Overview

The Kia Forte is a compact car offered in three different body styles: sedan, hatchback, and coupe. First introduced for the 2010 model year, the Forte competes against the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3. A six-speed automatic transmission, some new equipment, and the arrival of a five-door hatchback model sum up what's new for 2011.

All three Forte body styles are offered in EX and SX trim levels, with the exception of the sedan, which is also available in an entry-level LX model with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, six-way adjustable driver seat, 60/40 split folding rear seats, auto-off headlamps, 15-inch steel wheels, and more. All EX models are upgraded with equipment such as power windows, power locks, cruise control, outside temperature display, and heated outside power mirrors with integrated turn signals. Range-topping SX models feature tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, sport cloth upholstery, 17-inch alloy wheels, and more.

Under the hood are two different engine choices. The LX and EX models feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 156 horsepower. The SX model is fitted with a larger 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual - with a six-speed automatic optional. However, the automatic transmission is standard on the hatchback models. All Kia Forte variants are front-wheel drive. The EPA rates the fuel economy of the 2011 Kia Forte between 22 mpg city, and 37 mpg highway, depending on model and driveline.

The 2011 Kia Forte Sedan LX starts with a base price of about $15,500 and tops out with the Kia Forte coupe SX model, which starts around $20,000.