yes, that's why I only gave it 4 stars (didn't know how to give it 4 1/2 stars). Having said that, I would buy another one in a heartbeat. PROS 1. This is the 2nd KIA I've owned and both of them have been perfect mechanically. I haven't had one mechanical issue. It just cannot get any better than that. I also know two other people who had KIAs for at least 3 years and neither one of them had a single mechanical problem. 2. The car is sleek and people constantly tell me how cool it looks. I love looking at it every time I approach my car. 3. It's extremely comfortable and I thoroughly enjoy driving it. Is it fun to drive? I think so. 4. The A/C system works great in a very hot, southern climate. It even came with front seats which can be heated (I don't need that where I live) and/or cooled. 5. The UVO system is terrific and very easy to use. 6. The instrument panel is clear, easy to read, and very informative. I could do almost everything I wanted without ever looking at the manual. 7. I love my Sirius XM Satellite Radio. 8. Lots of storage space with 5 door Hatchback plus the special storage container under the normal floor in the rear is very handy. 9. My KIA dealer treats the customers like gold. 10. Very affordable but it has the quality of a more expensive car. 11. Very good highway mileage 12. Nobody beats the KIA warranty. I feel great because I had no problems, but if I did, it's always covered under the warranty. CONS 1. Wind noise, especially on the highway (seems to be a problem with KIAs) 2. Poor city stop and go mileage. Maybe it's because I'm always taking very short trips with lots of traffic lights where I accelerate briskly? It's hard to tell if it's my driving style or the vehicle. I think it's a combination of both. 3. The standard tires are just OK but very noisy. I'm used to riding on Michelins which are far superior. 4. The instrument panel is very cool but one gauge says MPH instead of MPG for the average miles per gallon 5. With one exception the navigation system works great, plus it has a large, easy to read screen. That one exception,unless I have a specific address to punch in, is it's often difficult to find what I'm looking for . For some unknown reason it's hard to find venues. In other words, it isn't user friendly.
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The Forte5 SX Manual is a great car to drive.
Forte5 SX manual owner., 08/08/2015
2015 Kia Forte Forte5 SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
25 of 27 people found this review helpful
This car excels in terms of design, comfort, and features. In addition, when an opportunity presents itself, the manual shifting turbo engine is wickedly good fun. Is this a car to take track-racing? Of course not, but the upside is that it's a pleasant and fun daily driver. However, know that the stiffer suspension disallows this car from being a comfortable highway cruiser when the pavement gets dicey. Nevertheless, if you're in the market for a fun-to-drive hatchback with space for 4 (not just seating, but actual space!) definitely check out the Forte5 SX. So far, my mileage has been about 3 better than the rated MPG from KIA, and that's in 50/50 mixed driving. I've also gotten (mostly) used to the much-maligned flex-steer. I rarely take it out of the 'normal' setting. On occasion I'll use 'sport' on a crowded, twisty interstate, and even less frequently I'll use 'comfort' when cruising on a well-paved, empty highway. Worth noting, even though UVO works well, the stock speakers are absolutely terrible. Given that UVO is such a key component of KIA's marketing, they should immediately discontinue the current speakers and use the Infinity upgrade materials they have available for other vehicles (but not the Forte . . .?). Finally, given KIA's incentivized sales approach, there is no way not to get a good deal. Especially on this under-marketed, under-appreciated, and undersold car. Based on all the info I can find online, I ended up paying less than inventory price by a couple hundred dollars.
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2015 Kia Forte for sale near you
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- Forte5 SX 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $8,10015 mi away
- Forte5 EX 4dr HatchbackMSRP: $6,9955 mi away
- LX SedanMSRP: $5,49920 mi away
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OMG are you serious here?
