JUST FOR FLY

[regfootball]

edmunds kia amanti test

The arrival of the redesigned 2007 Kia Amanti only three years after the original sure makes Kia look like an automaker on the move, ready to advance past those other guys. After all, Kia's full-size flagship sedan is riding on an all-new, lighter-weight platform, and it has a new, more powerful V6 engine under its hood. These are good things on a large car that's had a reputation for being an overweight, underpowered, serious gasoline drinker.

But we're not sure many shoppers will know just how new and improved the 2007 Kia Amanti really is. Aside from its wider grille and new taillamps, this Amanti has the same basic sheet metal as the '06 model — and last year's body already looked about a decade old. It's an odd move on Kia's part, and alongside the more modern-looking competition, the Amanti is at an immediate disadvantage.

Edited June 15, 2007 by regfootball

[regfootball]

new platform / same sheetmetal....is that possible?

[Flybrian]

The Amanti is really a joke of a car. I remember testing the first generation for laughs and boy was I rewarded with them. Sluggish, wallowy, hillariously-useless info screen. I'm glad to see the 'next'? generation upholds that traditional of mind-numbing pointlessness. I do like the dig at Buick, though. The Amanti beats the Lucerne...in any way? Excuse me? Someone obviously doesn't know how to mash the hammer if an Amanti beats a V8 Lucerne, which is not only fast but composed and quiet throughout acceleration. Lucerne is also less-strained on the highway even with the 'old' 4-speed. Also, for just under $30k, one can get a V8 CXL. Step up to the CXS and get a plethora of features the Amanti dreams of like...looks...and relevent equipment. Again, look at that huge Casio radio display. WTF is that about?

I've seen one these on the road and it was a rental. Surprising? No. I would also be surprised to see any more of them, too. Its really one of the very few cars that a) has zero redeeming value and b) should absolutely not exist except for laughs.

[Delta Force79]

"2007 Kia Amanti Center Console w/optional Analogue Clock and Cassette"

[bowtie_dude]

Kias are for people who hate cars, I'm sure of it.

Edited June 16, 2007 by bowtie_dude

[pow]

Hyundai and Kia are good at making updates to cars that nobody ever notices. For instance the Sorento now comes with a 260+ hp V6 and stability control.

[Drew Dowdell]

This is the car for people who want a Town Car but can't afford it and only want to buy new so they can get the warranty.

[Guest YellowJacket894]

Do what now? I was too busy trying to scramble away from the photos of the JagCedes (Merguar?) wearing a fat suit. Vision is important, you know.

[gm4life]

Used DTS or new CXL Lucerne. Duh, and uhh this car is REALLY ugly. Fly a V8 Lucerne is now 31 or so. Under 30K was for last year. Check there site, not trying to be a smart-ass just being factual.

[Cory Wolfe]

The definition of suckiness.

[A Horse With No Name]

For thirty grand it needs to come with a 19 year old Seol College student willing to perform illicit sexual acts for the life of the car.

Seriously, that they sell even a few hundred of these is a serious joke.

Chris

[aaaantoine]

Still has a goofy front end.

[FAPTurbo]

Seriously, no car looks funnier on the road than the Amanti. Watch one pull up next to a Town Car and set your phasers to LMAO.

Way back from the Malibu Styling thread. For whatever reason, this quote still makes me laugh. I have also used it in conversation.

[CSpec]

Hey, the interior looks like the MKS!

[Hollingsworth]

Kudos for the designers for leaving off the Kia logo from the front end. I'm glad they realized that no dignified person would want to be caught dead driving a Kia.

[aaaantoine]

Oh, and...

Way to design your car after a 10-year old Mercedes.

PS. While looking for an E-Class picture for comparison, I found this picture of the 2009 model:

[regfootball]

Used DTS or new CXL Lucerne. Duh, and uhh this car is REALLY ugly. Fly a V8 Lucerne is now 31 or so. Under 30K was for last year. Check there site, not trying to be a smart-ass just being factual.

and with my gm card earnings and bonus earnings i can lop another 3 grand offa that

[regfootball]

Hey, the interior looks like the MKS!

some truth to that actually, lol

[mustang84]

Isn't this the car where the press release said it was supposed to be retro 80s?

[AxelTheRed]

Silly Kia...don't you know that no one buys your cars because they want them?

You make cheap, unstylish crap for people who don't care what they drive. Please don't stray from your market niche.

Edited June 17, 2007 by AxelTheRed

[ponchoman49]

Too bad GM swallowed there stupid pills for 2008 and killed off the lower priced V8 CXL model and now only offers the 36K starting CXS in a V8. The base CX and V6 CXL are the real joke here with there 197 Hp weakling 3800 and 80's derived 4 speed automatic. Styling aside, at least Kia has a competitive 264 HP 3.8 liter V6 and 5 speed automatic that will spank a V8 Lucerne! I drove the Azrea version of this car with the same 264HP 3.8 and 5 speed automatic and it was light years more modern feeling than any V6 Lucerne I drove. And the Amanti does not start at 30K. The current base price with destination is $26175 compared to the Lucernes $ 26495. The Lucerne also lacks the Amanti's std fog lamps, leather steering wheel with audio controls, heated outside mirrors, lighted visor vanity mirrors, front windshield de-icer, dual exhaust, 8 speaker sound system, one touch up and down windows for driver and passenger, autodimming rear view mirror, overhead sunglasses holder, 8-way power drivers seat vs Lucernes 6-way, 4-way power passenger seat and ESC! The Lucerne does offer Onstar and optional rear parking assist plus that lane change warning system for 2008 but that won't keep many younger buyers coming back. Is the Amanti weird looking and dated? Absolutely. But is it a terrible car that drives horrible and dated and comes to the party under equipped? No way.