Used 2016 Kia Forte Sedan Consumer Reviews

Well made & designed car for a bargain price!

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!

Inexpensive well equipped car

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

Pretty good

Fast car, it's pretty good. Only problemis the multiple recalls the engine Has and how much oil the car burns through

Good price for a reason. A beer can body.

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.

Getting my Money's Worth

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.

I'm in Love

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.

Forte Fan

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.

Kia is the best bang for your buck!

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.

Coming from a 99' Chevy Lumina

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.

Acceleration

Poor acceleration when going uphill.

Outstanding Car

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.

Second KIA and still satisfied

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.

Fun Car!

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.

Quirky reliable car

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.

LOVE MY NEW 2016 FORTE LX

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!

Love it!

Have had it for over a week now and love it! Absolute value for the price. Looks stunning and handles well! Definitely recommend.

Good Not Excellent Car

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.

Unreliable

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.

riding in style

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.

Stay clear of them unless you like buying tires

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.

I love my Forte!

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.

Best car I've ever owned

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

Would not wish this thing on my worst enemies

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.

Love my new Forte

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!!

My Forte Rocks

Great value, very good gas mileage, fun to drive.

Great car

Drives well. Moves fast when needed.

UNSEEN!!!

CAR IS GREAT ON PAPER...BUT THAT'S ABOUT IT. REAL WORLD DRIVING IS A SAD LET DOWN!!!!

Definitely worth a look and a buy

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 .went from a 06 f-150 to a 16 kia

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

Great vehicle!

38 mpg highway. Easy to use controls. Rear view camera. Stereo system. I willS never go back to Toyota. Can't believe suggested retail price is higher now than when I bought it. I did know that it was a deal as a one year old 14k vehicle. Only negative. Experiencing some discolor in upholstory driver side. I've had no trouble thus far. Love all the countless features. It is a keeper.

Friendly Environment

2016 Forte

Put on comfortable shoes, take your umbrella, and take your time and enjoy your shopping.

Love it!!

This car is amazing! It has so many features and runs like a dream!!

Great deal

Great!