Kia
2010 Kia Forte Sedan LX
What it Is: A four-door, five-passenger compact sedan.
What's Hot: Excellent fuel economy, low price, big trunk.
What's Not: Air conditioning is an option? Crank windows?
Family Friendly Options: Standard USB and Bluetooth.
How It Got Its Score: Compact cars aren't the cramped, dangerous conveyances of yore. The 2011 Kia Forte boasts good crash test scores, plenty of safety equipment, and a big trunk.
The 2010 Kia Forte is the four-door version of the Forte Koup. Although classified as a compact, the Forte boasts trunk space (14.7 cu.-ft.) that rivals that of many midsize and full-size sedans. There's plenty of room inside too, and we like that amenities such as Bluetooth cellphone integration and a USB port for your iPod are both standard equipment, even on the lowball LX. On both the EX and LX you can save $1,000 if you opt for the five-speed manual instead of the four-speed automatic. On the other hand, we're a little confounded by the fact that air conditioning is only available as part of an $1,500 option package on the LX, and you have to move up to the $17,690 EX to get power windows. OK, maybe we're spoiled these days, but power windows and air conditioning are de rigeur on new cars these days.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$14,695 |
| Destination |
$695 |
| |
| |
| |
|
Other Models (Base Price) |
EX ($17,690) |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
2.0 liters |
|
Engine Type |
Inline-4 |
|
Horsepower |
156 hp |
|
Torque |
144 lb.-ft. |
|
Fuel |
Regular Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
Front Wheel Drive |
|
Transmission |
4-Speed Automatic |
|
Optional Transmission |
5-Speed Manual |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
25 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
34 mpg |
|
EPA Combined |
28 mpg |
Utility
Vehicle Type |
Compact |
|
Family Friendliness |
7.5 |
|
Doors |
Four |
|
Seat Rows |
Two |
|
Passengers |
Five |
|
LATCH Positions |
Two |
|
Cargo Space |
14.7 cu. ft. |
Safety
NHTSA Driver Front |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Passenger Front |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Driver Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rear Passenger Side |
4 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rollover |
4 Stars |
|
Stability Control |
Standard |
|
Traction Control |
Standard |
|
Brake Assist |
Standard |
|
Side Airbags |
Thorax and Curtain |
|
Collision Avoidance |
Not Available |
|
Active Cruise Control |
Not Available |
|
Photos
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