29th Apr 2010, 16:04
Sounds like they are trying to sell us the Forte! I tested the car (coupe) and I have to say that I'm impressed. It has quality materials, it handles well, and it is very comfortable, but I would never say that is "light years ahead" of the Corolla and Civic. Well the Corolla perhaps, but the Civic? I don't think so.
Don't get me wrong though, it seems Kia is finally evolving into a good car company, and the Forte might be its first car that breaks the cycle of "cheapness". It's definitely worth a test drive if you are looking for a small sedan or coupe.
20th Jun 2010, 23:37
Owned mine since Sept 09. Problem free daily driver with the 2.0 eco package. The automatic with paddle shifting makes for a fun drive in the city. A lot of people ask about mine. Always tell them I've owned Toyotas, but this is a deal
21st Jun 2010, 17:11
We refuse to buy ANY imports, but as car enthusiasts my wife and I love to test-drive cars. We chose a Hyundai Genesis and a Kia Forte Coupe a few months ago to take out for an afternoon spin. I've driven Civic and (YUCK) Corolla, and I can assure you the Kia Forte puts them to shame (especially the shabby, tinny Corolla). The Forte has a solid feel, is great fun to drive and was amply powerful. If I weren't a loyal American, I can see myself owning one.
4th Sep 2010, 17:52
People should own the best product that they like and need. You shouldn't see yourself as disloyal to your country if you buy a Hyundai or Kia. It's been said on this site many times, but I don't believe there is such a thing as a 'domestic' car, anymore. For example, the Fusion is built in Mexico, and Hyundai has plants that build cars in North America. Parts are produced all over the world. It's become a global thing to produce a car.
28th Sep 2010, 08:43
I bought a Kia Forte a few months ago.
At first, I was looking for another type of car. But when I saw this car and had it for drive, and with that price, it was simply marvelous. I was a little hesitant about the reliability, but when there is a 100,000 mile warranty, you can buy it.
The only thing I would point out as a flaw of the Kia Forte is the difficulty to see through the rear window. Although you have the lever to arrange the seat position, it requires practise to get to know how to look in the rear window.
Other than that, it is a fabulous car.
31st Jan 2011, 23:08
Listen, what do I know, BUT - When you buy something because it is "American", it does nothing to help competition flourish. Competition amongst "sellers" is a very good thing for "buyers". Supply and demand. Why do you suppose all "American" cars are now trying to copy "Foreign" cars - Competition has kicked them in the butt, and now they're trying to play catch-up. If you buy simply on the "I support domestic blah", it lets bad companies keep on producing crap. Instead, buy what is the best quality for the best price -- even though some terrible companies and their bad decisions get bailed.
17th Jun 2011, 14:48
I agree. There really aren't any completely "Domestic" vehicles out there anymore. The statement above about buying "domestic" out of nothing more than perceived loyalty, does nothing but allow inferior companies to continue with their inferiority. This is glaringly obvious when you compare Harley Davidson to the imported cruisers. The Metric cruisers are marginally better, and way less expensive, yet folks still pile into Harley dealerships to get WAY LESS for their money. On top of that; I know people who work for Harley, and they tell me they receive shipments everyday from foreign companies. Ignorance is bliss, I suppose.
18th Jun 2011, 18:31
Knowing how much of your buying dollar flows out of the U.S. economy is VERY easy. Just look at the sticker on the car you are considering. It's right there in black and white. When I test drove a Kia (which I was VERY impressed with) I noted that if I bought the car, 93 cents out of every dollar I spent would go to foreign parts suppliers. Sorry, but that is just way too much of my hard-earned money exiting the U.S. economy. If it's not 80 per cent or more U.S. made, I won't buy it. Helping foreign workers at the cost of U.S. jobs is not good for our country... period.
22nd Mar 2010, 18:18
There's a reason why the Civic Si costs more than the KIA. It's a better car. And not just a minor incremental better, we're talking light years. Have you driven a Honda Si manual? Amazing. I walked into a Kia dealer trying to find out if I could drive a Koup with the manual. Apparently they have issues with the clutches and I wanted to see how bad this was. Even the salesman admitted problems. It's a new model year for this vehicle. I suggest skipping and waiting for 2011's.