2010 Kia Forte ES (803)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2010 Kia Forte ES 4-door sedan. You’ve gotta be impressed with where South Korea has come to in the automotive industry. I hear more people talking about Kia and although it doesn’t have a fancy badge it is on the way to becoming a major player.

It is at the higher end of an economy sedan and will find approval for old and young alike. Economy starts with the great fuel numbers and 34 mpg highway is a welcome feature of this family sedan.

Opinion:

Don’t drop your guard on the highway as the CHP is heating up even more as time goes by. They obviously need to safeguard their jobs so they are writing tickets as fast as they can and you and I are their prey.

I get calls from friends telling me where speed traps are and you should consider the same thing. Call your friends and let them know when and where you see a predator lying in wait to tax them to death even further than they already are.

It is shameful because times are hard enough with so many people out of work. Watch your speed and don’t give the bad guys the chance to give you more pain.

Handling & Performance:

The power is sufficient at 156 hp but you can opt for a 2.4 liter 173 hp engine in the SX model. It handles nicely but you’ll feel every pebble on the road. You can eliminate road noise level by paying twice the money for a BMW.
Styling:

Usual but nice clean lines.

Fit and Finish:
Good.

Cost:

Worth the money.

Conveniences and comfort:

Seats four comfortably and it has good trunk space and generally the seats were very comfortable.
Recognized Competition:

Kia Forte $14-17,000, Chevrolet Cobalt $15-25,000, Dodge Caliber $17-20,000, Ford Focus $16-19,000, Honda Civic $15-25,000, Honda Civic Hybrid $24-27,000, Hyundai Accent $10-16,000, Hyundai Elantra $14-18,000, Mazda 3 $15-22,000, Mitsubishi Lancer $15-27,000, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback $19-28,000, Nissan Sentra $15-20,000, Pontiac G5 $17-20,000, Saturn Astra $17-20,000, Subaru Impreza $17-27,000, Suzuki SX4 Sport $13-19,000, Volkswagen Golf $18-23,000, Volkswagen Rabbit $16-19,000, Toyota Corolla $15-20,000.

Good News:

Priced well, good fuel economy.

Bad News:

Sensitive steering, road noise level is a little high.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 156 hp 4-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic trans, independent front & torsion beam rear suspension, Rack & pinion steering, ABS disc brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, front, side and side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring, LATCH child system, air conditioning, audio with CD/MPS and 6 speakers, SIRIUS satellite radio, Bluetooth hands free, USB and Aux inputs, power windows and locks with keyless remote, cruise control 2- 12 v power outlets, 6-way driver seat, cloth seats, 60/40 split folding rear seats, center console, power mirrors, remote fuel door and trunk and hood releases, auto headlights, tilt steering column, variable intermittent wipers.
Gas Stats:

$2.99/ Gal avg. March 19 ‘10
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

25 City and 34 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $16,795.