Forte is a Good Car, But Lacks Star Quality

2010 Kia Forte SX

model as tested $18,195

Test Drove 1/4/10 – 1/11/10
reviewed by Sara Lacey

When I’m watching “American Idol,” I often wonder how many potential contestants who try out for the show are good, but not great. If you heard them singing at your school or church you’d probably think, “Dang, they’re good!” In Hollywood, however, they’re not impressive enough to stand out in the crowd. These people are like the 2010 Kia Forte. The Forte is a good car. But, in the words of “Idol” judge Simon Cowell, it risks being forgettable.

Can this car be a winner? Ask Kris What’s-His-Name or the Soul Patrol guy. Sometimes, with the right blend of charisma, it can, but this segment of cars rarely pulls off a Kelly Clarkson, especially in the family category.

The Forte’s 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder was really peppy. Like a nervous “Idol” contestant, it was almost hyper, but I adjusted my lead foot accordingly. It was a bit of a trick to get the front-wheel-drive Forte tamed in the snow and ice, but the car’s traction control system helped. It wasn’t ideal, but I wasn’t stuck at home, either.

My test car, the top-of-the-line SX, had a sport-tuned suspension. I was excited to try it out, but it didn’t thrill me. This isn’t a car I’m going to be racing around a track, and for the kind of everyday driving I do, the Forte does just fine.

If I were Paula, er…Kara, I’d say, let’s give it a chance! Is the Forte goin’ to Hollywood?

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