Guide and Manual

2013 KIA Forte Service/Owner manual - Forte comes standard with an optional tech features in many competitors. Base sedan equipped with satellite radio, USB and auxiliary audio jack, steering wheel mounted audio controls and Bluetooth. Higher trims offer features such as a navigation system with rearview camera and push-button start.

In Forte, passenger comfort varies according to body style. Test drivers report that overall, the cabin is quiet and that the driver and front passenger comfort in sedan and hatchback is what they expect from a small car. Those in the front seat will have a head and legroom are good, and the driver benefits from good visibility to the front.

2013 Kia Forte can come with one of two inline four-cylinder engine. Is a standard 2.0-liter engine that makes 156 horsepower, while the 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine is optional. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the base Type, and a six-speed automatic is optional. With the base engine and with A/T, Forte models average 26/36 mpg city / highway, according to EPA. There is an optional Eco package that improves fuel economy 27/37 mpg.

For the best handling in the Type line, reviewers suggest SX trim, which has accurate steering. However, they note that you have to put up with a bumpy ride. If you choose one of the lower trim, reviewers say there is a different tradeoff: LX and EX models have a smooth, but handling them boring. Brakes, however, is strong on SX models.