Review: 2010 Kia Forte
#32
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Yep exactly.. if it was equipped with an 6 spd Automatic transmission it would have easily knocked out 3/4 sec (0.75) at least in the 0-60 acceleration. So yea Automatic would be the better candidate for straight line accelerations from dig to maybe quarter mile. Manual would be better for road course track racing and street roll races from 60 and up.
That's even better than what 3rd gen Acura TL Type-S 6MT and Lexus IS350 Sport pkg has achieved. Wow, impressive, Forte.
#33
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Thanks, Mike.
Some of it, at least.
With the still-sour economy we have, right now, less is often more. I suspect that the low sticker price plays a big role in its sales....if so, that shows that the old anti-Kia bias on the part of the public may (finally) be a thing of the past.
Both companies have been watching Hyundai and Kia for some time now. I don't think they've been taken by surprise....although, as you note, Honda/Acura still as not developed a V8, even though Kia now has one.
seems Kia did their HW.
These are very popular in Atlanta already, I've seen many of them.
Again what I think scares Honda/Toyota etc is this vehicle will only get better over time.
#34
Lexus Fanatic
Nice review. I expect to find these available as rental cars soon enough, so at least I know what to expect without a test drive.
btw - saw the new Sonata at SJ car show in early January, it stands-out.
btw - saw the new Sonata at SJ car show in early January, it stands-out.
#35
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Thanks.
The EX sedan (can't speak for the other versions) drives more or less like a rental car, except with somewat better handling and quicker steering response. The Forte has traded the comfort-biased chassis of the Spectra for a more handling-oriented one.
Good......I hope you liked what you saw. That means it will probably be at the D.C. Show next week.
I expect to find these available as rental cars soon enough, so at least I know what to expect without a test drive.
btw - saw the new Sonata at SJ car show in early January, it stands-out.
#36
Lexus Champion
#37
Lexus Fanatic
#38
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
And the Sonata, style-wise, has always been one of the most conservative of cars (in fact, that's one reason I like it). Of course, what is considered "conservative" is subjective, style-wise, and changes with time, so I'll have to take a look at the new 2011 and judge for myself. I hope to see one next week at the D.C. Auto Show....Hyundai is usually pretty good about publically displaying future products, without all that silly, nonsensical bra/cover/body-tape, spy-photo stuff.
#40
Lexus Fanatic
In the review, a very important point was made regarding refinement:
"In this class, I, personally, would rather have a Toyota Corolla or a Hyundai Elantra.....both have more quietness and refinement, and ride more smoothly."
Notice how the top sellers in this class of car (Corolla and Civic) are very refined cars which I feel is an important factor in differentiating these cars and driving strong sales.
"In this class, I, personally, would rather have a Toyota Corolla or a Hyundai Elantra.....both have more quietness and refinement, and ride more smoothly."
Notice how the top sellers in this class of car (Corolla and Civic) are very refined cars which I feel is an important factor in differentiating these cars and driving strong sales.
#41
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
In the review, a very important point was made regarding refinement:
"In this class, I, personally, would rather have a Toyota Corolla or a Hyundai Elantra.....both have more quietness and refinement, and ride more smoothly."
Notice how the top sellers in this class of car (Corolla and Civic) are very refined cars which I feel is an important factor in differentiating these cars and driving strong sales.
"In this class, I, personally, would rather have a Toyota Corolla or a Hyundai Elantra.....both have more quietness and refinement, and ride more smoothly."
Notice how the top sellers in this class of car (Corolla and Civic) are very refined cars which I feel is an important factor in differentiating these cars and driving strong sales.
Yes. I agree. By "refinement" (as I use the term), I mean that the Forte doesn't equal its own brother Hyundai Elantra in noise control, fit/finish, ride smoothness, or in the slickness of some of the interior materials. The Forte is a relatively nice compact, but just didn't seem to get the same attention in the design process that the Elantra did. The Corolla, of course, has had a reputation for drivetain smoothness/reliability, quality, quietness, and a smooth ride (by compact standards) for some time now. It, and the Elantra, IMO, set the standards for "refinement" in this class. The Civic and the Forte seem to be more oriented towards handling, not comfort, so if you define "refinement" as good handling, they are worth a look.
Some auto magazines rate the Subaru Impreza as the most "refined" of the compacts, but I don't necessarily agree.........it has a lot of road/tire noise from a lack of insulation in the wheel wells, somewhat like the Forte .
#42
Lexus Fanatic
Refinement is something premium car owners (Mercedes, Lexus, BMW, Porsche, Jag) thoroughly understand and demand. Refinement goes beyond good ride/handling and includes quietness, structure integrity, fit/finish, weighting/feel/smoothness of primary and secondary controls. The Corolla and Civic are the best at this in this class of lower priced, smallish cars and they have the big sales numbers too.
The Forte will take it's place below the Corolla and Civic for reasons that include differences noted.
The Forte will take it's place below the Corolla and Civic for reasons that include differences noted.
#43
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Refinement is something premium car owners (Mercedes, Lexus, BMW, Porsche, Jag) thoroughly understand and demand. Refinement goes beyond good ride/handling and includes quietness, structure integrity, fit/finish, weighting/feel/smoothness of primary and secondary controls. The Corolla and Civic are the best at this in this class of lower priced, smallish cars and they have the big sales numbers too.
The Forte will take it's place below the Corolla and Civic for reasons that include differences noted.
The Forte will take it's place below the Corolla and Civic for reasons that include differences noted.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ACCURATEin
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
40
02-01-20 09:54 PM