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Have you ever wanted to know what owners thought about a certain car make or model before you bought it? Unless you have a magic crystal ball that can tell you the future of any car, it’s nearly impossible. Fortunately, some owners report their findings on certain cars, which is beneficial for your shopping process. If you’re searching for either a compact or midsize sedan, there are two in the market that stand out among the crowd.

The 2023 Kia Forte is sensible but shakey at speed

2023 Kia Forte
2023 Kia Forte | Kia

The 2023 Kia Forte received plenty of good reviews from consumers on Edmunds, but there were some negative ones as well. Although many owners found the car to be comfortable and plenty quick, there were some reported cons. For instance, one owner reported that the car “isn’t stable for high speeds,” and there is plenty of road noise. Other owners mentioned that the back seat is small and that Apple CarPlay doesn’t stay connected at times.

That said, the Kia Forte still presents a great value for anyone looking for a sensible car, at least on paper. It’s priced from $19,690 to $25,090, which means it’s affordable for most budgets. It’s also powered by a 147-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s able to achieve up to 34 mpg in mixed driving conditions. Some other owner reviews report that the Forte handles well on tight roads and garners to up around 40 mpg in real-world driving.

The 2023 Nissan Altima has a couple of glaring issues

2023 Nissan Altima
2023 Nissan Altima | Nissan

Although the 2023 Nissan Altima is one of the most popular midsize sedans in the U.S. market, it’s not without its faults. This means that Nissan fell a little short of its promises, despite the fact that the Altima has plenty to offer buyers. According to some consumer reviews on Edmunds, some of the Altima’s weak points include a “burning plastic smell coming from under the hood” and “loud noises when braking and turning the steering wheel.” Another reviewer complained about having paint quality issues.

Despite these complaints, one highlight is that the Altima is available in AWD form, which is something that long-standing rivals like the Honda Accord don’t have. The Altima’s acceleration is quick with the standard 2.5-liter engine, although the available V6 engine makes it much better.

Additionally, the Altima can achieve up to 31 mpg, according to some owner reports, which is two mpg better than the predecessor. So, it’s safe to say that the Nissan Altima has improved, but it’s not enough to satisfy some owners to buy it again.

Two unsatisfying sedans that could disappoint you

A white 2023 Nissan Altima parked outdoors.
2023 Nissan Altima | Nissan Motor Corporation

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a new sedan, it helps to find out what current owners think about it. And while you may be able to read reviews on certain sites, renowned sites like Edmunds are a handy way to get the information you need. For more information, check out the 3 least satisfying SUVs as reported by owners.