2012 Kia Forte - A great small car for most drivers
My Kia Forte came in a limited set of colors, which made it so that I accepted a silver color rather than the deep blue or purple I would have preferred. The car seemed to handle great with no real issues save one recall for seat belts -- something I'd never encountered any difficulty or trouble with during the time I owned the car. The only negative that I can really say about the car is that it isn't as aerodynamic as I would like as it has no sport fin and that it seems to have a loose transmission in the automatic "stick" design for the gear shift... though that issue didn't arise until nearly six years after I began driving it, and approaching 100,000 miles.
My Kia Forte came in a limited set of colors, which made it so that I accepted a silver color rather than the deep blue or purple I would have preferred. The car seemed to handle great with no real issues save one recall for seat belts -- something I'd never encountered any difficulty or trouble with during the time I owned the car. The only negative that I can really say about the car is that it isn't as aerodynamic as I would like as it has no sport fin and that it seems to have a loose transmission in the automatic "stick" design for the gear shift... though that issue didn't arise until nearly six years after I began driving it, and approaching 100,000 miles.
As I've used the car a lot for work, the most memorable times I've had were in taking others to and from work with me. Because of this, the most memorable was probably when someone told me that my car was the next thing to a Cadillac when they heart the sound system and felt how smooth the car rode down the interstate. If you take good care of a Kia, they can be reliable and nice cars.
As I've used the car a lot for work, the most memorable times I've had were in taking others to and from work with me. Because of this, the most memorable was probably when someone told me that my car was the next thing to a Cadillac when they heart the sound system and felt how smooth the car rode down the interstate. If you take good care of a Kia, they can be reliable and nice cars.
It's great that the Kia Forte has a good sound system installed so unless you want extreme bass, you don't have to upgrade. It comes with XM radio, dual FM and AM tuners, all with a six-preset for one-touch access to your favorite radio stations. Additionally, it comes with a CD player and a hide-away USB port that allows for mp3s to be played directly through the stereo system, with full controls on the radio so there's no need to fumble with an mp3 device while trying to drive. It's also very nice that controls are duplicated on the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to cont... (more)
It's great that the Kia Forte has a good sound system installed so unless you want extreme bass, you don't have to upgrade. It comes with XM radio, dual FM and AM tuners, all with a six-preset for one-touch access to your favorite radio stations. Additionally, it comes with a CD player and a hide-away USB port that allows for mp3s to be played directly through the stereo system, with full controls on the radio so there's no need to fumble with an mp3 device while trying to drive. It's also very nice that controls are duplicated on the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to control music while watching what they are doing on the road. There is more space in the passenger cabin than many other cars in the same size range, as the car doesn't cut in as much as other makes and models tend to. This makes it easy to comfortably fit five full-size adults in the cabin, with a trunk large enough for an emergency auto kit, a month's worth of groceries for a family of five, and room to spare.
Unfortunately, every vehicle has some negatives, and the Kia Forte is no different. To replace headlights or tail lights, you have to remove the entire light housing. When leaving the car out in the snow, it will sometimes "lock up" in the cold, meaning you have to push the fear shift completely forward in park, hold down the break and turn the steering wheel just to be able to unlock the steering column so you can turn the key in the ignition. I had to call about the problem the first time, though once they told me what to do, it's fixed the problem the next five times it occurred... usua... (more)
Unfortunately, every vehicle has some negatives, and the Kia Forte is no different. To replace headlights or tail lights, you have to remove the entire light housing. When leaving the car out in the snow, it will sometimes "lock up" in the cold, meaning you have to push the fear shift completely forward in park, hold down the break and turn the steering wheel just to be able to unlock the steering column so you can turn the key in the ignition. I had to call about the problem the first time, though once they told me what to do, it's fixed the problem the next five times it occurred... usually when the temperature drops below 0 degrees. Additionally, a tail fin is not included with the car, but it would be a great idea to help with aerodynamics and lessen the slight shaking that occurs when you reach 70+ MPH on the interstate. The engine is sufficient for the car, but don't plan on sitting back in your seat trying to take off... if you try that, it might feel like it's trying to stall.
