Review and specifications
2008 Kia Amanti
The Amanti debuted for 2004 as Kia's first attempt to compete with large near-luxury sedans. The Amanti has a soft ride, along with a well equipped and nicely appointed cabin demonstrating good fit and finish. However, it missed the boat in certain respects. With reluctant handling and a lack of agility, the Amanti was the worst handling passenger car we'd tested during that period, although its optional electronic stability control (ESC) keeps it secure at its handling limits. The model's 2007 rejuvenation brought a firmer suspension calibration, which tamed the ride, along with a stronger 3.8-liter V6 that improved on the mediocre 3.5-liter. However, the Kia still handled clumsily and leaned considerably when cornering. The Amanti was discontinued after the 2009 model year.
- Market value
- $3,550
- Fuel
- Conventional
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Seats
- 5
At a glance
Model data
Overview
- Powertrain
- Conventional
- Body style
- sedan
- Drive type
- FWD
- Transmission
- Automatic, 5-speed
- Category
- Large cars
- Generation began
- 2004
Pricing
- Current retail median
- $3,550
- Retail value range
- $3,550 - $3,550
- Original MSRP range
- $25,495 - $25,495
- Trade-in range
- $1,075 - $1,075
Ratings
- Road test score
- 67/100
Fuel economy
- EPA city
- 19 MPG
- EPA highway
- 26 MPG
- EPA combined
- 22 MPG
- Tested city
- 12 MPG
- Tested highway
- 27 MPG
- Tested overall
- 18 MPG
- Annual fuel cost
- $2,125
- Cruising range
- 340 miles
Road tests
- 0-30 mph
- 2.8 sec
- 0-60 mph
- 7.3 sec
- 60-0 mph braking
- 142 ft
- Avoidance speed
- 50 mph
- Test status
- Test Completed
Dimensions
- Length
- 197 in
- Width
- 73 in
- Height
- 59 in
- Wheelbase
- 110 in
- Weight
- 3,870 lb
- Maximum load
- 860 lb
- Towing capacity
- 2,000 lb
Interior
- Seating
- 5 people
- Front head room
- 3 in
- Front leg room
- 41 in
- Rear head room
- 4 in
- Rear leg room
- 28.5 in
- Luggage
- 4+1+0
Brand context
About Kia
<p>For almost any modern vehicle category, there’s a Kia that’s worth considering buying. Among competitive small and midsized sedans, Kia sells the K4 and K5. For small and midsized SUVs, models like the Sportage and Sorento are competitive with nice interiors, good ride comfort, and appropriately powerful engines. Fuel economy across the brand is generally good, but hybrid and plug-in hybrid options are available for even more miles per gallon. Plug-in hybrid options have a useful all-electric driving range. Kia EVs are generally competent, but buyers need to be attentive to reliability. Many new and used Kias earn our recommendation.</p><p><br/></p>
Vehicle ID: 7972 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: June 4, 2026
Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.