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.