2012 KIA Forte EX

The 2012 Forte is Kia's compact car, offered as a sedan or a five-door hatchback, and it goes up against the Civic and Corolla with more standard equipment for the money. It's a light, eager little car that feels nimble around town, and the steering is direct enough to make daily driving genuinely pleasant. The cabin is roomier than the exterior suggests, with comfortable seats and a trunk that swallows a surprising amount of gear. Owners report solid mechanical reliability, though the seats stain easily and the paint is thin, so you'll want to be careful with spills and gravel roads. Stepping up to the EX from the base LX gives you a more powerful 2.0L I4 with 156 horsepower, plus standard air conditioning, power windows and locks, and cruise control. The 2.0L I4 pairs with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive, and it's smooth and willing around town, returning 29 mpg combined.