Ann Angel-Parker, 10/23/2016
updated 04/24/2017
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I'm coming from a little Scion which was purchased primarily for it's performance and gas mileage. However, the older I get the less I can take a bumpy ride. So I began the search for a sedan with a better ride and more comfort. Since my husband had recently bought a Kia Sportage and loved it, I looked into the Forte. I purchased my car through a deal offer on Edmunds and am I happy? You Bet Cha! I'm getting 31to 32 miles per gallon and the smoothest ride anyone could want. I got a great price and the Hendrix Group in Concord, NC, followed through on the deal with no bait and switch! Love the service, car and the price. Thanks Edmonds for making the introduction1
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Great Car in an Excellent Package
Gary Balionis, 11/24/2015
2015 Kia Forte Forte5 SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
We shopped for a replacement car when the previous vehicle was declared a total loss. Couldn't beat the financial incentives at Kia, and this car is an extremely attractive package for the money. Fit and finish is fantastic, base equipment exceeded our expectations. Was a bit concerned about the smaller engine/turbo combination, but it has proved to be a perfect powerplant for this car: keeps it light and more than adequate acceleration. Ride quality, even with the low profile tires fitted, is several levels above the car we replaced, a 2010 Kia Forte Koup. At this point, admittedly early on, we are completely satisfied with this vehicle, and love the practicality of the 4 door hatchback design.
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Overall a good buy
Jim Shackelford, 10/01/2015
updated 04/13/2023
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
19 of 22 people found this review helpful
The 2015 Kia Forte had lots of competition -- Corolla, Civic, Impreza, Mazda 3, Ford Focus, VW Golf, Hyundai Elantra (similar) and others. None of these is best at everything. We've had the 2015 Kia for 9 years now, 46,000 miles. An LX base package, automatic transmission. We wanted a hatchback, but the bigger engine that comes with it uses more fuel. The standard 1.8 has more than ample power everywhere, and is an outstanding match for the transmission. The ride, engine/transmission, warranty, price, reliability, and overall design were why we bought the car. They continue to be its strengths. In a 160 mile test drive in 2014 we got 41 highway, 27 city gas mileage. These figures have held up over the last year. We generally use the Eco button on the dashboard. So it is better than average in its class on fuel, similar to a Honda Fit. (Update: At about 4000 miles we started getting between 43 and 47 mpg in long highway trips. At 39,000 miles, we continue to be in the 43-47 mpg area, 40 in the mountains. Occasionally get 50 mpg on a 200 mile trip.) This car is especially likeable on hilly, curvy highways, or on expressways in the West Virginia mountains. And it tends to get 39-40 mpg in those conditions, an extra plus. Weaknesses are shared by many newer cars of other manufacturers: the design limits vision anywhere to the rear of the driver; headrest positions are not great; rear window gets dirty quick; not especially easy to enter/exit the car, shape of car is harder to park than older models. Not as nimble as a Honda Fit in the city. Looks like the Forte is meant to go head to head with the Honda Civic. We previously had a 2005 Honda Civic. This is a better car in most ways, except for the weaknesses I just mentioned, which most manufacturers have adopted. It handles crosswinds on expressways much better than that Civic. Rides smoother. Handles even better. Engine feels very strong. Based on experience so far, we'd buy it again, though still wishing for a hatch with the standard engine. We also could not buy one in white that wasn't a hatch. The Mazda 3, Ford Focus, Subaru, and VW Golf all have a lot of good things going for them, but this seems like the best overall car. I would compare it to Toyota and Honda in the 90s. It will not knock your socks off, but it is maybe the best car to own. Two specific gripes: Driver's side window has always been a little noisy when shut, more like a ten-year-old car. The Dealer found no fix. In warm weather on a long trip sometimes the steering wheel will tighten up in the middle, making it hard to make the minor unconscious adjustments you make on a straight expressway. On curvy roads, we've never had this problem. So it seems related to warmth and not using the steering wheel much. The dealer did not experience this on their test drive. I believe it is a problem with some percentage of these 2015 Fortes. Update April 2017: Our continued satisfaction with this car has us interested in the new Kia Niro hybrid, which is highly reviewed and not real expensive. If we were to add a second car, that'd be our first place to look. Update, April, 2020: The noise from one window and stiff steering in warm weather remain our gripes with our specific car. Update, April, 2023: This review is still on target, at 9 years and 46,000 miles. Kia dealer service has been less dependable during the pandemic. Hopefully that will get ironed out this year.
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Little Unknown Hot Hatch!
