Segment:
        
        
            Compact Sedan/Hatchback (C-segment)
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Younger buyers, budget-conscious consumers, families seeking a practical and stylish vehicle
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra (platform sibling)
        
     
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Affordable pricing, stylish design, good fuel economy, extensive feature set for its class
        
     
    
    
        
            Body Styles:
        
        
            Sedan and 5-door hatchback (Forte 5 Koup)
        
     
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Kia's 'Designology' language, emphasizing European-inspired styling
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine (mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control), Transmission (manual and automatic), Drivetrain (axles, differentials, driveshafts)
        
     
    
        
            Chassis:
        
        
            Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (hydraulic, parking), Wheels and Tires
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Body electrical systems, Engine Control Module (ECM) and powertrain control, HVAC system, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio system, Power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors)
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Exterior trim, Interior trim, Glass and seals
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Routine maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, scheduled servicing
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
        
     
    
        
            Overhaul:
        
        
            Detailed procedures for engine, transmission, and differential overhauls
        
     
    
        
            Wiring Diagrams:
        
        
            Complete electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
        
     
    
        
            Specifications:
        
        
            Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical data
        
     
    
    
        
            Level:
        
        
            In-depth factory-level technical information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            G4KD (2.0L Theta II MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            Inline-4, Naturally Aspirated
        
     
    
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            156 hp @ 6200 rpm (North American Spec)
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            144 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm (North American Spec)
        
     
    
        
            Valve Train:
        
        
            DOHC, 16 valves, CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Emission Control:
        
        
            Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, EVAP System
        
     
    
        
            Recommended Fuel:
        
        
            87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            4.7 Liters (5 US Quarts) with filter change
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Specification:
        
        
            API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6, SAE 5W-30
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Ethylene Glycol based, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) Long Life Coolant (e.g., Mopar HOAT Pink)
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System Capacity:
        
        
            6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type:
        
        
            6-Speed Manual Transmission (M/T)
        
     
    
    
        
            Transmission Type:
        
        
            6-Speed Automatic Transmission (A/T) with Shiftronic
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Gear Ratios:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: 3.615, 2nd: 2.095, 3rd: 1.433, 4th: 1.071, 5th: 0.911, 6th: 0.794)
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Gear Ratios:
        
        
            Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: 4.056, 2nd: 2.370, 3rd: 1.570, 4th: 1.156, 5th: 1.000, 6th: 0.776)
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Fluid Type:
        
        
            SP-IV Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
        
     
    
        
            Automatic Fluid Capacity:
        
        
            7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts) for drain and fill
        
     
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            GL-4 SAE 75W-85 Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
        
     
    
        
            Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
        
        
            2.0 Liters (2.1 US Quarts)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
        
        
            5-Star (for Sedan models in some markets)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Top Safety Pick:
        
        
            Yes (for 2011 model year, typically for Sedan)
        
     
    
    
        
            Braking System:
        
        
            Power-assisted disc brakes front and rear; available ABS with EBD
        
     
    
        
            Stability Control:
        
        
            Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) available on higher trims
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seat Belts:
        
        
            3-point active seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters
        
     
    
        
            Child Seat Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, refer to manual for iridium type
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush Interval:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Manual: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km); Automatic: Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or consult dealer
        
     
    
    
        
            Brake Fluid Type:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to cap or manual)
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Refer to manual; typically ATF SP-III or equivalent
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Engine Issues:
        
        
            Occasional oil consumption in high-mileage engines, potential for cam position sensor failure.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Issues:
        
        
            Some reports of rough shifting in automatic transmissions; manual clutch wear is normal for usage.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Issues:
        
        
            Front suspension components (e.g., ball joints, struts) may wear over time, leading to noise.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Issues:
        
        
            Infrequent reports of HVAC blower motor failure or power window motor issues.
        
     
    
        
            Body Issues:
        
        
            Rust formation on exterior panels, particularly in areas with harsh winters, can occur.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturer:
        
        
            Kia Motors Corporation, South Korea
        
     
    
        
            Founding:
        
        
            1944 (as a manufacturer of bicycle parts)
        
     
    
    
        
            First Generation:
        
        
            2009 (JS Platform)
        
     
    
        
            Second Generation:
        
        
            2013 (YD Platform)
        
     
    
        
            Forte 5 Koup Introduction:
        
        
            Introduced in 2009 as a 2-door coupe variant of the Forte sedan
        
     
    
    
        
            Assembly Locations:
        
        
            Hwaseong, South Korea; Yema, China (for Chinese market)
        
     
    
    
        
            Model Years Covered:
        
        
            2010-2013 (First Generation)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            IIHS Award:
        
        
            Top Safety Pick (2011 model)
        
     
    
        
            Consumer Reports Rating:
        
        
            Varied; generally scored well for predicted reliability in early years, but trends changed over time.
        
     
    
        
            Automotive Journalism Awards:
        
        
            Received positive reviews for styling and value from various automotive publications upon release.