good car values in tough economic times

[shopgirl]

here's article about Kia's new car, the Forte in the Denver Examiner. thoughts?
what are the best options for getting good value in a car purchase?

2010 Kia Forte SX: a good value in tough economic times

The 2010 Kia Forte is an all-new car that is the long-awaited update to the Spectra that was badly in need of a makeover. Kia didn’t just throw some lipstick and eye liner on to the Spectra and put on a new set of clothes. The Forte is an entirely new car designed from the ground up. Kia could’ve just done a quick sprucing up of the Spectra and kept the name. Apparently they almost did and the fact that Kia didn’t says a lot about the Korean automobile manufacturer and where they are headed. Though many changes are underway at Kia, they are sticking with what has made them successful. That is manufacturing fuel efficient, affordable cars, and giving buyers what they want. The new Forte is still a very affordable car, starting at just $14,390 including destination for the base LX model. A topline Forte SX like the car I tested has a sticker price at a still-reasonable base price of $18,890 including destination fees. If you get a fully loaded car with the four options available, the Forte SX comes in just under $21,000.

What makes the Forte a desirable vehicle for Denver drivers is the value. Even a stripped down LX model comes standard with power mirrors, a four-speaker stereo with CD, MP3, Sirius Satellite Radio, a USB and auxiliary jack, Bluetooth, two power ports, six-way-adjustable front seats, front and side airbags for front-seat passengers, full-length side-curtain airbags, disc brakes all around, traction control, ABS, stability control, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, a tire-pressure-monitoring system, and LATCH points.

The Forte SX that I had for the week came with the leather package that automatically includes a power sunroof and priced at $20,490. Also included was a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, carpeted floor mats, special metal trim on the dash and pedals, two extra speakers for the stereo, power doors and windows, a tilting and telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, cruise control, upgraded gauge cluster, heated mirrors, a power sunroof, fog lights, 17-inch wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension. Including leather all around and heated front seats only added $1000. Kia’s is bringing new technology to the Forte and the Soul allowing compact-car buyers to have access to features that are still optional on more-expensive cars. The USB jacks and Bluetooth are standard equipment on a car that starts at just over $14,000. In addition, Satellite Radio is standard on the Forte and comes with three months of free service.

The top of the line SX is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder backed by a five-speed automatic; a six-speed manual is also available. (The Forte LX and EX rely on a 2.0-liter four.) With 173 horses, the SX is more muscular than the larger-displacement Toyota Corolla XRS (158 horsepower) and the Mazda 3 s (167). While the Forte has sporty looks, keep in mind that it’s still an affordable compact, not a sports car. The sport-tuned suspension will do a good job of holding the road, but taking hard corners in the mountains will leave you a little disappointed, and the stiffer suspension gives the car a bit of a hard ride. It doesn’t invite aggressive driving, but it gives you time to enjoy the well-appointed, airy interior and the relatively smooth ride. Denver drivers will be happy if you plan to use it for a daily commuter. The Forte has an estimated EPA fuel rating of 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, making it a good value in tough economic times.

While the Forte stands well on its own, it shines next to the competition. Aimed squarely at the highly successful Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic, the Forte includes more high-tech features, along with slightly better fuel economy, comparable or better prices and a better warranty. Kia is making big strides to overtake some of the market share that Toyota and Honda enjoy. I think they had better pay attention, because there’s a good chance that could happen.