Kia... and the 5-door Forte SX

[mephiston5]

What do people think of the new Kia 5-door Forte SX trim?

6 speed automatic, 173 hp, decent cargo room, much improved styling... Nice warranty, ~17850 if you buy via the trueCar pre-negotiated deals.

It seems like a nice car to me, but I am having somewhat of a hard time getting over the fact that it is a Kia. Kia looks pretty good recently, but I still tend to associate them with less than desirable autos.

Time to consider Kia a true competitor to the top tier brands? Or are they still a third tier option for those that cannot make the payments of a quality car? I am leaning toward the first option, but I am interested in what everyone else thinks.

 

[Sid59]

not too many reviews on the hatch version but you can take-away some info from the sedan version. I imagine, suspension and driving feel should remain the same.

The Kia design is waaaaaay more muted than the current Mazda3. I guess in the end, do you hate the 3's smile and love Kia's cheaper price and longer warranty?

I'd buy a Kia but I wouldn't buy the Kia Forte Hatch over a Mazda3 hatch.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q4/2011_kia_forte_sx_5-door_hatchback-short_take_road_test
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/11/review-2011-kia-forte-sx/

 

[ElFenix]

the tolerances aren't as good as hyundai's are right now, and probably won't ever be (kia is intended to be a downmarket brand, after all).

the upcoming 2012 mazda3 will be so much better than the forte

 

[mmntech]

the tolerances aren't as good as hyundai's are right now, and probably won't ever be (kia is intended to be a downmarket brand, after all).

the upcoming 2012 mazda3 will be so much better than the forte

There's a noticeable quality difference between the Forte and the Elantra. I drive both regularly for work. The latter is just the better car, period. Check out the Elantra Touring if you're looking for a 5-door. Price is about the same as the Forte.

For hatches, definitely check out the Mazda 3 and the Ford Focus first. I've driven the Fiesta and was very impressed with it. Focus is a bigger version of it.

 

[Smoove910]

KIA's warranty is shit... trust me, I know 1st hand.

Also, the KIA may be nice now, but put 100,000 miles on it and get back to me. I'm sure your thoughts will be different.