Eyeing a Kia Forte? Smart choice, but which year is the winner?
Don’t sweat it – I’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll unpack the Forte’s history, revealing the highlights and drawbacks across all generations.
I’ve done the heavy lifting, analyzing data from NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and Edmunds. We’ll spotlight each generation’s performance, tech, safety, frequent issues, recalls, and resale values. By the end, you’ll know which Forte years are valuable and which are worthless gold.
Ready to become a Forte specialist?
Let’s go!
Table of ContentsShow
Kia Forte Generations
The Kia Forte burst onto the scene in 2010, quickly making waves in the compact car market. Why? Simple: it brought style, comfort, and affordability to the table in one elegant package.
That first-gen model (known as the TD) turned heads with its modern design and lavish interior. But Kia didn’t rest on its laurels. They’ve been tweaking and improving the Forte ever since, giving us three separate generations to choose from.
Check out this thorough analysis of Forte generations from 2010 to the present day:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (TD) | 2010-2013 |
| 2nd generation (YD) | 2014-2018 |
| 3rd generation (BD) | 2019-Present |
Why bother with all this generation talk? Because each one brings something new to the table. We’re talking major upgrades in design, features, and performance. Trust me, knowing these differences can make or break your car-buying decision.
Kia Forte Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
So, how do we separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to Forte model years? It’s not just about gut feeling. We delve deep into the data, looking at:
- What owners are saying (survey results)
- How much you’ll shell out for annual maintenance
- Safety ratings (because who doesn’t want to stay safe?)
- Consumer Reports’ reliability and owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints (the official stuff)
- Owner ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com
I’ve crunched all these numbers and put them into one simple graph. Take a look:
Now, let’s break it down even further. Here’s a quick rundown of the best, neutral, and worst years for each Forte generation:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation | 2011 | 2013 | 2010 2012 |
| 2nd generation | 2016 2018 | N/A | 2014 2015 2017 |
| 3rd generation | 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 | N/A | 2019 |
What’s the deal with “Neutral Years”? These are the Goldilocks of Fortes – not too hot, not too cold. They’re reliable enough, but they won’t knock your socks off.
One more thing to keep in mind: NHTSA recalls and complaints are adverse news bears for our rankings. The more recalls and complaints we see, the less reliable that model year tends to be.
Ready to dive into the detailed particulars of each generation?
Let’s achieve this.
Best & Worst Years for Kia Forte 1st Generation (2010-2013)
Alright, let’s talk about the OG Forte. This first-gen model (2010-2013) hit the scene with contemporary style and a solid balance of efficiency and comfort. But not all years are created equal.
The standout? 2011. The failures? 2010 and 2012. Let’s break it down.
The Best Years: 2011
Why does 2011 take the crown? It’s all about dodging bullets. While it wasn’t perfect (tie rod issues, anyone?), it steered clear of the major headaches that plagued other years. If you’re hunting for a used first-gen Forte, 2011 is your best bet.
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- Engine options: A peppy 2.0L I4 (156 hp) or a beefier 2.4L I4 (173 hp)
- Fuel economy: Not too shabby at 25 city/35 highway MPG for the 2.0L
- Trims: EX for comfort, SX for a sportier feel
- Tech: Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system (pretty good for 2011!)
The Neutral Years: 2013
The 2013 Forte? It’s the Switzerland of this generation – impartial territory. It kept the good stuff from 2011 (engine options, decent fuel economy) and threw in some tech upgrades like an optional infotainment system with navigation.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing. The 2013 model faced some minor recalls:
- Brake pedal stopper issues
- Risks of engine fires due to HECU short circuits
Not deal-breakers, but certainly something to keep in careful consideration.
The Worst Years: 2010, 2012
Now for the years you want to avoid like the plague: 2010 and 2012. Why? Let me enumerate the ways:
2010 Kia Forte:
- Engine nightmares: Rod bearing failures leading to knocking and potential total engine failure
- Fire hazards: Yeah, you read that right
2012 Kia Forte:
- More engine woes: The infamous Theta II engines were prone to failures before hitting 100k miles
- Fire risks: Again with the engine compartment fires
Both these years were recall magnets, with issues ranging from stop lamp switch malfunctions to HECU short circuits. The bottom line? The troubles these models can bring just aren’t worth the potential savings.
