2012 Kia Forte opinions

[Jeff7181]

Anyone have any opinions about the 2012 Kia Forte? I can't find many reviews of it... found a couple YouTube videos that don't say it's junk, but don't exactly praise it either.

The reason I ask is that I totaled my 2009 Jetta (the deer died on impact when I hit it going 70 mph, but I'm not exactly sure I "won" the battle) and the collision shop where I had it towed said they just finished a 2012 Kia Forte and they could probably give me a good price on it.

Some of the comments I've seen are that it lacks power and the suspension/handling is very blah.

I'd really like something more sporty, but with good fuel economy. Maybe a Mazda 3 or something like that. Or something with more utility, like a Subaru Outback.

My girlfriend has a Kia Rio, and it's tiny. I'll be driving that for a little while since she works from home and doesn't really need it on a daily basis, but driving that thing is torture. It's not built for a person of 6 feet. The suspension is harsh and unforgiving, the electronic assisted steering is utter junk and the seat is so small I feel like there's no seat back to support me. I'm worried the Forte might be the same, only slightly larger but just as crappy a ride.

I just figured I'd see if anyone had any experience with the Forte.

 

[Tweak155]

SE Michigan and you hit a deer? Must be north a ways or west a ways from Detroit.

Anyway, when I went to Cali I didn't get to pick my rental car, they gave me a Forte. I was shocked at how it felt really well put together and got great fuel economy. But, it was just a basic commuter car. No pickup at all, basic steering, etc. It's a really good A to B car, I was impressed given my negative opinions on them (Kia) before that.

EDIT:

I'm 6' and thought the room was fine. Overall though it isn't an exciting ride in any way, shape, or form. If you want a hint of that you won't find it, but it will get you from A to B.

 

[MiataNC]

I think the Forte is a decent car, but I wouldn't buy one that a collision repair shop just put back on the road. How good of a deal are they giving you?

 

[desy]

Here you go
http://www.autos.ca/used-car-reviews/used-vehicle-review-kia-forte-2010-2013/

 

[lupi]

It would have to be a killer deal for me to pick one up the just finished putting back together.

 

[Jeff7181]

I took a look at it today. 5600 miles, EX trim, he wanted $12,800... I decided against it.

And yes, there's tons of deer in SE, Michigan. I was on M14 West near the I23 interchange.