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Used 2016 Kia Forte Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
57 reviews

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2 out of 5 stars

Unreliable, doesn’t last long

Kyndal McCroskey, 03/11/2024
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought a 2016 with low mileage in 2017. It started burning through oil a couple years ago. The catalytic converter died and cost $3,000 to replace (they chalked this up to going over a bumpy road once). The engine died about a year later. This was with regular maintenance, oil changes, and I had just changed the transmission fluid. The car was under 100,000 miles. Completely worthless and not worth your money unless you want a short term car. Steer clear if you want a long-lasting reliable car.

Safety
1 out of 5 stars
Technology
2 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Forte5 SX... I love you !

Jeff S., 08/29/2020
updated 09/01/2022
2016 Kia Forte SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I have owned an 08 GTI, a 13 focus ST, and now a 2016 Forte5 SX. I guess you can say I love a Turbo Hatch!!! I was pleasantly surprised with the Kia. So much bang for your buck. And what a fun little car, plenty of torque and just enough power to make it An awesome ride. Comfortable , spacious for a small car, looks great. I would recommend anyone in the market for a fun little Hatch with some extra get up and go, to strongly consider this car. I am completely in love with mine! They can be hard to find , especially in a manual transmission, which is a requirement for me. Also I have had this thing for 3 months and have not seen it’s duplicate . Not many on the road which makes it even cooler!!! Anyway, hard yes on the Forte5 SX. : ) Update- I’ve now had this car for quite some time and I still absolutely love it . Great little ride and I have had not one issue with it aside from regular maintenance. Good show Kia , thanks for the awesome car.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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2016 Kia Forte for sale near you
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4 out of 5 stars

Acceleration

Bryan, 12/14/2018
updated 12/23/2019
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Poor acceleration when going uphill.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding Car

Captain Dave, 02/04/2017
updated 09/05/2018
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

I got a fantastic price of $12,999 + tax plus 0.9% financing on the LX manual. I purposely got the bare-bones LX with zero options. This way I could add the equipment/brands I wanted ala carte without paying manufacturer priced packages with unwanted options. Major upgrades were: 17" wheels and tires $1300, LED daytime running lights w/fog lights $265, rear lip spoiler $106, waterproof floor and trunk mats $108, neoprene front seat covers $239, mud flaps $46, stick on LED map lights $4. With tax et al my in-the-garage cost was $16,206. With the 17" tires the car handles as if on rails, brakes like a demon and the black 5-spoke rims on the pearl white car look incredible. That is under the MSRP and includes the sales tax! The 6-speed manual has short throws, is crisp and a joy to run through. Care must be taken going down from 6th to 5th as if you are lazy you can find 3rd by accident. I have also increased fuel economy and performance by switching to full synthetic oil and a K&N air filter. I live rural and average 44 MPG. As for infotainment the stereo is fine and a smart phone or tablet interface using google maps saves $thousands$. I also find 'driver aids' an excuse to pay poor attention to driving and another unnecessary expense. A manual gearbox guarantees full involvement and enjoyment plus extracts as much from the engine as you need. My only complaint which is mentioned by another is the final drive ratio with the manual. Like my other row-your-own vehicle I pull way too many RPM's on the highway due to the gearing compared to the automatic. I get 40+ MPG all around yet under 40 highway because I am at 2800 RPM as opposed to 2-2500 on surface streets. Still a great car and a blast to drive.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Pretty good bang for your buck

Katie, 10/25/2016
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful

I was in the market for a used car but ended up purchasing the Kia Forte new because of the rebates. I have never liked hatchbacks but this body type fits my current needs and looks better than most in my opinion. This car is comfortable to drive and even the base model is a great upgrade from what I was in. I was really impressed with the warranty offered with this vehicle.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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