Used 2016 Kia Forte Consumer Reviews
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Well made & designed car for a bargain price!
Barry, 05/21/2016
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
58 of 59 people found this review helpful
Bought the 2016 LX Forte automatic equipped with the popular equipment package, floormats, mud guards and a spare tire for $18,000.00 cash including all fees and taxes out the door. Be aware, it actually only comes with a tire repair kit and inflator as standard equipment. No trade was involved and that price included a $2,000.00 cash back and $400.00 military offer. I can honestly say that I haven't found anything that I don't like about this car. I have mostly been driving in the city and I have averaged a solid 29 MPG over the past 1,250 miles with the a/c always on. The 1.8 L engine has ample power and is smooth. The car rides and handles well and is very quiet. The seats both front and rear are very comfortable and I love the overall driving experience. I haven't found a single fault in this car and I have been over it with a fine tooth comb. I buy all my cars new and I usually keep them for about 12 years. I also do all of my own maintenance. I've owned Toyota, Honda and Nissan vehicles and to date this is the best example of value, function, and quality that I've encountered. I compared and drove all of the other cars in the Forte's class and for me this was the clear winner, even if I ignored the higher pricing of the competition. If you want a very well made car, packed with tons of standard options at a very good price, put this car at the top of your list!
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Inexpensive well equipped car
Charles S., 05/02/2016
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
28 of 29 people found this review helpful
Ride handles well for the most part. Steering feels sluggish at times and engine sounds cheap. But overall the car accelerates quick and delivers a sportier driving feel than most cars in the segment. It also has good looks and nice technology options. Would buy another forte
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2016 Kia Forte for sale near you
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- LX SedanMSRP: $10,9984 mi away
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toasty (almost "hot") hatchback
G. Johnson, 07/22/2017
updated 02/10/2020
2016 Kia Forte SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
26 of 27 people found this review helpful
Got my 2016 Forte5 SX (6-speed, manual transmission) brand new five months ago, and I am still in love with my turbo hatchback. For my needs, it is the perfect fun-to-drive commuter. It is not as sporty/fast as a VW GTI (which is arguably the leader in affordable hot hatchbacks), but it is much less expensive, it should be much more reliable, and it has a much better warranty. Also, the Forte5 SX has the best seat and driving position I found in any compact car I test-drove (I'm a larger fellow, at 6'2 and 220 lbs). Another plus? The Forte5 SX takes regular gas (not premium like many turbos). I had already decided to buy the car before I even found that out. I'm only getting 27.8 mpg so far, but the gas mileage is slowly getting better the more miles I put on the car. No regrets at all, and I plan on keeping it for a long time. For you car guys out there, the driving dynamics may be a little bit different, but the fun-factor/value reminds me of my old 1998 Civic EX but with a comfortable seat. I'm starting to think that Kia is doing now what Honda was doing in the late 1990s--which is a very good thing indeed. Update: I remain very happy with my Forte5 SX, and I can't believe that more people don't know about this gem. I can even fit my mountain bike in the back of the hatch with the rear seats folded down (granted that the bike's front wheel needs to be taken off to fit). The ride is sporty but comfortable--perfect for real-world driving--and the car is so practical yet fun, and it is reliable. I have also found the Kia dealerships to be awesome; clearly they place a premium on excellent customer service. Update: by Feb. 2019, I will have owned it for two years. Still loving it, and not a single mechanical problem. Great car! Update: Feb. 2020--owned it for three years. Continue to love it, and it still hasn't had a single mechanical issue.
