History/Description: Competing with the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Mazda3 and other compact models, the Kia Forte launched for 2010 and quickly grew into a model range consisting of a standard four-door sedan, high-utility “Forte 5” five-door hatch and a sporty two-door “Koup” model. With an eye for value, the Kia Forte appealed highly for its combination of generous standard equipment, relatively low pricing, and decent all-around performance, mileage, and safety implements.
All models got a 4-cylinder engine displacing 2.0L or 2.4L and making 156 or 173 horsepower. Look for manual or automatic transmissions with up to six gears, depending on the model selected. Note that the Forte nomenclature sees the LX trim applied to more basic models, with EX and SX representing mid- and up-level grades. “Plus” and “Luxury” packages added even more feature content, and all models were front-wheel drive.
Common Issues With The Used Kia Forte: Start your manual-equipped used Kia Forte test drive with a check of the clutch and shifter to ensure there’s no slipping from the clutch, and that the shifter moves freely between all gears with no issues. Some drivers reported manual transmissions that like to “stick” into gear or become hard to shift.
Note that many manual transmissions require more effort to shift gears until the fluid inside warms up, though test drivers are encouraged to make sure that’s the case if they encounter any issues. Insist on driving the model you’re considering from a cold start, ensuring it hasn’t been pre-warmed ahead of your arrival. Though somewhat inconclusive, reports of transmission failure in the Forte owner’s community are well-documented.
Further, some owners of models with automatic transmissions report slipping, jerking or otherwise rough behaviour from the gearbox, as well. In the later case, a reprogramming of the transmission computer at a Kia dealer may fix the issue.
In any case, a check beneath the Kia Forte candidate for signs of transmission fluid leaks, and a careful test drive paying attention to shift-quality is advised.
Be sure the stereo system, and satellite radio (if equipped), are functioning properly, and double-check proper operation of all steering-wheel mounted controls.
Finally, “listen” to and “feel” the suspension for signs of unwanted noise and sensations, which could indicate the need for some suspension work.
All models got a 4-cylinder engine displacing 2.0L or 2.4L and making 156 or 173 horsepower. Look for manual or automatic transmissions with up to six gears, depending on the model selected. Note that the Forte nomenclature sees the LX trim applied to more basic models, with EX and SX representing mid- and up-level grades. “Plus” and “Luxury” packages added even more feature content, and all models were front-wheel drive.
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| Photo: Justin Pritchard |
Common Issues With The Used Kia Forte: Start your manual-equipped used Kia Forte test drive with a check of the clutch and shifter to ensure there’s no slipping from the clutch, and that the shifter moves freely between all gears with no issues. Some drivers reported manual transmissions that like to “stick” into gear or become hard to shift.
Note that many manual transmissions require more effort to shift gears until the fluid inside warms up, though test drivers are encouraged to make sure that’s the case if they encounter any issues. Insist on driving the model you’re considering from a cold start, ensuring it hasn’t been pre-warmed ahead of your arrival. Though somewhat inconclusive, reports of transmission failure in the Forte owner’s community are well-documented.
Further, some owners of models with automatic transmissions report slipping, jerking or otherwise rough behaviour from the gearbox, as well. In the later case, a reprogramming of the transmission computer at a Kia dealer may fix the issue.
In any case, a check beneath the Kia Forte candidate for signs of transmission fluid leaks, and a careful test drive paying attention to shift-quality is advised.
Be sure the stereo system, and satellite radio (if equipped), are functioning properly, and double-check proper operation of all steering-wheel mounted controls.
Finally, “listen” to and “feel” the suspension for signs of unwanted noise and sensations, which could indicate the need for some suspension work.
 |
| Photo: Justin Pritchard |
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