Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
21 -25 City / 29 -33 HWY
Horsepower
173 -201
Seats
5
Front passenger 3/4 w/ wheels turned.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Jessica L
My Kia and the values in entails.
I really enjoy my Kia it's a great car awesome on gas mileage good features would have liked a rear view facing camera the maintenance in the car is always taken care of and we got an amazing warranty.
accountCircle Sarah C
Kia forte koup too low but fun.
The car drives very low to the ground and is quite long in relation. You have to pay attention to curbs or you will grind the front a lot. I have lost a lot of paint along the front liner and had to have a tire shield replaced due to curbs breaking it off and sliding out.
accountCircle Kimberly W
It's good on gas as well as having a user friendly sound system.
My car is good on gas. It handles nicely. It has a nice sound system
accountCircle Bobbie L
A great car with great gas mileage.
I love the interior and exterior of this car. I have it in grey with grey interior. I love the sleek design of the car and the mileage is better than I have ever even heard of. I can average up to 40 mpg. I dislike that there is little room in the backseat. My biggest concern with this vehicle is that it is not a very smooth ride. You can feel every bump along the way. All in all, a great car.
accountCircle Emily D
Dependable and Easy Going
I love my vehicle because it is dependable, low maintenance and gets amazing gas mileage. My only complaint would be how low to the ground it sits.
accountCircle Vicki S
Water stains on seat difficult to remove.
I really do not have a lot of problems with my Kia forte. It is very comfortable and reliable. My only problem I have is the seats stain easy. I have spilled water on my passenger seat and it left a big water stain. When trying to clean the seat, I left a bigger water stain.
accountCircle Alexandra C
Some interesting details of my vehicle is that it is hatchback.
The performance of my vehicle is very strong. My Kia forte is very reliable, responsible, great car that never fails. I have gotten into a few accidents but that is on my part. My car is fast and. Jude and built for speed and operation. My Kia forte is the best thing that has ever happened me to in the whole wide world.
accountCircle Andrea M
Perfect economic car, you do not need to put too much gas for it go very far.
My favorite thing about this vehicle is the mileage. It is a good car if you are looking to save good money on gas. It has 5 seats however for 3 people to be in the back is not the most comfortable car unless that a kid sits in the middle then it should be fine.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Dudu B
A grey color and a nice shape.
It is condition not working well, it is too slow and not comfortable at all. I hope I would change it soon. It has a nice features such as its color and its shape. Something that will help car buyers is that if they want to buy a great car is to look for the best features.
accountCircle Megan W
Overall would not buy another Kia forte 5 worst mistake of my life.
Started having lots of problems within 30, 000 miles my battery died, air filter replacement, my horn stopped working, my transmission just started to shift hard or not want to slip in to reverse. Reliability on a scale 1-10 1 being the worst 10 being the best it is about a 5. Basic features Bluetooth, usb. It is comfortable despite the mechanical problems, but I keep having issue after issue with anything under the hood.
accountCircle Bridget B
It's got great gas mileage
My KIA gets me back and forth to work. It's a good basic car. I don't like the seats they are uncomfortable for long trips.
accountCircle Alicia C
Not what I want looking for something I actually want and this Kia isn't it.
I just do not like the car never was what I wanted. Its price to high right color just wrong car. I am trying to trade but nobody will trade for it because I owe to much on it and I got it at the end of 2015. I want something cheaper. Kia is good but not what I want if I am pay all that money a month it needs to be something I want.
accountCircle Warren
Deceptive.
I like that my Bluetooth hooks up with my phone pretty seamlessly. I dislike it because it sucks. I don’t like hearing and feeling everything through the car’s ridiculously low profile tires that are there for show. Even the negative camber doesn't help this wandering warrior, actually may cause it. Idk, I thought Kia was for real. Spend a few thousand more on a Civic, worst car purchase of my life.
accountCircle Camille N
Kia forte. It is okay for everyday drive.
It's a recall sp registration renewal is extra work. It is not good on curves. It feels like it is struggling when going uphill. It doesn't have extra safety features. I hate drive it on the freeway. I feel like it moves a lot. Pro: it saves gas, it has an eco mode. It is okay for regular drive.
accountCircle Amit G
Nothing is so interesting about it.
Pickup is lame, shakes at 60mph, also it is so light that if another vehicle passes by the car will shake and you feel like it is going to topple. It eats patrol and mileage is poor. Overall sucks, it does not have rear camera or auto mirror adjustment, it is expensive related to what you get.
accountCircle Lana M
If I knew what I know now. I wouldn't have bought this car.
Lifters started ticking after one year. . Alternator pulley had to be replaced after one year. . Learned driving system is not safe. Car pulls/shutters on its own. As you press the break in it pops back out. Cloth stains easily. Sweat stains, water stains, etc.

