Test Drives, Trends & Events

NADAguides Garage Blog
Car Shopping and Enthusiast Blog

NADAguides.com Awards 2010 Kia Forte "Car of the Year" at the Los Angeles International Auto Show

Posted by Mike Caudill on Tuesday, December 01, 2009 7:43 AM
2010 Kia Forte - NADAguides.com Car of the Year
In the compact car market, competition is stiff, and contenders are plentiful. When thinking of a high-performance sedan with both style and value, it’s a challenge to narrow it down to just one top pick. After driving the 2010 Kia Forte, it’s clear to see that this car is a worthy, if not surprising, choice for NADAguides.com “Car of the Year.” Not many cars can boast a full package when it comes to design features, price, performance and fuel economy, but the Forte leaves a lasting impression with all that and more.

2010 Kia Forte gauge cluster - NADAguides.com Car of the Year
You can see the range of performance of the 2010 Kia Forte with its two engine options: either a 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder producing 156 hp or a 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder making 173 hp.  The 2.0 models come with either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions, while the 2.4L models each receive an additional gear.  Both engines deliver on performance, and with an EPA estimated 25 city/34 hwy mpg for the 2.0L and 23 city/31 hwy for the 2.4L, the fuel economy is a standout feature as well. The Fuel Economy Package (available with the EX trim only) adds even more unique elements: electronic power steering, a smart alternator, low rolling resistance tires and aerodynamic improvements to achieve 27 city/36 hwy mpg.  What does that ultimately mean for the driver? Fewer trips to the pump, and more money in your pocket!

2010 Kia Forte radio - NADAguides.com Car of the Year
The interior features only complement the outstanding performance of the Forte. With some techie treats like Bluetooth hands-free calling, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with SIRIUS satellite radio and IPOD connectivity coming standard in every trim, the Forte is ideal for the driver who likes to let their inner rock star out while behind the wheel. The EX and SX trims also come with power steering wheel mounted controls, cruise control and optional sunroof and heated leather seating.

2010 Kia Forte steering wheel - NADAguides.com Car of the Year
The safety features on the Forte are evident not only with its 4 dual front, side and full-curtain airbags, but also with the 4 wheel anti-lock braking system and electronic stability control. Rounding off the long list of winning attributes to the 2010 Kia Forte is a low base price of $13,695 and Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

To learn more about the functional and affordable 2010 Kia Forte, please visit www.NADAguides.com.
7 Comments   Email this      Share NADAguides Garage Post

Currently rated 2.8 by 14 people

  • Currently 2.785714/5 Stars.
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

Reader Comments

bob hurley 12/1/2009 3:41 PM

I have a 2010 KIA forte with the 5 speed auto. IT HAS A BAD VIBRATION AND ROAR between 38 and 48 mph. FACTORY REP. says this is normal for the 5sp auto.Does anybody have the same problem . I really don't think this is normal.

Gary Rundell 12/1/2009 3:53 PM

Check www.kia-forums.com/kia-forte-forum for discussions of Forte tranny issues.

T S 12/8/2009 9:42 AM

I *NEVER* thought I'd ever buy a new car, let alone a KIA.

The KIA Forte Koup SX had EVERYTHING my loaded Mark VIII Lincoln had, and MORE (except electric seats and lighted mirrors)). Loaded leather package (I wanted the 6-speed manual), 17" wheels & GoodYear tires, anti-lock, anti-skid, low tire pressure warning, heated seats, heated windsheild, HomeLink, auto dim mirror, bluetooth, steering wheel controls, cruise control, satellite radio, MP3 player plugin, iPod special attachment, 2 cigarette lighters for accessories, USB for playing MP3s off a thumb drive! The CD player plays MP3s off a CD, too! Alarm, 6-way moonroof, remote opening, power everything (except seats, not an option), and even sound-activated blinking red rings on the speakers (not on Canada model(?)) with fading adjustment or constant-on features. You can also turn OFF the dome light so its not on when you open the door!

I was almost sold on a Fusion (Cant afford the SHO) but at $31000...no way. I paid over invoice but under sticker. Barely over 19000...beat THAT Honda and Toyota!

Ex Ford-trained mechanic...this is a SOLID car and I know what I'm talking about!

Tom 3/27/2010 9:32 AM

Anybody know the manufacturer of the radio in the Forte Koup - need to figure out all the ins and outs of USB hard drive structure for playing tunes - when I go through folder advance it only cycles through 5 of the 30 folders.

zwoirle 5/20/2010 6:26 PM

zwoirle 5/20/2010 6:22 PM

Carl Caudill was a newscaster in North Carolina in the 1950's. He moved his family to the San Francisco Bay area and became Carl Cordell. His son entered law enforcement, and in 1972 stopped me driving my 1965 Corvair Corsa convertible along Highway 280 because the muffler was falling off and throwing sparks. When he spied a Red Mountain gallon wine bottle between the front buckets he asked me what was in it. I told him 20w-50. I always carried a jug of recycled motor oil when I drove the Corvair; it leaked about a quart every 100 miles. We reminisced about North Carolina, Carl gave me a warning and I made it home safely to La Honda. He was a good guy.

Priciyana 9/2/2010 5:26 AM

I had also served so many cars, like ford,BMW, etc.. personally a dealer.. but haven't experienced such good drive. http://www.cardealera.com. The Kia Forte is a brand new fuel efficient and high performance compact car. The Forte offers class leading horsepower and advanced features.

Mark David 12/23/2010 4:23 AM

I just read a blog same as your topic with the blog of (http://www.firstchoicecarsales.com/) I enjoy reading both– I'm often amazed by how much you dictated each informations that we really needed. Nice one, thanks for sharing this to us.

Add Your Comments!




 



[b][/b] - [i][/i] - [u][/u]- [quote][/quote]


reviews Blogs - BlogCatalog Blog Directory Find Blogs in the Blog Directory Blog Flux Directory blog search directory blogarama - the blog directory