Small changes are in store for the Kia Forte this year, and that makes sense. After a 2010 introduction and a sophomore year that debuted a new hatchback design and two new transmissions, it’d be natural to take a bit of a break. The aforementioned hatchback is available only with an automatic transmission this year, and EX trims gain a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. If you opt for the technology package in the EX, you’ll get an Added Supervision meter cluster in addition to a list of gizmos like traffic nav, rear-view camera, keyless access and start, and chrome door handles. Chrome is so hi-tech. Of course you’ll also get automatic climate control, fog lights and automatic headlights, so it’s not a bad option package, especially for less than 2 grand.
Otherwise things remain the same for this quirky compact, with sedan configurations coming in LX, EX and SX trims and the hatch coming in EX and SX flavors. A 2.0-liter, 156-hp engine powers the LX and EX trims, and it’s a gutless disappointment. You’ll have to wind the mirthless mill up to 6,200 rpm just to utilize all the power of those 156 horses, and it’ll sound quite ragged as you do so. But the Forte has never been known for speed and power, and the 2.0 will get you around town with little drama at least. With the 6-speed automatic it’ll even return 26 mpg city/36 highway, and if you choose the Fuel Economy Package, you’ll add electric steering, low-rolling-resistance tires and new aerodynamic tweaks for a 1-mpg bump in the city and on the highway. The manual fares worse: 25/34.
SX trims get a bit of a power boost from a 2.4-liter, 173-hp engine. 17 horses aren’t a lot, but an extra 24 lb-ft of torque help and make things a lot less strained when speed is needed. The 6-speed automatic also comes with paddle shifters here, and while the Forte will never be mistaken for an enthusiast’s ride, the fun is increased a bit with their inclusion. Efficiency drops down to 23/32, however – a big sacrifice for not a lot of power gained.
The real benefit of the SX trim is its suspension. While LX and EX trims suffer from a setup that is neither overly comfortable nor impressively sporty, the SX manages a better blend. Bump absorption is adequate, with only large inconsistencies producing some nasty clunking, and the firm roadholding of this svelte spinner might just inspire some corner carving if you can maintain speed.
The biggest drawback for the Forte is all the noise. With a compact, you’re expecting a cheap suspension and a strained little engine, but noise doesn’t have to come along with all that. Some added insulation would go a long way in deadening all the wind, tire and engine noise that constantly permeates the cabin. The perceived shortcomings of both would be partially mitigated, and perception is everything. As is there’s a cacophony of sounds that continually intrude, and they serve only to make things uncomfortable.
But for the price, it’s hard to argue. The Forte's negatives can be avoided mostly by going for a Civic or a MAZDA3, but you’ll pay to do so. On top of that, Kia hasn’t been noted for leaving well enough alone – as evidenced by the Forte’s first two years. Smart money says the Forte will just keep getting better. For now, it’s still a great deal in a compact.
I am replacing the blower motor on my 2012 kia forte. I just need tips on how to take the plug out of the blower motor. Do I just pull it out or do I need to wedge a flat head in a certain side to get it out? It's not like the plugs I seen in videos.
2012 KIA Forte, drove 400+ miles no issues, went to drive one morning, topped out at around 45 MPH and wont change until for apx. 10 Minutes or so, then drives fine. Had this issue now 4 or 5 times. Took to transmission shop, it never acted up for them, and fluid looked good, said they could find nothing wrong. Check engine light is on, codes at vacuum leak. Any ideas what could be wrong or if this and the light are related? Could it be a speed sensor?
refillingfluid wont drain into fill plug on top of transmission
drives good but its making a ticking sound
We bought our son a 2012 Kia Forte sedan. We've never had any issues with it. He was out one night and came back to the car, put the key in the ignition and nothing. AAA came out and tried to jump him and it won't even jump start. The battery is dead, so I put a new battery in and all I got was lights flashing and the horn blowing like an anti-theft device. But the car still won't even turn over. Any ideas?
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: sunglasses holder · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: tilt
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season · Width: 205
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.8 · Front brakes: disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 2.89
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent