If early reviews from owners on Honk are any indication, the 2010 Kia Forte is set to continue that winning streak.

Much of Kia’s recent success can be attributed to a strong emphasis on design. Peter Schreyer was lured away from a 25-year career at Audi in 2006 and the famed designer has since been hard at work revamping the entire Kia lineup. Under Schreyer’s direction, new models now have a consistent look – described from within the studio as, “simplicity, but with precision.”

The new design language works well on the Forte. Nothing about the car’s appearance is cheap or fussy. Each line has a purpose and catches your eye in a way that makes the vehicle look solid and substantial.

The upward-sweeping beltline gives the car a wedge-like profile and energetic stance. Follow it down the car, past the front fender, and the line becomes the leading edge of the hood before wrapping back around to the other side of the car. Smooth, seamless, solid.

It’s rare to get this level of sophistication in such an affordable car. Parked next to its competitors the Forte looks handsomely understated and thousands of dollars more expensive.

Fortunately, beauty is more than skin deep on this new Kia thanks to a generous list of standard features. Younger buyers will no doubt appreciate the standard Bluetooth hands-free phone system and USB audio input jack. Families will love the standard anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control system, and side air bags.

Even the Forte’s standard 2.0-liter engine has something to brag about, offering a stout 156-horsepower and up to 36 miles per gallon on the highway. A larger 2.4-liter engine is available with 173-horsepower, though mileage does drop by a few miles per gallon.

One small downside is that you’ll have to buy an optional $600 Fuel Economy Package to achieve the highest MPG rating. The package includes aerodynamic upgrades and a more efficient 5-speed automatic transmission among other nifty tricks. It’s a steep price to pay for two miles per gallon.

The other option packages are reasonably priced and logically arranged. Step up from the base LX to the mid-grade EX trim level and the Forte gets an upgraded audio system, power windows and locks, cruise control, and upscale sideview mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators. The sporty SX trim level adds a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, and trip computer.  Leather seats and a sunroof are optional on both the EX and SX trim levels.

One option you won’t find – at least for now – is a factory navigation system. This seems like a missed opportunity to me since competitors like the Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, and Mazda 3 all offer the feature. Maybe Kia was just waiting for their excellent UVO voice-activated multimedia system to debut first?

(And speaking of later, Kia tells us that a smart 5-door hatchback with a bit more cargo space will come to market this fall. It’s sure to be a great choice for those who love to do more with less.)

On the upside, safety ratings for this Kia compact are excellent. The Forte was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: an award that requires top scores in front, rear, and side impacts, a rollover test, and the availability of electronic stability control. Only 51 vehicles received this honor in 2010 out of over 300 new models.

And as with many Kia products, the Forte is a smart buy thanks to attractive pricing and a class-leading 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. The sedan starts at a mere $13,695 and the coupe starts at $16,595. (See what people in your area have actually been paying here.)

Kia has much to be proud of with this new Forte. It’s a stylish, well-equipped ride that I think has earned its place among the leaders in this class.

If this sounds familiar; you’re not alone in your desire to upgrade to a new set of wheels.  Many parents kick off the empty nest phase of their life with a new car as a way to celebrate their newfound freedom and to reward themselves for a job well done raising the kids.

But which car is the best car for you?  Should you keep some of the practicality of your old family car or should you go extreme and buy a sports car?  Maybe find a comfortable sedan for touring the country or a rugged utility vehicle for ski trips?

We searched through Honk to see which cars scored highest for parents like you who wanted to pamper themselves with a luxurious new ride.  Below is a list of five of the best cars for empty nesters.  You can also view the entire list or build your own list on Honk.

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Best Cars for Empty Nesters: Chrysler 300

“You just can’t help but feel cool when driving this car!” is how one owner summed up his 300.  It’s a refined sedan that brings a healthy dose of Rat Pack style back to America’s motorways.  Beyond the handsome looks, owners love the optional Hemi V8 engine, which burbles smoothly around town and roars like a beast at full throttle.  With confident lines, a smooth ride, and a powerful engine, few cars embody the spirit of the all-American road trip quite like this Chrysler.

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Best Cars for Empty Nesters: Lexus ES350

This Lexus is smoother than Mick Jagger working a room of groupies after a Stones concert.  Owners note that the hushed cabin and unflappable ride make short work of long trips.  “Love the pick up and attention to detail,” explained one owner, citing the premium appointments and abundance of technology.  The quiet and understated ES350 comes across as part automobile, part sanctuary – a perfect way to preserve the peace and quiet you’ve no doubt earned.

