Segment:
Compact car (sedan and coupe)
Target Audience:
DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, fleet maintenance
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3, Ford Focus
Manual Benefit:
Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to maintain and repair the vehicle accurately and efficiently
Content Advantage:
Directly from Kia factory resources, ensuring accuracy and completeness
Visual Aid Quality:
Includes pictures and wiring diagrams for enhanced clarity
Powertrain:
Engine, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, drive axles, differential
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (hydraulic and mechanical components), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Starting and charging system, lighting system, instrumentation, audio system, power accessories, body control modules, multiplexing systems
Body And Frame:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, body repair and alignment
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system operation and repair
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and replacement for all covered systems
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom analysis, fault code interpretation, wiring diagram usage
Diagnostics:
Component testing, electrical circuit diagnostics, on-board diagnostic (OBD-II) system interpretation
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical circuit diagrams for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complex engine and transmission rebuilds
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with accompanying illustrations and photographs
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
1998 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
86.0 mm x 86.0 mm (approximate, common for this engine family)
Compression Ratio:
10.1:1 (typical for this engine)
Horsepower:
156 hp @ 6200 rpm (typical for this engine variant)
Torque:
144 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm (typical for this engine variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 AKI (Octane rating may vary by region; check manual for specifics)
Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) with filter change (typical, always verify with manual)
Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-20, API SN/ILSAC GF-5 (verify specific OEM recommendation in manual)
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
6-speed Automatic Transmission (Sportmatic)
Automatic Features:
Selectable drive modes, potential paddle shifters (trim dependent)
Manual Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-85 (verify with manual for specific part number/specification)
Automatic Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent (verify with manual for specific part number/specification)
Length:
Forte Sedan: ~178.7 inches; Forte Koup: ~171.9 inches
Width:
Forte Sedan/Koup: ~70.1 inches
Height:
Forte Sedan: ~57.0 inches; Forte Koup: ~55.1 inches
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,800 - 3,000 lbs (depending on body style and transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
N/A (specific GVWR required from manual)
NHTSA Overall:
Likely 4-Star or 5-Star (typical for this era of Kia, verify specific test results)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Potentially a Top Safety Pick award for some configurations (verify specific year/model test)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard
Esc:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) standard
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) standard
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input. Optional upgrades with satellite radio, USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were not common on this base model.
Bluetooth:
Available on higher trim levels or as an option, enabling hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Keyless Entry:
Available keyless entry system with panic alarm.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended) - check manual for specific conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 100,000 miles (Iridium type plugs) - confirm with manual.
Coolant Flush:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years (initial interval may be longer, then shorter).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based, HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant (e.g., Kia/Hyundai Long Life Coolant, or equivalent meeting spec)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify specific requirement in manual)
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some early models/engines may exhibit higher oil consumption, regular checks are advised.
Suspension Components:
Premature wear on certain suspension bushings or links can occur in high-mileage vehicles.
HVAC Blower Motor:
Occasional failure of the HVAC blower motor resistor or the blower motor itself.
Interior Rattles And Squeaks:
Common in many compact cars, often related to interior trim pieces.
Manufacturer Origin:
South Korea
First Generation:
Launched globally in 2008 (as Kia Cerato/Forte), North America introduced in 2009.
Second Generation:
The 2011 model falls within the first generation, which saw a facelift and updates for this model year.
Assembly Location:
Primarily Hwaseong, South Korea; also Ulsan, South Korea and Dongfeng Yueda Kia plant in China.
Safety Awards General:
The Forte lineup often received good safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, contributing to its market appeal.
Value Proposition:
Often cited for its strong value proposition, offering a good blend of features, performance, and affordability in its segment.
