2017 Kia Forte Review: Comfortable & Reliable Compact Car With No Major Problems

Nov 19, 2022

The 2017 Kia Forte lasts around 250,000 miles with only some minor engine and rear light issues. At $13,275 to $15,225, it’s a great value for a dependable compact car with excellent technology.

The Good

Interior materials are luxurious for the price, passenger room is fantastic throughout the cabin and the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty is great.

The Bad

Available engines are fairly weak compared to other compact cars, the suspension is firmer than average and the transmission is noisy.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte a Good Used Car?

Overall Rating 8/10 – 2017 is a good year for the Kia Forte since it offers good reliability paired with a nice interior, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the comfortable driving experience, low fuel costs, along with the stereo technology.
Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are high quality compared to other small cars, the seats are comfortable on long trips, cargo space is also generous.
Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems found on the 2017 Kia Forte. Buyers should avoid models from 2010–2015. Models from 2016–2021 are more reliable.
Performance 6/10 – Performance is poor from all of the 4-cylinder engines which are more focused on fuel efficiency rather than power.
Safety 8/10 – The 2017 Forte is a safe car, earning a perfect 5 star rating in government crash tests. Optional safety equipment includes a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, as well as brake assist.
Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 32 MPG, giving 422 miles of range from the 13.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $29 cheaper than average, at $183 per month.
Value 8/10 – Both prices as well as maintenance costs are low on the Kia Forte, making it a good value.

Positive Owner Reviews

Sara H

Great choice - 2017 Kia forte.

It is very reliable. I have had no problems with my car. I think it is very comfortable. The seats are cloth - which I have stained - but very comfy. It has the ability to connect by Bluetooth to your phone for music, navigation, hands-free phone use, and more. It is a great quality car for the price.

Don L

Kia fantastic vehicle love driving my Kia.

I drove gm products all of my life. Until I bought my.Kia. Love my Kia. Roomy, reliability, gas mileage, comfort. Dealership, and people have been tremendous. Front wheel drive is very stable and reliable. Drive for hours and am very comfortable. Will most likely continue to purchase Kia..

Melissa B

Great car for everyone to own.

It drives well. It is smooth and sleek. Its interior is comfortable and clean. I love the color of the car. It is maroon red. It is a beautiful car. I love driving it around town and on the highway. It rarely has issues for the vehicle. Overall it is an awesome and amazing car.

Melanie H

The Kia Forte gets great gas mileage and is very fuel efficient.

I just purchased my car within the last month and I love it. My car is spacious with plenty of room for adults and children. I love the large trunk space. I get 30-50 mpg when driving.

Mary R

Overall, a well performing car... Very reliable but just be cautious in the snow!

I lease a 2017 Kia forte... In terms of performance, it performs great! I have had no major issues, really. The only 'issue' I could really think of is that it is not an ideal car to drive in the snow. It tends to slide a bit if you are not super careful so if you live in a colder region, it probably wouldn't be the best choice to have this car. Overall, the car is well made and has been very reliable!

Tom A

The car is very nice and very reatiable.

The vehicle is very comfortable and very reliable. Very good, no have problems, the box is bit low but the engine is very powerful.

Brittany S

Forte great small gas saver.

Great small car good on gas very affordable. Nice add ons. Comfy on long drives and. Minimal blind spots love the backup camera makes backing up safer and easier easy self repairs like headlight bulb changes and filter changes. Like the Kia assist features like parking minder.

Allison T

One interesting detail of my vehicle is that it is practically maintenance free.

I have had no problems with my forte, it has proven to be reliability and comfort with the basic features, the only thing I would like is maybe a little more power. The maintenance is just basically tire rotation and oil change until you reach 30, 000 miles at that point you can have the more detailed services done one at a time, being they are more expensive.

Negative Owner Reviews

A.B

No! No! No!