KiaFan, 10/26/2016
2015 Kia Forte Forte5 SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in 2015 with little known about it. Kia doesn't advertise it at all. The SX model is well worth the extra money in my opinion with a pretty powerful 201hp turbo 1.6 liter 4. I travel 100 miles a day in this thing and average 30mpg on premium gas. This car DOES NOT like cheap gas!! It performs poorly and idles even bad on 87. I do on occasion run 89 octane which it does do ok but I do still feel a difference. The car handles great and brakes are super strong. Very stable car! I like the manual trans but wished they didn't use economy gearing. It has plenty of power for a lower ratio which would equal better mpg. In 40k miles now it has been pretty trouble free. Biggest grip on this car is the steering which is electric and hard to get use to. It tends to wander on the road because there isnt a center feeling to the steering and the slightest input you do and will veer off. Car shows no wear besides the few rock chips. You really cant beat the warranty with KIA and Hyundai brands. This is my 3rd product from them and I am very pleased. Great thing is you rarely see another on the road because they are unknown.
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I'll drive it til the wheels fall off
Dan, 03/09/2019
updated 03/20/2024
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
UPDATE 03/19/24: 175,000 miles. I recently had my only repair shop visit since owning this car. The oil pressure light had started coming on after the engine warmed up. The repair shop started telling me about the bad reputation of these cars engines. They said the oil pressure seemed to be OK, but they could not replace the oil pump due to the amount of work involved. The mechanic suggested they just replace the pressure sensor and see if the problem resolved. Otherwise I would have to take it to a dealership or full service mechanic. Sounded like the least costly repair before I went with something more complicated. $270 and 1000 mile later, no oil light and still running like new. Bad reputation my A&&. Still the most reliable car I've ever owned. UPDATE 07/30/22: Just turned 156k miles. The car started to misfire occasionally so I changed the spark plugs and coil packs which took all of 30 minutes and cost about $200. Problem solved, still no major repairs, just basic maintenance. I still love driving this car. UPDATE 09/11/21: I currently have 140,000 miles and have yet to need any repairs done at a shop. Just recently replaced the rear brakes myself. Still have not had to get tires aligned, but probably about due. I bought this car with 18k miles as a used rental car. I now have 88k miles. This is hands down the most reliable, economical, easy to maintain car I've ever owned (BTW I'm 59). Fuel economy in mixed driving is 35-37mpg; pure highway 42 at 70mph. I just replaced the front brakes myself and still had probably 20k left on the pads. The rear pads are only half gone (once again at 88k miles). I've never had to have the front end aligned and I live on a dirt road. Zero repairs, just routine maintenance.
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Great cheaper alternative
Forte5, 01/23/2016
updated 02/06/2017
2015 Kia Forte Forte5 SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This is a little unknown hot hatch. I didnt even know Kia made this car until some online new car browsing. Got a great deal and was actually pretty hard to find one which means you stand out since rare to see another. Turbo engine has great pick up at any speed or gear! 6 speed manual trans is alittle too geared towards city driving vs hwy. 5th and 6th just isnt a hwy gear it should be. I average 30mpg with high octane gas. Car hates cheap gas. Great build quality and warranty!! The zip and handing makes it fun. I even embarressed a GTI on hwy. This is a low car so getting out and in provides some hand support from the seat. Options galore on the SX model like heated and cooled seats in front and heated in back which is rare for this class of car. Heated steering wheel . Mine didnt come with the Nav and Hid headlights but not spending the extra $$$ on a in dash Nav with phones these days. Only two main gripes with this car is radio just sucks for sound and loudness and steering is electric with is very touchy with any input makes you wander. Also it seems to have a "sticky" feeling when driving straight . Its brief but alarms you when u go to turn . Otherwise been a great,reliable fun car! **Update** -- I now have almost 50k miles of no mechanical issues what so-ever. Has never let me down and still feels and looks new. I do get alot of road noise but mainly due to replacing tires with something that wasnt as quiet. Not the cars fault.
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A great little car.
T from MI, 06/05/2017
2015 Kia Forte Forte5 EX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought a 2015 Forte5 EX a few years back to replace an older car that was literally falling apart. The Forte has been a pretty decent vehicle so far. It's got great features, it looks good, it's relatively fuel-efficient, all of the controls are well laid out, logical, and work very well, plus the long warranty is a bonus. It works well for point A-B transportation and I plan to keep it for many year to come.
