Kia Forte Koup

[blaknoize]

Believe it or not I do believe Kia (owned by Hyundai) has actually did a good job with the little coupe. The ride isnt as harsh as the Civic coupe and I do like the look of it including the materials used. The look of it is very similar to the Honda Civic, but the flat top roof I like. This is all IMO but this is an overall refreshing look at Kia.

Yes... this is a Kia and will always be considered a POS, but I think the quality of these makes are really improving. I took one for a drive and was pretty impressed. Solid ride, quiet and comparable fuel economy, fit and finish is great and the materials on the interior are no longer cheap and fake feeling. Everything has that almost "Toyota close" sound.

It passes for me, since I guess I'm not a hardcore tuner type guy. It would do the job for me and priced at 14-18k with many "selling point options" as they do push that stuff. I do like, but I'd still like a Civic.

[5speed]

I would take it over a Civic. The overall build quality is better imo.

[Nerdsrock22]

Kia Coupe looks great. They consistently catch my eye. The blue one's are absolutely stunning.

[man]

Yeah, I saw one of these in the apt complex and was like WTF is that and I saw it was a KIA

Great looking little car

[redpanda]

a lot of car for the money

[JITB]

im gonna try to get my gf to get one...lol cant beat that warranty, and the long list of standard equipment

[Kevykev]

It's just hard getting over the "KIA"

[2010GT-R]

i have a 2010 Red Kia Forte Coupe For Sale. Was my sisters. Asking 14k or 15k. Couple Thousand Miles On It. Warranty, everything PM me if Interested....!

[blaknoize]

^U can get a new one for the same price...

It's just hard getting over the "KIA"

Just like its hard for the supercar owners to get over the word LEXUS, but they will.

[RL...]

they are nice, korean auto co's are coming up!

[Glides]

Looks like a TC to me. Too Crappy.

[bloodline]

i never liked kia or hyundai..there cars never apealed to me..i had a bad exeriance with a hyundai before..the quality in how they make there cars...is something i never liked..they are getting better tho

[EP3sAreFun]

I used to work for Toyota, now Kia.

I'm REALLY surprised at the fit and finish of the forte SX. I've got a chance to drive one and comparing it to something like the TC... well the interior of the kia looks MUCH better, the car is faster and even seems to handle better. Theres even rumors of factory accessory turbo kits for the Forte SX and the Soul...

I think Kia still has some distance to travel to compete with other big importers... but they are definitely moving forward

[blaknoize]

Well if the car insurance is right (which it actually is CHEAPER) I may go with this than my Civic dreams. A brand new Koup costs less for me to insure than an 07 Civic LX or EX.

[DVSRX-7]

i have a 2010 Red Kia Forte Coupe For Sale. Was my sisters. Asking 14k or 15k. Couple Thousand Miles On It. Warranty, everything PM me if Interested....!

Just take it back to the dealer or sell it for $5K and buy a spark plug for your Skyline

[2010GT-R]

Just take it back to the dealer or sell it for $5K and buy a spark plug for your Skyline

Haha

[okra1981]

The leather doesn't look like it will last past 100k miles, it doesn't look taut and looks as if it will it won't age well. Also, the side cushion for the thigh looks like it is giving a little, and these are press release photos, imagine what real life wear and tear will cause.
I like how everyone tries to compare these to a Civic, when Kia hasn't proven itself to be a top notch competitor. Why not compare them to less popular automakers from Japan first, like Mitsubishi or Mazda before moving them on to compete with Honda and Toyota. On that note, I don't think this car can even hold a candle to the Mazda 3, for comparison's sake, I don't think this car will be anywhere near as good as my $2600 Protege, but that's a personal opinion.

[EP3sAreFun]

The leather doesn't look like it will last past 100k miles, it doesn't look taut and looks as if it will it won't age well. Also, the side cushion for the thigh looks like it is giving a little, and these are press release photos, imagine what real life wear and tear will cause.
I like how everyone tries to compare these to a Civic, when Kia hasn't proven itself to be a top notch competitor. Why not compare them to less popular automakers from Japan first, like Mitsubishi or Mazda before moving them on to compete with Honda and Toyota. On that note, I don't think this car can even hold a candle to the Mazda 3, for comparison's sake, I don't think this car will be anywhere near as good as my $2600 Protege, but that's a personal opinion.