Kia Forte Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
LX
173 HP 28 MPG 5 Seats
car
EX
173 HP 28 MPG 5 Seats
car
SX
201 HP 24 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2016 Kia Forte Owner Reviews

4.34
526 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 50%
4 stars 36%
3 stars 12%
2 stars 2%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Alicia M on June 25, 2021
The 2016 Kia forte is a safe, dependable and comfortable car.
I love my 2016 Kia forte. I bought it new from a local authorized Kia dealership. It runs really quietly. You can hardly tell when it is on. The seat comfort was really important to me because I have a bad back. The seat is curved like a person's back as it should be and is very comfortable. The air conditioning is very cold and the heat works great. The acceleration is not snappy but is adequate for a person that does not speed. The breaking is excellent and instant. I was driving once and a car to my left was going to turn right into me just looking at their phone! No one was behind me so I braked hard and the car stopped instantly. They safely pulled in front of me and no one was hurt. The only issue I have had is that the cars battery will die if not driven for about 2 weeks. I had to replace the battery. I just make sure to drive once a week to keep it charged now. Overall best car I have ever had!
accountCircle maria M on June 25, 2021
The radio is nice but seats are ugly.
No problems just ugly and I like SUVs more. The color I have is red and I think it looks like a target shopping cart. But never had any mechanical issues and drives well. Mileage could be better. It seems like I run out of gas quicker than it seems which is weird.

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Cathryn A.

It was affordable. I have had a Kia in the past and found them reliable and well made vehicles. The warranty is excellent. I also have roadside service at no charge. My vehicle handles well and has good pick up. One thing that I don't like is that for rear seat passengers, the ride is not always smooth.

likeFilled Susie H.

Comfortable to drive, low maintenance, easy to handle, back up mirror very handy, large back window to be able to see lanes of traffic behind me, great gas mileage, can be used in economy setting to get even better gas mileage.

likeFilled Jenn M.

The vehicle is my mothers, it is reliable, easy to maintain and an overall good vehicle. Plenty of room in the trunk. My daughter's car seat is a large one and fits very well. My husband is 6 ft 4 and fits in the car nicely.

likeFilled Lisa F.

Forte gets really great gas Mileage. I get around 30 miles per gallon. Zippy little car to get around in. You get a lot for your money with the forte. Trunk space is large. That is all I have to say that is positive.

likeFilled Chelsie B.

Awesome gas mileage, gets around pretty good in the snow too. It is been a reliable car so far. Love the color. Love the stereo system it has in it. The seats fold down so it is easier to put stuff in the trunk.

likeFilled Kimberly F.

Great little car for the price. Great gas mileage both in town and on the highway. Drives smooth on the highway, and does not have the road noise. Plenty of room for a small compact car, including side cup holders in the front doors and a convenient fold down cup holder in the back seat. This little car is loaded!

likeFilled Jordan A.

Pros: Very good on gas. Bluetooth and hands free. Very roomy and comfortable. Has ecosystem. Cons: cannot find cruise control. No backup camera. Front layout could be better. Overall nice car and worth the money.

likeFilled Princess F.