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Almost a GTI for a fraction of the price
rlt_78@yahoo.com, 10/31/2015
2015 Kia Forte Forte5 SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
14 of 17 people found this review helpful
I've always had a soft spot for hot hatches. One of my favorite cars was a prior GTI even though it was also the least reliable car I've owned. I never thought I'd see myself in a KIA but they have really stepped up in recent years. Their designs and reliability are some of the best in the business now. The Forte5 SX with the 6 speed manual is a blast to drive. The power is readily available at low RPMs. The interior is spacious and fits my 6'7 frame well with plenty of room to spare. I don't even need to have the seat all the way back which is exceptionally rare. The ride is quite comfortable. I'm averaging 31mpg(hand calculated, computer says 32-33) in mixed driving. The power folding mirrors may seem a bit gimmicky at first, but they sure are nice to have in a narrow 2 car garage. It's not quite as quick as a GTI nor does it handle quite as well, however you can buy one of these in SX trim for under $18k with a long warranty to boot. Put a little of that savings into some suspension and power upgrades and you're on par. If you're looking for a fun hatchback definitely give one of these a test drive.
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Sporty Looking car with a ok feature list.
Steven Cress, 08/13/2015
2015 Kia Forte Koup EX 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
20 of 25 people found this review helpful
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
Levi J, 02/07/2021
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
Not a bad purchase overall
Satisfied enough, 09/01/2017
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
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?
Rich, 02/11/2017
updated 08/14/2017
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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
leighto, 12/22/2014
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
30 of 46 people found this review helpful
"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.
2015 Forte LX sedan
Jim, 10/21/2015
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
Bought my 2015 Forte in Nov '14. So far, the car has been great. No mechanical problems or issues at all. It has plenty of room for a compact car. I saw some people said visibility is an issue, but for me ( I'm 5'7) visibility is just fine. I have the base engine, and granted it could use a little more power, and fuel economy is about average not great. The interior is really nice especially when compared to other compact cars that I looked at. KIA has definitely come a long way. PROS: Price, Style, Standard features, Interior quality. CONS: Base engine under powered, standard '15 wheels are cheap looking for such a nice car.
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Great car for the price
David H, 11/24/2017
updated 06/01/2021
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great valve for the price. Runs great and looks nice. However buying from a Kia dealership in Lithia Springs Georgia the worst. ( Atlanta West Kia)
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Jumpy
jim, 01/11/2019
updated 01/19/2021
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I don't know why this indicates a USED car as we purchased this car brand new. Great car so far except for when it jumps going over bumps or small pot holes in the road. I don't even want to call them pot holes because they aren't actually holes that will ruin your car. Again, the back end jumps from side to side every single time I go over bumps on the freeway. Makes me feel like I am all over the road and everybody behind me probably thinks I don't have my car under control. I also don't like that the windshield always gets some kind of dirty film on the inside. I clean it off and and in a day or two it's back. Other than those 2 things I think everything else is good. Haven't had any major issues electronically or mechanically that I can think of. My mom bought one too a 2017 and hasn't had any complaints. The Kias have been great cars for us all around when buying them new. We bought a used one from a dealer and had issues, but we also believe buying used from a dealer is never good. We usually buy privately. We feel they are more honest. Again, great cars. It's all we've driven for probably the last 20 years maybe. Wish they would make a small size inexpensive truck though.
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Even after 5 years..I love this car!!!
Doug Brown, 01/15/2019
updated 01/20/2022
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this car in 2018 and it has been 5 years and it is still amazing. I drove it to monteray and Unfortunately there was a huge pothole that caused serious engine damage so I have now replaced the engine. but it was worth it bc I love my car. it still looks like new and $6,000 for the used engine was honestly the best option since I still owed on it. now i do not arrive it anywhere I am not familiar with the roads. Best car ever!!!
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Very good car
JBear, 08/24/2023
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in August of 2018 with 29K miles, and now it's got 183K miles on it. I've had very little problems with this Forte and I know I can get over 200K miles on it. The Forte is very fuel efficient which was handy when gas prices went up last year. This car is no rocket by any means, so you have to be patient if you want to get up to speed quickly. It has a tight turning radius and is super easy to park even with it not having a backup camera. Handling is actually quite decent, though, the steering is not engaging and leaves a lot to be desired. Seat comfort is OK for short trips but not for several hours. The backseat is roomy and I could pack a lot of stuff in the trunk when I needed to. The interior materials look and feel decent for the price. For reliability, it's pretty good. The brake master cylinder went out at 70K (never had one of those go out on a car before). The oil sending unit and a front wheel barring were the only other major problems. Just had regular maintenance like brakes, tires, and oil changes. After owning it for five years, it's a good car that get's the job done.
