By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
electrical outet? just a thought but the keys may have contacted the outlet.
On a trip to LA from Phoenix I also noticed a lot of heat coming from the console. I had the rear heater turned on. The passengers in the back seat had blocked the vent, so I did not think too much about it and just turned off the heater using the switch in the dash. I will check this out again by putting in a oven thermometer in the large part of the console and see what it does after a few hours driving with a clear vent.
CR has rated the Hyundai Sonata, Elantra, and Santa Fe very favorably when it tested those models, and the redesigned Spectra had a good but not great review. Those strike me as Korean cars. And they we'rent "zapped".
You also confuse the performance in CR's test with reliability- CR NEVER RECOMMENDED the Focus until its reliability picked up after 4 years on the market. Reliability is not tied to the model's test scores, simply the 'RECOMMENDED' rating.
Finally, CR did NOT state that the Amanti was "the worst car we've recently tested", what they said was "With reluctant handling and a lack of agility, the Amanti is the worst-handling passenger car we've recently tested". Interesting how you omitted the adverbial phrase, and obviously, CR's statement differs significantly from the one you claim they made.
Maybe CR just called the Amanti's performance what it was.
~alpha
KIA, it seems to me, has an uphill battle with most of the car magazines. This CR report is really an afterthought anyway, as the Ford & Chrysler get a two page report -we got one. The poor visibility alone should carry a lot of weight against the Chrysler 300.
For me, I want a car that is pretty much what the Amanti is. A soft, quiet pillow like ride for not a lot of money. I can out perform most other cars on the road, and do so everyday. No, it's not the fastest and it's mileage is not good. Big deal.
Does anyone feel like their Amanti is "cresting waves"? Did I get one of the good ones??! 'Cause mine doesn't do that!
I know...I'm kinda sensitive about this. But, if this car had a Honda or Toyota badge I think it might have been a little more well received.
That's of course just my opinion, but I anticipated this from CR.
Thanks all for your time and letting me vent a little, -Pete FL
Has somebody hear something about AMANTI 2005 ....?
Bye...
Also- the Five Hundred and 300 got two pages each because two models of each was tested. If Kia offered an Amanti with different powertrains or drive wheels, I feel confident CR would have tested it.
I dont think a Honda or Toyota badge would have changed anything- when those makes have put out subpar offerings, its reference. The Element isnt very highly rated, and the last generation Toyota Tacoma was largely unloved by CR.
Its not that I dont like the Amanti. It seems like a good car. I just feel it competes against better ones. And I value objectivity.
~alpha
I have driven long distances, and arrived fresh and not fatigued-something I cannot say for many other cars I've owned.
CR loves safety stuff. Why not highlight the front AND rear side curtain airbags that are not available or optional on the others?
By the way, do you own one?
-Pete
I'm just concerned that, with enough misinformation out there, the perceived value will go down of an otherwise deserving car. Someday (not soon) I might want to sell my Amanti and hope the resale value will be fair. Of course that was part of the gamble of buying a KIA, not known (yet) for luxury cars. I hope that will change though as it has for Hyundai's quality issues! And as you mentioned, the value is very high IMHO!
-Pete
I'm curious as to your comment on "misinformation". The CR review paralleled very closely to the Car and Driver review. And heck, why no uproar over Motor Trend, which said "At the level of the Japanese... of 10 years ago" (paraphrased, but it was indeed very similar to that).
Again, I'm not stating that the Amanti is bad car. It just seems that there are better ones out there. And I wouldnt have said anything in the first place, if people partially blinded by ownership bias didnt decide to completely dismiss the CR reivew as unobjective.
~alpha
Since you don't have any experience driving an Amanti, you might believe CR in that Amanti's "excessive motions" ride as if it "crests waves" like a boat I suppose. I don't.
Which is exactly my point. You're buying their opinion that other makes are better and perhaps being misinformed in that sense.
Nothing personal of course, as I do appreciate and respect your comments. I hope you can understand though where I'm coming from.