You are judging quality of leather by looking at a freaking picture? Go sit in one than talk.

And they are compared to a civic because that is the class the car is in.

And i don't think Car and Driver will compare any of the cars you mentioned to a $2600 protege

[VooDooXII]

I really like them. I keep saying "This is what the Civic should have looked like." Kia just needs to work on a few details and they'll be right there with Honda and Toyota. I've read some reviews on this car...the interior materials are a little cheap and the engine gets a bit thrashy as the revs climb, but overall this car seems pretty promising. I'm interested in seeing if Kia will create a "sports division" or something. Both Hyundai and Kia have really impressed me with their latest offerings.

[5speed]

Kia is stepping its game up quick and doing it well. I test drove a Forte Koup yesterday and it was great. It was comfortable and the quality was pretty good compared to alot shit other manufactures are putting out these days. I also test drove a Toyota Venza. I wish I could buy one of those and mod it. It is a great platform and would look sick lowered on some 19's and lip/sideskirt kit.

[okra1981]

You are judging quality of leather by looking at a freaking picture? Go sit in one than talk.

And they are compared to a civic because that is the class the car is in.

And i don't think Car and Driver will compare any of the cars you mentioned to a $2600 protege

I'm judging the picture because that's what was posted, it doesn't look like good workmanship, just look at the side bolster for the driver's thigh, it already looks worn as well.
I think more magazines should compare a good used car to a new car equivalent, I'd put my cheap Protege up against anything five times it's price (it would at least make for a decent article or two, like the old Best Sports Car for Under $15k articles I've read in the past).
It's a quality issue that I have with Hyundai/Kia, my girl has owned one and I thought it was the worst thing on the road. It's nice and all to say that an auto company has "upped it's game" without any proof of long term testing and any proof of quality 100k miles down the road, but of course it has it's 100k mile warranty, which reminds me of a little bit of wisdom:

In the words of Tommy Callahan Jr.- "Because they know all they sold ya was a guaranteed piece of shit. That's all it is, isn't it? Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed, I will. I got spare time. But for now, for your customer's sake, for your daughter's sake, ya might wanna think about buying a quality product from me."

I think my big problem with Hyundai/Kia is that they think that they've earned their way into the entry level luxury market and they pump out a $40k car. People will buy it, and people will say it's good to try to trick others into thinking that they aren't straight retarded, but those intelligent enough will realize that they missed out on a chance to own a quality vehicle.

[EP3sAreFun]

I'm judging the picture because that's what was posted, it doesn't look like good workmanship, just look at the side bolster for the driver's thigh, it already looks worn as well.
I think more magazines should compare a good used car to a new car equivalent, I'd put my cheap Protege up against anything five times it's price (it would at least make for a decent article or two, like the old Best Sports Car for Under $15k articles I've read in the past).
It's a quality issue that I have with Hyundai/Kia, my girl has owned one and I thought it was the worst thing on the road. It's nice and all to say that an auto company has "upped it's game" without any proof of long term testing and any proof of quality 100k miles down the road, but of course it has it's 100k mile warranty, which reminds me of a little bit of wisdom:

In the words of Tommy Callahan Jr.- "Because they know all they sold ya was a guaranteed piece of shit. That's all it is, isn't it? Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed, I will. I got spare time. But for now, for your customer's sake, for your daughter's sake, ya might wanna think about buying a quality product from me."

I think my big problem with Hyundai/Kia is that they think that they've earned their way into the entry level luxury market and they pump out a $40k car. People will buy it, and people will say it's good to try to trick others into thinking that they aren't straight retarded, but those intelligent enough will realize that they missed out on a chance to own a quality vehicle.

Quit looking at pictures and just go take one for a damn ride. It sounds like you love your car so much that you would have such a biased opinion it wouldn't matter what you drive... you'd still have a big boner for your protege that everything else will be crap.

