Kia Amanti
Overall Score - 7.6 (Good)
The Amanti delivers European luxury qualities with a small price tag, but fuel economy and resale value may disappoint. If you're in the market for a large car, you should also consider the Hyundai Azera or the Toyota Avalon.
Auto writers find that the 2007 Kia Amanti's generous standard features and low sticker price make it a good value option within the large sedan class. The recently added V6 engine will provide more power on the road than previous models, but buyers can still expect a soft, comfortable ride. Car and Driver, for one, appreciates the Amanti's efforts to keep up with competitors, saying the Amanti "takes on the Chrysler 300, the Ford Five Hundred, the Nissan Maxima, and Buick LaCrosse and Lucerne with more power, more style and more equipment." Cars.com notes, "the 2007 model continues to ape a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though now its engine and interior have been improved to a point where a few people might actually be fooled."
In Kelley Blue Book's words, the Amanti is "a luxury car that resembles a collage of the finest premium sedans on the planet, but is priced more like a pedestrian family hauler." On the other hand, it also notes the Amanti might not be the right car for you if "you're seeking a luxury vehicle that clings to its resale value like a miser to his money." IntelliChoice gives the 2007 Kia Amanti a rating of "worse than average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared with other vehicles in its class.
Amanti Performance - 7.3 (Good)
Reviewers enjoyed an easy ride when starting the 2007 Kia Amanti's new V6 engine, but driving got sticky at higher speeds. Kelley Blue Book notices that the Amanti leaned in turns and dived with hard braking, but felt the car was "no better or worse than its counterparts in this segment." continue
Amanti Exterior - 5.7 (Mediocre)
A majority of reviewers categorize the 2007 Kia Amanti's exterior, redesigned this year, as inspired by luxury sedans such as Mercedes, Jaguar and Lincoln. But not all reviewers agree on the end effect. Edmunds is one that dislikes the overall look and calls the combo "an odd mix of styling cues." continue
Amanti Interior - 7.9 (Good)
Upon stepping inside the 2007 Kia Amanti, the Kelley Blue Book reviewers find the interior "so handsome and well-appointed it makes more of an impression than does the car's exterior," and the majority of other reviewers agree. continue
Amanti Safety - NA
The 2007 Kia Amanti is still a new model with little safety data available; however, most reviewers found the vehicle a fairly safe drive and approved of its standard safety features. continue
Amanti Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Kia Amanti reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Kia offers impressive coverage on all of its cars, including a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty. continue