[blsadrift]

Hi all,

We're thinking about the Forte 5 EX. Would prefer a manual transmission, but have called 4 local dealerships and can only find the AT. One dealer suggested that the experience w/ a sportmatic is essentially the same as a manual minus a clutch. Haven't had a chance to test drive it yet, but wanted to get some initial opinions.

Also, anyone having any luck finding an EX in the manual?

Thanks!

 

[patyouknow]

a sportmatic is nothing like a manual. of course the dealer will try to upsale it though.

a sportmatic does not really give you full control over the engine as a manual would.

 

[noodile]

I personally am not a fan of the sportmatic. (btw, you can't redline it, if you try to shift late, it wil shift for you and you'll end up skipping a gear)

I have a Koup SX Manual and i am happy with it, i drove a 2011 sorento for 3 days, and didn't like their tranny. (sportmatic)

 

[Stoper]

Personally, I'm not a fan of sportmatics but they are a unique driving experience. Take it for a test drive and see if you like it. If you don't, then hold out for a manual. I love my Forte5, you don't want to be regretting your decision.

 

[fern70769]

Can't they special order you a manual tranny?
Test drive the Koup or Sedan with a manual.
That should give you an idea of how it runs.

btw the cars dot com website has a search feature that will locate the closest car to your location. Then its just a matter of a roadtrip

 

[(K)illed (I)n (A)ction]

Sportmatic = wussy
Manual = manly

That's why it's called (man)ual transmission!! Lmao

 

[xSilverX9x]

I know the dealers round here told me that they can't really order a forte they way you want it(from the factory) which I find very very weird... you just have to search around till you find it.

 

[guitarstrummin63]

If you want the feel of a manual transmission, the only way to do that is with the normal manual transmission. The sportmatic transmission isn't really good for daily use and doesn't behave like a manual at all.

 

[ForteGT2]

If you want the feel of a manual transmission, the only way to do that is with the normal manual transmission. The sportmatic transmission isn't really good for daily use and doesn't behave like a manual at all.

That has to be one of the stupidest statements in this thread! I shift my sportmatic daily...and how does it not behave like a manual? It stays in the gear I want it to.

...and the lame argumment about "controlling" the engine better with a manual: If I put my tranny in "1" it stays in first gear until I shift it or I hit redline. I'd rather protect the engine from overrevving then have the joy of using my left leg or spitting out engine parts because I'm "manly".

If you want an auto get one, if you want a manual get it. I'm not afraid to drive an automatic because I'm secure in my masculinity...I don't need a manual tranny to make up for inadequacies elsewhere...LoL!

 

[(K)illed (I)n (A)ction]

^^ Lmfao touché my friend!!!!

 

[(K)illed (I)n (A)ction]

They should rename it all to:

(man)ual transmission

Get my hair and nails did transmission (aka automatic) lol

 

[tcope]

Car salesmen would tell you buying a car from them will cure world hunger if it will get them a commission and save their job.

Sportmatic is nothing like a manual. The shift is very slow as compared to shifting with a manual. But its simple apples and oranges... they are not alike at all.

Personally, I like the Sportmatic option on an auto transmission. I'm in the mountains a lot and it's very nice to pick a gear for climbing that allows me to maintain my speed but not rev the engine. It's also great on the way down so the brakes don't burn out. I think this is the main purpose of the option.

 

[ecko]

that has to be one of the stupidest statements in this thread! I shift my sportmatic daily...and how does it not behave like a manual? It stays in the gear i want it to.

...and the lame argumment about "controlling" the engine better with a manual: If i put my tranny in "1" it stays in first gear until i shift it or i hit redline. I'd rather protect the engine from overrevving then have the joy of using my left leg or spitting out engine parts because i'm "manly".

If you want an auto get one, if you want a manual get it. I'm not afraid to drive an automatic because i'm secure in my masculinity...i don't need a manual tranny to make up for inadequacies elsewhere...lol!

well said!!!!

