2008 Kia Amanti [ 2007 ]

#7

in Affordable Large Cars

Based on analysis of 18 Amanti reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $25,495 - $25,495
Invoice: $23,250 - $23,250
MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores
Overall:7.8
Performance:7.2
Exterior:5.4
Interior:8.1
Safety:9.4
Reliability:6.0
How we calculate scores
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros
  • Acclaimed 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty
  • Powerful V6 comes standard
  • Loaded with standard features, such as eight airbags, often missing from cars in its price range
Cons
  • Below average resale value
  • Poor fuel economy, compared to peers
  • Disappointing handling at high speeds, on curves

Kia Amanti Ranks #7 in Affordable Large Cars

Overall Score - 7.8 (Good)

Based on U.S. News editors' analysis of 18 leading automotive reviews and test drives, the 2008 Kia Amanti ranks #7 of 11 in Affordable Large Cars.

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 2008 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 provides 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."

IntelliChoice gives the 2008 Kia Amanti a rating of "Poor" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared with other vehicles in its class.

Amanti Performance - 7.2 (Good)

Reviews show that the the 2008 Kia Amanti has an easy ride, but driving can get sticky at higher speeds. continue

Amanti Exterior - 5.4 (Mediocre)

A majority of reviews categorize the 2008 Kia Amanti's exterior, redesigned this year, as inspired by luxury sedans, but not all agree on if the end effect is positive. continue

Amanti Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)

Reviews say that the Amanti's interior is a high point of the car because it is roomy, comfortable and upscale. continue

Amanti Safety - 9.4 (Excellent)

Reviewers approved of the 2008 Kia Amanti's standard safety features, but the majority recommended purchasing the optional Electronic Stability Control Package for traction control and brake assist. continue

Amanti Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2008 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

Review Last Updated: 5/2/08