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Bye bye '12 Forte SX 5 door & hello '16 Forte5 EX
RonB, 09/26/2016
updated 03/29/2018
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
34 of 37 people found this review helpful
We shared the '12 for over 3 years and over 80,000 miles until I bought myself a 2015 Sonata Sport 2.0T Limited 6 months ago. Love that car and reviewed it on here also. Got a great deal. Now that we're back to two cars, mileage will accumulate a lot less. While I was getting the 12 serviced 2 weeks ago and "someone" took my car to work, I was asked "Do you think you can get me a deal on trading my car like you did buying yours ?" So I walked the lot and found a Snow White Pearl Forte5 EX 2.0 GDI - loaded with Premium/Technology package and remote start with black leather with white stitching. I texted the pictures. "I really wasn't a fan of white until you got yours (Quartz White Pearl) but I really like it. See what you can do. If it works out, I'll come sign the papers". The 12 was in excellent condition except for the 82,000 miles they beat down the trade in value on, but with the rebate and financing, it was a good deal regardless. The 12 had leather and sunroof. Great little car. No complaints other than it could have used more sound insulation. Compared to the 12: The tech options are great. Stereo is better. Bluetooth streaming is a world better. It's quieter. Much better legroom - we're both 6ft tall. Headroom was never an issue even with the 12 - sunroof in both. The 2.0GDI doesn't have the off the line punch of the 2012s 2.4 port-injected engine but feels fine overall (same 173hp rating) and better fuel mileage makes it worthwhile. Neither are pocket rockets but we're not race car drivers lol. Has plenty of zip. Warranty can't be beat. This now makes 4 Hyundai / Kia products since 2008 and don't regret any of them. I'm a semi-retired mechanic and choose my/our cars wisely. The only 2 gripes with the 16: 1 - gone with the 2014+ 5 door redesign is the split-folding rear seat bottoms which was great when we needed to haul stuff around. A minor gripe really because the 16 is still plenty roomy with the seat backs folded down. 2 - For the 2016 Forte line up, HID headlights were deleted, even with the Tech package. I remedied that with the same brand HID kit I installed in the 2012. Also installed LED plate and reverse lights - nice difference with the back-up camera at night. Experience has us anticipating the same reliability. The 2008 Sonata we traded for the 2012 Forte is still on the road with nearly 250,000 miles on it. Traded with nearly 120,000 trouble-free miles and came across it recently. UPDATE 3/27/2017 Six months and 7,500 miles now. Engine has loosened up. Feels puncher. Averaging 31-32mpg which is 7-8mog better than the 2012. Nothing other than an oil change and tire rotation. UPDATE 9/28/17 15,000 miles. Just did the 3rd oil change and replaced the cabin filter - I change them once a year. Zero issues. More of a novelty but my other half loves the heated steering wheel on cold mornings. UPDATE 3/28/18 A little over 25,000 miles now. Between work, grad school, and internship, the other half has racked up some miles. Nothing really to report. Still runs and looks great. Wiper blades replaced other than oil changes and tire rotation. The only gripe is the OE Nexen tires. While they certainly look like they will go another 15 or 20 ,000 miles, they have gotten a bit noisy. Probably just going to run them through the summer and replace them.
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Unexpected Winner
Jay, 03/13/2017
updated 10/05/2020
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
We purchased this car, a Kia Forte 5 with the premium tech package, at Jeff Belzer Kia in Lakeville Mn. This is our second purchase from this dealership. Alex was great to work with, -no pressure, answered our questions and sent us on a test drive even though we mentioned we were going to another dealership to look at a different brand. We returned and purchased this car. Prior to purchasing, we test drove a VW Golf, a Mazda 3 Hatchback, several Hyundai Elantra GT Hatchbacks, and this Kia Forte 5 Hatchback. The VW and the Mazda were great driving cars but were somewhat cramped for passenger space by comparison. The Hyundai Elantra GT was roomier but didn't offer an upscale package we liked. Then we drove the Kia Forte 5. It was just a fun car to drive. It is a road handling car with plenty of power for everyday driving (2.0 liter, 173 h.p. and 154 ft. pounds of torque). Advertised mileage is 25 city, 33 hwy mpg. We are currently averaging about 30.5 mpg including cold starts with combined city-highway driving. My favorite feature is the heated steering wheel on these cold winter mornings. Second would be the four heated leather seats. We are getting accustomed to the smart key features with perimeter lighting at night, keyless entry, and push-button start. The technology package included navigation, a sunroof, and auto headlights, all nice features. Add to all this a 5-year basic warranty and a 10-year powertrain warranty and you have a winning package. Most enjoyable though is the way it drives. It is quick, but it is not a race car. It is firmly planted and corners nicely, perhaps due to the 215 45 R17 tires. This is a car with lots of features for the money and I would highly recommend it. Update: We have owned this car for eight months now and both my wife and I enjoy it. It is just a fun car to drive. It has a nice balance between feeling responsive and at the same time being a solid and stable road handling car. In mixed driving, we average between 33 to 35 mpg. (This includes about 20% city, 20% two lane highway, and 60% freeway driving.) EPA rating for this car is 25 city and 33 highway. We are very pleased with our purchase and would highly recommend this car. Second update; Sept. 21, 2018: We've now had this car for about one year and eight months and have 11,000 miles on it. We still feel the same about it now as we did before. Many people have commented about the sharp-looking style of the car. However, what we enjoy most is the way it drives. We've owned about 25 different cars, and this is one of our favorite cars to drive. We would still highly recommend it. Third update; Sept. 26, 2019: We're at two years and eight months of ownership, with 16,450 miles on the odometer. We still enjoy this car now as much as when we first bought it. With winter coming, we really appreciate the heated steering wheel and the four heated seats. (Very scarce features for a car in this price range.) It's too bad the heated steering wheel was dropped for the 2017 model year. It's still fun to drive and quite economical, a real plus. We'd still highly recommend it. 4th Update, April 1, 2020 We've had our Kia Forte hatchback for over three years now and still feel the same as in our previous updates. We still enjoy driving it and would highly recommend it. Fourth update, Oct 3, 2020. We've owned this car for over 4 years now and still feel the same.
