Audi designer at Kia's first realized product

[Kunikos]

http://www.kia.com/#/forte/explore/exterior/

See for yourself, it's a Kia that doesn't look like garbage. It replaces the awful Kia Spectra and apparently is a decent car, although suffers from too much body roll on even the SX model.

[tysonK]

It doesn't look like garbage but it's not that great either.

[Kunikos]

IMO, better than the base Lancer, definitely better than Corolla, and no goofy-ass smile like the new Mazda 3 (although the body isn't nearly as nice).

This car segment really doesn't have anything that screams must-buy. The 3 I think wins for performance and (if you can stand the smile either by liking it or by hiding it with a black version) general looks. Forte comes with more stuff and I think they tie for fit and finish. Speed3 would demolish it in terms of performance.

[sperry]

Looks like a Scion tC quite a bit. Maybe a little better.

Seems like great value for $13k-$15k, I just don't know that I could be happy w/ a car from that market segment. It's kick-ass though to be able to afford a decent looking new car on a high school/college student income, though you probably still get more value for that much money buying used. Selling a new car at 2 year old used car prices is going to be tough for Kia... 'cause I doubt that car is as nice as an '07 Civic.

[Kunikos]

Yeah, it's not a car for an enthusiast for sure. But I think it will sell a lot with the fuel economy package getting you about 29 combined MPG for that price.

As for vs. an '07 Civic... well, the Forte comes with a lot of goodies like handsfree Bluetooth with controls on the steering wheel, two 12V plugs on the bottom center console area, 60/40 split folding seats, etc. But I think the Kia loses for perception for reliability.

[Kevin M]

the only thing that will sell this car is the kickass warranty. An '07 japanese car is a bit nicer in terms of quality and image, but it will have a year of warranty left at best.