2010 Kia Forte Overview Change Vehicle

This 2010 Kia Forte review explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2010 Forte, and includes Kia Forte safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

When a new model is dramatically different from its predecessor, a name change is frequently in order. And so it is that the Spectra is out, and the Forte is in. The new Kia Forte is a handsomely styled compact sedan with a stronger value story than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

The 2010 Kia Forte is available in coupe and sedan flavors, with the two-door model named the Forte Koup. That model is covered in a separate review, and we’ll focus on the Forte Sedan here.

Three trim levels are available, starting with the LX model. The LX model is very basic, though it is loaded with entertainment and communications equipment including Bluetooth, a USB port, an auxiliary audio input jack, a CD/MP3 player, and satellite radio with a free three-month subscription. Additionally, the Forte LX includes a height adjustable driver’s seat, a tilt steering wheel and, well, that’s about it.

The Forte EX is the model to buy if you want power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power heated mirrors, air conditioning, cruise control, floor mats, and an upgraded surround sound system with Power Bass. The EX also includes stylish turn signal indicators embedded into the side mirror housings. An optional Premium Package adds 16-inch alloy wheels and a power sunroof to the EX model. A Leather Package adds a leather interior, front seat heaters, and metallic interior trim. If you’re looking to maximize distance between fuel stops, try the optional Fuel Economy Package that includes a five-speed automatic transmission, electric steering, low rolling-resistance tires, and aerodynamic enhancements to bump mileage by two mpg in both city and highway driving.

Kia wants the Forte SX to be the sexy model. It gets a more powerful engine, more sophisticated transmission choices, 17-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, a performance suspension and bigger front brakes. Inside, sport cloth fabric with red stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Supervision gauges, and metallic trim on the dashboard and pedals is included. The SX also gets a telescopic steering wheel. Options include a power sunroof and leather seats with front seat heaters.

The Forte LX and EX have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 156 horsepower. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, and a four-speed automatic transmission is optional. Fuel economy ratings are 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with either transmission. If you choose a Forte EX with the Fuel Economy Package, you can expect 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

The Forte SX has a 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, the latter dubbed Sportmatic for its manual shift gate. Fuel economy estimates measure 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the manual gearbox and 22-city/32-highway with the automatic.

Both Kia Forte powertrains are covered by a generous 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, combined with five-year/60,000-mile basic and roadside assistance coverage.

Kia installs a fairly common set of safety features in every 2010 Forte: six airbags, traction and stability control, and a four-wheel-disc antilock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.

Crash-test results are favorable, but only, it seems, for Forte’s built after October of 2009. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), early-build models get a 3-Star rating for the rear passenger in a side impact collision, which is something to consider if you carry children in the car. Other results are 5-Star ratings for frontal-impact protection, a 5-Star rating for the driver in a side impact crash, and a 4-Star rollover resistance rating.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) says that a 2010 Forte built after October of 2009 is a Top Safety Pick thanks to Good ratings in all crashworthiness evaluations. Early-build cars receive an Acceptable rating for side-impact protection.

Reliability predictions are not particularly compelling. Consumer Reports thinks the Forte will prove average for reliability, while J.D. Power and Associates is predicting slightly below average dependability over time.

A strong warranty, stylish design, a compelling value equation, and, for some versions, a Top Safety Pick rating make the Kia Forte attractive to compact sedan shoppers. However, leading reliability research companies think the Forte remains a questionable choice. Unless you’re getting an amazing deal, you might want to shop the competition.

By Christian Wardlaw