And i'm willing to put money down that if a crew of professional drivers drove your protege or a new kia forte. The forte would win

And of course Kia "upped its game". They now have a car that could be a legitimate contender against other popular sub-compact cars. They are also dumping money into racing the car. the car may turn into a huge flop, but for now Kia has definitely started going in the right direction.

oh... and your entry lvl $40k luxury car? what are you talking about?? the most expensive kai car is like $18k and the most pricy over all car is $26k

[blaknoize]

I like how everyone tries to compare these to a Civic, when Kia hasn't proven itself to be a top notch competitor. Why not compare them to less popular automakers from Japan first, like Mitsubishi or Mazda before moving them on to compete with Honda and Toyota.

Because they ARE competing with Honda and Toyota. Why are u picking at the company so much? Why would they market it and build it in similar contrast to the Civic if they were'nt after its market share

I do believe they did a good job and I've driven one for myself, go out and drive it and sit in it and listen to it before u make nagging assumptions. This is like saying the Ford Fusion is a waste of money when comparing it to the Accord or Camry. Ford did very well on it.

Stop acting like a little bitch cuz u havent actually taken it out for a test drive.

[JITB]

so since my gf is looking for a compact. we went and checked out the forte. and thekoup is a really nice car on the inside very sporty. the interior looks very non kia. and is almost as cool as a civic ex. we didn't test drive the koup but we did the sedan. but you can't get a full feel of a car off a test drive honestly. but the power was good and the seats were very very comfy. and really does have a sportt feel to it. I was kind of surprised that the 2.0 version was 21k. and that was alittle high when compared to a civic s gti mazdaspeed 3 etc. cool car no doubt, but I couldn't buy one myself. nor can I see a guy driving one yet! but it def has potential. just a little ppricey.

im on my phone so ignore the mistakes please!

[okra1981]

When talking about a $40k car, I'm referring to the Hyundai Genesis, the company as a whole.
As for my Protege, I joke about it and love it for the same reason, it's cheap and reliable and probably the least intimidating car I've ever driven. I definitely don't think it's the be all/end all of automobiles though, as a matter of fact, I would have never purchased it if it hadn't have been so cheap, but now it's just a pleasant surprise to have a decent handling little gas sipper.
As for comparisons sake, I think it would be an interesting article to see a magazine put up a slightly used car up against a new car to compare the benefits of a newer car with it's dependability and inflated price against a used car in a slightly higher range (like a decent Lexus IS vs. a comparable Camry).
I actually like the new Fusion, I drove the older one and it was pretty decent, and everything I've heard about the new one sounds like it's really nice, I also love the way it looks.

The problem I have with Kia is my girlfriend's previous car, a Kia Sephia that was a miserable automobile. It had ~80k miles and was falling apart: a/c went out, the dash was warped (I could see underneath it from a second story balcony), the transmission went out, etc... I would have been okay with the car if it held any merit when it came to having passion, but unlike a Saab 900, it was neither fun to drive or respectable by any means, at least you can admire the soul of a Saab as it sits in your driveway. Most anyone on this forum can understand where I'm coming from when I say that it's just enjoyable to have something you love, but personally, I just can't love a Kia.

I'll stop thread jacking now, sorry.

[EP3sAreFun]

When talking about a $40k car, I'm referring to the Hyundai Genesis, the company as a whole.
As for my Protege, I joke about it and love it for the same reason, it's cheap and reliable and probably the least intimidating car I've ever driven. I definitely don't think it's the be all/end all of automobiles though, as a matter of fact, I would have never purchased it if it hadn't have been so cheap, but now it's just a pleasant surprise to have a decent handling little gas sipper.
As for comparisons sake, I think it would be an interesting article to see a magazine put up a slightly used car up against a new car to compare the benefits of a newer car with it's dependability and inflated price against a used car in a slightly higher range (like a decent Lexus IS vs. a comparable Camry).
I actually like the new Fusion, I drove the older one and it was pretty decent, and everything I've heard about the new one sounds like it's really nice, I also love the way it looks.

The problem I have with Kia is my girlfriend's previous car, a Kia Sephia that was a miserable automobile. It had ~80k miles and was falling apart: a/c went out, the dash was warped (I could see underneath it from a second story balcony), the transmission went out, etc... I would have been okay with the car if it held any merit when it came to having passion, but unlike a Saab 900, it was neither fun to drive or respectable by any means, at least you can admire the soul of a Saab as it sits in your driveway. Most anyone on this forum can understand where I'm coming from when I say that it's just enjoyable to have something you love, but personally, I just can't love a Kia.

