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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Best Kept Secret - 2004 Kia Amanti
By Gary Mears - September 5 - 10:00 amThe Kia Amanti is easily the best kept secret in the automotive industry. This is the quietest car made. The engine has plenty of power and coupled with the five speed automatic provides good fuel economy too. The ride and cumfort easily matches the top of the line automobiles such as BMW and Lexus for a price that is unbelieveable. Buy this car and you wont be sorry. The Koreans have proved that they can match the quality of anything made in Japan, Germany or the good ol USA.
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Best Car Ever - 2004 Kia Amanti
By joshj3434 - September 5 - 10:00 amThis car is amazing! I never thought I would be able to afford a car with such luxury and comfort unless I forked over 80,000 dollars. I cant begin to tell you how many compliments I get from total strangers wanting to know where they can get one. I do know that after driving this car, there is no way I could bring myself to buying anything else.
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Nice car for the money - 2006 Kia Amanti
By Harry - August 23 - 1:56 amChose this car for its features, safety, comfort, weight (Michigan winter winds are fierce!), first year depreciation and reliability. Paid $16k for a year-old, program car with 16k miles in like new condition. (Consumer Reports bad-mouthed the Amanti, but Ive learned to discount CR opinions about many things!) This car has been next to perfect for my needs. I wasnt a leather seat fan, but these are fine. Long trips are a joy, because of the comfortable, quiet ride. CR complains about its handling, but anyone with half a brain doesnt get into situations CR moans about, and the Kia ESC helps you out of those foisted upon you by idiots on the road.
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Not Happy - 2005 Kia Amanti
By Not happy - August 15 - 10:00 amWhen I first got the car I was very excited. It was my first luxury car and every thing was great until after the first week. The radio stopped working and I tried to get it fixed but the dealership I got it from was not very helpful. I had to go to someone else to get anything done. The radio has been fine until the past month when the speakers started to go again and I never listen to my music loud. Other electronics are malfunctioning too, like my side mirrors and my seat. Every time I get in my car I have to readjust them because the just move on them own. The power steering also goes when it rains and the mechanic couldnt tel me why. Cant believe a 2005 has so many issues!
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What a Steal! - 2007 Kia Amanti
By Greg from Omaha - August 8 - 10:56 amPurchased used with 22,000 miles and loaded with leather, sunroof, alloys, etc. For the used owner car comes with 6 yr/60K full warranty. If you are looking for a BMW this is not your car, but if you want a Towncar-like ride on the interstate this is it. Lexus-quality interior, massive trunk and back seat, extremely fast, so quiet you wont hardly know it is running. I am getting 25 MPG with 80% highway, 20% city, far better than I expected for the size and speed the car offers. The car is a little quirky looking, but you dont see many and it sticks out in the crowd. Also, front-wheel drive and handles like a tank in the snow.
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Love my Kia Amanti - 2005 Kia Amanti
By Thomasine Carrington - August 2 - 1:26 amGreat car. Attracts attention wherever I go. Drives smoothly and looks like a Rolls.
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satisfied driver - 2005 Kia Amanti
By caesar benigno - July 27 - 10:13 amI feel like I am driving in luxury at a price that I used to afford when I only bought cars after they were 4 or five years old; i.e. Mark 8 or Town Cars.
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MOST LUXURY, fOR A MODEST PRICE - 2004 Kia Amanti
By Mark Lindsay - July 25 - 10:00 amtO HAVE SUCH A LUXURY, FULL SIZE CAR, THAT HAS SHIFT TRONTIC, AND WRAP AROUND AIRBAGS FOR HEAD & ORGANS FOR SUPRIOR SAFTY.aND FUN TO DRIVE, AND 5000 OFF IN REBATES... NOTHING ELSE COULD EVEN COMPARE. WE FEEL HAPPY & LUCKY. ALL AT THE SAME TIME.
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Amanti 2004 - 2004 Kia Amanti
By GrammaNanny - July 25 - 10:00 amI traded in a Sportage for the new Amanti and I am thrilled with it!! It has such a roomy interior and the ride is soooo very quiet too. It has all the ammenties that I wanted on a new car! I highly recommend this car to anyone.
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Our New Kia Amanti - 2004 Kia Amanti
By Al. K. - July 19 - 10:00 amWe only have about 1100 miles on our new Kia Amanti but we love our car. Everyone we know and strangers all say What kind of car is that it looks like a jaguar or the front headlights is that a Mercedes what is it. WE sure do get a lot of stares and long looks. We have to say so far everything is really great about this new Kia Amanti,but of course we havent had it very long but if it holds up well and runs as great as it does we will be even more happier about our purchase of this Kia. We had a Honda Accord before this Kia and to tell the truth we werent even thinking about a Kia let alone even knew what they looked like.At Taylor Cadillac we bought this New Kia and it is a great car.
