Used 2017 Kia Forte for Sale nearJanesville, WI

How much does the 2017 Kia Forte cost?

Prices have softened 6.86% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 759 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $8,794.50, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte a good car?

With a 3.25/5 user rating and a 7.33/10 expert rating, the 2017 Forte lands in the solid-but-selective-buy category rather than the must-have tier. It is a refreshed compact sedan that Kia used to keep the car competitive, and the update brought a restyled front end, new lights, a more efficient engine, and more standard features across the lineup.

The model scores 8/10 across Form and function, Cost effectiveness, and Safety.

That makes it a sensible fit if you want a compact sedan that feels updated without moving up to a larger or pricier vehicle. The Forte’s strengths are the breadth of the refresh and the added equipment, while its challenge is the same one faced by any car in this class: it has to hold its own against a long list of rivals.

26.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so you still have room to shop carefully.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte reliable?

The 2017 Forte is presented as a value-focused compact sedan with a refreshed design, a more efficient engine, and added standard equipment, which supports the case for a practical used buy. The expert review also notes that Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been popular residents of reliability lists of late, alongside the brand’s warranty reputation.

The 2.0-liter engine is described as a carryover design with enough power for the Forte and no sense of being strained or overworked in normal driving. On the ownership side, Kia’s financing and warranty positioning reinforce the idea that this is a car built to be affordable to live with.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that a well-equipped example can be priced close to more expensive rivals, so condition and maintenance history matter more than badge value.

What should I look for when buying a used 2017 Kia Forte?

At 49.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has the available safety tech or higher-trim equipment you want. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the features you care about are actually present and functioning.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base LX is notably sparse, with a small touchscreen and fewer standard conveniences, while S trims add a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, selectable drive modes, a sport suspension, and unique trim and upholstery. The EX drops the sport pretension but carries over more of the comfort and convenience equipment, so it is the better-value choice if you want a more complete daily driver.
• Powertrain: The updated 2.0-liter engine makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, with EPA estimates of 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway for 32 mpg combined. The base LX manual drops to 25/34 and 28 combined, while the EX’s carryover 2.0-liter setup is rated at 25/33.
• Safety package: The available suite includes lane-departure warning and prevention, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with auto brake and pedestrian detection. Those systems are available above the base LX, so you should confirm whether a specific listing has the package you want.
• Infotainment: The base LX uses a 4.3-inch touchscreen, while S trims and above get a 7-inch touchscreen with Kia’s UVO infotainment system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX also adds an upgraded color LCD screen between the gauges.
• Fuel efficiency: The updated 2.0-liter engine is rated at 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway with 32 mpg combined, while the LX manual is rated at 25/34 and 28 combined. The EX is rated at 25/33.

Which 2017 Kia Forte trim should I buy?

The 2017 Kia Forte is offered in 3 trim levels: LX, S, EX.

Here's the short version:

• LX: This is the entry point, but it is very bare-bones. You get the lowest starting price, yet even basics like an automatic transmission and more useful tech cost extra, so this trim makes sense mainly if you are chasing the cheapest possible Forte.
• S: This is the best-value trim. It adds the 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, selectable drive modes, a sport suspension, and more distinctive trim, making it the smartest choice if you want a well-equipped Forte without going all the way to the top.
• EX: This is the comfort-oriented pick. It drops the sport pretension of the S and carries over more of the useful equipment, so it suits you if you want a more polished daily driver and are willing to pay for it.

The safety systems are available above the base LX, so if those features matter to you, avoid the entry trim.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2017 Kia Forte?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage but should still compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 26.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 759 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.86% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 49.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $8,794.50, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2017 Kia Forte's resale value?

The current average of $8,969 sits slightly below last year's $9,630.

That price movement suggests the Forte has softened enough to help you buy in at a more favorable level than a year ago. If you plan to sell later, that also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment rather than on broad market appreciation.

For a future seller, the good news is that the Forte’s refreshed features and value positioning can help it remain appealing to budget-minded shoppers. The caution is that a lower current market average can limit upside if you overpay now.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte safe?

The Forte earns a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings in overall front impact tests.

It earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The available driver-assistance suite includes lane-departure warning and prevention, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision warning with auto brake and pedestrian detection. Those systems are available above the base LX, so you should verify that a specific listing includes the package you want.

The expert review also highlights a 120-foot 60-0 stopping distance, which is a strong result for the segment and especially relevant if safety is a priority for you.

Should I buy a 2017 Kia Forte or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2017 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2017 if:

• 26.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 49.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.86% compared with last year.
• For 2017, Kia restyled the front end, added new lights, a more efficient 2.0-liter engine, a sport trim, and more standard features across the lineup.

The bottom line: If you want the refreshed Forte with better standard equipment and a softer market price, the 2017 is the year to target. If you are especially price-sensitive, you can still shop carefully and focus on the best-condition examples, but the 2017’s update makes it the more compelling pick within this generation.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.