Not what you want .when it gets d***y on door jam from mud even when dwiped off still reappear. Take to long to drive fast if you have to move fast to get out the way you will Putt-Putt you can not smash out the way. 2017 do not have Electric seats i thought it would bar to lift up for movement. After warranty s**t fucks up charger input stop working. Truck stop opening.still a cheap car for a high price very unhappy.

Margaret K

Stick shift is a bad choice. Manual might be better.

Had trouble getting it to go into first gear, bad gas mileage, has a mind of its own, cannot find parts for it. Acceleration is poor, if you are in fourth or fifth you have to go into third in order to get it to move. The ride can be bumpy at times. My car came without a spare tire.

Joseph Mckey

The worst car on the road

I bought this car because Kia of Mccomb swindled me into it because my Kia Optima had a recall into year of having the Forte the engine failed I was told that the engine in these cars fail because of the faulty ignition coils. The car gets great gas mileage but that’s about it the bumper is trash which the manufacturer needs to address.

Thomas M

There are nothing special or interesting.

The shocks are terrible, it is too small, I have the kids and it gets crowded in there sometimes. It drives good but my car does not even have cruise control, which is a must for my lead feet! It is a reliable car and still works great but I need a bigger car!

Tom L

Cheap accessories & ridiculous expenses for bulb replacements

CD player malfunctioned in 2 months. Trying to replace interior light & rear turn signal bulb requires a skilled mechanic at a ridiculous expense to do so.

Kali M

This is a low end entry model compact sedan.

Compact car handling is rough, the car runs noisily. Low to ground has no rear backup camera standard. Many industry safety standards are extra on this model. 2 cylinder does not have any pick up and go. Rear seat leg room and head space is cramped. There is no heads up display, lights on car do not pick up road well.

jaime a

It does get good gas mileage which helps to save on gas

I like the gas mileage. That's about it. I don't like the way it drives. It's too small and I miss my SUV.

Fernanda F

Kia forte- my favorite red car.

My ford Kia is good for my work, very easy for drive and safe. I bought because my friend has one and she loves this car. I think I have great idea and choice, I really love my car, also my car is red, very economic and safe. I recommend and I will to change later for another Kia forte.

What Do Critics Say About the Kia Forte?

Consumer Reports says the 2017 Forte feels more refined than older Kia models, although owner satisfaction scores are lower than average.
Edmunds rates the Forte at 4.1/5, praising the spacious interior for a compact car, but doesn’t like the firm suspension.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Forte a 4.4/5, enjoying the long 10-year warranty, but owners don’t like the lack of power.

What Common Problems Does the 2017 Kia Forte Have?

Common problems found on the 2017 Kia Forte include the engine running roughly, brake lights not working, as well as frozen stereo systems. Overall, these problems are common compared to other compact cars from 2017, leading to similar repair costs as well.

The engine running roughly is a common complaint from Kia Forte owners at around 25,000 miles. There are several reasons the engine may run rough, although the most common source is ignition coil issues. Changing out the ignition coils costs around $300, depending on local labor rates.

Brake lights not working have also been mentioned by Kia Forte owners at roughly 30,000 miles. The bulbs tend to wear out quickly and have to be replaced for around $20. There are also some reports of broken tail light housings letting in water. Changing out the housing costs around $200 per light.

Frozen stereo systems also show up on some Kia Forte models in the first 10,000 miles. There is a software update for the stereo system which improves the reliability of it. Many dealerships will install the software for free, while others may charge up to $50 to update the infotainment system.

There are 3 recalls on the 2017 Kia Forte, which is better than some other compact cars. The most serious recall covers foreign particles in the oil pump, yet it only affects about 4,000 models. Other recalls cover the trunk emergency release as well as air bags, which are both common recalls across all makes and models.

How Long Will the 2017 Kia Forte Last?

A well-maintained 2017 Kia Forte lasts around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other compact cars according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $453 per year.

As a 2017 Kia Forte reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the brake hoses for $150, tire pressure monitor control module costing $270, as well as the alternator voltage regulator, which costs $350.