 

[Deuce-Koup]

In all reality, you should pick whichever one you would rather drive. I haven't driven the auto w/ tiptronic so I can't really tell you which is better. I personally like having a manual. It's a lot of fun for me and I feel as though I can listen to what the engine has to tell me a little better. However I imagine that I could have and equally fun driving experience with a tiptronic transmission. Sometimes in stop and go traffic I find myself a little annoyed having to use the clutch all the time. But for me, thats acceptable.

Good luck in getting the car you want. Either way I am sure you will love the car. It's a lot of fun!

Deuce

 

[unorthodoxneon]

I keep kicking around this idea about my next car. i've had a few neons in manual and automatic flavor. Probably wont be till i go and buy a car will it decide which one i'll end up with.

 

[fas93]

all i have to say is tht... i wish i had a 3rd pedal

 

[patyouknow]

That has to be one of the stupidest statements in this thread! I shift my sportmatic daily...and how does it not behave like a manual? It stays in the gear I want it to.

...and the lame argumment about "controlling" the engine better with a manual: If I put my tranny in "1" it stays in first gear until I shift it or I hit redline. I'd rather protect the engine from overrevving then have the joy of using my left leg or spitting out engine parts because I'm "manly".

If you want an auto get one, if you want a manual get it. I'm not afraid to drive an automatic because I'm secure in my masculinity...I don't need a manual tranny to make up for inadequacies elsewhere...LoL!

why would you buy a auto and leave it in sport shift mode all the time? that makes no sense, you shouldve gotten a manual.. and yes driving a manual does give you better control over the car and an overall better driving experiance, no matter what car you drive.

like you said the car will shift for you if you dont shift soon enough.. how is that anything like a manual? its not. at least i can ride out 2nd gear sometimes if i want to feel a little torque. and im sure it shifts on its on well before redline, anywhere close to redline in our cars and the car feels like its going to explode.

and no i dont get manuals because i think im more manly though, i get them because it is more enjoyable.

 

[ForteGT2]

why would you buy a auto and leave it in sport shift mode all the time? that makes no sense, you shouldve gotten a manual.. and yes driving a manual does give you better control over the car and an overall better driving experiance, no matter what car you drive.

like you said the car will shift for you if you dont shift soon enough.. how is that anything like a manual? its not. at least i can ride out 2nd gear sometimes if i want to feel a little torque. and im sure it shifts on its on well before redline, anywhere close to redline in our cars and the car feels like its going to explode.

and no i dont get manuals because i think im more manly though, i get them because it is more enjoyable.

Why do you keep bringing up the "mines better than yours" attitude? Both transmissions do the same job -- getting the car from point "A" to point "B". Your statement "i get them because it is more enjoyable" is exactly why I get automatics - I enjoy them...especially when I manually shift them! Do we need to split the Forte Forum into manuals and automatics? The point is to GET WHAT YOU WANT...PERIOD!

BTW: The auto stays in 2nd -- or third -- or fourth as long as I want them to.

 

[gtman55]

I've been driving exclusively manuals since 1984. I was planning on getting another manual but since the Forte is shared with my wife I had no choice, so sportmatic it is. In the normal auto mode the transmission is programmed to shift WAY too early, clearly in an effort to increase fuel economy. I'm not a fan. But, the manumatic mode is actually borderline fun. It does give you quite a bit of control. For example, cruising on the highway in fifth, I'll downshift to fourth for a bit more passing power. Or approaching an off ramp I may go down to 3rd to do some engine braking and then power out of the corner. Being clutchless does take away a little from the fun, but, it's nice to switch back into auto mode when you're stuck in stop and go traffic.

 

[patyouknow]

Why do you keep bringing up the "mines better than yours" attitude? Both transmissions do the same job -- getting the car from point "A" to point "B". Your statement "i get them because it is more enjoyable" is exactly why I get automatics - I enjoy them...especially when I manually shift them! Do we need to split the Forte Forum into manuals and automatics? The point is to GET WHAT YOU WANT...PERIOD!

BTW: The auto stays in 2nd -- or third -- or fourth as long as I want them to.

no, i dont think mines better because its manual. idc what it is.

im just stating that its a better driving experience, most anyone thats into cars would agree.