I'll stop thread jacking now, sorry.

Although Kia and Hyundai maybe together, Kia had/has nothing to do with the genesis.

And yeah the old sephias were piles of crap, but thats the point, this car is better than an old sephia

[ejohnson88]

I like the Koups. Black would be my color >

[blaknoize]

When talking about a $40k car, I'm referring to the Hyundai Genesis, the company as a whole.
As for my Protege, I joke about it and love it for the same reason, it's cheap and reliable and probably the least intimidating car I've ever driven. I definitely don't think it's the be all/end all of automobiles though, as a matter of fact, I would have never purchased it if it hadn't have been so cheap, but now it's just a pleasant surprise to have a decent handling little gas sipper.
As for comparisons sake, I think it would be an interesting article to see a magazine put up a slightly used car up against a new car to compare the benefits of a newer car with it's dependability and inflated price against a used car in a slightly higher range (like a decent Lexus IS vs. a comparable Camry).
I actually like the new Fusion, I drove the older one and it was pretty decent, and everything I've heard about the new one sounds like it's really nice, I also love the way it looks.

The problem I have with Kia is my girlfriend's previous car, a Kia Sephia that was a miserable automobile. It had ~80k miles and was falling apart: a/c went out, the dash was warped (I could see underneath it from a second story balcony), the transmission went out, etc... I would have been okay with the car if it held any merit when it came to having passion, but unlike a Saab 900, it was neither fun to drive or respectable by any means, at least you can admire the soul of a Saab as it sits in your driveway. Most anyone on this forum can understand where I'm coming from when I say that it's just enjoyable to have something you love, but personally, I just can't love a Kia.

I'll stop thread jacking now, sorry.

Ur not understanding that this thread was posted for the fact that Kia/Hyundai are creating a buzz and are producing cars to match. We all know that those Sephia's were not what anyone would consider even a "slightly appealing" car. It sucked, Kia knew that and so did the world. But now, RIGHT NOW, Kia is pushing out some great machines. 20k is high (for a Kia in retrospec) but not in the real world.

That little car offers alot and performs great. Yea... maybe 8yrs from now it will be a POS again or a majority, but for today. I like it and the world has renewed its interested in the Korean manufacture. I'd buy it if I wasnt wanting a Civic so damn bad. But believe u me, I will pick one up in the future when its a little cheaper.

The Lexus and Toyota comparsion is null because they are the same company. It would just be a mood point on which one is better, they are both very well built. It would be more like Lexus IS and BMW 328i. I havent personally driven a Saab 900 but I have heard that since America bought the company they arent as reliable or as fun as the older models.

Why not purchase a Geo Metro or Geo Prizm, it is even more of an eco car and less "intimidating" as u call it.

[BKgen®]

and people will say it's good to try to trick others into thinking that they aren't straight retarded, but those intelligent enough will realize that they missed out on a chance to own a quality vehicle.

lolol

I own one and I can guarantee you there's no "trickery" in Hyundai's new line of quality automobiles. You, sir, are completely misinformed and uneducated when it comes to the Hyundai/Kia of today. You, like countless other people, still see Hyundai and/or Kia as the same car company that they were 15 years ago -- Making cheap, disposable, unreliable econoboxes. I can assure you that they're not that same company -- Just like Honda isn't the company they were in 1970.

Until you've owned one, or at least test-driven one, I'd go ahead and turn down that elitist knob a notch or two if I were you. You're completely entitled to your opinion... But you might want to do a little research before coming in here and throwing around 10-15 year old stereotypes.

[JITB]

When talking about a $40k car, I'm referring to the Hyundai Genesis, the company as a whole.
As for my Protege, I joke about it and love it for the same reason, it's cheap and reliable and probably the least intimidating car I've ever driven. I definitely don't think it's the be all/end all of automobiles though, as a matter of fact, I would have never purchased it if it hadn't have been so cheap, but now it's just a pleasant surprise to have a decent handling little gas sipper.
As for comparisons sake, I think it would be an interesting article to see a magazine put up a slightly used car up against a new car to compare the benefits of a newer car with it's dependability and inflated price against a used car in a slightly higher range (like a decent Lexus IS vs. a comparable Camry).
I actually like the new Fusion, I drove the older one and it was pretty decent, and everything I've heard about the new one sounds like it's really nice, I also love the way it looks.

