2013 Civic EX or 2014 KIA Forte EX??

[flinter]

For the folks here who either have test driven BOTH the 2013 Civic EX AND the new 2014 Kia
Forte EX, or maybe own BOTH....which vehicle had the LESS wind and road noise?

Please only respond if you actually have driven both, NOT on pure emotion.

Thanks!

 

[gregk24]

I wont comment on wind and road noise. But I will comment because I think you will be happier with the civic. It was redesigned in 2013 and has a better quality interior, with a proven drive train. I think Kia has come a long way, and Im glad to see that! But Hondas are better quality, And when you go to sell your kia even just 5 years down the road and you see how LITTLE they will offer you because of the poor resale, you will regret your purchase. Not saying Kias are bad, because they are not, but they havent proven themselves in the longrun like Honda has, so they dont have the greatest resale value. JMO.

 

[flinter]

gregk24,
Thats a good point about resale value and surely something to consider.

 

[Artem]

Why not test drive both and pick your favorite?

 

[dishdude]

Originally Posted By: Artem
Why not test drive both and pick your favorite?

What happened to the Cruze?

 

[salv]

Keep in mind, the Kia is a Hyundai. Drive the Elantra too. I have driven both the Civic and Elantra. The Elantra is tighter, quieter, and more fun to drive.
And, the Elantra is holding its value better than any vehicle on the market at this time.

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: salv
Keep in mind, the Kia is a Hyundai. Drive the Elantra too. I have driven both the Civic and Elantra. The Elantra is tighter, quieter, and more fun to drive.
And, the Elantra is holding its value better than any vehicle on the market at this time.


+1

The Kia versions of the Elantra (Spectra and Forte) are usually a little stiffer sprung and a little cheaper on the interior. Mechanically it's the same car.

The handling of the Elantra reminded me of a Corolla. Competent but boring. But the feel of the interior materials and switchgear were surprisingly good.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

I would either wait for the new Mazda 3 or check out the Focus.

I have neither owned or driven the Civic or Forte, but between the two, the Civic has historically been the safer bet.

 

[gregk24]

Look on edmunds.com for reviews. Real world drivers that review there cars. Lots of reviews about the Kia drinking fuel.

 

[SLCraig]

Of the 2 I would go with the Honda.
I really like the 2013 interior, it is nice, and I can't imagine there are many better in its' class... Spacious, well made, and well thought out.

I like the looks of the Forte but I still think the Korean brands are a little bit unproven still, but that's just me.

 

[panthermike]

The only way to truly know is to go drive them and make the call yourself. I really like the way Kia/Hyundai is headed, but the Civic is very reliable/efficient.

 

[jimmy87]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
Originally Posted By: Artem
Why not test drive both and pick your favorite?

What happened to the Cruze?


That's what I was thinking?

I guess he decided against it…

 

[daves87rs]

Drove the Kia...but it felt cheaperand didn't handle as well as the Cruze I tested it against.

Between the two, I'd go civic..

 

[charbaby]

Lots to test drive out there!

As with the (not so) midsize class(Accord, Altima, Camry, Fusion Mazda6, Malibu, Optima/Sonata), the (not so) compact class has some worthy competitors from all manufactures.

Sure, we've had the typical Civic/Corolla for years but now, the new Cruze, Dart, Elantra/Forte, Focus, Mazda3, Sentra, all have something special of their own to offer to customers. Test'em all!

After owning both Accords/Camrys for many years, I "Again" went looking to buy either(best price). I went to our International Auto Show downtown so we could experience all makes/models in one building/floor. Sit in, move the seats, sit in back, open the trunk etc.

I ended up looking at and liking better, 2 cars that I hadn't considered...Altima, Sonata! I bought the Altima(in '04). Things will surprise you!

 

[whip]

I'm curious how many of the people that have commented have driven or owned both as the OP stated he only wanted response from those people........

 

[Propflux01]

Originally Posted By: whip
I'm curious how many of the people that have commented have driven or owned both as the OP stated he only wanted response from those people........


Ask.... And the bashers will come !!!!

 

[gofast182]

I haven't driven them but wanted to point out, since you referred to NVH, among all the updates for 2013 Civic was extra sound insulation (for what it's worth).

 

[Schmoe]

You know what I'd pick.....

 

[cptbarkey]

Originally Posted By: whip
I'm curious how many of the people that have commented have driven or owned both as the OP stated he only wanted response from those people........


welcome to the internet ace. now you can enjoy my opinion too.

 

[Huie83]

I would say, if you are going to keep the KIA forever then go for it, they drive very nice and have a little more attitude than the Honda.

If you may ever sell it to get something else, invest in the Honda, it will hold it's resale MUCH better than the KIA.

I had a Hyundai (they own KIA) and while I really liked the car and it never gave me any issues in 4 years and 120K miles, it lost most of its value over that 4 years. Purchased new for $16.5K, sold 4 years later for $6,500... Pretty painful.