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Kia Forte 5-door

69 messages,  Last post on Jan 31, 2012 at 2:56 PM

You are in the Kia Forte / Forte Koup Forum.

What is this discussion about? Kia Forte, Car Buying, Hatchback

Messages Page 7 of 7

#61 of 69 Re: GVWR [gigahz] by conwelpic

Apr 23, 2011 (8:32 pm)

Replying to: gigahz (Apr 23, 2011 3:46 pm)
I would suggest you go to your local Kia dealer and check out the door tag for the GVWR for that vehicle.

#62 of 69 Impressed by Forte LX by fortenewbie

Apr 29, 2011 (4:27 pm)

Just bough (March 1st) a 2010 Kia Forte LX, just for the economy. After all I drive 120 miles a day (Northwest NY) and filling up was getting expensive with my Jeep Wrangler. (Average on dry road = 20-22 miles per Gallon - 15-18 mpg on 4x4).
 
In the past 2 months, I have tried different "ways" of driving and have averaged, so far 37-39 miles per gallon.(my credit card company is crying as I am not spending as much as before).
 
This last week, I decided to drive like a Floridian (no insult intended). Change gears at 2000rpm and "upping" from third to fifth (by-passing fourth) and keeping acceleration very slow. Still a little hesitation as the RPM falls to 1,100 RPM but slowly getting to speed (55mph). The result is that I drove 375 miles on 9 gallons (41.50 miles per gallons) Of course it takes the fun out of driving (but wallet feels better). If I do my commute using only Highways (70-75 mph), I still average 36-38 mpg.
Good oomph in second gear and third (with a slight dead timing) but overall, good pick up even in fifth. The manual advises to change oil every 7,500 miles (or 12 months) but I'm kind of weary about this.
Sound system is not Bose but does its job. Bluetooth is annoying with its "transfer complete" female robotic voice., but I kindof got used to it. (I still stall once in a while and the circuits have to "rearm' themselves I guess).
 
it's a car and for the price and its operation, it should fit a lot of budget conscious drivers.
 
Very good car with very good mileage per gallon.
 
Vincent

#63 of 69 Re: Impressed by Forte LX [fortenewbie] by lcw1

May 02, 2011 (6:22 pm)

Replying to: fortenewbie (Apr 29, 2011 4:27 pm)
'This last week, I decided to drive like a Floridian '.
 
Now now Vincent: In Florida we might be old, slow and dumb but even us can figure this out: If skipping a gear saves gas, car manufacturers would have saved money and effort by not including that gear in the first place.
Also this is really funny: New York driver making fun of Florida drivers:)

#64 of 69 2011 Forte Seats by compensate

May 13, 2011 (9:28 am)

I have driven almost 5,000 miles on my new 2011 Forte5. My biggest complaint is the drivers seat comfort. I wish there was a knob on the lower seat cushion where I could turn it and tilt the front of the seat cushion upward. My old 2001 Hyundai Elantra GT had that knob. It works wonder for long drives, giving both your legs and lower back good support.
 
Does anyone know is the SX version of the Forte has more adjustments for the driver's seat than the EX trim level? If so, I actually might consider buying a new driver's seat. It would be worth it since my legs and lower back get a bit tired on longer drives.

#65 of 69 Cargo capacity of the Forte 5 by conwelpic

Jun 04, 2011 (9:00 am)

finally found out what the cargo capacity for the Forte 5 is with the 2nd row down, for some reason its not easily made available on websites on in brochures, or not that I could find, I ended up posing the question to Kia Motors and got a reply.
 
Its - 1252 L or 44.2 cu. ft. and of course a very flat floor and not much obstruction from the rear wheel wells as you can see in this photo I took.
 

#66 of 69 Re: Cargo capacity of the Forte 5 [conwelpic] by stickguy

Jun 04, 2011 (1:08 pm)

Replying to: conwelpic (Jun 04, 2011 9:00 am)
well, in that picture, it looks big enough to replace the van as our family truckster.
 
probably won't work quite so well in practice.
 
but for me, ideal size as a 2nd car that can transport the dog.

#67 of 69 Impressed by Forte LX by fortenewbie

Sep 12, 2011 (7:36 pm)

Replying to: lcw1 (May 02, 2011 6:22 pm)
Well, 16K miles after 6 months of driving my Kia Forte 2010 (5 speed manual)
 
Absolutely no problem at all. I never have opened the hood. I don't even know how the engine looks like. 2 oil changes and a tire rotation (slight vibration though at low speed). Gas mileage still in the upper 30's, with a couple of 41.5 miles/Gal and one 42.6 miles/Gal, but otherwise 38-39 mpg week after week.
 
My trick:
Don't exceed 2000rpm in First Second and Third gear, then switch up to Fifth. The car will pick up at 1300rpm and will very slowly accelerate to 2000rpm (55mph) or 2800rpm at 65mph. When decelarating, clutch to the floor, engine will go idle 800rpm and then pick up in Second or Third gear. I know, some "purists" will not recommend that, but the $$$savings are there.
 
I'm not too fond of the radio. Hard to hear with driver's window open and at max volume. Love the bluetooth and plugs for other electronic devices. (You can even record/download songs on your phone and have them play through Bluetooth). I will tend to agree with the paint quality. Some light scratches appeared out of nowhere on...the roof!!!
 
Comfort is all right. Panel is functional. Lots of space in the rear trunk.
 
Maybe one day, I'll drive this baby to Florida but I'll have to wait as this a bare-bone model with no A/C. Can't wait though
 
Overall: Extremely satisfied
 
fortenewbie

#68 of 69 Automatic shift speeds of 2012 Forte5 by forte52012own

Nov 17, 2011 (6:57 am)

At what speed (apx.) does the 2012 Forte5 automatic shift (slow acceleration) both going up and when decelerating? I know there will be a different point for fast acceleration, but even then when that speed is reached, taking the foot off the pedal will allow the shift. I like to drive at a speed just above the shift point (or just below once the shift has occured). One mechanic said he "thought" these 5 points (going up) were: 12 - 18 - 24 - 32 - and 42mph but had no idea how much below these point it would shift back down. I would think that the top shift at least should be at a higher mph. GM gave this information on an older car I had and the Toyota I have shifts into "overdrive" at 48mph and goes back down at apx. 45mph.

#69 of 69 press request by kirstie_h HOST

Jan 31, 2012 (2:56 pm)

If you recently considered a hybrid but decided on a fuel-efficient non-hybrid instead, please email predmunds.com by Friday, February 3, 2011 to share your story.
Please include your daytime contact information and a few words about the decision you made.

Messages Page 7 of 7

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