Katie M

Yes. I have had some issues with recalls, or Updates as Kia called them, but since I was still under warranty, it was all covered and handled by Kia. I never had to wait more than 24 hours for my vehicle and they have exceptional customer service. So, even though there S been very minor things go wrong, the service from Kia more than made up for it!

ruth f

The most problems I have had is both of my headlights keep going out for some reason. And the sensors for the wheel.

Yanet L

No it hasn't give me any problem.. Everything works perfect I have no complain battery is acting up but I think is because of the time. We had it for long.

Heather H

There were problems with the ignition coils and the vent valve for the gas tank. It goes get me where I need to go through.

Adreanna S

Not any that I have found so far it doesn't I've had it about 10 months. The only thing I have done is oil changes, and new tires.

Jenn M

There's been no issues, that I can recall since I have driven the car. I do feel it does not get very good gas mileage, but that is my opinion. Then again is the only car in the household at this time and is driven a lot.

Julie F

Yes this car is very reliable, in fact so much that I would buy from this company again. I haven't had any problems with this vehicle.

Linda K

I believe the Kia Forte is a very reliable car. We have never had any mechanical issues with the vehicle. It's great on mileage also

How Is the Technology?

Technology is okay on the base-level Kia Forte models, while there are optional 4.3-inch or 7-inch touchscreen infotainment systems available on the higher end models. There’s not much standard safety tech. Optional advanced safety features are great, with a rearview camera, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, as well as lane keep assist.

Is the 2017 Kia Forte a Good Value?

Yes, the 2017 Kia Forte is a good value since it’s more affordable than other compact cars from the same year. Blue book prices range from $13,275 to $15,225, making it cheaper than a Honda Civic or Volkswagen Jetta. When new, the price range was $16,600 to $26,000. Depreciation is similar to other compact cars, losing 10% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Kia Forte?

There are three models of the Kia Forte offered for 2017, from the base model LX all the way up to the well-equipped EX.

LX is the entry-level model with:

15-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Upholstery
Heated Mirrors
Cruise Control
Air Conditioning
Power Windows & Locks
Bluetooth Connectivity
USB Port & Auxiliary Jack
Four Speaker Stereo System
Optional 4.3-Inch Touchscreen Stereo
Optional Rearview Camera

S is a step up, adding:

16-Inch Alloy Wheels
LED Running Lights
Rear Spoiler
Sport Tuned Suspension
Chrome Exhaust Tip
Black Cloth Upholstery
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Rearview Camera
7-Inch Touchscreen With Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Optional Safety Technology Package

EX is the flagship model which has:

17-Inch Alloy Wheels
Leather Upholstery
Foglights
Keyless Entry and Ignition
Heated Front Seats
Cooled Front Seats
Xenon Headlights
Dual-Zone Climate Control

147 HP 32 MPG

147 HP 32 MPG

164 HP 28 MPG

201 HP 27 MPG

What Engines Come In the Kia Forte?

The base engine is an average 2.0L 4-cylinder which makes 147 horsepower while getting up to 32 MPG. It’s paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
A step up is the slightly stronger retuned 2.0L 4-cylinder, which generates 164 horsepower at up to 28 MPG. It’s only offered with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The most powerful engine is a 6L turbocharged 4-cylinder which produces 201 horsepower while getting up to 26 MPG. It is offered with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Performance is okay, taking about 7.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.

What Colors Does the Kia Forte Come In?

How Comfortable Is the Kia Forte?

The 2017 Kia Forte is a very comfortable compact car offered as a sedan or hatchback with room for up to 5 people. Seating is nice throughout the cabin of both the Forte sedan and hatchback with supportive cushions as well as high-quality interior materials.

Passenger space is good even in the rear seats, which have enough leg room for taller adults to fit comfortably.

How Much Storage Space Does the Kia Forte Have?

Cargo space is great in the trunk of the Kia Forte sedan, which can fit 3-4 suitcases. There’s even more space in the hatchback with enough room for 5-6 suitcases behind the seats, and around 8-10 with the rear seats folded flat.

