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Used 2018 Kia Forte Consumer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars
79 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Forte, so we've included reviews for other years of the Forte since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Kia forte S Sedan

Justin, 03/25/2017
2017 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

S model is great in gas. 29 city/ 38 highway EPA estimates. 2017 model has new 2.0 L engine with 6 gear automatic. 2017 has automatic headlight setting, backup camera, Bluetooth. I believe s and ex models come with touchscreen head unit that has Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 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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5 out of 5 stars

Great, economical Car

HRN, 11/07/2017
2017 Kia Forte LX 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful

This is my first experience with a Kia and I am really happy. Traded a Toyota Camry and the Kia is a much better car. Better finished better pick up better comfort. Better price

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 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

Suprisingly good car

Dan Davis, 08/02/2018
2017 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful

I've been traveling a great deal and this is one of my favorite small rental cars. Electronics/entertainment with the upgraded S model are great, with a very functional Apple CarPlay. Climate controls are simple and easy to use. Handling, the car has very easy turning and control. In the S trim, I felt a significant difference from the LX. This is probably due to the alloy rims and wider tires on the S vs the LX. I would definitely opt for an S if I were in the market for this type of car. It's great for non freeway roads, parking, small turning radius, things you want if you're looking for a runabout or short freeway hop vehicle. Response from the engine is good up to normal speeds, a bit sluggish once you start trying to pass people at 70+ (or around 80) as is common in larger metro areas. As the engine is not a turbo, there's no turbo lag and power delivery is very smooth. Excellent gas mileage too. Seating in small cars is usually a big deal for me, as I'm a bit overweight. However, this was very comfortable compared to other small cars. There is only one car in this category I've liked better (excluding the Accent, which is essentially the same) after driving a slew of similar vehicles from many manufacturers, and that was the Chevy Cruze. The Cruze has more power, more style, and better electronics. However, Cruze also has auto engine stop and a small displacement turbo, which may be maintenance issues in the future. It's also slightly more expensive.

Safety
3 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
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4 out of 5 stars

Great car for the money

David H, 11/24/2017
updated 12/02/2019
2017 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Got hit hard in my 2015 Kia Forte, bought the 2017, couldn't be happier with my 2nd time. It's a joy to drive ad own. Kia West Atlanta car dealership, however is the worst.

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

Happy purchase

Jin, 10/09/2019
2018 Kia Forte S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Bought the Kia Forte S with tech package which is incredible value. The car drives well in dry, wet, and snow and is comfortable on drives around town. People have said the backseat is roomy and the front cabin is a good kind of snug. The size has been fantastic to parallel park and it is easy to drive around parking lots and in garages. As the other reviews have mentioned, the OEM tires are horrid so upgraded to Michelin Premier A/S. I also complain about the sliding rear end when making left turns, the car does not always feel the most grounded. My last gripe is long-term comfort on road trips and even sometimes siting in traffic, I think Civic and Mazda 3 do those two better but of course they are a few grand more when equally equipped. Highly recommend as a first-time vehicle or city driver. The S trim is great and the only thing you really lack are seat heaters and leather. Great job Kia!

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