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Engine caught fire
passthedutch, 07/08/2018
updated 01/11/2021
2015 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
It caught fire with 52,000 miles. Was fully maintained. Kia replaced the engine under warranty, and it was even worse after that. Traded it for a 2019 Mazda 3. I'll never own another Kia again. Car was a nightmare.
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Don't buy !
Ralph, 06/02/2016
2015 Kia Forte Forte5 SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
9 of 18 people found this review helpful
I got this car 6 months ago . The motor blew and the dealer blamed me for an obvious issue with the car I told them of prior . Warranty didn't cover so car is now headed to the junk yard and I'm out 21,000 dollars . Stay away from this brand ! They get you to buy with false claims of backing your warranty !
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bad hesitate bad ... dangerous
mike, 04/30/2016
updated 11/17/2016
2015 Kia Forte Koup SX 2dr Coupe (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
5 of 11 people found this review helpful
sticky steering , not centering , real bad hesitation at lower speed , taking off . I had it to the floor at one time for at least 4 sec. before getting out of the way!
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Would not buy another KIA
Marie OKeefe, 08/10/2015
updated 02/16/2018
2015 Kia Forte Koup SX 2dr Coupe (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 14 people found this review helpful
The resale value is terrible. I have owned the car for 2 yrs and things have not gotten better. Mileage has not improved. Brought it in for an oil change and they said they did an upgrade on the tire pressure system. Got in my car..and the tire indicator was blinking Told them what was going on and was told to give it a couple of days to adjust. 5 days later it is still on, back to the dealer ..they tell me it showed a code and was fine. I get in the car..still tire pressure light is on. Go back to shop...only to find out that they now have to order a part. I didn't ask for the update. I asked for an oil change..once the part is in..it will be my 3rd trip back to the dealer's in less than two weeks. Shouldn't happen when all I wanted was an oil change. Can't wait to get another car. This car vibrates when foot is on the break...dealer says it is normal but I don't see anything that says it is normal. It also hesitates when going from 40 to 50. Gas mileage is awful about 18 mpg. Again dealer says it will better better when it is broken in. I have had the car for 6 months but it only has about 1200 miles. I am bringing it to the dealer again for its regular check up and hopefully this time they will check it out thoroughly. Doesn't impress me at this point.
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Kia Forte
Jason, 01/05/2019
2015 Kia Forte Forte5 EX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Great value.
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The "Desert Fox" still Riding
James Norris , 07/27/2020
updated 01/30/2023
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car for a couple years now...still strong as ever! I Love Kias
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The Kia Forte gets the job done
Byro, 08/02/2022
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'm happy that this car is a reliable and efficient daily commuter, although it is nothing special to drive. The drive is rather pedestrian, and the lack of comfortable seating doesn't help. The interior is rather dark and spartan, but the exterior is quite elegant. If your priority is getting from point A to B safely, the Forte is a good choice. It's been a great hassle-free car for seven years.
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Would never buy another kia
amanda, 09/14/2015
updated 09/17/2018
2015 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
8 of 34 people found this review helpful
We have had our kia forte for about 3 months now. We took it for it's first oil change which in our contract stated the first years worth would be free. After they were done, they tried to charge us for it. We of course pointed out that they were supposed to be free. Had to wait for them to get in contact with our sales person and verify that yes, it should be free. Apparently they do not notate it at the sale when they promise you certain things so you have to basically fight for it when it comes to actually getting what you were promised. Now, we have a popping sound in the steering wheel for about a week. Called the service dept and they said to bring it in. Took it in today..was told that it was at least a 2 hour wait for them to get to it just to find out what was wrong. We told them we cannot wait that long and would we get a rental car? Was told that they will only give us a rental car if the car is either kept overnight or if they deem it undriveable. Otherwise we have to bring it up there, and sit and wait until they can get to it. Awesome service. Because I can afford to take off of work to go sit up at a dealership for hours just to be told whether or not they can even fix it that day or not. And then if they CAN fix it I definitely have time to sit up there even longer and wait while they do. This is a brand new car..our first new car we have ever bought..there is no reason why we should even be having ANY problems to begin with, much less having to hassle to get it fixed. If there is a problem, especially something major, such as STEERING, you would think they would say "ok, lets get it fixed. Here is a loaner car until we figure out what is wrong and get it corrected". UPDATE- we would NEVER buy another kia period. They "fixed" the popping noise and a month later it started again. Took it back and was told some bearing had come apart again. They "fixed" it again and it started again less than a month later. We never bothered to take it back. Waste of time and money. Went to try to trade it in and the trade in value was $5000...for a 2 year old car. We still owe like $15000. The dealership declined to even take the kia! These cars are the biggest pieces of crap ever made.