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Good price for a reason. A beer can body.
Larry L, 12/27/2019
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I like my used 2016 6 speed Forte I purchased not too long ago, it was much less cost than the used Civic's I usually get. It rides smooth and looks great but a bit soft and sluggish in the handling compared to a Civic. Here's the deal, they do not hold there value like the Honda's and Toyota's do, for a reason. The metal is much thinner on them to the point that if you shut your door on the seat belt buckle, it can /will dent the inner door well or rocker panel. I drilled a hole into both Honda Civic and Forte for undercoating and the Honda produced nice curls of steel from the drill bit taking a while to get through but the Forte just instantly popped through producing a ripped hole, like drilling through a beer can. I also put both on my car lift to inspect the suspension. The Forte was lighter duty using cheap thin stampings but the Honda has full welded boxed in members and a bit heaver duty in general. Honda engines and trannys are also very very good and can take a lot of neglect and abuse. Not so sure about the Kia's. So buying new IMO, I would not try to save a little on a Kia, but buying used, getting a lot better price for a low mileage newer Kia maybe worth it.?? Time will tell for me.
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Pretty good
Rlruby.com, 10/09/2019
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Fast car, it's pretty good. Only problemis the multiple recalls the engine Has and how much oil the car burns through
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Getting my Money's Worth
Tim C, 04/09/2016
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
Yes the car is very affordable and I was lucky enough to get a great deal but the features this car comes with are comparable with more expensive models. The interior is roomier and more comfortable than what you would expect with a compact model and I'm a big guy used to driving SUVs and pickups. The engine has adequate pep and power to navigate the daily urban commute. I have been averaging around 38MPG but I do alot of interstate driving. To nitpick, the steering is slugish compared to other compacts and a little more noise gets into the cabin from the road than I would like. Still I have been very happy with my Forte.
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I'm in Love
Jalee Finley, 06/15/2016
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
14 of 18 people found this review helpful
I just purchased this car and I love everything about it!! There are three cons -(1) You cannot see the hood or front bumper despite how much you sit up or how close you sit to the steering wheel, and (2) you cannot see the back bumper, and (3) there is a small blind spot in the rear side views. That said, I love everything else about this car. I especially like the 6th gear and ability to downshift when needed. The audio could have been better, but I won't complain. The back seat is pretty spacious, and comfortable. The cup holders for the backseat are nice as well. If you have kids you will appreciate the plastic (instead of cloth or leather) on the backs of the front seats where their feet often touch/rest. This car has reinforced doors and PLENTY of airbags in case of collision.
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Best compact car for the price!
Larry, 05/12/2016
updated 06/18/2016
2016 Kia Forte Koup EX 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
The price for the base model with popular package (+$1000) is well worth it. The #1 reason that I chose Kia is that they do not use the CVT transmission that all of the other brands in it's class does. The 1.8L engine has plenty of power even with the air conditioner on high and with passengers. The interior is very nice for a base model and the popular package gets you a lot, including backup camera, Bluetooth, etc. Trunk space is best in it's class. If you can get a 2016 with the PP for under $18K you will not regret it and remember the transmission! CVT 's wear out at around 70,000 miles and cost around $7000 to replace (they cannot be repaired) perhaps this is why Kia chooses to not to use them because of their 100,000 mile warranty, KIA uses the dual clutch transmission. The hand controls are very ergonomic which helps keep your eyes on the road. Kia does not deal with Takata Airbags (look up Takata Airbag Inflators) I cannot express enough about staying away from any auto that is equipped with the CVT transmission. Kia along with Mobis (a German engineering company) have engineered great autos.The Cons: I only have only 1 and that is when driving the Forte all you see is the road which is great for an experienced driver, but for a beginner they are bound to miss judge resulting in hitting curbs etc.
