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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  Amanti problem - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Val Bill - September 13 - 8:10 pm

  My wife purchased the Amanti choosing it over a Buick or Honda due to its driving pleasure. We enjoy traveling in the car and most of the use is on the open road. One problem has troubled us from early on. If the vehicle sits for a few days, the battery goes down. Multiple testing of the battery by Kia, and others, finds no problem. Having it towed in, 180 miles, resulted in replacing the "12 month" battery. ($180) Friends who have purchased an Amanti on our recommendation have reported the same problem. I doubt that the problem is fixed and expect it to re-emerge in the months ahead.

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  Nice interior but poor handling - 2006 Kia Amanti
  By Jeremy - September 2 - 4:10 am

  Its a nice comfortable car from the inside. Very spacious. Quiet engine.

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  service has been poor - 2006 Kia Amanti
  By Linda Leary - January 21 - 2:30 pm

  I have had front end problems since I bought this car. The transmission is going. The tires on my car are poor quality. The car needs some TLC. This could be a great car if the Kia people would take an interest in this car. It has a great body with good mileage. They need to fix the little things that give you an upset stomach. The car is new it should act that way.

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  Lemon - 2006 Kia Amanti
  By JK - November 15 - 12:46 pm

  I have a run-away Amanti. It also stops for no reason, and all the bells and warning lights come on. Dealer cant duplicate problems, so thinks I dont have a problem. They have had it 5 times now, and the last time over a week. I dont feel safe driving this car, but doubt the dealer will replace it. Im at the point where hiring a lawyer will be my next step. Im really surprised with my State Farm insurance agent who seem unconcerned that the car takes off on its own. Love the comfort and ride, just cant trust the safety. Also the paint keeps chipping. Wonder if anyone else has these problems with the KIA Amanti?

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  Beauty is only skin deep - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By subwaybuff - July 23 - 4:48 pm

  This car is a piece of junk! I have had it for about 3 months and added only around 300 miles. The check engine light came on at 3 miles. dealer reset the light. Light is back on. Today (9/23/11) within 2 miles I had sudden acceleration twice . The only way I avoided an accident was to put the care in neutral. The biggest mistake I ever made. Sure it is a beauty but I can take a pig and give it a bubble bath and dress it in fancy clothes but it is still a pig. Id unload it but I"d be upside down big time and no wheels till I pay it off

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  Another transmission and front end noise - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By dan - May 2 - 10:03 am

  After another highway trip of 1200 miles the transmission has gone bad again ! The service manager hears the noise and has to get with Kia on it! It needs another one and this will make the third one and the front end creaking and sounds like its falling apart has been fixed twice also, with all new everything in front. They say they can do nothing else for it! It must be a lemon car !Waiting again to see if they will fix it, it only has 27,000 miles on it. Will let everyone know what happens. Im on here earlier and posted problems

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  KIA...Car Paint Job is a Joke - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By coachshopper - September 23 - 1:58 pm

  Bought this car 4 years ago; wanted a luxry car but not the price. Saw this beauty and took it home. Had the car a month and the paint on the front bumper started to bubble and the paint clear coat started chipping. Took it too the dealership and was told there was nothing they could do and it was my fault. Took it too a paint and collision shop and I was told when it bubbles it is bad paint & clear coat from Kia. Went back to talk to the manager and still refused to fix my paint. Then the electrical need to be replaced and the fuel injectors went bad and air conditioner went out. Stay away if you can! Kia doesnt care about your or there cars.

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  Rescending My Original Review - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Chris G - July 10 - 6:43 pm

  After a month or two of ownership I wrote a favorable review of this car. However, 30,000 miles and 2 years later I have determined that this car is JUNK, JUNK, JUNK!!!! Lets run it down: Front-end suspension problems that the dealer(s) could never resolve. Car would periodically shut off while driving down the road, again, no dealer resolve. After 30,000 miles the car had problems starting. Very fragile, insecure handling. Horrible MPG - Resale, Resale, Resale

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  Too Bad for poor service - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By M.L. - November 22 - 9:36 pm

  Like the car, but the service stinks. Had to have the front grill replaced three times already for deformed molding and it needs to be replaced again. Front suspension rode like a skateboard until one service tech stuffed more rubber in there. Nothing major has broken, but its those little things that add up. Bumper to Bumper warrenty? NO, the salesman lied. Decent service, not a chance. Doubt I would ever purchase a Kia again because of their poor poor service. With all that said, plus much more that could be, I still like the Amanti. But it is a machine, and proper service is necessary at times.

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  Love My Amanti - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Alex - March 17 - 1:43 pm

  2 years ago, I brought a 2005 Kia Amanti. At the time, I thought no car could be better and gave it a 5 star review. Now, I have a Lexus LS 400 and that opinion has changed dramatically. The Kia Amanti is still a great car but you are wrong if you think you just got a very luxurious car thats as good as a Jag/Benz/Lexus/etc. The Amanti is a great VALUE luxury car that is very reliable, spacious, comfortable, fast/powerful, and smooth riding but compared to a bigger name luxury car like the ones that I just mentioned (particularly the LS 430 which it copied), it feels nowhere near as luxurious. The materials used on the interior are cheap and wear down easily, the handling and steering responsiveness is poor (the steering wheel literally feels numb, no exaggeration), and the side mirrors that never stay in place will drive you crazy. Repairs arent cheap. Gas mileage and resale value arent favorable.