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The second generation of the Kia Forte was introduced in 2014, and replaced by the third generation in 2019.

2015: Slightly more efficient engine added, Uvo telematics system removed from EX model.

2016: LX model offered as a hatchback or sedan.

2017: Mild front-end styling changes, adaptive xenon headlights offered, new S model has upgraded suspension, updated 2.0L engine.

2018: No major changes.

2019: Fully redesigned with all-new engines, technology, as well as exterior styling.

2020: New GT & GT Line models, S model discontinued.

2021: Standard high performance tires on GT models with a manual transmission.

How Does the Kia Forte Compare to the Competition?

The Kia Forte is a very good compact car since it offers mechanical improvements from older models, along with a nice interior for the money.

The Hyundai Elantra is a popular competitor which costs about $200 more. Interior materials are slightly more luxurious in the Hyundai Elantra, while the Kia Forte offers a sportier steering feel. We recommend the Kia Forte since you get a very similar car for less money, although both are good choices.

The Nissan Sentra is another compact car which costs around $1,000 less. Where the Nissan Sentra stands out is with more powerful engine choices available, while the Kia Forte offers a much nicer interior. We recommend the Kia Forte since the Nissan Sentra still has expensive transmission issues.

Ranks #19 Small Cars by Owners

2017 Volkswagen CC

4.83

2017 Volkswagen Beetle

4.79

Tie

2017 Kia Forte

4.33

Do Owners Recommend the Kia Forte?

Katie M

Yes! I absolutely love it! Any issues I have had have been phenomenally handled by Kia as well. My car is great on fuel, has a smooth ride, looks sporty and has more room inside than one would believe! And for the price I paid when it was practically brand new, I am amazed!

ruth f

Yes it is. Very dependable. Rides smooth. Very little maintenance to it. The mileage is not bad. That could be a little better. I have a 2017 it does not have a cruise control that is very surprising. When I got the car I just took for granted it had cruise. Was I surprised it didn't.

Yanet L

Yes is perfect for me.. I love it I like the color and the way it drives is smooth. It's comfortable I feel safe in it.

Heather H

Yes but since I have had it, I have had to replace two very unusual parts. The gas mileage is great.

Adreanna S

This is a great vehicle it fits car seats nicely in the back with plenty of legroom upfront. It also does amazing on gas and a good amount of storage in trunk.

Jenn M

It is not the type of vehicle I would purchase for myself, it's my mother's car and the only vehicle in our household right now. It is perfect for her, she enjoys driving it.

Julie F

Absolutely. I love a sedan, this is roomy and comfortable. It all has all the new technology of Bluetooth electric seats and windows all the conveniences of a high-end car. It drives well in the snow and has been very reliable for me. Gets great gas mileage and I haven't had any problems with this car.

Christine W

My Mother and I like it very much. My Son-in-Law bought a Kia two years ago and has rave reviews about how much he loves it

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Niiki on June 6, 2023

Engines s**k

Will never buy another Kia. I have a 2017 Kia forte. Had issues with engine at 38,000 had it towed to Kia dealership it was the engine that was bad they wanted 500.00 dollars to take engine apart to see how oil looked. They kept telling me we have people that have all service records and still deny repair and people that don’t and cover it . They tried convincing me to trade it off for a new one I bought the new. They gave me the run around I would never find an engine with less than 60,000 on it I told them they were full of it I already looked and there were plenty of them. They told me to give them a couple of days well I got a call back they found one with 7,000 miles on it. It ended up costing me over 5,000.00 to have them put do it. No warranty came with it. A year ago the engine I had put in hit 28,000 miles and guess what, engine shot. My husband asked what could cause this in both engines they said oil changes he said don’t even go there. Oil changes have been done when they were supposed to on be both engines that were in the car. So I bought a different car and my Kia sits in my driveway. I still get calls from Kia about and letters about buying a new car. The only good thing about the car was gas mileage. So in my opinion they get no stars at all. But I need to rate them for my review.

ernie on September 21, 2023

Do your research

All these so-called great reviews not one on how easy it is to steal Beware of a lot of great reviews

Rico on March 11, 2024

Our very first new car and not regretting it at all.the only thing is that it shouldn't cost no more then$15,000 where we was robbed and not knowing muchabout the vehiclevalue.we ended up paying a littlebit over $20,000 with 50k.this countryit's supposed to be unitedfor the people and by the book ?what book its that?how to get away with it without anyone noticing the amount of individuals they can rob and get away with it .the vehicle industry it's rich because they pray on the people and because they can.h

Great everything all around nothing wrong with the vehicle.

