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2010 Kia Forte Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Change Year or Change Vehicle
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.
Kelley Blue Book Value®
$4,534 - $6,914
Used Fair Purchase Price Range
Crash Test
Source: NHTSA.gov
MPG (up to)
25 City / 34 HWY
Horsepower
156-173
Seats
5
4.3 Owner Reviews (152) Photos (72) Video Reviews (4) Compare Models & Features For Sale Near Me (2)

Expert Review

By Kelley Blue Book Editorial Staff

Editor's Overview

Show Full Review
What's New Interior Features Exterior Features Driving Impressions Pricing Notes Notable Equipment

Kia Forte Models & Trims

LX - $4,534 - $5,983

Horsepower: 156 hp
Engine Type: Gas I4
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 15 x 5.5 (in.) Steel
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

EX - $4,759 - $6,280

Horsepower: 156 hp
Engine Type: Gas I4
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 15 x 5.5, 16 x 6.0 (in.) Aluminum, Steel
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats (Optional)
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

SX - $5,241 - $6,914

Horsepower: 173 hp
Engine Type: Gas I4
Standard Seating: Cloth
Standard Wheels: 17 x 7.0 (in.) Aluminum
  • Bluetooth
  • Navigation System
  • Heated Seats (Optional)
  • Sunroof
  • Back-Up Camera
  • Premium Audio
  • Smart Device Integration
  • Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • Keyless Start
  • Keyless Entry
  • Automated Emergency Braking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Warning

Owner Reviews

4.30
5 star
47%
4 star
38%
3 star
14%
2 star
1%
1 star
0%

My vehicle is light, easy to handle, travels smoothly with a great gas mileage.

My vehicle is a really nice model and year Kia. I find that it really meets my mileage needs. I drive very often, it is my daily driver. My normal drives average no less than 15 minutes, and I often take drives that take over 9 hours. I depend on this car to carry me safely through each Journey, and she delivers. The gas mileage averages around 30 mpg. The car is also a very comfortable drive, smooth on the road. One of my favorite features of my car is the turn radius. She can pull a u turn in the tightest of places and maneuvers very softly. My brakes are very responsive and have never had problems there. I really have an appreciation for how my car drives. It is a very light car and handles precisely and very quickly. If you are not so use to driving quick response cars this one could get ahead of you a little bit. I really like this car a lot.
Emily G
Helpful

Ready great car, only minor inconveniences.

I love my car! My last car had so many issues, so this one has been a breath of fresh air. The only issues that I have noticed have been strange noises. I am not sure if it is the shocks but when I sit in the car, it tends to creak and crackle, and I am not super heavy or anything. I haven't really questioned it with a mechanic though so it could be something easily fixable. I bought it slightly used and it works great for a used car. The only things I do not like are electronics. The car has Bluetooth, but the Bluetooth only works for calls, not playing music through the car. Also, I have an iPhone and the USB port for chargers and connecting music to the car does not work for me. I am not sure why but I have to use the AUX cable for music still and the car lighter for my car charger. Nothing huge but it is kind of inconvenient.
Cassie C
Helpful

Great for single people. Good gas mileage. Not family friendly, trunk is roomy.

When I first bought my car I loved it! Great gas mileage, looked good, kind to the economy. I bought it for long distances only. Now I have kids and a husband and it's hard to fit the car seats and sit comfortably. So now we're looking into a Kia Sorento for extra room. I have had a couple problems with the motor. I have had my engine replaced two times already. But other than that I believe my Kia Forte has been a great car. The gas mileage is not as good as when I bought it but I also have not kept up on my inspections like I should have. The trunk is great, very big and roomy! All in all I think the Kia Forte is a great single person vehicle. Not so much family friendly.
Alex M
Helpful
See All Reviews (152)