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Best Cars for Empty Nesters: Lincoln MKX

From it’s light-catching grille to glitzy wheels, the Lincoln MKX knows how to make an appearance.  Beyond the extroverted styling, owners love the roomy back seat and panoramic moonroof.  One owner said that his MKX had become the de facto choice for outings with friends, joking, “My friends refer to my Lincoln as ‘the jet’ because they feel like they’re flying first class when we take my car.”

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Best Cars for Empty Nesters: BMW X6

With a unique blend of sport utility vehicle and luxury coupe, the BMW X6 is one of the most distinctive automobiles on the road today.  Owners adore the aggressive styling and powerful engines and explain that the X6 represented a more practical alternative to the luxury coupes and sports cars available in this price range.  Style comes first on the X6 with a roof that sweeps low and tight over the back seats, making this Bimmer perfect for empty nesters who want to command respect at the valet stand but who also want the flexibility to bring friends or cargo along from time to time.

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Best Cars for Empty Nesters: Cadillac CTS

Cadillac’s excellent CTS is a standout sensation among empty nesters.  And with its handsome good looks and powerful engines, it’s easy to see why.  The CTS impresses inside, as well, with a luxurious interior that’s roomier than all of its competitors.  Cadillac now offers a beautiful coupe and dramatic sportwagon version of the CTS for those who want to take the road less traveled. There’s also all-wheel drive for those who have to contend with snowy weather.

If this sounds familiar; you’re not alone in your desire to upgrade to a new set of wheels.  Many parents kick off the empty nest phase of their life with a new car as a way to celebrate their newfound freedom and to reward themselves for a job well done raising the kids.

But which car is the best car for you?  Should you keep some of the practicality of your old family car or should you go extreme and buy a sports car?  Maybe find a comfortable sedan for touring the country or a rugged utility vehicle for ski trips?

We searched through Honk to see which cars scored highest for parents like you who wanted to pamper themselves with a luxurious new ride.  Below is a list of five of the best cars for empty nesters.  You can also view the entire list or build your own list on Honk.

.

Best Cars for Empty Nesters: Chrysler 300

“You just can’t help but feel cool when driving this car!” is how one owner summed up his 300.  It’s a refined sedan that brings a healthy dose of Rat Pack style back to America’s motorways.  Beyond the handsome looks, owners love the optional Hemi V8 engine, which burbles smoothly around town and roars like a beast at full throttle.  With confident lines, a smooth ride, and a powerful engine, few cars embody the spirit of the all-American road trip quite like this Chrysler.

.

Best Cars for Empty Nesters: Lexus ES350

This Lexus is smoother than Mick Jagger working a room of groupies after a Stones concert.  Owners note that the hushed cabin and unflappable ride make short work of long trips.  “Love the pick up and attention to detail,” explained one owner, citing the premium appointments and abundance of technology.  The quiet and understated ES350 comes across as part automobile, part sanctuary – a perfect way to preserve the peace and quiet you’ve no doubt earned.

.

Best Cars for Empty Nesters: Lincoln MKX

From it’s light-catching grille to glitzy wheels, the Lincoln MKX knows how to make an appearance.  Beyond the extroverted styling, owners love the roomy back seat and panoramic moonroof.  One owner said that his MKX had become the de facto choice for outings with friends, joking, “My friends refer to my Lincoln as ‘the jet’ because they feel like they’re flying first class when we take my car.”

.

Best Cars for Empty Nesters: BMW X6

With a unique blend of sport utility vehicle and luxury coupe, the BMW X6 is one of the most distinctive automobiles on the road today.  Owners adore the aggressive styling and powerful engines and explain that the X6 represented a more practical alternative to the luxury coupes and sports cars available in this price range.  Style comes first on the X6 with a roof that sweeps low and tight over the back seats, making this Bimmer perfect for empty nesters who want to command respect at the valet stand but who also want the flexibility to bring friends or cargo along from time to time.

.

Best Cars for Empty Nesters: Cadillac CTS

Cadillac’s excellent CTS is a standout sensation among empty nesters.  And with its handsome good looks and powerful engines, it’s easy to see why.  The CTS impresses inside, as well, with a luxurious interior that’s roomier than all of its competitors.  Cadillac now offers a beautiful coupe and dramatic sportwagon version of the CTS for those who want to take the road less traveled. There’s also all-wheel drive for those who have to contend with snowy weather.