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Forte Fan
Rich Shinnick, 07/16/2016
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I really enjoy driving my Forte. My kids like it when I open the doors and the mirrors automatically go into position. It roomy and hugs every corner. It has a nice size engine with very good gas mileage. I have nav, heated seats, heated steering wheel and a sun roof.
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Kia is the best bang for your buck!
John P., 04/15/2016
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I've had my 2016 Kia Forte EX 4 dr sedan for little over a week now and I absolutely love this car. Going from a 2013 Kia Optima LX, I was worried about interior room, but the Forte has equally the amount of interior room as the Optima in my opinion. My new Forte EX is loaded with all the bells and whistles, and rides great with a quiet interior. I've gotten quite a few compliments on it so far, and the Crimson Red Metallic color has really grown on me, as I wasn't a big fan of red vehicles before I laid my eyes on this beauty. The 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine has plenty of pep to get me onto the interstate, or just zipping around town. I don't see much difference at all from the 2.4 liter I had in my Optima to the 2.0 liter in my new Forte EX, they both get up and go with ease. This car is awesome and so comfortable to drive, whether it be just across town or on a long road trip. I cannot yet comment on fuel economy as I'm still in the break in phase of the motor only having 400 miles on it so far, but even with my lead foot, I'm pulling in 30+ mpg combined city/highway driving. I fell in love with Kia's after I bought my first (2013 Kia Optima LX), and I'm still in love with my new 2016 Kia Forte EX. These cars are so dependable and very well equipped for the price, they really do look more expensive than they actually are both interior and exterior. If you are thinking about buying a Kia Forte, you won't be disappointed.
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Fun
Garrett, 12/29/2017
updated 01/08/2020
2016 Kia Forte SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought a really cheap car when I came home from deployment to save money and very quickly regretted it. After searching for a fun hatchback I settled on the Forte 5 SX for a myriad of reasons. I have absolutely loved this car since I got it. The turbo makes it fun and sporty although I wouldn't necessarily call it a hot hatch it is certainly warm. I've put 9000 miles on it in a little over 6 months with absolutely no problems. If you're looking for a car with a bit of pep and a very comfortable cabin, look no further. Edit: Edmund asked me to update my review and everything I said still stands. Still a great little car that's fun to drive and still no issues with 68000 miles on it now.
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Great Daily Driver but no GTI
Pablo Danek, 11/28/2016
2016 Kia Forte SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I leased this car as an experiment-- I have never owned a Kia before. I know they had made huge strides in design and engineering but wanted to see how far. I love sporty hatchbacks with manual transmissions and I really found the design appealing. I shopped the Mazda 3 (clunky navigation design and wheezy engine), GTI (far more expensive, and reliability concerns) and Ford Focus (don't like the interior or rear-end styling, also huge turning radius) but ended up getting the Kia. Why? For one, it is a rare car-- I've had my car a year and still haven't seen another on the road. Second, I really like the styling. Third, you just can't beat all the content like heated and cooled seats, LED lights, dual-zone climate control, and heated steering wheel. The interior is also very, very nice-- Looks and feels way more expensive than it is. I also was confident I knew about the car's shortcomings-- Abysmal mileage for a 4-cylinder, not quite as refined ride and handling as the big dogs like Focus and GTI, and not quite as fast. But I wanted a nice, clean, fun, reliable daily driver and that's just what I got. Any things that bug me? Not really, but there are a few ways the car could be better. First, I mentioned the mileage. The engine is clearly a little small for this car-- Even when I don't drive it hard (which is rare) mileage is still in the high twenties at best. Second, the suspension along with the 18-inch tires makes for a bit of a hard ride around town. That's about all I can complain about, otherwise I really like the car.
