2010 Kia Forte
The 2010 Kia Forte replaces the Spectra in the company's lineup.

Kia’s 2005-2009 Spectra was a competent compact sedan that was high on value, but a bit low on pizazz. For 2010, Kia is aiming to increase its compact-car brio by retiring Spectra and replacing it with Forte, an all-new compact sedan with slicker styling and more power.

For now, Forte is available as a 4-door sedan only; a 2-door coupe called Forte Koup is scheduled to follow later this year. Base LX, mid-level EX, and sporty SX trim levels are offered. LX and EX models get a 156-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission (a 5-speed automatic is available with the optional Fuel Economy package). SX models get a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter four with a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic.

Click here for a full review of the 2010 Kia Forte.
Until recently, the Kia brand’s appeal has centered on value pricing and generous warranties, but the Korean automaker is aiming to add a few more attributes to that list. Kia hopes that eye-catching products like Forte and the recently introduced Soul “urban passenger vehicle” will push customers’ emotional hot buttons in addition to appealing to their practical side. Judging from our seat time in the Forte, Kia is well on its way toward accomplishing that goal. Forte’s more-dynamic styling is a clear step up from the outgoing Spectra, and the rest of the car has a more engaging personality as well.

What’s Cool…

Full Complement of Standard Safety Features
Some automakers charge extra for components such as antilock brakes, traction control, and antiskid systems on their compact cars, but all Fortes come with these and other safety features as standard equipment.

High Features-per-Dollar Ratio
Kia vehicles are typically generously equipped with standard features that usually cost extra on rival makes, and the Forte keeps up that tradition. Highlights of the list include steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, Sirius satellite radio, and Bluetooth hands-free cell-phone link with steering-wheel controls. The short list of options includes leather upholstery and a power sunroof.  

Decent Passenger and Cargo Space for the Class  
Among compact 4-door sedans, the Forte’s front- and rear-seat passenger space and cargo volume is at the head of the class. Tall adults can ride in the back seat in reasonable comfort and the trunk benefits from a helpfully wide aperture.

Optional Fuel Economy Package for EX Model Promises Better MPG
For customers interested in squeezing the maximum fuel economy out of their Forte, Kia offers a $600 Fuel Economy Package that swaps the standard 4-speed automatic transmission for a 5-speed unit. Also included are electric power steering, a high-efficiency alternator, low-rolling-resistance tires, and slight underbody aerodynamic enhancements. With the Fuel Economy Package, Kia claims a laudable 27 city/ 36 highway mpg rating--a gain of 2 mpg both in city and highway driving over models with the standard 2.0-liter engine.

All Fortes with automatic transmission also include an “EcoMinder” fuel efficiency monitor, a readout on the dash that illuminates when the vehicle is being driven efficiently.

What’s Not…

Telescopic Steering Column is Available Only on SX Model
Fortes have satisfactory driver room overall, but Kia unfortunately chose to make a telescopic steering column available only on SX models--the priciest in the lineup. LX and EX models offer only a tilt column, making it more difficult for some drivers to tailor an ideal seating position.

Manual Transmission is not Particularly Crisp
The SX model’s 6-speed manual transmission doesn’t feel as crisp and sporty as the rest of the car. The shifter has long throws and a rather Jello-y feel, and the clutch pedal is similarly mushy. Other compacts, particularly the Mazda 3, offer slicker-shifting manuals.

Road and Engine Noise
No compact car is especially quiet, and Forte’s overall noise levels are competitive with class rivals. However, both Forte engines can become clamorous during brisk acceleration, and rough highway surfaces can induce significant tire roar.

Subpar Chassis Refinement
In terms of road noise and suspension refinement, the Forte comes up a bit short against class leaders. All Fortes, particularly the SX model, are reasonably nimble, but their composure when traversing sharp bumps and moguls doesn’t quite match cars such as the Honda Civic and Mazda 3.

CG Says:

Following on the heels of the head-turning Soul subcompact wagon’s debut, Kia aims for a more mainstream market with the introduction of an all-new compact sedan. Forte is not a game-changer in the hotly contested compact-car segment, but its crisp, cohesive styling, respectable all-around performance, and strong value proposition should make it a competitive player. We’re also looking forward to the Forte Koup 2-door coupe, which is set to follow later this year.

06.29.2009