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:

• 

  Unique exterior - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By mona jackson - May 18 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Amanti after taking one look at it. We loved the unique exterior and the unbelievable features available with a price tag slightly over $28,000. The electronic stability package on our Amanti convinced me to give up my 4 wheel drive car-built SUV for it. Granted, we have only owned it for a month, but so far, I love it, and I dont think Ill be trading it any time soon.

• 

  My second Amanti - 2006 Kia Amanti
  By Alex - May 18 - 12:26 am

  I love the comfort in driving this car. Not so good in mileage. I had a 2004 Kia Amanti, and the reliability and easy driving convinced me of buying a new one 2006. The style will change in the year 2007 and i am sorry for that.

• 

  Better watch out, G.M. - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By B&JK - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Terrific car. I KNOW Kia is THE up and coming car maker. The Amanti is pure luxury.

• 

  What a shame they dropped the Amanti - 2008 Kia Amanti
  By sivled - May 14 - 5:04 am

  I am 65 yrs. old so I have owned all kinds of cars both new and used and I was never really happy until now. I have bought american cars for decades until they became to expensive. My wife says new cars are the only way to go. Anyway in 2008 I bought a car I had never heard of and a dealer I knew very little about except for all the people I spoke to . They raved about their 2008 Kia Amanti so I saw oe in a dealer and fell in love with the design. Anyway we bought this Amanti and I am thrilled I did. My car has super confort and a very quiet interior. It has great pick up and a 3.8. v6 engine. I may never trade it. My wife bought a 2010 Kia Sorento . We love both.

• 

  Kia, tell the world youve got it right! - 2007 Kia Amanti
  By Billh6 - May 6 - 5:13 am

  This is my second Amanti. I enjoyed the first one, but wanted more power, period. I got it now. Love the sound with the dual exhausts. This is my dream car. Ready to take a long trip. Love the compliments.

• 

  We love it! - 2006 Kia Amanti
  By Irving & Sally Katz - April 28 - 9:53 am

  Weve owned or leased many classy cars, i.e. Volvo, Lincoln, Cadillac, etc. and we read about the Kia Amanti and decided to look at it after dinner one night. We didnt even do a test drive, but fell in love with it at first sight, and ended up buying it that night and driving it home. We felt like we were driving on a cloud, and the Jaguarish styling was a definite plus, not to mention the classy interior and all the luxury extras that Kia installed into the Amanti. It definitely is one of the best cars we have ever owned, and we would highly recommend it to anyone looking to purchase a new car.

• 

  extended review - 2008 Kia Amanti
  By herb45 - April 21 - 1:00 pm

  update.after 17000 miles,i have realized that this car i lousy around town,both in ride & quietness,but take her on the highway,away from the virginia beach roads,and she shines.highway mileage is around 30mpg,but the ride in city driving is not even on par with cadillac.all rattles have pretty much disappeared,but still concerned with the ride which tends to turn harsh over sharp bumps.i thought this was a luxury car????????? the power is great,but the tranny seems to hesitate at times,unless you use the manual gate.

• 

  Ks Amanti - 2006 Kia Amanti
  By RVEIL - April 15 - 9:23 am

  This vehicle is a nice handling and riding car, but has a little too much herky-Jerky on acceleration.

• 

  Excellent Buy for the money - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Napoleon - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy driving this car. I love the style and comfort. It preforms very well and I have not encounterd any problems so far. Kia wants to make a positve impression with this new line and has put some good thought and considerations into the design. I always get admiring looks and I am sure the cost of this car will go up next year. I warranty and cost vs. many extras that come as stardard cant be passed up by any clear thinking comsumer.

• 

  Awesome Amanti - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Z Dawg - March 27 - 4:23 am

  Beautiful car, fun to drive. Great sound system, handles well, super quiet. Considered others, the Chrysler 300, Ford 500, but this one is hands down the best value, and pretty comfortable on long trips.