2004-2008 Kia Amanti: Road Test

Amanti felt much like big American cars of old, with a smooth if buoyant ride, soggy handling, and good power. A test model clocked 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds but felt quicker thanks to strong throttle response. Unusually soft springs and shock absorbers smothered most bumps, but allowed copious float and bounce over larger ones. They also resulted in marked cornering lean and noseplow in even mildly aggressive cornering, along with a sleepy reaction to steering inputs. Brakes felt strong, but one test example exhibited overly long brake-pedal travel. Noise isolation was impressive, being on par with many luxury cars. The interior also echoed those of older American cars with a conservative design trimmed in shiny, woodgrain plastic, though other surfaces were covered in unusually high-grade materials. Gauges were easy to see, while most controls were large, simple, and easy to reach. There was plenty of head and leg room for adults on comfortable seats both front and rear, and entry/exit was simplified by large door openings. A number of interior storage bins and a large trunk with noninvasive strut-type hinges combined for good cargo space.

Value for the Money
Amanti's soft, floaty ride and roomy, quiet cabin might appeal to some, though few are likely to appreciate its wallowy handling. Amanti was a two-year wonder with low sales volume, so it's a relative unknown on the used-car circuit. That means finding one-and perhaps finding parts-could be a challenge. Kia's new-car warranty coverage was 5 years/50,000-mi. bumper-to-bumper and 10/100,000 powertrain, but note that only the bumper-to-bumper warranty is transferable to a second owner.