2012 Kia Forte - Overall quite satisfactory for the price.
Overall, I have been quite pleased with my 2012 KIA Forte SX. I would absolutely consider it a reliable car. I have driven my Kia Forte on many road trips and have only ever had an issue with my starter functionality wise. Although, that is a problem that has had to be replaced...2X. I've taken it to California and Vegas a few times and always felt safe in the vehicle. I would consider it a good car for a first-time driver, I feel the car handles on the road quite well as long as tires are replaced in accordance to tire tread guidelines. The low-profile tires don't last as long, but they look great! As far as gas mileage goes, I feel the Kia Forte does exceptionally well. I always receive at least 25 miles to the gallon, and on the highway, I can get into the 40 mpg range if I drive sm... (more)
Overall, I have been quite pleased with my 2012 KIA Forte SX. I would absolutely consider it a reliable car. I have driven my Kia Forte on many road trips and have only ever had an issue with my starter functionality wise. Although, that is a problem that has had to be replaced...2X. I've taken it to California and Vegas a few times and always felt safe in the vehicle. I would consider it a good car for a first-time driver, I feel the car handles on the road quite well as long as tires are replaced in accordance to tire tread guidelines. The low-profile tires don't last as long, but they look great! As far as gas mileage goes, I feel the Kia Forte does exceptionally well. I always receive at least 25 miles to the gallon, and on the highway, I can get into the 40 mpg range if I drive smooth enough. That being said, this car can accelerate quickly and handles very well when doing so! It feels sporty to drive, and my car has the spoiler on the back which I think really classes it up and makes a huge difference, that and the 18" Alloy Wheels. The interior is one area I do feel the Kia Forte could use a little improvement. The wraps around both of my door handles have started to peel off: they are pretty cheap. I purchased my car brand new from the dealership and took it in to get the first handle fixed immediately. When the other handle started doing it, of course, the warrantee had been exceeded, and they wanted me to pay out of pocket which was frustrating. Besides that, our cloth seats are easy to clean with soap and water. I like the material they choose for the upholstery. Overall, it seems durable. Overall, I think it's a great car. I just can't give it a perfect score when the wraps came off the handles and had 2 starters have to be replaced.
Every year I take my car to our annual water follies. I always drive my friends, we always take my car and it's always fun getting ready to go to the races and mingle with everyone. We roll up windows and sun roof open, music blaring, drinks and our coolers, just waiting for the unexpected!
Every year I take my car to our annual water follies. I always drive my friends, we always take my car and it's always fun getting ready to go to the races and mingle with everyone. We roll up windows and sun roof open, music blaring, drinks and our coolers, just waiting for the unexpected!
Very smooth handling and accelerates very well. Gas mileage is not bad at all. The car looks sporty being the SX with the spoiler and upgraded alloy wheels but gives you the durability and reliability and great mileage.
Very smooth handling and accelerates very well. Gas mileage is not bad at all. The car looks sporty being the SX with the spoiler and upgraded alloy wheels but gives you the durability and reliability and great mileage.
I think some of the materials used in the interior are cheap. The wraps were coming off my door handles after a year or 2, and when that happens, they become sharp and easy to cut yourself on. I went through 2 starters in the first 3 years -- which I thought was odd given the new vehicle. I also don't like that when you have the air conditioner turned all the way off, air is still bowing through your vents.
I think some of the materials used in the interior are cheap. The wraps were coming off my door handles after a year or 2, and when that happens, they become sharp and easy to cut yourself on. I went through 2 starters in the first 3 years -- which I thought was odd given the new vehicle. I also don't like that when you have the air conditioner turned all the way off, air is still bowing through your vents.
|