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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  2009 Black Beauty Amanti (Loaded) - 2009 Kia Amanti
  By Sonny - June 11 - 3:03 pm

  This is my 4th Kia and my fist Amanti. I have loved them since they first came out. I think I have the last 2009 brand new on the planet. Quiet, great comfortable ride, excellent power, love all the bell and whitles with a smaller price. Too bad this is the last year for Amanti.

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  Retro Euro-Styling meets American Ride - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By MENTOR - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a cool looking car -- kindo f reminding me of a mongrel mix between a Mercedees a Bently and something coming out of (former) Communist East Germany. Sitting in the interior is like time travel to 1961 (at least as far as the dash is concerned). The drive is soft, like a mushy American ca. Trunk space and roomy interior make this a comfortable ride for passengers. Performance is what youd expect for a GM-type of mid-range car from the early 1980s -- you dont want to do any extreme maneuvers.

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  Best for your money - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Summmeyphd - May 5 - 10:00 am

  I am 51. Bought with all options. Great car for the money! The competion does not come close (after looking seriously for 3 months.) Rank with entry level Jag or mercedes at half the cost. Bought after owning a BMW, Jag and 3 Cadillacs. Well kept secret!

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  My 6 Months with an 05 Amanti - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By MagMax - April 16 - 8:13 am

  This is the most comfortable riding car Ive ever owned. Its extremely quiet, has every possible convenience feature, is easy to see out of, has a tight turning circle, has excellent workmanship and comes in at an amazingly good price. Frankly, I dont see any reason to spend more for a Camry or the same for an Accord both of which have fewer features and less comfort. The Amanti is a wonderful highway car and is ideal for smoothing out rough city streets as well. The interior is amazingly roomy and the heated rear seats, left and right temperature controls and rear A/C and heat are welcome to all passengers. Mine has been trouble free for over 5000 km and I love it.

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  We love ours! - 2008 Kia Amanti
  By Pastor Mike - April 6 - 7:56 am

  My wife and I were looking at cars to replace our Lincoln LS we gave our son for graduation. When my wife saw this new 2008 left over Amanti she said "lets drive this one". The sticker was $32,000 with every available option so I told salesman we didnt want to spend so much. He said "BIG discounts" so I said ok lets drive. My wife and I both loved what we saw and drove so we went home with it. We now have about 6,500 miles and am very happy with our purchase. We are getting 27.5 mpg on highway and are averaging 23.5 overall driving. We have had no problems with the car and plan to drive it till the wheels fall off.

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  KIA AMANTI38671 - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By USER284316 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  It is definitely a luxury car without the luxury price tag. It handles beautifully and with all the air bags it has, I feel quite safe in it.

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  Kia Amanti - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By MarMel - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Too new to know real mileage yet. Smoothest, softest ride. Pleasure to drive. Seems to have every convenience possible. LOVE IT1!!!

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  I love it! - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Vikki Wiggins - March 10 - 12:03 am

  I love everything about this car! But, the gas mileage lacks a lot to be desired. You must use premium gas, but the best I have done on a long road trip is 17.2 mpg. I dont believe I will ever see 25 mpg. The strange thing is that it does not seem to matter with this car whether you drive it like a grandma or at high speeds. It gets the same on a long trip either way. I must say that I like the car enough that even with the bad gas mileage, I would still purchase the same car if I had it to do all over again. I spent a long time shopping prior to buying, and for the price, in my opinion, it is the best car on the market. Very high quality.

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  Great quality - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Ken - March 9 - 10:20 am

  My Amanti has been just great. Its a beautiful car. The quality of this import is superb.

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  First Impressions of a 2005 Kia Amanti - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By MagMax - March 7 - 2:00 pm

  After a year of research, I took delivery of a pearl white 05 Amanti a week ago. Since then Ive put about 300 miles on the clock. The cars got an amazingly comfortable ride, has a vast and beautifully detailed interior, and has plenty of power for normal circumstances. It has everything from heated rear seats to automatic wipers. Im especially impressed by the silence inside the car, by the comfortable seats, and by how easy it was to get used to driving it. It has excellent visibility, a commanding driving position, a very tight turning circle, and is very easy to get into and out of. For less than a loaded Camry, its an unbeatable bargain with lots more bells and whistles.