Segment:
Compact Car Segment
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, professional technicians, fleet maintenance
Competitors 2012:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra
Vehicle Appeal:
Stylish design (especially Koup and 5-door variants), Value proposition, Fuel efficiency
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving money and extending vehicle life.
Benefit To Technician:
Provides accurate factory procedures, ensuring correct diagnostics and repairs.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (Theta II 2.0L GDI), Engine control systems (ECM), Fuel system, Ignition system, Exhaust system, Transmission (manual and automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, EBD), Wheels and Tires
Body:
Body structure, Exterior trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior trim, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio system, Power accessories, Security system, Battery and Charging system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, Fluid checks and changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection and replacement
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Transmission service and repair, Brake system overhaul, Suspension component replacement, Steering system repair, HVAC system diagnosis and repair, Electrical component replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Symptom-based troubleshooting, Component testing
Specifications:
Torque specifications, Clearances, Fluid capacities, Component dimensions
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Transmission Type Std:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Opt:
6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Sportmatic Shifting
Automatic Features:
Electronic control, Lock-up torque converter
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 (Refer to manual for specific Kia part number)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent (Refer to manual for specific Kia part number)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4 Stars (2012 Forte Sedan)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (2012 Forte Sedan)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, Front side-mounted airbags, Side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point active front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 with SiriusXM Satellite Radio capability, USB/Auxiliary input, Steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
Available Upgrades:
Optional navigation system, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity (availability varies by trim).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Camera Systems:
Optional rearview camera (availability varies by trim).
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free phone system and streaming audio.
Telematics:
No advanced telematics systems like Uvo in this generation/model year.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) (for iridium-tipped plugs).
Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 105,000 miles (168,000 km), then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) thereafter (using long-life coolant).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 Synthetic (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified). Refer to manual for specific Kia part number.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change
Brake Fluid Type:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS 116 DOT 3
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (refer to manual)
Engine Noise:
Some reports of piston slap noise on cold starts (often considered normal by manufacturer, but documented in manual).
Paint Quality:
Occasional reports of chipping or premature wear, especially on certain body panels. Manual may detail paint repair procedures.
HVAC Issues:
Infrequent reports of AC compressor or blend door actuator failures. Manual provides diagnostic steps.
Suspension Noise:
Some owners report sway bar link noise; manual provides inspection and replacement procedures.
Kia Origin:
South Korea, founded in 1944
Kia Reputation:
Known for value, improving quality, and increasingly stylish designs.
Forte Generation:
First Generation (2009-2013)
Forte Design Influences:
Designed by Peter Schreyer, influenced by Kia's 'Tiger Nose' grille design language.
Forte Variants Introduced:
Sedan, 5-door hatchback (Forte5), 2-door coupe (Forte Koup) all available for 2012 model year.
Manufacturing Plant:
Gwangmyeong, South Korea (for most global markets)
