Segment:
Compact Sedan/Coupe
Target Audience:
Value-conscious buyers seeking fuel efficiency and modern features in a stylish package.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cruze.
Styling:
Sporty and modern design, especially with the Koup variant.
Value Proposition:
Offered a strong feature set for its price point.
Engine Options:
Provided a choice between a more fuel-efficient and a more powerful engine.
Transmission Automatic:
Yes
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning HVAC:
Yes
Interior Appointments:
Yes
Instrumentation And Controls:
Yes
Audio Visual Equipment:
Yes
Safety Systems Airbags Seatbelts:
Yes
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Yes
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Comprehensive coverage of all engine and transmission components and systems.
Chassis:
Detailed sections on suspension, steering, and braking systems, including component identification and overhaul procedures.
Body And Interior:
Includes information on body panel repair, interior trim removal and installation, and HVAC system service.
Electrical And Electronics:
Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including component testing, diagnostics, and detailed wiring diagrams for all circuits.
Routine Maintenance:
Covers all scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections.
Major Repairs:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and suspension component replacements.
Troubleshooting:
Provides diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and common issue resolutions.
Special Tools:
Identifies and specifies the use of necessary special tools for various repair procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical diagnostics and repair.
Engine Code 1:
G4FA (1.6L)
Configuration 1:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain 1:
DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower 1:
124 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque 1:
117 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Induction 1:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Code 2:
G4FC (1.8L)
Configuration 2:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain 2:
DOHC, 16 valves
Horsepower 2:
156 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque 2:
144 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Induction 2:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless)
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors (Lambda Sensors)
Length:
Sedan: 178.1 inches (4524 mm), Koup: 169.1 inches (4300 mm)
Width:
Sedan: 69.9 inches (1775 mm), Koup: 70.1 inches (1781 mm)
Height:
Sedan: 57.7 inches (1465 mm), Koup: 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
Sedan: 104.3 inches (2649 mm), Koup: 104.3 inches (2649 mm)
Trunk Volume Sedan:
12.6 cu ft (357 L)
Curb Weight Min:
Approximately 2700 lbs (1225 kg)
Curb Weight Max:
Approximately 2950 lbs (1338 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Varies by trim and engine, consult manual for specifics.
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (2010 model year ratings may vary slightly by test)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (2010 model year ratings may vary slightly by test)
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
Good (2010 model year ratings may vary slightly by test)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Good (2010 model year ratings may vary slightly by test)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags Front:
Standard Dual Front Airbags
Airbags Side:
Standard Front Side-Impact Airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Standard Full-Length Side Curtain Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point Seatbelts with Pretensioners
Audio System:
Standard CD/MP3 player with AM/FM radio, auxiliary input, and USB port (on select trims).
Optional Upgrades:
Available premium audio systems, Bluetooth connectivity (depending on trim).
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims.
Bluetooth Hands Free:
Available on higher trims and with specific option packages.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Synthetic oil recommended.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (Iridium-tipped plugs)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 5W-20, API SM or higher (ILSAC GF-4)
Engine Oil Capacity 1 6L:
Approx. 3.8 quarts (3.6 L) with filter change (Consult Manual)
Engine Oil Capacity 1 8L:
Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 L) with filter change (Consult Manual)
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene Glycol based, Prediluted, Korean Long Life Coolant (Blue) or equivalent
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Consult Manual)
Engine Seizing Risk:
Early models sometimes reported oil consumption issues; regular checks and timely oil changes are crucial.
Transmission Issues:
Some reports of automatic transmission hesitation or rough shifting; fluid changes are key.
Suspension Noise:
Occasional reports of front suspension noise, particularly from struts or sway bar links.
Electrical Gremlins:
Minor electrical issues can arise; the manual's wiring diagrams are invaluable for diagnosis.
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automobile manufacturer, has grown significantly since its founding in 1944, evolving from a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycles to a major global automotive player.
Forte Introduction:
The Kia Forte was introduced for the 2010 model year, replacing the Spectra. It was designed to offer a more stylish and engaging alternative in the compact car segment.
Forte Generations:
The 2010 model represents the first generation (2010-2013) of the Forte. Subsequent generations introduced significant design and technology updates.
Forte Koup:
The Forte Koup, a sporty two-door coupe variant, debuted alongside the sedan, offering a distinct visual appeal and a more performance-oriented image.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced in South Korea (Hwaseong Plant), with some assembly potentially occurring in other Kia global facilities.