Want the essential details?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2010 and 2012 Forte models.
Best & Worst Years for Kia Forte 2nd Generation (2014-2018)
The second-gen Forte (2014-2018) was Kia’s shot at moving up in the compact car world. They aimed for a more refined ride and premium features. But did they hit the mark? Let’s find out.
Your finest bets? 2016 and 2018. The ones to avoid? 2014, 2015, and 2017.
The Best Years: 2016, 2018
Looking for a used second-gen Forte? 2016 and 2018 are your perfect tickets. Here’s why:
Power and Might:
- Standard 1.8L I4 engine (145 hp) or optional 2.0L I4 (173 hp)
- Smooth 6-speed automatic transmission
- Fuel economy: Around 26 city/37 highway MPG for the 1.8L
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- New 2.0L Atkinson cycle engine: Even better fuel economy (29 city/37 highway MPG in the base LX trim)
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- Available blind-spot detection and lane-change assist
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- 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (in higher trims)
- Upgraded interior materials
- Luxury options like heated seats and a sunroof in the EX trim
These years nailed the trifecta: simplicity, tech, and reliability. Hard to beat that combo.
The Worst Years: 2014, 2015, 2017
Now for the years you might want to think twice about. What went wrong with 2014, 2015, and 2017? Let’s break it down:
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- Persistent engine failures and fires
- Electrical gremlins
- Steering coupler failures (think clicking noises and wonky steering)
2015 Kia Forte:
- More engine fires and failures (sensing a pattern?)
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- Engine failures and stalling issues
- Headlight flickering problems
- Oil pump failures leading to recalls
All these models faced major recalls, from melting cooling fan resistors to potential engine fires. Not exactly the peace of mind you want from a relatively fresh car.
Want the complete information?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2014, 2015, and 2017 Forte models.
Best & Worst Years for Kia Forte 3rd Generation (2019-Present)
The third-gen Forte? This is where Kia really started flexing. We’re talking streamlined design, cutting-edge tech, and a drive that’ll put a grin on your face. But even in this newer generation, not all years are created equal.
The cream of the crop? 2020 through 2024. The one to be wary of? 2019.
The Best Years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Why are these years the Forte’s finest hits? Let’s break it down:
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- 2.0L I4 engine pumping out 147 hp
- Choice of 6-speed manual or Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
- Impressive fuel economy: Estimated 31 city/41 highway MPG
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- Standard forward-collision avoidance
- Lane-keeping assist
- Driver attention warning
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- 8-inch touchscreen standard
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Higher trims (GT and EX) offer wireless charging and a premium Harman Kardon audio system
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- Improved materials and comfort features
These years hit the prime spot of technology, safeguarding, and efficiency. If you’re eyeing a third-gen Forte, these are the ones to target.
The Worst Years: 2019
Now, about that 2019 model. It’s not awful, but it’s definitely the weakest link in the third-gen chain. Here’s why:
- Transmission troubles: Reports of failures, slipping, and stalling
- Engine hiccups: Not as reliable as later years
Sure, the 2019 Forte introduced the new generation’s styling and features. But those initial teething problems? They make the following years a much safer bet for dependability and performance.
Curious about the details?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2019 Forte.
Kia Forte Resale Values
Wondering how well the Forte retains its value? This chart tells the story:
Conclusion
So, what’s the ultimate word on Kia Forte years?
Top selections for dependability, security, and tech:
- 2011 (first-gen)
- 2016 and 2018 (second-gen)
- 2020-2024 (third-gen)
Years to avoid due to issues and recalls:
- 2010 and 2012 (first-gen)
- 2014, 2015, and 2017 (second-gen)
- 2019 (third-gen)
Now, I’m curious: What’s your primary priority when shopping for a Forte? Fuel economy, tech features, or safety?
Drop a comment and share your car-buying fundamentals.
Your insights could be useful for other Forte shoppers!