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Coming from a 99' Chevy Lumina
John, 07/07/2016
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
Upgrading to this car from a ill-maintened Lumina was one of the best decisions ever. Then again, I've jumped quite a few years into the new-car-world. I've been owning the Forte LX for 4 months now, and to say the least, it's a great car. Not perfect... but great. It runs smoothly, quietly, and if you want, super fast. I was impressed at how the engine keeps it quiet, like the Toyota Prius's. However, after putting-in over 2,500 miles, the engine starts losing its futuristic engine sound. I'm a music enthusiast and I was extremely overwhelmed with the possibilities of connecting your phone/mp3 to the car via USB, AUX and Bluetooth. However, I am not impressed with the sound quality, but of course, that can be upgraded later in life. The windows are supposedly made to keep the heat out of the sun, but that's not quite accurate. It's like any other car window in its family. Trunk space is awesome! Fold down the seats, and you can practically sleep back there. All-in-all, the car does its job quite well. I forget sometimes to be grateful when I begin comparing it to other cars I should have bought instead.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Underrated vehicle with unexpected surprises
Demian, 05/02/2019
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought used 2016 forte5 ex after trading my old 2000 crv lx. Test drove elantra GT, honda fit, civic hatchback. (I didn't try focus hatchback because when I drove rental focus on german highway I wasn't impressed at all and also heard reliability score is low. I also didn't try Mazda 3 hatchback because of small space for backseat and cargo and very similar interior design to my current CX5). I chose forte5 because a lot less money than civic hatchback (better driving experience but noisier), better interior design and body style than elantra, and more powerful than fit (felt like driving a toy car). I think I can comment on riding since I added around 1000 miles. Yes riding is a lot bumpier than my 2012 honda accord as other people mentioned. But I liked the direct feeling of road conditions on the steering wheel and enjoyed the riding every day. Unexpectedly powerful and smooth when I pressed acceleration pedal. I was constantly watching mpg number on the gauge for fun and managed to 37 mpg for commute (local driving with around 15 traffic stops and lights). Steering is quite responsive and nimble. One gripe if I have to say is I feel more rough movement when it starts than any cars I have driven. Probably it is designed that way since I don't feel any engine roughness while driving. At the beginning, sometimes I felt engine misfires. However, after I realized I have to hold the key in ignition position a little longer to start the engine, the symptom was gone. I just got used to engine start of all japanese cars I have owned the last 30 years. I never thought about owning a korean car but this purchase changed my mind. Though have to wait for its reliability, don't have any hesitation to give a huge kudos to 2016 kia forte5.
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Unreliable, doesn’t last long
Kyndal McCroskey, 03/11/2024
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 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.
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Second KIA and still satisfied
meisnerjd@gmail.com, 04/18/2017
updated 10/19/2017
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as a daily commuter, I drive 90 + miles a day round trip to and from work. I average over 40 mpg. I gave the car five stars in performance because I am rating it against other cars in its class and price range. The manual trans. version (which I drive) accelerates circles around other subcompacts like Corolla, Sentra, Fit (not Hyundai -- same platform). Its cornering isn't amazing, but if I wanted something that took corners great, I'd have had to pay for it. Reviewers who hack on a sub $20K car's performance because it won't compare with that of a $60K sports car are trolls. This is my second KIA, having owned a 2013 Soul which I put 130K miles on with no problems what so ever. Likewise, I have had no issues whatsoever with the Forte. When this one reaches 100K miles, I'll most likely trade it for another KIA. The 100K mile warranty is the best in the industry.
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I Love This Car!
Gaines E., 09/14/2020
updated 11/13/2023
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I'm a second generation Kia owner - traded a 2008 Spectra in on this 2016 Forte5. Some people would say it's not peppy enough, but I find it keeps up in traffic just fine; true, it won't win any races, but it gets a solid 32 mpg with the AC on and 36 mpg during milder months. I am 6' 3" and the front seats are plenty spacious for my long legs. My wife complains the car is too low, but to me that just adds to the sportiness. I am the only driver of this car, so I know everything about it, and it is a pleasure to drive. In fact, I've put on 30K trouble-free miles. One thing I like about Kia is the service department at the dealership. They don't push you into buying extra service. I bought the service plan, and have enjoyed free oil changes, deep discounts on "other" services, etc. In comparison, my wife's Sentra seems to "need" something every time we take it in for ANYTHING! In conclusion, I will definitely buy Kia again; they build a quality car with a bunch of amenities as standard. Mine is a Forte5 EX (middle trim level) and it has LED DRLs, power folding mirrors, automatic transmission (not a goofy CVT), my radio can hold 250 songs, but I'm old school and listen to CDs, and alloy wheels (no plastic hubcaps). I chose the black cloth interior with black carpeting, and it is holding up well, however, I'm a neat freak, so my car is hardly ever dirty - inside or out....I even wipe down the door jambs every time it's washed. Update 3/18/21 Still loving my Forte5! I