Forte EX reviewed in Consumer Reports

[duke207]

The Forte was reviewed in the Jan. Consumer Reports
Pros: Fuel Economy, secure handling, rear-seat space, controls.

Cons: Ride, engine noise, fit and finish, driving position.

It did not get a "recommended" designation.
Out of 12 small sedans tested the Forte was #7 with a road test score of 69 out of 100

[anakputa]

Originally Posted by duke207

The Forte was reviewed in the Jan. Consumer Reports
Pros: Fuel Economy, secure handling, rear-seat space, controls.

Cons: Ride, engine noise, fit and finish, driving position.

It did not get a "recommended" designation.
Out of 12 small sedans tested the Forte was #7 with a road test score of 69 out of 100

I 've found those are fixed. Whoever wines and dines the reporter the most, gets the best write up. I've met many of theses people and the only reason the could get a job is because they have creative writing skills. The sheep are easily swayed by a person that has no mechanical or driving let alone any experience behind a wheel..Remember creative writing got them there job. Go drive the cars yourself and bring back a report it will differ from theirs..

[ForteSX2.4]

You'll notice that consumer reports doesn't give a BIG PRO for long warranty! In fact when consumer reports mentions the Kia warranty they use phrases like: "longer than usual warranty". If they truly were reporting FOR the consumer, a 5 year bumper-to-bumper warranty with a 10 year powertrain warranty is a REAL PLUS for consumers -- just because the warranty actually lasts longer than the consumer's loan.

The first time I read a consumer reports article on the 2000 Kia Spectra I found they are truly biased...the engine in the 2000 Spectra was/is a Mazda 1.8L engine under license for Kia to build. Consumer reports said it was the worst idling and roughest running engine they had tested. BUT under the Mazda cars equipped with the same 1.8L engine consumer reports said they were smooth engines...I no longer use consumer reports for any purchases...anakputa is pretty "spot-on" about the writers...biased writers.

[CBForte]

I have to agree with ForteSX2.4. I have never found CR to be a reliable source for new car reviews despite their apparent popularity.

Though I haven't seen the article, I disagree with both the fit and finish and driving position "cons". I find the Forte to be on par with the other cars in its class including the Honda Civic. I also find the driving position to be comfortable with good visibility. Driving position can be a very subjective measurement but I find the seats to have good support, height adjustment and the SX model has tilt and telescoping steering wheel.

Regarding the engine noise and ride, I agree that the Forte's 2.4L engine (which I have in my SX Sedan) is not the quietest I've ever heard but I would hardly rate it a "con". The ride in my SX can be harsh on certain bumps/potholes but that is expected with the 17" wheels and low profile tires coupled with the sport suspension. I did test drive an EX and I found the ride much smoother.

If you're in the market for a car in this class, test drive the Forte. You will be surprised at the amount of car you get for the money.