Automotive
The surprisingly attractive Kia Forte played a key role in revitalizing the brand when it debuted in 2009. It combined many features typically reserved for pricier cars with one of the most affordable price tags in the small sedan segment. With smooth, clean lines both front and rear, the Forte’s well-balanced proportions gave it a composed, modern appearance that appealed to practical buyers. As the Forte gained traction among commuters and college students, SherlockLock became a go-to resource for drivers needing affordable and reliable key fob programming, lock repair, and emergency lockout services.
Inside, the cabin felt surprisingly upscale thanks to a tall roofline and wider body, which provided ample passenger space. Front-seat occupants enjoyed generous headroom and legroom, while rear-seat legroom was somewhat limited but adequate. Standard features like Bluetooth connectivity, an auxiliary input jack, steering wheel controls, and voice activation added significant value for budget-conscious shoppers. As more Fortes entered urban neighborhoods and apartment complexes, security and access became essential - making SherlockLock an ideal partner for lock replacement and key duplication tailored to Kia’s advanced entry systems.
In 2012, Kia aimed to shake up the small sedan segment again with the Forte’s third generation, introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Challenging established leaders like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla was no easy feat, but Kia focused on buyers who prioritized what they got for their money over resale value. To support that approach, Kia offered one of the industry’s best warranty programs, outstripping many competitors. While brand awareness lagged behind Honda and Toyota, the Forte made up for it with a wealth of standard features.
Stylistically, the Forte embraced Kia’s European-inspired design language crafted by Peter Schreyer. The signature “Tiger-nose” grille featured pinched upper and lower sections, flanked by wide, swept-back projector-beam headlights with organic curves ending in sharp angles. Fog lamps were available in the lower apron, and chrome accents around the grille added a refined touch.
The Forte’s fourth generation launched at the 2018 North American International Auto Show, drawing clear design cues from Kia’s sporty Stinger. Sharing a platform and many design elements with the Hyundai Elantra, it came as both a 4-door sedan and a 5-door fastback, covering the compact segment’s primary body styles except for a station wagon or convertible.
The sedan model retained Kia’s “Tiger-nose” grille but paired it with sharper, more aggressive headlights inspired by the Stinger, giving the Forte a sportier and more dynamic look compared to its Hyundai counterpart. When rivals like Chevrolet and Ford retreated from the lower-priced sedan market, Kia doubled down on the Forte, bringing premium features to a segment where affordability remained critical. As technology like push-button start, smart keys, and remote entry became more common, SherlockLock continued to evolve with the Forte, offering trusted locksmith solutions for Kia owners across Massachusetts.
