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2009 Kia Amanti

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Overview

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2009 Kia Amanti Review

By KBB.com Editors

What if you could have all the luxury trappings of a $50,000 sedan in a stylish four-door costing about half as much? That's the promise Kia's Amanti offers, albeit without the high resale value and premium-sedan status of the higher-priced choices. For those unconcerned by such trivialities, the 2009 Kia Amanti delivers a smooth ride, decent handling, a huge rear seat and a competent V6 engine. Among the Amanti's long list of standard features are heated side mirrors, one-touch up/down power windows, an eight-way adjustable power driver's seat and a power sunroof. Compared to a Buick Lucerne, Lincoln MXZ and Chrysler 300, the Amanti appears a tempting alternative, and with its standard 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, concerns about long-term reliability are put aside.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like lots of nice luxury features, a powerful V6 engine and styling that sets itself apart, but you have only about $27,000 to spend, Kia has a car for you.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're seeking a luxury vehicle that clings to its resale value like a miser to his money, you may be happier with, for example, the Toyota Avalon.

What's New for 2009

For 2009, auxiliary audio input and USB jacks are added to the Amanti's audio system, while vehicles equipped with the Leather Package receive a larger in-dash display screen.

Driving the Amanti

Driving Impressions One of the truly amazing things about the Amanti is just how quiet the interior is at highway speeds. Kia engineers went above and beyond to keep wind, road and...

tire noise out of the cabin, and their efforts paid off big-time. The suspension engineers have tuned the Amanti to deliver exactly the type of ride associated with a full-size sedan. A double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension allow the Amanti to float over most road imperfections while still managing a fairly stable ride. The handling is decent and should satisfy most drivers' needs. Push the Amanti hard and it will lean into turns and dive under hard braking, but no better or worse than its counterparts in this segment.

Favorite Features

Full Complement of Airbags
The inclusion of front and rear side-impact airbags, and full side-curtain airbags, in a car of this price is highly commendable and an indication of the Amanti's very high level of features and value for the money.

Sportmatic Manual Shifter
The Sportmatic manual shifter allows you to shift when you want.

2009 Kia Amanti Details

Interior

The Amanti's handsome and well-appointed interior makes more of an impression than the car's exterior. The attractive dash employs a split-level two-tone design with a prominent analog clock or optional information screen taking center stage. Dark faux wood is appropriately applied throughout the interior, mixed with leather, chrome and high-quality plastics. The Amanti is a roomy car, with an exceptionally large rear seat and trunk. We applaud the eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support, but wish Kia would offer the same features on the passenger's side as well.

Exterior

The 2009 Kia Amanti certainly knows how to make an entrance. The tall body, big grille and headlight treatment stir up memories of a number of luxury cars. The Amanti's egg crate grille and oval headlight treatment, rounded front and rear bumpers, flush rear quarter panels and flat deck lid give it the look of a cross between a Mercedes-Benz and a Lincoln.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Every 2009 Kia Amanti features a 3.8-liter V6, five-speed Sportmatic automatic transmission, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, one touch up/down power windows, power locks, remote entry, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), fog lights, dual heated power mirrors, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with eight speakers, auxiliary and USB input jacks, eight-way power driver's seat, four-way power passenger's seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, cruise control, steering wheel touch controls, alloy wheels and a full complement of airbags: Dual front advanced, front and rear side-impact and full side-curtain.

Optional Equipment

For the most part, the options are offered in four packages. The Leather Package includes leather seat trim, heated front seats, memory for driver's seat and mirrors, power and heated mirrors with automatic tilt-down, trip computer with outside temperature and an Infinity AM/FM/six-disc in-dash CD with nine speakers. The Premium Package includes black and brushed-aluminum interior trim, black leather seats, Supervision meter cluster, power adjustable pedals and 17-inch chrome alloy wheels. And the Stability Package includes Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control and Brake Assist.

