The vehicle is solid, all the more surprising that it's brand new for the brand and we drove pre-production models. (The production models had better matching inserts on the door interiors and center console). Fit and finish, both interior and exterior, easily match compact leaders such as Honda and Toyota. And while I may have found engine output pedestrian, that's more of a personal preference than the vehicle itself, whose horsepower numbers equal to many in the segment and, in some cases, exceed them (like my favorite, the Mazda3).
But will the rest of America agree with me? One of my concerns, which was echoed by my peers, is the Kia Forte's price. The base model LX starts at $13,695; the base EX at $15,795, and the SX at $17,695. (Destination costs $695). Sounds good? Well, features like leather, sunroof, or even air-conditioning (for the LX) quickly added to that price tag. Our Ex, for example, cost over $17,000 while the SX broke $20,000. Those are tiers dominated by Honda and Toyota and their long-established reputations. In Kia's defense, the trim's were extremely well-equipped with bluetooth and SIRIUS standard as well as a host of safety features. And, finally, there's that 10-year, 100,000 limited powertrain warranty to consider as well.
My take? The 2010 Kia Forte is an excellent candidate for those looking for a new compact sedan. Its features equal and match the leaders in the segment, and styling will turn heads. Such a synthesis is rare in this segment, but I believe it will this Kia's...Forte.