have nothing bad to say about this car. It's at 30K miles and my tires are wearing evenly (no alignment needed), the oil stays amber even though it has 5K miles on it (getting it changed Saturday), the finish is still shiny - even with two car washes a week.... I'm just a happy Kia guy. What's more to say? Update 3/20/2022 Still very happy with my Kia. I live close to work, so in a year I've only put on 5K miles since my last update. The finish is holding up well, still no alignment needed....I did have to put new tires on last April, but only because one developed a bulge in the sidewall. I put Pirelli's on it (boujee). UPDATE 9/26/2022, 39,168 miles Still a happy Kia owner. My free oil changes finally ran out, so I did the last oil change; a full synthetic job. The skidplate has to be removed in order to access the drain plug and filter - which protects the underbelly of the engine really well, but it's not consumer-friendly. I spent more time on that skidplate than the oil change itself. The original battery is still in the car, so the alternator either charges well, or Kia makes a darned good battery. No alignment needed yet, and my tires are all wearing evenly. 3/28/2023 42xxx miles Still completely happy with this car, and even more so now that it's paid off. The Pirelli tires are quite noisy, though - no fault of Kia's. As stated above, I'm a neat freak, so I've clay-barred the finish twice, and the paint is smooth as glass. The plastic headlight covers are still very clear with no yellowing, yet, but I have treated them with a product from Chemical Guys. Really, the only negative thing for me is the DIY oil change and that pesky skidplate. 11/11/23, 48K miles Drove it 1950 miles on vacation a week ago and it ran flawlessly, averaging 32mpg, and through high altitude mountains. Still very satisfied with this little car. In fact, got a compliment last Thursday from a truck driver I know. He saw me get out of it and asked, "Is it new?" I said, "Heck no, it's a 2016."
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Quirky reliable car
Evan , 06/20/2023
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This was the most reliable car I have ever owned until I hit deep water at speed and killed her. The pros: Zero maintenance. I put 133k on with nothing but oil changes, a tail light bulb, tires and new wipers. Bluetooth connectivity and sturdy low-tech features that always work. Great gas mileage. Always came in over 40 average, with plenty of city driving thrown in. Surprisingly large front seat. I'm 6'7" and fit in it very comfortably. Lots of trunk space too. Cons: Absurdly loud cabin noise. Hitting a small stick sounds like you're running over an oak tree. The headlights angle down, and the field of vision driving at night is limited unless the light beams are on. I lived near boar for a period of time with this car and I didn't like to drive it without the high beams on because you could see things until they were <100 ft. Away. The trunk randomly opens. There were many times I came out to the car and the trunk was open. Luckily people left it alone, but if you had something valuable in it, it would be a real concern. There's no spare tire. It has an emergency inflator, but that feels wrong. Overall, this car was great. I reliably commuted in it for 7 years in rain, snow and extreme heat. I never had a mechanical problem with it, and I never in a million years would have picked a KIA. My wife saw it, liked the color and the price. I didn't want to buy it, but in the end, I liked it and drove it more than she did. For a daily driver I would recommend to people commuting long distances. This would not make a great rideshare vehicle due to a small back seat when people are up front. I wouldn't buy it as a first car either, but it would make a great graduation present from a reliability standpoint alone. Would recommend it, but it's going to be a little weird. I already miss mine. RIP Kim Jong Fun.
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Fun Car!
Don B, 12/14/2017
updated 12/21/2023
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
first of all, this car is FAST. And BEAUTIFUL. Looks like an Audi A3, or a Mercedes C551. I got a, deal on a new 2016 in snow white with grey leather, moon roof, fully loaded with sun roof, nav, back up camera. Haven't figured out uvo infotainment system yet. Still no problems at 45000 miles.
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LOVE MY NEW 2016 FORTE LX
Joshua Evans, 03/07/2016
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2p16 forte lx after driving my mom's car she had just purchased. I cruised in ir a few times and two weeks later I went and bought mine...only she has the AT am I have a manual. LOVE DRIVING THIS CAR!!! I TURNED THE ECO OFF AND ZOOM I'M OFF AND RUNNING!! I would recommend this car to anyone who wants comfort and style without breaking the bank!
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Love it!
Tony B., 04/07/2016
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Have had it for over a week now and love it! Absolute value for the price. Looks stunning and handles well! Definitely recommend.
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Good Not Excellent Car
Leland Lesher, 02/26/2016
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
The 6 speed manual transmission is geared MUCH too close together. In town I shift from 1st to 3rd to 5th and run in 5th from 30-45 MPH. They could do without 2nd and 4th gears and raise the ratio of 6th and make a nice 4 speed transmission. Might be great in Korea or other countries where one never drives above 55 MPH. I would hate this car in Germany because I would be maxing out engine RPMs in 6th gear on the Autobahn. 6th gear should have the engine running about 2,000 RPMs at 70 MPH which would make the fuel economy excellent instead of just good. Interior is NOISY, even without my hearing aids. I don't know if it is the NEXEN stock tires or just the engine noise. I will know better after I change out the tires to Good Years or some other US manufactured "quiet" tire.