Kamie F on June 25, 2021

Fast and smooth, look down at the speedometer it is going faster than you think.

I really like the Kia forte that we bought used over a year ago. I have had no problems with performance or reliability. It has a 6 gear shift with a clutch and can perform very good. It has the ability to not roll on a hill, it can accelerate fast, it hugs the road on curves. There are too many attributes to be able to list them all. Over all I am very glad that we chose this car.

Savannah B on June 25, 2021

Handles like a dream for me!

Super comfy and safe to drive! Amazing gas mileage and I have never had a recall on my car! Absolutely love how it handles in the winter and just in general! Interior is amazing! Has Bluetooth, Sirius radio, and has a USB and aux port. I have had my car for 2 years now and am not planning on trading it in any time soon!

Jayriauna J on June 14, 2021

Reliable with great gas mileage.

I really like my Kia forte! Only issue that I faced with my Kia was that the paint was chipping terribly on the front bumper. I took it in and go it fix and I still see some small chips. The car itself is running really well I have had it for almost a year and I really enjoy the gas mileage it is perfect for travelers you will not break the bank trying to fill your tank.

Alexis S on June 10, 2021

Black Kia forte good vehicle.

My vehicle is a really nice car. It is black and it rides smooth. It is pretty fast. I really like fast cars. I wish it had a touch screen radio but it is older so it didn’t come with one. I also wish it had a sunroof but I know not all vehicles come with one. But overall really good car.

Carolyn D on June 9, 2021

Backup display and great gas mileage.

Great performance very reliable, great gas mileage nice stereo sound system, spacious trunk space, spacious storage space component inside. Small and easy to handle. Very comfortable seats, lots of leg room. 4 door convenience, power windows & nice backup display.

Chase B on June 5, 2021

2017 Kia forte very reliable affordable car.

Great four door family car. Very reliable and pretty good on gas. I haven’t had any problems with the car. No cruise control on the model I have 2017 Kia forte lx that would be the only complaint I have and that is not a problem just irritating at times. So would say be prepared on a road trip but that being said it keeps your attention more on the road.

Robin W on June 1, 2021

Perfect for me as I retire!

I have a Kia forte hatchback. It is exactly what I need at this time in my life. I’ll be retiring soon and I have an adult child who lives with me. This car gets excellent gas mileage, plenty of room, and is easy to maintain. I highly recommend this vehicle.

Terry M on May 31, 2021

I love the white inlay in the headlights, as well as the Bluetooth feature.

It is sleek smooth and great on gas dependable and affordable. We have taken it on family road trips and have had no issues. The extra functions like rear view camera and Bluetooth work great and are great additions. The parts are cheap if anything needs to be replaced good bang for your buck.

Balee D on May 31, 2021

So quiet you will not even know your car is running!

I love how small the car is yet still so roomy on the inside with a large spacious trunk. The layout on the inside is simple yet so clean and elegant. I love the radio layout and features. The only complaint I have is the suspension is a little rough when hitting bumps but that is all.

Thomas M on May 26, 2021

There are nothing special or interesting.

Teisha R on May 26, 2021

2017 Kia forte. Very affordable.

The only features it has are daytime running lights, power door locks and windows. Entry model level. Very small. Great gas mileage. Economical. Low price. Warranty is great. Affordable. Good options of color. Not really a roomy car for a family. My tire light stays on no matter what. Recently started running rough.

Joani G on May 19, 2021

Great on gas but cheaply made.

