Segment:
Compact sedan, hatchback
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers, first-time car owners, small families
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cruze
Forte Advantage:
Value proposition, stylish design, feature-rich for its price point
Design:
Sleek, modern styling with European influences
Powertrain:
Fuel-efficient engines, available with manual or automatic transmissions
Interior:
Well-appointed interior with good ergonomics and available premium features
Safety:
Standard safety features, good safety ratings for its class
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine management
Transmission:
Manual transmission (M/T) and Automatic transmission (A/T) systems, including clutch, gears, torque converter, hydraulics, and electronic controls
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) systems, drive shafts, CV joints, differential
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic or electric), steering column, tie rods, steering gear
Brakes:
Brake system (front and rear discs), ABS, EBD, brake hydraulics, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake
Electrical:
12V battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM)
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), airbags, seat belts
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, trouble codes (DTCs), diagnostic procedures, scan tool usage
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair:
Component replacement, major overhauls, troubleshooting and repair of all major systems
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic trees for common and complex problems
Installation:
Instructions for installation and removal of components
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical data
Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Transmission Type 1.6L:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type 2.0L:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type 1.6L:
4-speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Type 2.0L:
6-speed Automatic Transmission (with Shiftronic on some trims)
At Control:
Electronic control for optimal shift points and fuel economy
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W/85 or SAE 75W-90 gear oil (refer to manual for specific fill)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Genuine ATF SP-III or equivalent (refer to manual for specific fill)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Crash Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Crash Rear Passenger:
5 Stars
IIHS Crash Test Results:
Good in front, side, and rear tests (varies by specific test)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution
Esc:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags Front:
Dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Available front side-mounted airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Available full-length side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, pretensioners, load limiters
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes).
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:
Iridium spark plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Check manual for specific plug type.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Automatic: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions. Manual: Inspect regularly, change as recommended by manual (often 60,000-100,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type 1.6L:
API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20
Engine Oil Type 2.0L:
API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 or SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific engine variant)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water (typically a purple or orange coolant, verify with manual)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual)
Power Steering Fluid:
Hydraulic Power Steering Fluid (check manual for specific type, some may use ATF)
Engine Noise:
Some owners report clicking or ticking noises from the engine, potentially related to valve train or fuel injectors.
Transmission Shifting:
Occasional reports of rough or hesitant shifting in automatic transmissions.
Suspension Noise:
Rattles or clunks from suspension components, particularly sway bar links or bushings.
Electrical Issues:
Infrequent reports of minor electrical gremlins, such as interior light issues or sensor malfunctions.
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation, founded in 1944, is South Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles.
Forte Introduction:
The Kia Forte (also known as Kia Cerato in many markets) was introduced for the 2009 model year, replacing the Kia Spectra.
2010 Model Year:
The 2010 model is part of the first generation (TD) of the Forte. Minor updates may have been applied.
Assembly Locations:
Primarily assembled in South Korea (Hwaseong) and also at other Kia/Hyundai plants globally.