Segment:
        
        
            Compact Car / Affordable Sporty Sedan/Hatchback/Coupe
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Younger buyers, budget-conscious consumers seeking sporty styling and decent features.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors 2010:
        
        
            Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Chevrolet Cruze, Mitsubishi Lancer.
        
     
    
    
        
            Styling:
        
        
            Sporty and aggressive design, particularly in the Koup variant.
        
     
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Offered a compelling blend of style, features, and affordability for its class.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Options:
        
        
            Availability of both efficient 4-cylinder engines.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Coverage Continents:
        
        
            Global (North America, Europe, Asia focus)
        
     
    
        
            Coverage Regions:
        
        
            Primarily North American specifications, but general repair principles apply worldwide.
        
     
    
    
        
            Estimated Page Count:
        
        
            1500+
        
     
    
    
        
            Manual Type:
        
        
            Service and Repair Workshop Manual
        
     
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
        
            Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, drivetrain components (driveshafts, CV joints).
        
     
    
        
            Chassis:
        
        
            Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, EBD), wheels and tires.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument panel, audio system, HVAC controls, power accessories, body control modules (BCM), fuse/relay identification.
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, exterior trim, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), HVAC system operation.
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and resolution, electrical circuit testing.
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, assembly and disassembly instructions for all major systems.
        
     
    
        
            Specifications:
        
        
            Torque specifications for fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, component dimensions.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and repair.
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type 1:
        
        
            Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
        
     
    
        
            Displacement 1:
        
        
            1.6 Liters (1591 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Bore Stroke 1:
        
        
            77.0 mm x 85.4 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio 1:
        
        
            10.5:1
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 1:
        
        
            124 hp @ 6300 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 1:
        
        
            115 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type 2:
        
        
            Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, CVVT
        
     
    
        
            Displacement 2:
        
        
            2.0 Liters (1998 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Bore Stroke 2:
        
        
            86.0 mm x 86.0 mm
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio 2:
        
        
            9.3:1
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 2:
        
        
            156 hp @ 6200 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2:
        
        
            144 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Type Recommendation:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Emissions Control:
        
        
            Catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, EGR (where applicable).
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manual Transmission:
        
        
            5-speed manual transmission (M5GF1)
        
     
    
    
        
            Automatic Transmission:
        
        
            4-speed automatic transmission (4AF25)
        
     
    
    
        
            Clutch Type:
        
        
            Dry single plate (manual transmission)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
        
        
            Kia ATF SP-III or equivalent
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
        
        
            Approx. 7.0 Liters (14.5 Pints) for complete fill
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            178.7 inches (4539 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            70.1 inches (1780 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            56.7 inches (1440 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            104.3 inches (2650 mm)
        
     
    
        
        Exterior Forte5 Hatchback
    
 
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            172.4 inches (4378 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            70.1 inches (1780 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            57.9 inches (1470 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            104.3 inches (2650 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            172.4 inches (4378 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            70.1 inches (1780 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            55.7 inches (1415 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            104.3 inches (2650 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Trunk Volume Sedan:
        
        
            14.7 cu ft (416 L)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume Hatchback:
        
        
            19.7 cu ft (558 L) with rear seats up
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Base:
        
        
            Approx. 2700 lbs (1225 kg)
        
     
    
        
            Curb Weight Max:
        
        
            Approx. 2900 lbs (1315 kg)
        
     
    
    
        
            Wheel Bolt Pattern:
        
        
            5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
        
     
    
        
            Standard Tire Size Base:
        
        
            P195/65R15
        
     
    
        
            Optional Tire Size:
        
        
            P205/55R16, P215/45R17
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
        
        
            4 Stars (Driver and Passenger)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
        
        
            Good
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System
        
     
    
        
            Ebs:
        
        
            Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Available Traction Control System (TCS)
        
     
    
        
            Stability Control:
        
        
            Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (standard/optional depending on trim).
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH child seat anchors.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, optional Infinity audio system with amplifier and subwoofer.
        
     
    
        
            Navigation:
        
        
            Not typically offered in 2010 models; aftermarket solutions available.
        
     
    
    
        
            Cruise Control:
        
        
            Standard on most trims.
        
     
    
        
            Parking Sensors:
        
        
            Not commonly equipped, aftermarket options.
        
     
    
    
        
            Bluetooth:
        
        
            Available on higher trims or as an optional upgrade, typically for hands-free calling.
        
     
    
        
            Usb Port:
        
        
            Not standard on 2010 models.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions) or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months (normal driving).
        
     
    
        
            Engine 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 1 6L:
        
        
            Every 105,000 miles (169,000 km) using iridium-tipped plugs.
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement 2 0L:
        
        
            Every 105,000 miles (169,000 km) using iridium-tipped plugs.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush Interval:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type 1 6L:
        
        
            SAE 5W-20, API SN/SM or ILSAC GF-5
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Type 2 0L:
        
        
            SAE 5W-20, API SN/SM or ILSAC GF-5
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity 1 6L:
        
        
            4.0 US Quarts (3.8 Liters) with filter change
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity 2 0L:
        
        
            4.5 US Quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter change
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Ethylene Glycol based coolant (OAT or HOAT, typically orange or pink color), pre-mixed 50/50 with deionized water.
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Consumption:
        
        
            Some owners reported higher than expected oil consumption on early models, especially the 2.0L. Regular checks are advised.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Shifts:
        
        
            Occasional harsh shifting or delayed engagement reported on automatic transmissions. Fluid service is crucial.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Noise:
        
        
            Front suspension noises (clunks, rattles) due to worn bushings or struts can occur over time.
        
     
    
        
            HVAC Issues:
        
        
            Blend door actuator failures or refrigerant leaks can lead to HVAC performance issues.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Kia Motors Origin:
        
        
            South Korean automotive manufacturer founded in 1944.
        
     
    
        
            Global Expansion:
        
        
            Kia experienced significant global growth in the early 2000s, with the Forte being a key model in this expansion.
        
     
    
    
        
            Predecessor:
        
        
            Kia Spectra (Cerato in some markets).
        
     
    
        
            Introduction Year:
        
        
            2008 (South Korea), 2009 (North America)
        
     
    
        
            Design Philosophy:
        
        
            Penned by designer Peter Schreyer, the Forte marked a new era of Kia's design language, emphasizing a more European and upscale feel.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Plant:
        
        
            Hwaseong Plant, South Korea; Gwangmyeong Plant, South Korea; Yaguang Plant, China (for local market); VAZ, Russia (for local market).
        
     
    
    
        
            First Generation Production:
        
        
            2008-2013
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Kbb Value Award:
        
        
            The Forte was recognized by Kelley Blue Book for its strong resale value in its class during its initial years.
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumer Reports Reliability:
        
        
            Average to Below Average reliability ratings in some surveys for the early models, often citing minor electrical and transmission issues.
        
     
    
    
        
            Emissions Certification:
        
        
            Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for its model year.