2010 Kia Forte Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The 2010 Forte will replace Kia’s best-selling U.S. model, the Spectra, which was a replacement for Kia’s original compact, the Sephia. Why...
The 2010 Forte will replace Kia’s best-selling U.S. model, the Spectra, which was a replacement for Kia’s original compact, the Sephia. Why would Kia want to replace its best-selling model? Well, the Spectra was known primarily for three things: great value, great efficiency, and styling that would put a meth head to sleep. Kia hopes to enervate their compact entry with the Forte, touted as larger, faster, and sexier than the outgoing Spectra.
This front-wheel-drive four-door sedan offers two inline four-cylinder (I4) engines and four transmissions across three trim levels - LX, EX, and SX. LX and EX trims get a 156-hp, 2.0-liter inline four with the choice of a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic, however a Fuel Economy Package offering a five-speed automatic, electronic power steering, and low rolling-resistance tires that is said to produce a 36 mpg rating on the highway will be available. The SX trim gets a 173-hp, 2.4-liter inline four mated to either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic. EPA estimates show 25/34 mpg for the 2.0-liter engine when mated to either the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, while the 2.4-liter gets 22/32 with the six-speed manual and 23/31 with the five-speed automatic.
With its increased dimensions, the Forte boasts 96.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, something Kia touts as “class-leading.” Standard features include a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, dual 12-volt power outlets, a tilt steering wheel, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with a three-month trial of Sirius satellite radio, an auxiliary audio input jack, USB port, and Bluetooth. EX and SX trims get a six-speaker stereo with steering-wheel controls, power windows and doors with remote keyless entry, air conditioning, and cruise control. SX trims exclusively get a tuned suspension, sport seats, a telescoping steering wheel, larger brakes, a rear spoiler, and 17-inch alloys. A sunroof and leather upholstery are on the long list of options.
Standard safety features for the Forte include dual-stage front airbags, side curtain airbags, active front headrests, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and electronic stability control, as well as a tire pressure monitor.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2010 Kia Forte appreciate its excellent gas mileage, fun driving experience, and great value for the price. Many reviewers enjoy the modern electronics, including Bluetooth and steering wheel controls. However, some drivers have expressed concerns about the transmission performance, with mentions of it hesitating and requiring adequate throttle during low-speed driving. While the car looks great and handles well, there are slight complaints regarding the acceleration and build quality."
Handling: great Acceleration: lacking somewhat Braking: great Build Quality: minor issue with tire pressure. Nothing too bad Appearance: looks great both inside and out. I like the metal pedals CoO: gets a pretty good mpg, and I haven't needed any mantinence on it FF: Yes, this car is fantastic to drive
December 7, 2010Excellent gas mileage, fun to drive, wondering about transmission possibly slipping, it hesitates sometimes in between gears, not always, this is 6 speed automatic transmission
September 14, 2009Overall rating on the Forte was better than all cars in its class. The sticker price was thousands less than all the others in its class plus the Forte came with great options such as Bluetooth hands free phone, sunroof, traction control, stability control, heated seats and all the other common features. It also came with 4 wheel disk brakes with 16” aluminum spoked rims. I wish it would have come with better quality tires but overall it has been a great value and recommend to anyone looking for a new car.
September 24, 2010What owners say
Handling: great Acceleration: lacking somewhat Braking: great Build Quality: minor issue with tire pressure. Nothing too bad Appearance: looks great both inside and out. I like the metal pedals CoO: gets a pretty good mpg, and I haven't needed any mantinence on it FF: Yes, this car is fantastic to drive
December 7, 2010Excellent gas mileage, fun to drive, wondering about transmission possibly slipping, it hesitates sometimes in between gears, not always, this is 6 speed automatic transmission
September 14, 2009Overall rating on the Forte was better than all cars in its class. The sticker price was thousands less than all the others in its class plus the Forte came with great options such as Bluetooth hands free phone, sunroof, traction control, stability control, heated seats and all the other common features. It also came with 4 wheel disk brakes with 16” aluminum spoked rims. I wish it would have come with better quality tires but overall it has been a great value and recommend to anyone looking for a new car.
September 24, 2010I love acceleration that gives. It great on gas and have huge tank for less fill up. This car is fun to drive and I love electronics of the car. It hooks up everything like my phone and IPod to car. I can control everything from my steering wheel.
May 25, 2010I am very glad a bought this car, I have to drive it to work on inclement days when I can't ride my bike( motorcycle). It handles great, quite a bit a power for it's size and very nimble and quick. My only complaint would be the 6 speed transmission. You cannot use traditional methods like you would any other car. You have to give it ample throttle or it will die on you. Kia did a great job on designing this car with the exception of the addition of the clutch protection valve, which make driving it at low speeds a chore, but the engine rewards you with power when you need it. But aside from that it is a fun car to drive around.
December 5, 2012This car attracts a lot of attention as to price,accessories etc.It is fun to drive although my wife detests a manual transmission. If I could choose again I would have bought an automatic.
November 23, 2009it has a 1600cc , 124hp which is very good in urban driving. it has a steptronick 4-speed transmition. it got nice looks but a little bit weak body the seats are a little lower to the ground than the previous model.
October 1, 2009the car is nice looking and it much quieter than KIA previously sounded. it gets great gas miliage.and so far no problems. kia had a few stupid recalls but nothign major. i have 20K miles on it now in oct 2010
October 28, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $16,800 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 147 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 29 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $21,700 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 164 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 14.7 cu ft |
Combined MPG 33 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$13,695 - $17,195
Current avg. market price
$4,971
Price unchanged this month
May 2026 - November 2026