The problem I have with Kia is my girlfriend's previous car, a Kia Sephia that was a miserable automobile. It had ~80k miles and was falling apart: a/c went out, the dash was warped (I could see underneath it from a second story balcony), the transmission went out, etc... I would have been okay with the car if it held any merit when it came to having passion, but unlike a Saab 900, it was neither fun to drive or respectable by any means, at least you can admire the soul of a Saab as it sits in your driveway. Most anyone on this forum can understand where I'm coming from when I say that it's just enjoyable to have something you love, but personally, I just can't love a Kia.

I'll stop thread jacking now, sorry.

see this is how i know you arent 100% sure about the things you say. And you have misinformed grudge against korean cars. The Sephia is a mechanical clone of the protege thru alot of its lifespan. Granted it the interiors on th sephias were really bad, and the dashes do come apart. But kias are sold and bought by a certain group of people. That dont do preventive maintenance, and dont take care of their vehicles.

The sephia is no more, the forte is the new blood of kia/hyundai. You cant get a mid size sedan for 13k with a 100k - 10year warranty from any other manufacturer. And im a firm believer that any car is reliable, as long as its taken care of the way its supposed to.

I agree it does take time to get your name back up for kia/hyundai. And hyundai has done a great job doing so so far.. and i do think they will lead kia in the right way.

[Nemesis]

holy wall of text

[RL...]

I could never go back to having a 4 cylinder n/a car, even for a dd. They are just so damn slow and boring...

[JITB]

holy wall of text

we are passionate about our kias...lol

[Nubz]

saw one inside the mall. pretty nice car. id take it over mine

[RL...]

JITB, you know what woudl be fukni sexy as shit that you dont see a lot!?

A hyundai genesis sedan 4.6....I want to do one VIP style so damn bad!!!! But I have to wait till i get done with school for that

A bright crimson red one with polished wheels mmmmmmmmmmm

[JITB]

JITB, you know what woudl be fukni sexy as shit that you dont see a lot!?

A hyundai genesis sedan 4.6....I want to do one VIP style so damn bad!!!! But I have to wait till i get done with school for that

A bright crimson red one with polished wheels mmmmmmmmmmm

you are already behind!! Genesis sedans are the shit... remind me of the 1st gen LS400.

[RL...]

you are already behind!! Genesis sedans are the shit... remind me of the 1st gen LS400.

yeah they are i want one so bad!!! they r so damn nice inside and out and have 380hp...run 14.0's flat in teh 1/4 mile too lol

[VooDooXII]

So speaking of Car & Driver, I read an article in which they compared the car to a Mazda 3 hatch and a Volkswagen Golf.

They wrote about its refined engine, neat interior, clean styling, and most importantly...how well it tackled corners. It placed third out of three, mostly because of its uncomfortable seats, too-firm ride, and sloppy shifting but interestingly...it was only four points from the winning Mazda's overall score. They said, "Ultimately, the question is where the Forte would finish were this a 10-car test. Our scores give a hint: likely right here in third."

A few little details to iron out and this car is certainly on top. That's good enough for me! Good job Kia. It's been mentioned, but this improvement is definitely spreading across the range. The Soul was the first one that caught my eye, mostly because it's so...out there. I think it's a little cooler than the xB or the Cube. The new Borrego should've been good but it was released at a bad time. The Sorento is definitely eye-catching as well...and look at their Amanti replacement, the Cadenza and designs for the upcoming Optima. I'm thoroughly impressed.

Cadenza


Optima

[blaknoize]

we are passionate about our kias...lol

NO, we are passionate about the purpose and use of certain manufactures. Shitty everything used to exist in almost every manufacture, but u cant just go around here spewing hot garbage about something you havent even driven. Let alone DENY what it is capable of by the "looks" of the seats.

Even in a picture u can see the quality of the dash and the dials. I mean... the Kia actually has a great dash and material combination. I am actually more wary of the Civic dash, since its heavily plastic'd (yes not a word).