It is compact and reliable. It gets me exactly where I need to be when I need to be there. I have cloth interior so it does not get too hot or cold. It is also not a gas guzzler. Another pro that I like about my Kia is the fact that it looks aesthetically pleasing.

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Cathryn A.

It has Good pick up, has a very comfortable ride, it has a spacious back seat with good leg room. The trunk is a good size, It gets decent gas mileage, Handles well on wet or dry roads. I also have Kia roadside assistance at no extra charge which gives peace of mind should I get a flat while I'm out.

dislikeFilled Susie H.

Does not indicate which tire is low in air when light comes on, no adjustment to raise seat higher so have to use pillow, no handle over the door to get out of the driver side easier, cannot at this time think of anything else that I do not like about the car.

dislikeFilled Jenn M.

We use regular unleaded in the car, it is not a very large tank because the gas seems to go fast. The area we put our car seat in the backseat is behind the passenger seat and if someone who is tall sitting in that seat moves the seat back there's not too much room for the toddlers feet goes right up to the back of the seat so my daughter is always having her feet on the seat and kicking it.

dislikeFilled Lisa F.

Car has no power. You cannot pull out and expect to get out of anyone's way. Paint job is super cheap and chips, scratches easy. Plastic inside broke the day I got the car. Feels like a really cheap car.

dislikeFilled Chelsie B.

Well I didn't realize I ended up with the basic model. My car does not have cruise control or little lights in the front for the passenger to turn on if they dropped something. So those are definitely things I'll be looking for in my next vehicle.

dislikeFilled Kimberly F.

AM/FM DVD player in the dash. Cruise control. Bucket seats. ECO friendly. Heated mirrors. Fold down console in the back seat. Cup holders in the doors. Nitrous tires. Three different types of trip settings. Outside temperature display on dash. Automatic door locks and front seats.

dislikeFilled Jordan A.

That is comfortable and roomy, it fits my style so it makes it more of a plus for me. It is luxurious and engines last long enough. Also the Kia stores add a lot of awesome deals and sales of Kia have great mile points for certain check ups you need.

dislikeFilled Princess F.

I do not have too many cons at the moment. I do not like the fact that there is no touch screen inside the car and the fact that the volume is a little low even when on full blast. I also do not like the fact that I do not have tinted windows but I think that is just a personal preference.

Ranks #20 Small Cars by Owners

The 2016 Kia Forte has an average owner rating of 4.39 out of 5 which ranks it #20 of 38 other Small Cars.

1
car
4.9
2
car
4.71
20
car
4.34

Ranks #8 Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2016 Kia Forte has a combined MPG of 42 which ranks it #8 of 38 other Small Cars.

1
car
121 MPG
2
car
48 MPG
8
Tie
car
33 MPG

Is The 2016 Kia Forte A Good Car?

Yes. Drives great and gets good gas mileage. Has great features- heated steering wheel, heated and cooling seats, GPS, satellite radio and comfort.
Kayla O.
Yes, it is sporty looking yet efficient. It is good on gas, reliable and inexpensive to run. I think it is a great car.
Susan V.
Yes, it is a great and reliable vehicle for me. It has been very trustworthy and comfortable to drive in and it gets great gas mileage.
Sarah H.
Yes the 2016 Kia forte lx is a good vehicle. It small and compact yet roomy, it rides smooth, safety feature to a point, stylish car.
LaBrittany S.
Yes it is awesome. I love the way it drives. Very good handling on corners and roundabouts. Love the way it looks.
Katelyn W.
Yes it is a great car and gas saver for the environment and drives smooth with great control of the road.
larry s.
Yes I believe so, I have not had problems with it, besides oil changes I have not had to fix anything.
Brenda D.
It's an okay car I bought it for its price. It is a car I mostly use to drive from work to home in a medium sized car. It has decent miles per gallon.
Robert F.

How Reliable Is The 2016 Kia Forte?

