It’s great to save money by buying a used car, but buying a fuel efficient used car is even better. You’ll save money now and the whole time you own cars like the Kia Forte and other used vehicles. Consumer Reports took a look at five-year-old compact cars and recommends several fuel-efficient ones. Here’s a look at why it picked out the 2015 Kia Forte.

Fuel efficiency and the 2015 Kia Forte

Owners of the 2015 Kia Forte reported getting 29 MPG, according to Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports’ own tests registered at 28 MPG. Either way, that’s just a little lower than similar cars at the time, which got 30 MPG. For example, the Hyundai Elantra was rated for 29 MPG. Some midsize sedans were able to get more than 30 MPG though.

The other six five-year-old cars being recommended by Consumer Reports also have just slightly better fuel efficiency than the 2015 Kia Forte. The 2015 Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Sentra have an owner-reported fuel efficiency of 31 MPG. The 2015 Mazda3 and Hyundai Elantra have 30 MPG. The 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid came in on top at 40 MPG.

For comparison, the EPA rates the 2020 Kia Forte at between 28 and 35 MPG, depending on the engine and transmission selected. This improvement in fuel efficiency does save money on gas costs, but that’s far offset by the 2020 model year’s starting price of $17,890. The current price for a 2015 Forte is between $8,750 and $10,375.

Consumer Reports recommends the 2015 Kia Forte

Consumer Reports points out that used vehicles have already experienced the worst of their depreciation, so they won’t lose as much of their value while you’re the owner. A five-year-old car, though, is still new enough that it has modern safety and technology features that are pretty similar to a new car. The performance, including fuel efficiency, is similar to a new car too.

The 2015 Forte did get an average rating for reliability, but Consumer Reports only considered cars with average or better reliability for these recommendations. Its interior is quiet with quality finishes. The Forte has a super comfortable ride for its class, although its handling isn’t sporty.

The car has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 145 hp. It’s paired with either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual. The EX trim switches to a 2.0-liter engine and introduces features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats. This engine comes only with the automatic transmission. The 2015 Forte was also available as a hatchback called the Forte5. 

Wait, what about owner satisfaction?

Consumer Reports did give the 2015 Kia Forte the lowest rating for owner satisfaction. Owners gave the car mediocre ratings for styling, but it had very low ratings from owners for comfort, which looks at the car’s “seats, climate control, noise, and ride.”

Some owners complained about noise (but others thought it was quiet) or the difficulty of getting into a low car. An owner also mentioned that the driver seat has power controls, but the passenger seat does not.

Consumer Reports points out that the Kia Forte’s soft suspension gives it a less agile and sporty feel. Owners were happy with the driving experience and the value they got from the car, so there were still satisfied customers. However, only 42 percent of 2015 Forte owners said they would buy the same car again.

The 2015 Kia Forte has respectable fuel efficiency and a good value, earning it a recommendation as a used car from Consumer Reports. While it has a lot to offer, not all owners were in love. Buyers looking for a fuel-efficient used car should consider the 2015 Kia Forte but be aware that it may not be a perfect match.