I have the base model. The only thing I hate about the vehicle is the latch is plastic for the trunk mine broke. Also there is no cruise control on my car, the rims are plastic also. The car is a good starter car for someone who is in high school and only drives it to work and school. It is very good on gas.

John K on May 14, 2021

Kia forte has great fuel economy.

I have had the Kia forte on a lease for almost 3 years now, due soon at the end of the year. The car has served well and is reliable for short and long distance travel. Fuel economy is great, and it accounts for most of my needs and haven't thought about getting a different brand/make. Seats are comfortable, plenty of storage space, not too loud inside etc. Overall a great car. Looking to lease a new one for the next 3 years.

Corrin C on May 5, 2021

A reliable car with lots of features.

Recently purchased a used 2017 Kia forte. It has many features such as keyless entry, Bluetooth, apple carplay, blind spot detection and lane keep assist. Overall, I love the car the only downside is I feel the gas tank is smaller. However, that is something to expect with a smaller sedan.

Katelyn I on May 1, 2021

Kia forte: perfect for the price!

I love my forte! While it might not be the fanciest car out there it is affordable, has a smooth drive, the inside looks great, and I love having apple carplay. The only reason I did not select 5 is because in the long run I wish I had an SUV. Personally I like to sit up higher and would like to fit a small kayak on the rooftop comfortably. But if the forte ever had a crossover version I would definitely be interested in purchasing!

Amina S on May 1, 2021

It is reliable the performance of my car is flawless.

It is reliable safe for my son and definitely dependable and very comfortable and the performance on my car is flawless I can have a mini party in there its stylish and black no problems I would like it need more cup holders I love my car I love my car.

Mario R on April 30, 2021

Very affordable nice headroom also the rearview camera helps at night.

The car has a smooth ride. It also lets you know when you need services. The car will not lock when you leave your vehicle on and your keys are in the pocket once you step out of the vehicle with the keys in your pocket and you leave your car on I will let you know with a beep. It is also very spacious I am one out of two children that are big we have enough leg room in enough room to move around.

Ashley G on April 30, 2021

The Kia forte handles really well and gets great mileage.

Our vehicle handles really well in all kinds of weather. The gas mileage is awesome as well. We have never had an issue with connecting to Bluetooth or any of the other services. The rearview camera is super helpful. It has lots more trunk space than originally thought.

Leanna G on April 28, 2021

Spacious and comfortable hatchback with excellent gas mileage.

Excellent and reliable little car. Very spacious for a hatchback. All of the electronic features are fantastic. Very comfortable seats and spacious interior. Great gas mileage. Great indication lights/symbols. Comfortably sits 5 people plus luggage in the trunk.

Sam L on April 26, 2021

Kia is a very good car for anyone.

The Kia forte runs smooth with any problems and comfortable seat and great storage room. Comes with satellite radio and hands free phone calls. The blue color I have is a nice shade of blue. I haven't had any wrong and I regularly maintain it to keep it good.

Jeremy K on April 24, 2021

Great car. Definitely recommend to others.

I have no major problems with my vehicle. I drive full time for work and have 131,000 miles on vehicle and it still drives beautifully. I have only had regular maintenance done on vehicle. This car also gets wonderful gas mileage. I definitely recommend this car to others looking for a reliable vehicle.

Shauna H on April 15, 2021

Headlights and turn signal issue.

The only issue I have with my Kia is that the headlights go out if I turn on my turn signal with the high beams on. The headlights will shut off for a few seconds and then come back on. It does not happen all the time, but frequently enough for it to be an issue.

Donnell B on April 14, 2021

The Kia forte is a great car.

It is really comfortable expecting a nice car like this should get your hopes up. It is really nice in the inside and outside and also has some cool features. I would say that I love my current car and I would buy a new one when I want to. It is great for road trips and having a big family.

Koala K on April 11, 2021

Good small car reliable for getting around.