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Unreliable
Charlene robinson, 02/10/2019
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
Kia doesn't come with spare tires. No jack. I took my car into the dealer with the issue of starting. I have replaced 3 brands new batteries .Once my car seat for a few hours I have to use another car to jumpstart every day .kia dealer ran a diagnosticon the entirer car I was told all systems functions perfectly. Yet I'm still having the same issue. So basically I have been paying for a car note that I cant drive for a few months now.
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riding in style
tina martinez, 03/02/2016
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
my experience at Kia was enjoyable all the way around. Charles at the Kia store in Conroe was phenomenal he went out of his way to put me into the car of my dreams I am completely satisfied with all aspects off service that was provided to me. As far as the car it drives smooth hugging the road at every turn. I love the rearview camera that show me what is behind my car while backing up, I get great gas mileage which is another plus . Overall this is a great car and I would recommend all to head over to KIA in Conroe and let Charles put you into the car of your dreams.
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Forte5 EX or SX is the way to go
Bam, 11/02/2016
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
If you are interested in a Forte, get the hatchback. As far as looks, space,quickness in and out of traffic, and easy to work on, this is really the best hatch you can get. I thought I would never buy a Kia. Reminds me of Honda circa 1986. The only things I can nitpick on is handling is so so around curves, and stock speakers in the EX are horrible. Ride comfort is neither great or terrible. I drove out of the dealership under $20k for everything. Very satisfied.
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Stay clear of them unless you like buying tires
Philip, 08/06/2021
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
They cause cupping and wear on the back tires. I've went through a set of tires every 6 months. Kia blames alignment. Mechanics blame kia and say they need rear shims and are a problem with all fortes from 2010 to 2017.
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Sporty Hatchback
Jeff Guttenberger, 03/12/2016
updated 03/14/2018
2016 Kia Forte SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 16 people found this review helpful
Plenty of power. Turbo lag after shifts is annoying. Favorable comments on looks, wheels get the most remarks. Not equipped with a spare tire, jack, lug wrench. Good leg room in rear seat. After two years, car still feels tight no rattles, no problems. MPG freeway 70 MPH two people aboard, 34.5, mixed driver 28-29. 6M cable shifter is a little sloppy, sometimes hard to find reverse. Sum up, a very versatile vehicle, fun to drive can tote my kayak on top, tow my sailboat, big cargo area.
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Here's what I can complain about
VolatileCaprice, 07/02/2022
2016 Kia Forte SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I wanted a small car so I'm living with it, but the window/lock control panel is strangely close to the driver. Took a couple months to get used to pulling my arm all the way back so I can press the window buttons, never found that in another car before. A little low to the ground because it's trying to be sporty, but not too low where you hit every bump, just have to be more mindful of debris in the street. You can feel the road perhaps a bit more than the average car of this age, doesn't bother me, but some passengers like to point it out (dad). Also, being a small car, expect some extra struggle when you load up 4-5 heavy people :) Added 25k miles to the 15k I bought it with, no issues yet. Very basic features which I was happy with because I grew up on old simple cars, not a whole bunch of worthless tech I'll never learn how to use. Overall happy with how it performs, feels, handles.
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Reliabile and resonably priced
pako, 07/08/2020
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Perfect for a small family
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Best car I've ever owned
Smitty, 10/12/2021
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Best car for Sure , great on gas , sporty but economically cheap to work on , if I was going to buy another one I would for Sure buy another newer model of Kia Forte or the Stinger
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I love my Forte!
Disan, 05/30/2021
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car has been very reliable. I put about 15,000 miles a year with zero problems with just regular maintenance. I still get a lot of complements on how good the car looks.
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Satisfied Dee
Diane (Mimi) Fanning, 07/13/2022
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Everything, the ride, gas, car!!!