Under the Hood

The Amanti is powered by a 3.8-liter, 24-valve twin-cam V6 engine that makes 264 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This new engine provides ample low-end power and significantly better acceleration than the previous model. Acceleration is strong and constant, allowing the Amanti to merge into high-speed traffic with ease and assurance. The new engine also delivers an improvement in city and highway fuel economy.

3.8-liter V6
264 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
260 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Kia Amanti vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Kia Amanti Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 207 Ratings for the 2004 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

9.1/10

Quality

9.2/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.5/10

Styling

9.3/10

Best Car Ever

By Northwest (WA) on Sunday, May 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 83,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Best performer I've ever had"

Cons: "Mileage not as good as I'd like"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is by far the best car I've ever owned!!. Even though it is going on 8 years old, I still get compliments. Many of my male friends when seeing it at first think it's a Jag. I recently, let family borrow it as a "limo" to Prom. I've had young boys (11-13) whip their heads around and admire this wonderful car. It rides like a dream on the freeway, very powerful and easy to manuever. I've been in many tight spots and easily been able to turn the car around or move out of a parking space cut short by others. The sound system is Infinity and is clear, concise and one of the best outside of the Bose. Still haven't blown the speakers. Outside of a couple sets of tires and general maintainence, there have been no issues at all, and since it is still performing like new, I don't expect any. I continue to watch Kia to see if they have made another, as I would definitely love to buy a newer one. Would probably keep this one since I love it so much. If anyone is looking to purchase the Amanti, I couldn't recommend a better vehicle!!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Second Amanti I've owned

By suitu (MO) on Monday, April 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 47,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I owned a 2005 Amanti and liked it so much that when I heard 2009 was the last year they would make them, I bought a 2009. I love the car for it's comfort, styling and performance. Can't think of anything bad to say about the car."

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Comfortable Car; many wonderful features

By mskirk (OR) on Saturday, November 24, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Wonderful car, comfortable with many features"

Cons: "Repairs needed on electrical system"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"2004 KIA Amanti was gift for Senior Citizen [May2012] with fixed income. Though CarFax rated it excellent,at 60g miles, had to do the following: 1- Replaced the battery after 1 month 2- Replaced the Ignition Switch at 3 months 3- Turn signal lights unworkable at 4 months. Estimate to repair #3: $1000+; owner unable to meet costs of repairs. Selling in order to fix up former car, 1997 Honda. Would reduce price (KBB-prox$6500) by $1500 for buyer who either knows how to repair, or has time and finances to have it done. It is a wonderful car to drive, excellent tires, many great features. I am sorry to see it go."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Big and Tall

By Pat (WI) on Thursday, November 22, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 47,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Very very comfortable long rides"

Cons: "cornering is slushy-center console storage difficu"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I can carry a walker, a quad cane and a wheel chair and a passenger. With an extender on the seat belt you can fit a 500 pound or more person. As a shopper the new cars do not compete in trunk size. Gets around good but the cornering is slushy."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Outstanding Car

By Rishi (WI) on Wednesday, August 22, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 85,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "styling, quietness, engine power, price, comfort"

Cons: "lack of auxillary port for audio input"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I own a 2007 Kia Amanti and has been driving it for the last 5 years. I am yet to have a single problem with it. It looks great and interior is quiet and made of high quality materials. I am a fan of art and this car's designers showed some artistic sense by paying attention to the fine details such as seating controls. It drives so smooth and has a lot of power. Anyone who drove it often comments about how fast it responds to a small press on accelerator. I am not the one who cares about brand names. Some people like to buy a basic BMW car and show off but this car comes with great features and reliability at a much lower cost. I recommend it strongly to anyone. Great job Kia!!!"

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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best ever

By monti (NC) on Sunday, August 12, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: 10/10

Cons: "service lousy - dealer"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"always drove buick park and ultra, this is better than either of those warranty is better ,drive is better more than equal to buick and a lot less expensive, no trouble, buick transmission always went after 36000 miles, very comfotable ride"

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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See all 207 reviews