Video Reviews

Roadfly.com - 2010 Kia Forte Road Test and Review

Roadfly.com - 2010 Kia Forte Road Test and Review

172,807 views
Roadfly.com - 2010 Kia Forte Road Test and Review
Roadfly.com - 2010 Kia Forte Road Test and Review
172,807 views
2010 Kia Forte EX start-up, interior, exterior
2010 Kia Forte EX start-up, interior, exterior
135,377 views
2010  KIA Forte SX review
2010 KIA Forte SX review
72,251 views
2010 Kia Forte EX Drive Time review | TestDriveNow
2010 Kia Forte EX Drive Time review | TestDriveNow
59,669 views

Compare Models & Key Features

For Sale Near Me

Crash Test Results: Front, Side & Rollover

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides consumers with information about crash protection and rollover safety

  • Overall
  • Front
  • Side
  • Rollover

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a non-profit group which conducts safety testing beyond federal regulations. "Good" is the highest rating.

  • Moderate Overlap Front G
  • Side G
  • Roof Strength G
  • Driver-side Overlap Front N/A
GGood
AAcceptable
MMarginal
PPoor

Safety Features

  • 4-wheel anti-lock brakes
  • Brake assist
  • Electronic brake force distribution
  • Electronic stability control w/traction control
  • Front/rear crumple zones
  • Side impact door beams
  • Dual front advanced airbags -inc: passenger switch
  • Front seat side mounted airbags
  • Full-length side curtain airbags
  • 3-point height-adjustable front seat belts w/pretensioners & force limiters
  • 3-point rear seat belts
  • Lower anchors & tethers for children (LATCH)
  • Tire pressure monitoring system
  • Rear child safety door locks
* Optional Safety Feature

Long-Term Reliability

J.D. Power Ratings 2

JD Power's Initial Quality Study measures issues with a vehicle the first 90 days after purchase.

  • ‌Overall ?
  • Mechanical ?
  • Powertrain Quality ?
  • Body & Interior Design ?
  • ‌Features ?
Among the best
Better than most
About average
The rest

Safety Recalls (1)

  • .
    Air Bags Jun 1, 2018
    Report Receipt Date:
    Jun 1, 2018
    NHTSA Campaign:
    18V363000
    Summary:
    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
    Consequence:
    If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
    Remedy:
    The remedy for this recall is still under development. The recall is planned to begin on July 27, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.

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Expert Rating What's New Interior Features Exterior Features Driving Impressions Pricing Notes Notable Equipment
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Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price (Used)

Updated weekly, the Kelley Blue Book® Fair Purchase Price for used cars is generally the midpoint of the Fair Market Range. It is Kelley Blue Book's estimate of what a consumer can reasonably expect to pay this week in their area for this year, make and model used vehicle with typical miles and configured with their selected options, excluding taxes, title and fees, when buying from a dealer. It's based on actual used-car transactions, plus data from other reliable third-party sources as well as market conditions.

Kelly Blue Book® values and pricing are based in part on transactions in your area.

J.D. Power Ratings Disclaimer

2. J.D. Power’s Power Circles Ratings do not include all information used to determine J.D. Power awards. See jdpower.com for more information. Your experience may vary. All information provided by J.D. Power is owned by J.D. Power and is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and conventions. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the express written consent of J.D. Power, other than printing copies of the J.D.Power content by site visitors for their personal use. J.D. Power® is a registered trademark of J.D. Power.

Initial Quality Study: After 90 days.

J.D. Power Ratings Disclaimer

Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., vehicle/brakes pull, abnormal noises or vibrations).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems that have caused a complete breakdown or malfunction of any component, feature, or item (i.e., components that stop working or trim pieces that break or come loose).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the engine or transmission as well as problems that affect the driving experience (i.e., excessive brake dust, brake noise, excessive oil consumption and battery failed).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with exterior, seats and interior (i.e., memory seat controls difficult to use, center console difficult to use and materials scuffs/soils easily).
Taken from the Initial Quality Study (IQS), which looks at owner-reported problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership, this score is based on problems with the windshield wipers, navigation system, rear-seat entertainment system, heater, air conditioner, stereo system, sunroof and trip computer.

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2010 Kia Forte

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