Kia Forte, WOW!

iamlowsound · #1 03-13-2010, 09:51 PM

My girlfriend's car died last week, so we have been shopping around for a new car for her. We test drove everything in her price range and a Mazda 3 (because I insisted) and the Kia Forte was hands down the best car. Nicest driving (the Mazda was better driving, but not by much, and was $6000 more), nicest interior, most comfortable seats, the most options for the price, arguably the best looking, best warranty (ok, same warranty as a Hyundai), massive trunk (she is a keyboardist and a keyboard will easily fit in the car), lots of leg and head room in both the front and back, ect. She should have one by the end of next week. If you are in the market for a new car, check out Kia, they are offering some great cars these days. I honestly liked it as much as the Mazda, but is much cheaper.

lowsound

MN_Bass · #2 03-14-2010, 08:20 AM

I picked up one around August, 2010 EX trim model. Great car, very zippy and comfortable for a puddle jumper.

hover · #3 03-14-2010, 08:51 AM

I was looking at these as well. If I hadn't already bought a car last year, I would have jumped on this one.

TallLankyBastyd · #4 03-14-2010, 09:00 AM

I had to pull one of those from my truck's tire tread the other day in the company parking lot...

...couldn't really tell if it was a nice vehicle or not at that point.

I hope the galpal enjoys her new car... that is always fun!

KJung · #5 03-14-2010, 09:08 AM

Having driven Kia's as rental cars when I'm on the road, I was unimpressed until the last 6 months. Man, every other car company on earth should be scared to death of these guys. The quality, fit and finish, etc. has gotten exponentially better in the 2009 model year, and the price and warranty are amazing.

My guess is, in another couple of years, Kia will be VERY close to Honda and definitely Toyota. Scary for Ford and especially GM (and even Honda/Toyota) IMO.

Nice cars. Their small SUV is very good.

L-A · #6 03-14-2010, 09:10 AM

Kia has had an incredibly impressive progression. They're having near-perfect success in every endeavor Hyundai failed before.

Maybe it helps that they've been building high-precision factory equipment for long before getting into the car industry

tplyons · #7 03-14-2010, 09:37 AM

Kia is impressing me these days. The Forte is an awesome looking car, and great on paper, but if what you say is true, I'm entirely impressed.

I said the same thing about the Kia Soul... very nice overall car, and would consider one if I didn't pick up my HHR earlier that year. The only complaint was the small rear hatchback, the rest was pretty sweet for the price.

TheDarkReaver · #8 03-14-2010, 09:57 AM

TallLankyBastyd · #9 03-14-2010, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDarkReaver

Now why is it...

...that I foresee a Kia Forte in Maki's near future (if he hasn't hit it already?!)

FL Knifemaker · #10 03-14-2010, 10:07 AM

One of my fishing buddies has the first edition Kia Sportage. It's got almost 400K and it's still going strong. He's a mechanic and always does the service on it, it's also garaged and babied but still

iamlowsound · #11 03-14-2010, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MN_Bass

I picked up one around August, 2010 EX trim model. Great car, very zippy and comfortable for a puddle jumper.

I think it is the EX that she is getting. I like the semi-manual option that the auto transmission has, lots of fun. We test drove a Civic right after the Kia and the interior felt cheap and plastic. Not nearly as nice.

I think they are giving Honda/Toyota a run for their money and for my money (well my girlfriends money), I am going with the Kia. That being said, I still want a Mazda 3, but that is a higher price bracket.

lowsound

Jeff K · #12 03-15-2010, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDarkReaver

Hmmm. Now I'M impressed...

MN_Bass · #13 03-15-2010, 02:32 PM

I think it has good value for the buck, I think I paid 18K or so out the door cash. Sips gas, fun to drive, what more do you want, maybe the two models above, but...

need4mospd · #14 03-15-2010, 02:49 PM

It's solely past reputation that is keeping Kias and Hyundais from outselling Toyota, Ford, Honda, etc... Once you get over that, you'll realize they're far better cars for the money. I bet they'd sell for $4k+ more if you slapped a Honda badge on it.

MatticusMania · #15 03-15-2010, 03:01 PM

I used to drive a Hyundai and that was really one of the best performing cars Ive owned.

iamlowsound · #16 03-15-2010, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by need4mospd

It's solely past reputation that is keeping Kias and Hyundais from outselling Toyota, Ford, Honda, etc... Once you get over that, you'll realize they're far better cars for the money. I bet they'd sell for $4k+ more if you slapped a Honda badge on it.

Similar options in a Civic is $4000 more.

lowsound