I have owned mine for a little over two years and its reliable. Has always started right up (except when battery died which eventually happens). Tire level drops when it first drops really cold each... Read More
Kayla O.
It is extremely reliable. I have had it for 3 years and have had no major problems with it. It is great on gas and has not presented me with any problems.
Susan V.
Not, it does not have any problems. It has been very reliable and useful for me. I haven't really had to fix anything major on it besides routine maintenance.
Sarah H.
Yes the 2016 Kia forte lx is reliable. It has some good features but could use others for maximum safety measures. Response time is great, gives notice/warning to when something major needs attention.
LaBrittany S.
It is very reliable I have never had any issues with it. Stars every time and even in the cold it is perfect.
Katelyn W.
Very reliable have not had major problem in 5 years since I have drove it off the lot and also saves gas for the environment.
larry s.
No my 2016 Kia forte lx does not have any problems with it. And yes my Kia forte lx it is reliable.
Brenda D.
I bought it new and it is been reliable vehicle. I haven't had any problems at all with the car yet. I do not travel long distances.
Robert F.

Is The 2016 Kia Forte A Good Value?

I think is was about $18,000. It was Tybee price of a regular model but I had extra bells and whistles. Do yes, a good value.
Kayla O.
I initially leased my Kia and my lease is up in march 2020. My plan is to buy it. I really like it. I think it goes for around $16,000, but I am not exactly sure of the price.
Susan V.
It cost 15,000 out the door and I believe that it is a good value for what you get. It is a simple car and has all the features that I need it to have.
Sarah H.
I am not sure how much the 2016 Kia forte lx cost. Our personal 2016 Kia forte lx was financed and we have to pay the total of 11k for our Kia.
LaBrittany S.
I do not remember the purchase price but the monthly payments are low enough and the car is very efficient on gas.
Katelyn W.
24,000 dollars and the value you is very great and long lasting. A very great car all around compare to other vehicles.
larry s.
When I bought my Kia forte lx in 2016 I had paid $ 15,000 and I think it was a good deal for a new Kia ..
Brenda D.
I bought it new for over $20,000 and I consider it a good value car and brand. I do not know how much it costs used.
Robert F.

Related Articles for 2016 Kia Forte

From the Vehicle History blog

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Kia Forte Problems Include Oil Leaks, Complete Engine Failure, and Melting Electronics
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Kia Forte’s Best and Worst Years Include 2014’s Airbag Problems, and 2016’s Good Reliability and Safety Records
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Kia Forte Reliability: How Long Will It Last?

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2016 Kia Forte brake fluid type?

Answer: It is recommended that You use FMVSS116 DOT-3 or DOT-4 brake fluid in Your 2016 Kia Forte. There isn't a big difference between the two so You should go with whichever is available to You at the time. If You...

How do i perform the 2016 Kia Forte oil life reset?

Answer: To get started with resetting the oil life for Your 2016 Kia Forte You're first going to want to get inside of the vehicle on the driver's side. Put the key in to the vehicle and move it in to the on position...

What's the kia forte tire size 2016?

Answer: Depending on the configuration of Your 2016 Kia Forte, Your car may take one of two different tires. The base LX comes with stock P195/65R15 tires, while the upgraded EX uses P215/45R17 tires. The recommended...

2016 Kia Forte: What is the oil type and capacity?

Answer: The 2016 Kia Forte uses sae 5w-20 and sae 5w-30 fully synthetic motor oil for its engine. There are two levels of oil capacity for this car. The 1.8 liter engine can take up to 4.8 quarts of oil. The 2.0 liter...

Does the 2016 Kia Forte have a timing belt or chain?

Answer: The 2016 Kia Forte does have a timing chain. You will come into many issues with an engine. A spark plug may pop off, causing engine issues. A gasket may be loose and that needs to be tightened up. A spark plug...

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Not Rated

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Roof Strength

Driver-side Overlap Front

*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety