As a man in my late ‘20s who used to teach high school, and I can tell you that what was once “cool,” even when I was a teenager, really isn’t cool anymore. Kids today wear all kinds of different clothes, listen to new bands, have new slang and catch phrases, new technology, and even a new sense of humor. When I was in high school, I wore baggy clothes, listened to Boyz II Men and Bone Thugs ‘n’ Harmony, and didn’t even dream of owning a cell phone. That was enough for me then, even if it wouldn’t be enough for kids now.

However, some things never stop being cool. Green Day, for example, is a band that kids loved in the mid-‘90s and still love today. Music in general is still something that adolescents love, and teens still put a lot of stock in driving what they and their friends would consider a “cool” car. In Gurnee, Kia dealerships are hoping that their parent company’s partnership with the Warped Tour brings more love and attention their way, as kids who go to the huge music festival to see Blink 182, Alkaline Trio, Dropkick Murphys and others will be exposed to Kia promotions that could dramatically enhance their view of the automaker.

The partnership between Kia and Warped Tour starts with the Soul Lounge, which gives concert-goers all sorts of information about the top Kia vehicles, most notably the lounge’s namesake, the Soul. It’s sleek look and personalization options make it a top choice among younger demographics, and that’s why they’re pushing that as the main car in the promotion.

There also will be live DJs spinning records, airbrush tattoo artists, and autograph tables for hot bands like Hey Monday and NeverShoutNever. Also, Kia representatives will be handing out a select few VIP wristbands that allow certain patrons access to a special hi-rise seating area for a bird’s eye view of all the great music being played.

Honestly, all that would’ve been cool when I was in high school, too, and it would’ve been cool for my parents, and their parents as well (though I’m not sure what Warped Tour 1932 would’ve looked like—headlined by Lawrence Welk?). This year’s ticket clearly is a hot Waukegan buy. Used car salesmen in the area are hoping the backlash from the promotion allows for higher sales. That’s Kia’s goal, at least, and it’s a pretty cool one. Pretty cool indeed.

The 2010 Kia Forte has been named Car of the Year at the NADAguides.com Awards (the leading provider of vehicle pricing and information) at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. Citing the car’s “best in class” features and stylish interior and exterior design, the group said the Kia compact was a standout vehicle in a pretty impressive field. And what’s more, the Kia Forte is also…get this…affordable. See for yourself at Round Lake used car and new car dealer, Classic Kia.

“Our editorial team realized the moment we got behind the wheel of the Forte that it would be a top contender for our NADAguides.com Car of the Year, but it wasn’t until we extensively drove the sporty four-door sedan and the two-door coupe that it solidified our decision,” said Michael Caudill, NADAguides.com auto expert and spokesperson. He said the decision was difficult, “But when you add up the low price point, Best in Class features, and a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, it made our decision to award the Forte much easier.”

The 2010 Kia Forte has two engine options: a 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder producing 156 hp or a 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder producing 173 hp.  The 2.0 models come with either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions, while the 2.4L models each receive an additional gear.  The Fuel Economy Package (available with the EX trim only) adds even more unique elements: electronic power steering, a smart alternator, low rolling resistance tires and aerodynamic improvements to achieve 27 city/36 hwy mpg.  And you know what that means – Fewer trips to the pump, and more money in your pocket. Car of the year, indeed.

The interior features techie treats like Bluetooth hands-free calling, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with SIRIUS satellite radio and IPOD connectivity coming standard in every trim. The EX and SX trims also come with power steering wheel mounted controls, cruise control and optional sunroof and heated leather seating.

Rounding off the long list of winning attributes to the 2010 Kia Forte is a low base price of $13,695 and Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. With all those performance and design features at an affordable price, there’s a lot to love. Stop by your Round Lake used cars dealer and in Waukegan, buy used cars at Classic Kia and save time and money with a huge inventory of affordable pre-owned models!

Leading provider of vehicle pricing and information, NADAguides.com, has awarded the 2010 Kia Forte and Kia Forte Koup the Car of the Year title for 2009. The group points out the duo’s “best in class” features, stylish interior and exterior design, claiming the Kia models were standout vehicles when compared to other top contenders. Car dealers ranging from Waukegan used car and new car dealers to Gurnee used car dealers anticipate the process of the prize-winning pair to fill their lots.

The NADAguides.com editorial team recommends buyers pay attention to the low price point, Best in Class features, and a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty when local buyers make a decision concerning the Waukegan Kia Forte. According to this informational website, the 2010 Kia Forte and Forte Koup carry the full package regarding design, features, price, performance, and fuel economy when compared to its competitors. NADAguides.com claims the pair leaves a lasting impression in all these categories and more. Car shoppers near Waukegan used car dealers and Round Lake used car dealers can find the award-winning duo at those locations, as well as at other Kia dealerships nation-wide.

Details about these models include two unique engine options: a 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder producing 156 hp or a 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder making 173 hp. Both engines deliver on performance, and with an EPA estimated 25 city/34 hwy mpg for the 2.0L and 23 city/31 hwy mpg for the 2.4L, the fuel economy package is another asset of the Kia Forte in Waukegan, Gurnee, and many other surrounding areas. Interior features include the Bluetooth hands-free calling, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with Sirius satellite radio and iPod connectivity are standard, allowing the music-loving driver to truly appreciate the models.

For those concerned about safety, the 2010 Kia Forte and Kia Forte Koup carries 4 dual front, side, and full-curtain airbags, and a 4 wheel anti-lock braking system and electronic stability control. At a low base price of $13,695, these models are well-deserving of their 2009 Car of the Year title, while maintaining a valuable status amongst competitors. For a full range of details about the 2010 Kia Forte and Kia Forte Koup, buyers can visit NADAguides.com, or visit their local Waukegan or Round Lake used car dealer.