Used 2015 Kia Forte Forte5 SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M) Consumer Reviews
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The Forte5 SX Manual is a great car to drive.
Forte5 SX manual owner., 08/08/2015
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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Little Unknown Hot Hatch!
KiaFan, Burlington, NC, 10/26/2016
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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Great cheaper alternative
Forte5, Barnesville, GA, 01/23/2016
updated 02/06/2017
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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Almost a GTI for a fraction of the price
rlt_78@yahoo.com, Vancouver, WA, 10/31/2015
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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Slow, bad spark plugs and crappy paint!
KiaSucks444, Dawsonville, GA, 04/20/2022
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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