2010 Kia Forte Sedan Priced at $13,695

Kia’s newest compact car will cost $13,695, making it the least-expensive compact sedan on the market, replacing the 2009 Kia Spectra.

Competing with vehicles like the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cobalt and Nissan Sentra, the Forte has a base MSRP that’s about $1,000-$1,500 less, on average, than the rest of the segment.

There’s really no content sacrifice at that price, either. Standard features include a CD stereo, MP3 jack and USB input. Bluetooth is also standard on all trims, which is rare for this class.

The Forte comes in LX, EX and sporty SX trim levels. Move up to the EX or SX trim, and you get power windows, keyless entry, air conditioning, a six-speaker surround-sound audio system with steering-wheel controls, and cruise control. The SX comes with a bigger engine and a sport-tuned suspension.

Standard safety equipment on all Forte models includes stability control, antilock brakes and active front head restraints.

Fifteen-inch wheels are standard on the LX, while the EX gets 16s and the SX has 17s.

The EX also comes with an optional Fuel Economy Package that adds a five-speed automatic transmission and low-rolling-resistance tires that help the Forte achieve 27/36 mpg city/highway, for a class-leading 30 mpg combined fuel economy.

Full pricing is provided after the jump:

Comments

You've mixed up the LX and EXs in your price listing. LX is cheaper.

That seems very Honda-like.

i predict this car will be a big seller!! Kia is on a roll!

Looks to be low cost alternative to a Civic, Corolla, Sentra, Elantra. Kia will probably do well with this car. I wish the styling was more original. It looks likes a knock off civic.

The styling is pretty derivative, but with that price and the number of standard and low-cost optional features (besides the A/C package...$1500? Really?), plus a healthy 156 HP AND 37 MPG?

Unfortunately I predict it won't have much success without a length ad campaign. It's sad that so many Americans still have yet to see the high-quality value that Kia & Hyundai bring, yet their image today (in the eyes of most people) dates back to the mid-'90s.

My '07 Spectra EX just rocks.

I've got a little over 30k on it, not a single problem, consistently gives me 32-35mpg and is still solid, even after 2 years of washboard roads.

I'm sure the improvements of the platform will make the Forte an even better car.

Congrats Kia, you did it. You have a solid product.

Who wants a Kia Civic?!

If you need air conditioning or tranny the option pricing automatically makes you move up to an EX. But whats new all automakers do this. At least you get a bettr tranny option on the EX of a five instead of four.

Test drove one today; the ride is quiet and it accelerates well, but there was some body lean when turning. Looked at an EX; the pricing was a bit-iffy, but with safety features and the iPod connection and Bluetooth, which was a snap to pair my phone up with.

It's pretty hard to beat considering all the offerings it's got just standard, both safety and entertainment-wse.

Kia's got a nice one; I'm really impressed with the Forte, and I've never cared for Kia before.