Segment:
Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra.
Value Proposition:
Offers a compelling blend of value, features, and modern styling, often at a competitive price point.
Styling:
Sleek and sporty exterior design for its class.
Interior:
Well-equipped interior with good materials and user-friendly layout.
Powertrain:
Fuel-efficient engine options and available sporty variants.
Engine:
All gasoline engine variants, including diagnostics, repair, and overhaul.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission systems, including clutch, gear changes, torque converter, and electronic controls.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake systems, ABS, EBD, brake component inspection and replacement, bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment, shock absorbers, struts.
Electrical:
Comprehensive electrical system coverage including wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, ignition system, sensors, and actuators.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, body repair procedures.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems, refrigerant handling, component diagnostics.
Fuel:
Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, emissions control.
Cooling:
Engine cooling system, radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant specifications.
Exhaust:
Exhaust system components, catalytic converter, muffler, emission controls.
Driver Assistance:
Diagnostics and repair for available driver assistance systems (e.g., parking sensors).
Infotainment:
Basic diagnostics and troubleshooting for audio and infotainment systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, brake fluid flush.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures.
Recalibration:
Procedures for recalibrating sensors and control modules after component replacement.
Wiring:
Detailed wiring diagrams and circuit tracing.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4/5 Stars (for 2014 model year)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (Good ratings in most crash tests)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Esc:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-mounted airbags, full-length side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability. Available UVO infotainment system with touchscreen interface.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB/Auxiliary input jacks.
Camera:
Available rearview camera.
Parking Sensors:
Available front and rear parking sensors.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry; available push-button start with smart key.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control depending on trim level.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium plugs: Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km); replace as needed (often at 60,000-100,000 miles).
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km); replace as needed (often at 60,000-100,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
API SN, ILSAC GF-5, SAE 0W-20 (Synthetic Recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 U.S. quarts (4.3 liters) with filter (1.8L and 2.0L)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based, OAT (Organic Acid Technology), Pink/Red color (Kia Long Life Coolant)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 U.S. quarts (6.6 liters)
Engine Noise:
Some owners report occasional engine clicking or ticking sounds, often related to fuel injectors or valve train noise, typically not indicative of serious failure if within normal operating parameters.
Transmission Hesitation:
Infrequent reports of minor hesitation or shifting anomalies in the automatic transmission, often resolved by software updates or fluid changes.
Paint Durability:
Some model years have experienced reports of premature clear coat failure or chipping, particularly on certain colors and body panels.
Evaporative Emission Control:
Potential for EVAP system leaks (e.g., P0455 code) due to issues with the charcoal canister or fuel tank seals.
Manufacturer:
Kia Corporation, South Korea
Generation Introduction:
The second generation (YD) Kia Forte was introduced for the 2014 model year, replacing the TD generation.
Design Language:
Adopted Kia's new design language, featuring a more aggressive and sophisticated look.
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea (primarily)
Production Period:
2013-2016 (for the YD generation)
Kbb Best Buy:
The Kia Forte has been recognized by Kelley Blue Book as a Best Buy in its segment in various years, including for the 2014 model year.
Edmunds Best Sedans:
Often listed among Edmunds' recommended compact sedans for its value and features.
Consumer Reports:
Generally receives average to above-average reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, though specific model years may vary.
Emissions Standards:
Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for its model year.