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Slow, bad spark plugs and crappy paint!
KiaSucks444, 04/20/2022
2015 Kia Forte Forte5 SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
It gets way worse gas mileage than they will lead you to believe. You only get mid to high 20s if you putter. The turbo leaves A LOT to be desired. It accelerates slower than most other turbocharged vehicles. The Microsoft UVO system is utter trash and absolutely useless. The pain chips CONSTANTLY, like the ENTIRE hood of the car chipped like crazy and the Kia logo epoxy coating is peeling off. The spark plugs on ours were replaced 3 different times because they kept failing, as well as a control module for whatever reason. Stay away from this car unless it's priced UNDER $10k because you will be sorely disappointed. This car is absolute trash.
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hesitation when accelerating slowly
lane pecina, 12/23/2015
updated 01/10/2017
2015 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 13 people found this review helpful
this car has been to dealer twice it still hesitates never again. 1/02017 I've had the car for year and a half now been to two dealers they claim they don't feel the issue I still feel hesitation car has lousy pick up
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Failure to start at 103K Km mileage!
Former Kia buyer, 12/12/2019
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 14 people found this review helpful
Out of the blue, it won't start. Service light on. Battery boost did nothing. Towed it to the dealer, will pay out of my pocket since it got out of warranty by 3000 km. I have to replace the starter. I was told it's very unusual to get such a serious mechanical problem at such a relatively low mileage. I will not buy another Kia. I was too cheap to get a decently reliable car (Civic, Corolla etc), now I pay the price. I could give it 0 stars if I was allowed. Do NOT buy this car!
cash car
dedtria henderson, 06/03/2020
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i love my car a little small but it seems to be in good condition
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Five Year Review
JD, 10/30/2020
2015 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought a Forte LX in 2015, brand new off the truck. It still had plastic on the seats and dash when I took ownership. I can't say the experience at Big Red Sports and Imports in Norman, OK was great. I won't be back. But I will be buying another Kia (just not from them). This car replaced a 2013 Kia Soul that had over 100k miles on it, so I knew going in Kia should be reliable. The Forte turned 118K Miles last week and has not given me a single problem other than having to replace a faulty headlamp on/off switch on the blinker stem. I did the work -- simple repair. Mechanically, the car is solid. I have replaced the plugs and that's all that's ben done under the hood with the exception of routine maintenance. The car continues to deliver 40 mpg on the highway and 28 in town. She idles smooth and has plenty of acceleration to get on the freeway safely. I feel like she's got another 150K miles left in her, maybe more in the right hands and I'd keep her, but I've got a new car itch that needs to be scratched... You can bet it'll be another Kia.
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Garbage can with wheels
KB, 10/16/2023
2015 Kia Forte Koup EX 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a 2015 Kia Forte Koupe used, in 2019 with under 30,000 miles. Right from the start it has been nothing but trouble. Weeks after getting it, the car needed a charcoal canister, after the check engine light turned on. At one point, the car kept misfiring, and shaking violently. Initially thought it needed a tune up(AAA mechanic recommended a new PCV valve, spark plugs,etc), nope, wasn’t the problem. Turns out that the catalytic converter needed to be completely replaced, as it was clogged. About 6-7 months later, it needed another replacement…was clogged. Drove it for about another 11 months, same issue…and am going to get rid of it, especially as the warranty ran out and it’s been nothing but a headache. Sure you may find one that runs fine at a dealership…don’t do it.
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love my forte
caseyeymer@ymail.com, 04/27/2016
2015 Kia Forte Koup SX 2dr Coupe (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car drives great really love the interior design. The touch screen radio is plus and the back up camera. Cowboy kia did a great job on finding the right for me. Definitely would recommend them to anyone.
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