It is a good reliable vehicle but it is too small for a growing family proving much. I like to do crafts and redo furniture and it is not got much space but the back seat is spacious. I need a truck or SUV for the space and height. Has done me well the last three years.

Nicole G on April 10, 2021

Safe & reliable, love this car so much.

I think it is a great and reliable car. Sturdy and great on gas mileage. I feel safe with my family in it while going on long road trips. As long as you do the required maintenance, the car will last a long time. You will love it and you are family will love it. It is one of the safest and most reliable cars I have ever owned.

Derek D on April 8, 2021

Great smaller car for anyone.

This car has been a great car. Mine has over 140k miles on it and hasn't had any major issues. The only work it has had done was replacing the coil packs at about 100k miles. It drives great and has plenty of power for its size. I am glad I made that purchase.

Lisa D on April 2, 2021

My car handles well on the road on long trips and is easy on gas.

I love the color of my car. I love the way my car handles on the road. I love the size of my car.

Kimberly A on April 2, 2021

My vehicle is silver grey colored and small.

I enjoy my vehicle very much. My vehicle is good on gas. It does not use to much gas quickly and it fills up on around twenty five dollars. The performance of the vehicle is good as well. It runs smoothly and does not have a loud engine. I like the radio system and comfort of the seats as well.

Sheryl W on March 31, 2021

Drives great but not worth the money and it lacks certain features

The car has poor take off. It's too low to the ground. Not enough leg room in the back seats. Great on gas. It does not have cruise control like the 2015 Kia had. It lacks a lot of features considering the year. Drives smooth. I hate that I can't replace the lights on my own, I have to go to the dealer.

Amber J on March 31, 2021

Best car for new driver on the road.

It is a durable, reliable car especially for new drivers, it is not to big and easy to maintain. The car takes no more than 20 bucks to fill up as well. The car is also comfortable and that comes in handy when taking trips. It also has a very smooth ride, & don't make much noise when cranking up either.

Daniel K on March 26, 2021

Overall very reliable 4 out of 5. Gas mileage is great, 35- 40 mpg.

The inside cabin noise is not as good as I would like. A little louder than I expected. Especially notable on long trips. The lack of cruise control also was disappointing. Make sure to ask if your selection has cruise control. Gas lid cover does not activate every time of first pull.

Frankie R on March 26, 2021

Simple smooth clean ride!

Quiet smooth ride, little to no problem, good gas mileage, simple yet nice, great performance, super reliable, comes with a touch screen radio system, hands free phone calling, radio controls on steering wheel, cruise control, automatic lights, automatic car

Rose N on March 25, 2021

Really great car. Has a lot of plus sides to it.

Love my vehicle. Gets great gas mileage and it is cheap to get repairs if need be. It is also very comfortable, there is plenty of room in both front and back. Great family car all the way around. I love the stereo system as well it is very powerful and the voice command makes it easy to call or text while driving. U do not need your phone or to take your eyes off the road.

Steve A on March 25, 2021

Roomy interior easy fits a person 6 foot.

The only thing I find disconcerting is that it is very easy to switch between modes. Otherwise the interior is very roomie. The seats are adjustable to easily fit a six foot person. More than ample leg room. The trunk has plenty of space. The light and wiper controls are well placed and responsive.

Maria S on March 24, 2021

My vehicle is nice and small and convenient. It has hands free capabilities.

Great car. It's good on gas and is a perfect fit for a small family. The car has no space though for a spare tire but comes with a limited tire package when tire needs to be replaced. Not as convenient when you need a spare though. The car has Bluetooth capabilities that allow for hands free driving.

Shaquan J on March 24, 2021

It is fun sized but with all the technological features.

It's very comfortable and appropriate for people who like small vehicles. It functions great and drives smoothly. My only complaint is the defogger for the back window is much slower than what I was accustomed to. Also, sometimes the steering wheel locks and I cannot turn the key.

Dee S on March 24, 2021

Kia forte is good for the money.

The Kia forte is a reliable car and is worth the money you spend on it. The few problems I have with the car is that it is on the smaller side and can be a little uncomfortable at times (seats, are stiff). This car is great in gas and has a sporty look.

