Overview & Reviews

Eleanor Rigby and Father McKenzie were some lonely people forgotten by the world and if around today, they'd probably drive a Kia Amanti. This largely anonymous large sedan from Korea was frequently overlooked by folks who otherwise ended up buying something like a Buick LaCrosse, Chrysler 300 or Toyota Avalon. As far as we know, even Sir Paul McCartney hasn't noticed it.

The Amanti's rarity resulted from its awkward styling, flaccid performance and Kia's below-average name recognition when it comes to higher-end cars. Kia did address some of the Amanti's more immediate shortcomings in the second-generation model, but in general most used-car shoppers should probably check out more established large sedans before settling on an Amanti.

Most Recent Kia Amanti
The second-generation Kia Amanti was produced from 2007-'09. Although the exterior looked remarkably similar to the previous car's, it cloaked a complete redesign. A modified chassis yielded significant weight loss and improved handling, while most notably, the company dropped the original 200-horsepower V6 in favor of a new 3.8-liter, 264-hp V6.

This Amanti was available in one trim level. A two-tone interior color scheme along with subdued wood and metallic accents and comfy seats should please those looking for a low-priced luxury car. Standard equipment was comprehensive. When optioned out, the Amanti featured such niceties as leather upholstery, heated power front seats with memory, power-adjustable pedals and a nine-speaker stereo with six-CD changer. Some higher-end features, however, like a navigation system, weren't available.

The standard 3.8-liter V6 provided 264 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to the front wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. Antilock brakes and a full array of airbags were standard; traction and stability control were optional. Shoppers would be wise to make sure a specific Amanti they may be interested in features these electronic aids.

We were always impressed with the Kia Amanti's equipment levels, ample space and low price. However, its handling was not particularly impressive, with the car's suspension sometimes getting uncomfortably upset when driven quickly over bumps. Overall, the Amanti's road manners were acceptable, but more discerning full-size-sedan buyers will prefer the added capability and refinement of the Kia's competitors. Although styling is a subjective quality, the car's lack of cohesive design and odd, sewer-grate grille didn't do it any favors either.

Past Kia Amanti Models
The original Kia Amanti ran from 2004-'06. It featured a 3.5-liter V6 good for only 195 hp, upgraded to 200 hp the following year. Compared to the newer Amanti, this generation was heavier and featured a more flaccid structure. Handling was even worse and its suspension was less sophisticated. Several features were added as its life went on, including an optional leather package in 2005. Judging by our lukewarm reaction to the current car, it should be no surprise that we think less highly of the original.

User Reviews:

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  Great owning car - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By jim - July 2 - 12:26 pm

  Quiet driving vehicle. Not a lot of power but enough for city and highway. People cant believe its a Kia.

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  Economic Luxury - 2006 Kia Amanti
  By Chris - June 18 - 2:56 am

  I have always been impressed with the look of the Kia Amanti since its debut in 2004. Kia has captured the luxury look of Jaguar and Mercedes Benz without the pricing. So far, I continue to be impressed with my own Amanti including the performance and the interior design. The extras on the car are wonderful and the price was also a benefit.

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  Happy Driver - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By profinej2 - June 6 - 10:26 am

  Love the way car handles, great looks, well designed.

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  Kias in Trouble - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Greg Gunderson - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I looked at the first one to arrive in Omaha. Looks like very limited numbers will be getting to the dealers this year, expect to pay window or above. Major mistake in my opinion, as I would have purchased if they were pricing like their sister car, the XL350. As it is, more expensive than a similiar Buick or the Hundia XL 350, close to an Avalon in actual exit the door price. A nice car, very roomy, but price and quanity are going to make this a hard one to buy.

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  Excellent Car in every aspect. - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Morko Berbeteoux - May 10 - 11:58 pm

  This is by far the best and greatest purchase of an automobile we ever made ( in my life I have purchased some 45 to 50 cars). Even with high mileage, this is an absolute beauty.

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  You Gotta Drive This Car - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By roberts - April 9 - 5:20 am

  Kia has produced an impressive large car that rivals anything in its class, and other classes as well. I drove nearly 45 different makes and models over a 3 month period before settling on the Amanti. I have not been disappointed at all. I think this car over time will be viewed as a breakthrough vehicle, and if Kia manages to improve on it, the world will soon see a new standard for a luxury automobile.

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  Amanti upgrade - 2008 Kia Amanti
  By CapeKia - April 2 - 10:20 am

  We just traded in my wifes 06 Amanti for an 08. We were very happy with her 06, but I was a bit uneasy that hers was no longer under warranty since it had just over 50K on it. Her father has the same exact car and was beginning to have some issues (catalytic converter) and had already had the lower end of the engine replaced - all under warranty. We found the 08 with 16K so it still has the remainder of the 5yr/60K warranty left. The car is a completely different animal from its predecessor! Love the new ride, power and interior style! I also would have liked to see real metal inside rather than the plastic on the interior finish. Just ordered the Opirus numbers and oval badge!

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  My Amanti - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By folfer06 - March 28 - 5:36 pm

  Mine is a 2004 year model but on checking is almost identical to the 2005. I have received many compliments ;one of the main ones is the easy access to the rear seats. My wife loves the heated seats and the drivers seat auto memory.

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  Mirror Problems - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Oscar Zuniga - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I own a Kia 2005 Amanti and have always had problems with the side mirrors. The vehicle is equipped with switches that preset the seats and mirrors. Unfortunately, the mirrors do not go back to what you preset. That means that you have to constantly readjust the the mirrors. Im taking the vehicle to the dealer today, but it looks like other Kia Amanti owners have had problems with the mirrors and have just been given the run around by the dealers based on what I am reading on the internet. If you like AM radio, dont get this vehicle. AM reception is terrible.

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  Quite a nice car! - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By bromelski - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I own a Carbon Gray Amanti, (leather, sunroof, etc.), and as most others, I love it! People dont seem to know what to make of it. At first I thought styling looked a little odd, -now I absolutley love it. I have yet to see another one on the road, which makes it exclusive (for now at least).