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Would not wish this thing on my worst enemies
Nick F, 11/01/2016
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 23 people found this review helpful
I would advise anyone looking to get a 2016 Kia Forte Ex steer clear. The transmission is very hesitant, especially on the freeway. The car rattled until on the fourth repair attempt they finally fixed the issue. The car is a nightmare for anyone who has an interest in cars. The engine makes pretty good power but it does not start to really get moving until around 5000 RPM. The transmission is always in the wrong gear. Eco mode just means the throttle will not respond almost at all. When cornering the traction control system tries to intervene and does a horrible job at that (even when the system is turned off it still tries to work.) The brakes overheat and fade pretty quickly in a stop and go higher speed situations. The drivers seat is extremely uncomfortable and lacks support. The plastics look cheap and feel the same way. I have had two bad tires because the stock tires went bad when in both cases a small rock on the road hit the sidewall of the tires. I am very upset and honestly will never own another car from Kia. I would suggest anyone to look at other upscale CPO cars instead of this one. I am not going to bother trying to fix anymore of these issue because at the end of the day it is not worth wasting my time. I honestly have stopped caring about my car. I used to wax it and wash it all the time but with all the problems I have had it doesn't seem like it is worth the care I would normally give to a car.
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Love my new Forte
Theresa Erkila, 04/30/2016
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 6 people found this review helpful
If you are looking for a great affordable car go and check out Cowboy Kia in Conroe Texas! They made sure I got the vehicle I wanted in the color I wanted and the price I wanted. The sales team and finance department were fantastic and made sure I was comfortable during the entire process. Everyone was very nice. As I have only had my Forte for a little over a week I can't comment on service because I haven't needed any. I love the interior and it handles nicely! Everything about it is great! I would recommend getting a Kia to all. Very affordable and plenty of extras for the price. Great on gas too. I am really looking forward to my trip to Louisville Kentucky next week. Derby Time!!
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My Forte Rocks
Jim’s Forte, 05/18/2020
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great value, very good gas mileage, fun to drive.
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Kia is awsome
Robert king, 05/16/2017
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I test drive mazda 3..to cramped inside I am 6 ft tall.even though I would say the mazda was more sporty looking I went with the kia way more bang for the buck
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Great car
Bel, 12/17/2019
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Drives well. Moves fast when needed.
UNSEEN!!!
dan faes, 12/05/2016
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 18 people found this review helpful
CAR IS GREAT ON PAPER...BUT THAT'S ABOUT IT. REAL WORLD DRIVING IS A SAD LET DOWN!!!!
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go for ride
Brad Steele, 06/11/2016
2016 Kia Forte SX 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 10 people found this review helpful
Great car and fun to drive!
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Definitely worth a look and a buy
wyatt brenny, 02/11/2019
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my first car as a 16 year old. I am 17 now and it has done nothing but great things for me. The fuel economy is amazing (25-28 city and 40-45 highway). Nothing short of a little engine masterpiece. The 1.8 liter engine may not look like much but combine it with the low gearing and a self shifter this car can get from 0-60 pretty quick.
Great Car for the Price
Joel, 06/14/2019
2016 Kia Forte Koup SX 2dr Coupe (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Own a 2016 Forte Koup SX. Wonderful car considering I was able to get it used for about 11k. Little noisy at high speeds but worth every penny for a car this price. I am 6'3 and 210 and fit in the Koup no problem. Manual shift is smooth and acceleration is very quick for the segment. Spare tire would be nice and the sport suspension can be rough at time when driving on bad city roads. Great looking car that isn't too common and a lot of fun.
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Great car .went from a 06 f-150 to a 16 kia
Jbpalomo , 07/20/2019
updated 01/24/2022
2016 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The best small car ever you can't beat the fuel mpg .On top of that I've had this car new only 22 miles on it and no recalls on this model ever I plan on keeping this car till it cant run any longer not a single problem with this car currently got 42000 mile on her take car of the car and the car takes care of you .can get close to 400 mile on a tank of gas traveling on the interstate
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Kia Forte5
Chris, 01/19/2020
2016 Kia Forte EX 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great gas mileage. Handles nice. Great in the snow with 4 winter tires.
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Fun car when it actually runs right
Rylan, 04/22/2021
2016 Kia Forte Koup SX 2dr Coupe (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very nice looking car. Taillights and headlights look amazing. Fancy features like folding mirrors with lights and frameless windows are things you would see on a fancier car. Seats are among the comfiest Ive sat in great for road trips. The stereo sucks however sounds like playing music on your phone speaker. Fuel economy and power are great from the 1.6 turbo, the car handles well and shifts great. Unfortunately I had 4 engines lights in one year of ownership from 53000-80000 kms. Had a awful misfire and went into limp mode in cold temperatures that made the car sound like a tractor. And the cars dash rattles like crazy over bumps. It's cheap kia roots came out and it's poor reliability made me trade it in for a Mazda.
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