The Kia Forte is a new compact sedan that replaces the Spectra in Kia's lineup. Kia chose to change the name of the model to make a sharp break with the previous model. The Forte has sharper styling and a more upscale appearance than the Spectra. The FWD Forte is larger than the top-selling Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. A 2.0L four cylinder powers most models with a fuel economy rating of up to 27 city/36 hwy. An SX performance model swaps the 2.0L four cylinder for a 2.5L engine increasing horsepower by 17-bhp. The SX also upgrades the tires and transmission. With a base price of around $14,000, the Forte undercuts most competitors in the premium segment.

What Changed:

Kia has a new front-wheel-drive compact car for 2010. The Forte replaces the long-runing Spectra. The Forte sedan debuts with three trim levels: LX, EX and SX. A 2.0L four-cylinder engine is standard on LX and EX models, whereas the SX model equips a larger 2.4L engine. The Forte is offered in sedan and coupe bodies.