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Kia Forte vs Toyota Corolla vs Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda3

72 messages,  Last post on Dec 12, 2010 at 12:30 AM

You are in the Kia Forte / Forte Koup Forum.

What is this discussion about? Kia Forte, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda MAZDA3, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 8 of 8

#64 of 72 Re: 2010 kia forte EX sedan auto review update [autonomous] by thegraduate

Dec 25, 2009 (10:16 pm)

Replying to: autonomous (Dec 23, 2009 2:46 pm)
The "New" EPA window stickers are pessimistic in my eyes. I've NEVER gotten highway mileage as bad as those stickers indicate I should be getting, and I don't drive 55 everywhere, and I also like to hear the VTEC snarl at 6000 RPM! The old EPA numbers are a pretty good indication of what mileage I can expect.

#65 of 72 forte road noise vs mazda 3 and civic by steven39

Dec 30, 2009 (2:04 pm)

just a few words about my kia forte's interior road noise.before i decided on the forte EX sedan i also test drove a 2010 mazda 3 and a 2010 honda civic sedan lx among a few other cars.i actually came close to purchasing the mazda 3 but it had to much horrific road noise for my likeing as did the civic sedan.the forte's quiet interior was the deciding factor among other things over the other cars i test drove.

#66 of 72 Re: forte road noise vs mazda 3 and civic [steven39] by mnf

Dec 30, 2009 (11:49 pm)

Replying to: steven39 (Dec 30, 2009 2:04 pm)
Is there a differance from the Sedan or Coupe auto or manual in road noise. Reading Consumer Reports they said.
 
HighsFuel economy, secure handling, rear-seat space, controls. LowsRide, engine noise, fit and finish, driving position.
 
"The engine gets quite loud under acceleration."
 
From what i have seen they do look sharp KIA has came a long way in a few short years.
 
MNF

#67 of 72 Re: forte road noise vs mazda 3 and civic [mnf] by chrono

Dec 31, 2009 (8:05 am)

Replying to: mnf (Dec 30, 2009 11:49 pm)
I test drove an EX with fuel pkg a couple months back. I thought the engine noise was fine although I never hammered the car. Also the ride seemed smooth too. The difference in ride could be attributed to the different wheel packages you can get. The standard size are the 15's which seemed to absorb most any bump. I did not try the 16's or I think the SX can be had with 17's I believe which would make the ride more firm ..

#68 of 72 Forte Long-Term Reliability by compensate

Aug 12, 2010 (4:09 pm)

The Kia Forte is on my short list for my next car. I currently drive a 2001 Hyundai Elantra GT 5-speed (a REAL hatchback) with almost 225,000 miles on it. Still has all original pumps (oil, fuel and water), rear struts, alternator, clutch, transmission, etc. The air conditioning is still ice cold and has never been serviced in 9 years of ownership. This has been the most reliable car I have ever owned, even made more amazing by the fact that I am a spirited driver and tend to "push" my cars a bit.
 
I was going to get another Elantra, but that new hatchback model (Elantra Touring) looks like a station wagon - they should not even call it a hatchback anyomore. If it looked more like a hatchback, I would not hesitate to buy it, but the Forte looks much better.
 
Anyone have any input into the long-term reliability of the Kia Forte, or Kia in general these days? Can they compete with Hyundai in long-term reliability of 7+ years and high mileage?
 
Thanks!

#69 of 72 Re: Forte Long-Term Reliability [compensate] by jimpimms

Sep 04, 2010 (6:43 am)

Replying to: compensate (Aug 12, 2010 4:09 pm)
Kia's pretty much using the newest Hyundai drivetrains now, so the reliability should be comparable, although they're assembled in separate plants. Curiously, the Forte has a more advanced 2.0L all-aluminum engine (156 bhp / 154 bhp PZEV) than the Elantra (138 bhp / 132 bhp PZEV). I also owned a 2001 Elantra GT, and stupidly traded it in for a 2006 Sonata V-6 5AT, and I've regretted it ever since, as the GT was a blast to drive. I passed the Sonata on to my wife, and I now have a Forte EX 5MT, which is also fun to push. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the 2011 Forte 5-door 6MT, since it has more power, an extra cog, and better gas mileage. But you may notice a difference in handling, as the Kia's rear suspension is torsion-bar rather than fully independent. I'm planning on upgrading to an SX 5-door 6MT, but not until Kia drops the new GDI 2.4L (198 bhp / 190 bhp PZEV) in it--or better yet, the new 2.0L turbo.

#70 of 72 stick with japanese makes.. by joeyrab

Dec 06, 2010 (1:14 pm)

#71 of 72 stick with japanese makes.. by joeyrab

Dec 06, 2010 (1:20 pm)

Not for nothing but the first couple of months there shouldn't be any problems with any of the above cars, BUT I would look at the Toyota and Mazda, from the above 4 cars listed in the title. I have yet to be convinced that Hyundai and Kia are just as durable in the long run as Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Suzuki, Mazda, etc...
I really think the Kia Forte is a great looking car. I would consider it myself but I cant see it being as rock solid a a toyota or honda 5-6 years from now. I just work with too many people who drive Hyundai/Kia cars...after 2-3 years, they seem to start nickel and diming you...this is just an observation. When I start hearing people tell me thay have 175,000 miles on their elantra, and it has been great....and I see it, then I may change my tune....

#72 of 72 Kia/Hyundai engine combinations by netranger4

Dec 12, 2010 (12:30 am)

To those concerned with the above, bear in mind that different countries have different taxing methods for cars and fuel costs range from outrageous to outright banditry. Ergo, many differing engines, diesel or gasoline, must be offered if you plan on selling worldwide. Standard transmissions are more common in other parts of the world than automatics. Durability of Kia/Hyundai engines and vehicles in general depends on proper maintenance and pride of ownership. If you wish to see an example of this, check Whatcar.co.uk and look at the Kia/Hyundai models offered. It can be an eye-opener.

Messages Page 8 of 8

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