2019 Kia Forte EX 2.0 petrol from North America

Summary:

It's a very well done compact car

Faults:

Just got the car brand new.

The problem dash light was on, on the third day of ownership; it was related to the front collision avoidance detection. Went to the dealer, who diagnosed a defective front sensor.

Second issue is that when the cruise control is set, the engine revolution goes 1000 to 1500 RPM higher. That problem was mentioned to the dealer. Since the car is a totally new design, it has the IVT Kia new intelligent CVT transmission that feels like a regular automatic.

General Comments:

The car has good handling, the suspension is on the sporty side. The transmission doesn't feel like a rubbery CVT.

I like the Android auto, the screen is big and clear, I would have preferred to be more toward the dash for location wise.

It's a decent comfortable ride. The NVH are not too invasive. The seats are firm and well molded, for my stance (I'm 1,86 m and 82 kg). The quality of assembly and materials are far ahead of the 2014 Cruze I owned. I like the car design in and out.

So far at minus 10 degrees Celsius, I'm averaging 7,5 l per 100 km mostly city driving. I bought the Kia because of their recent reliability classification. It's my first Kia. I'll keep you posted.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th December, 2018

5th Feb 2019, 19:16

The owner,

My issues well, for the cruise control it appears that this is normal with a CVT. So the way I do it is that I use the sport shifting and put it in high gear while I set the cruise, so the engine revs at a normal pace or the smart mode rev.

The problem with the detection of the frontal collision avoidance system is due to me putting a toll sticker just in the camera view. Since it is winter and a lot of abrasives are applied on the road, all the sensors on the car get dirty very quickly and don't function properly. I'm at 3000 km and so far so good.

Another thing, it has been very cold lately so my fuel consumption average is of 8,12 l/100 km or 32.1 MPG Imp. or 26.7 US MPG. A bit of a let down on that side.

2011 Kia Forte SX Hatchback 2.4 gas from North America

Summary:

I got less than I paid for...

Faults:

Rattles around the sunroof.

Rattles in the rear hatch area.

Rattles in the front end.

Transmission is very slow to engage reverse.

Backup camera was replaced at 12000 miles.

Did I mention rattles?

General Comments:

I purchased this car as a 'commuter' and was not expecting Mercedes levels of quiet, comfort, or performance, but I didn't expect it to rattle like a 10 year old dump truck after only 12,000 miles. The dealer, conveniently, could not replicate the noises (odd, since they were quite obvious just pulling out of the service department parking lot).

Transmission is slow to engage in reverse when cold

Back-up camera, radio, nav - all functions on the in-dash screen are extremely slow to engage. I'm half-way out of my drive before the review camera comes on.

Gritty engine. Reasonably quick and economical, but it will never win awards for smoothness.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th February, 2013

2013 Kia Forte SX 2.4L inline, 4 cylinder gas from North America

Summary:

Sporty hatchback that is fun to drive

Faults:

So far, nothing has gone wrong.

General Comments:

This is car fun to drive, with lots of pep and nice handling.

Accessories/Options: Weather Tech style mats, air conditioning, sun-roof, heated seats/mirrors, leather, satellite radio, steering wheel audio/cruise controls.

It responds very well to driver input. Power delivery feels very good, and is there without hesitation when needed.

The exterior design is great. It has a sporty stance that has amazing curb side appeal.

It has a solid feel to it, with nice interior features and build quality.

There is some road noise, especially when on the highway. However, this does not take away from the driving experience. Engine noise is moderate, really only becoming noticeable when accelerating quickly.

Climate controls are easy and straightforward to use, and function well.

Radio controls are also easy and straightforward to use. Steering wheel controls are a great feature, and I highly recommend them.

There is a ton of interior room for both front and rear passengers. Do not let the exterior appearance fool you (as it did me). Everyone I have had in the car is shocked by how much room there is once inside the vehicle. This goes for cargo space well.

Seats are comfortable and easy to get in and out of. The SX comes with leather, which feels very nice and soft (it does not have a 'plasticky' feel to it).

I decided to get the Weather Tech style mats with this car. I purchased them directly from my Kia dealership. I got the full set (front, rear, and cargo). They are definitely worth every penny, and I highly recommend that you get them with your vehicle.

Unfortunately, if you intend on using an iPod with the radio, then you do require the Kia iPod cable (for playlists, and song names). This is completely stupid in my opinion, and it is stupidly overpriced! See if you can get it thrown in when you purchase the vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th October, 2012