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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  Fine looking car - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Still happy - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Unique styling.. Risk takers only need apply! Great sound system. Roomy interior and nicely appointed.

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  My experience with Corporate KIA - 2008 Kia Amanti
  By Gary - October 30 - 9:23 pm

  Purchased this vehicle in January this year. Had problem with it from the star. Right front tire/wheel bounces/flutter/surges at all speeds but the best part is that the font end shimmies @ 70 mph. Dealer worked on it all they could but corporate said it was operating "as designed" whatever that means. Filed Lemon law complaint with no help there. Will have to drive it until the wheels fall off. Other than that I love the car!

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  No good on GAS at all - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Amanti - September 12 - 12:33 pm

  Overall I love the car, however it is not good on gas at all. I get maybe 12MPG. For that reason alone I do not like my car. I thought that I would get at least 15 city, 21 highway. I get maybe 12 city and 18 highway. Im not happy at all with that. I have meet other people with this car and they tell me the same thing.

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  Kia Amanti review - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By nick - September 8 - 7:40 am

  Have had many compliments since my purchase. The overall value for what this vehicle brings is outstanding. Luxury versus cost.

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  Not Happy - 2005 Kia Amanti
  By Not happy - August 15 - 10:00 am

  When 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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  Our New Kia Amanti - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By Al. K. - July 19 - 10:00 am

  We 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.

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  owner review-updated - 2008 Kia Amanti
  By herb45 - July 11 - 5:40 pm

  since i bought car in december,and wrote 1st review,i have many things to say.first,have had car in dealership many times for interior rattles,both in the dash,and where the rear subwoofer sits,the front rotors have since been repaired,but the shake when applying the brakes between 45-50mph has returned.also,the ride has really deteriorated a great deal,and mine has the 16-inch wheels !.the gas mileage has still been much better than expected.i had to wait over a month for the dealership to let me know their loaner car has arrived,and will be taking my car thursday of this week.i hope they fix this right this time...would like to know if anyone else has the same issues.

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  Dangerous to drive - 2006 Kia Amanti
  By wolley segap - June 8 - 12:26 pm

  The Amanti has severe problems with acceleration. The car will lunge forward or backwards when taking off. I have had the car in the shop many times and Kia says they are aware of the problem but does not have a fix. It was declared a lemon by the Arizona lemon law and replaced with a 2006 model Amanti. The 2006 has the same problems. Now I have to start all over again to try to solve the problem.

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  sharp car - 2004 Kia Amanti
  By whome - June 7 - 10:00 am

  rides good runs good fast enough to get into trouble