Barbara S on March 23, 2021

Very good vehicle, would recommend it to anyone.

I bought my vehicle a year ago and like it very much. I have had no problems with it except for a accident I was in and the guy almost totaled it. Other then that I enjoy it very much. It is very good on gas and rides real smooth. Also is very roomy so you do not feel closed in.

Kinsey V on March 22, 2021

The good and bad of my Kia.

I am not the first person to own the Kia, my car. So it has some scratches on the outside, one of the headlights are busted, but the light still works. Now on the inside is a different story, I mean it is a beautiful car, great on gas and very reliable! But there are some burn holes in the set. Two I think, maybe just one. But I hate it. And the owner before me has a roach problem I believe so we are constantly having to bug bomb it. It is getting better, and we will not have this problem for very long anymore. But other than that, it is an awesome car, my first Kia. I would definitely recommend!

Keke J on March 22, 2021

I highly love this vehicle.

I really haven't had any problems. It is great on gas. This is my second Kia. The trunk has a lot of shape for shopping and if you have kids in a stroller. It is very spacious I have a nephew that is more than 6ft and he sits comfortable. I highly recommend this vehicle.

FjJ on March 19, 2021

Over priced fiber glass and cheap manufacturing parts .

I have a 2017 Kia forte had it for 2yrs now almost 3yrs already having issues with the trunk out of no where want stay close and lever inside not working as well. Car is good on gas . I wasnt too happy about not having cruise control or spare . I dont like how slow to get up it takes. Not a very good manufactured car at all. Wish I could rid myself of my troubles since I no longer drive anyways. Do Better Kia for the asking price should be better made .

Paul F on March 17, 2021

The most important to me is Affordability

I love the KIA line of vehicles. I bought he Fore Sedan but wish I had selected the Coupe. They are good on fuel. They are a quality product and don't break the bank to own one.

Don L on March 15, 2021

Kia fantastic vehicle love driving my Kia.

Kelsey D on March 12, 2021

Compact, easy to drive, reliable.

The Kia forte is very comfortable and great on gas. We fit comfortable as a family of 4 in the car. We have had no issues with it so far. It is very reliable. We would most likely buy another Kia in the future. It is also a smooth ride with great breaks.

Michael B on March 10, 2021

Outstanding vehicle in performance.

My 2017 kia forte s is the fourth kia I have owned. I 've never have had any problems with any of the. I will be buying a new one sometime soon. They all had smooth riding, they get great mileage, our current vehicle gets up to 41 miles per gallon on the highway and most of the time we gat 29 miles per gallon in town. Our vehicle has many extra safety features. Everyone I talk to says kia really stands behind their vehicles.

Stephanie L on March 9, 2021

Very sleek looking model. No upgrades needed. Sirius XM radio came with the car.

Clean inside, does not have a cruise control option, very comfortable seats, great highway miles, local miles not so much. Light only in the middle of the car. Good enough legroom and trunk space. Cloth inside material. Sort of jumps when shifting from first to second gear.

Brenda Smith on March 9, 2021

Comfort

Yes. I love this car for looks, comfort and performance. It has excellent gas mileage. AC and heat work awesome. I've only put 15,550 miles on this car.

Christine G on March 9, 2021

Fun to drive, great value. Would purchase again for sure.

I love the technology that came with it. It is very fun to drive. It is great on gas mileage and is a very attractive car.

Mike W on March 7, 2021

Great gas mileage. Easy to drive. Great car to drive.

It is a great vehicle. I have no issues with it and enjoy driving it. It does not have any items that I don't need and everything I do need.

Hannah K on March 7, 2021

Kia forte is good but a little junky.

My car is very reliable and has good gas mileage. The one I have does not have heated seats or remote start which is disappointing for a newer model. I also have an issue with opening the trunk from the driver's seat. The lever seems to be broken and my tail lights seem to go out quickly. Other than that I feel safe and enjoy my vehicle.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.