-Pete
Bill - Orlando
Also, the comment I made about the back seats was in comparing our car to other high end cars. Their back seats also don't go down. In other words the Amanti seats don't go down. Sorry if that came across incorrectly.
-Pete
LIKED :
1) EXTREMELY quiet interior. This must be one of the quietest cars in the world. A Car and Driver test stated 63dbA at 70 MPH. That's quieter than a Lexus LS 430, and I drove that car too, and the Kia Seemed quieter (especially less tire thump).
2) Nicely appointed interior. Appearance is subjective, but the interior is beautiful. Aesthetically, it's VERY pleasing. The interior of the Amanti is a very peaceful place to be. Interior room was very good.
3) Exterior Appearance. Subjective, but very nice and unique.
4) Safety features. The Front / Side(EVEN FOR REAR SEAT) and Curtain airbags are really great to have in such a reasonably priced car. Also, structual integrity seemed good, and other Kias have perfomed well in crash tests. This car felt VERY SUBSTANTIAL.
5) Other. Acceleration - the car felt powerful. Ride - The ride was very smooth and EXTREMELY quiet. Seat Comfort was very, very good. The ergonomics on the car were very good.
DISLIKED :
1) SOUND SYSTEM - I think the rental car I was driving had the Infinity system, (I think it was the upgraded system, but I'm not sure). It just didn't sound that great to me.
2) NO VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT FOR PASSENGER SEAT. It would have been nice if the passenger seat adjusted vertically. Kia should consider making that an option.
Other comments :
Gas mileage seemed OK. According the the computer, the car I was driving would average around 23 MPG during 30-50 MPH driving. The car did bob/float a little during certain situations ( like when you reverse out of the driveway quickly then stop the car,change into drive, and taking off quickly) but it wasn't a problem. There is no key hole in the passenger door, so you have to use the remote key fob to get in on that side - which is fine, it's just I wasn't used to that. The claim by Consumer Reports that it feels like it is cresting waves is a dramatic exaggeration. The climate control system was quiet, and seemed powerful although the weather during the 2 1/2 days I drove the car was generally mild. Visibility was good, the rear had a small blind spot. The brakes seemed fine. The transmission shifted VERY smoothly. On two separate occasion when I was getting out of the car in a parking lot, people passing by who I didn't know, said, "Wow that's a beautiful car." I didn't like the way they cover virtually every component under the hood with plastic casings, it makes it a pain-in-the -neck to service. I hope the long term reliability is good, that would be my only concern, of course the excellent warrantly at least helps to ensure it won't cost much. Anyway, I thought this was a really nice car to live with, and felt that it compares VERY favorably with other cars. It's ashame that some of the testing magazines seem to be unfairly biased against this car, either because it is a Kia or becuase of its softer than normal ride. All in all, I think this is a VERY VERY good car. If it proves to be reliable, it will be a GREAT car.
I do think all those plastic panels around the engine, are to keep it a little quieter. Also, thanks for reminding us about the generous warranty.
-Pete
-Pete
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
It's also biased in favor of European and Japanese vehicles, against "gas guzzlers," in favor of stiff/firm riding vehicles, against customer choice of options it considers "safety" features, and on and on. If people want SUVs, Hummers, big pickups or anything else, it's none of Consumer Reports' business, but, like other special interest groups, it would prefer to ram its preferences down my throat. Once you realize where it is coming from, you can decide how much of its "objective reporting" to believe.
To the credit of the online reporting team at Edmunds, all of the reviews I've read of theirs regarding cars I'm interested in include an up-to-date-photo of said car. That sheds a lot of light on the slant-angle and objectivity of the reporting, eh?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
More than any other discussion thread at edmunds.com, this group seems least able to take any criticism of their vehicle. Surely, the editors and expertise of Car and Driver, Motor Trend, and Consumer Reports must all be completely missing the boat with respect to the Amanti.
Its funny though, cause when the better Korean entries get their share of kudos (cars such as the Elantra) from Car and Driver and Consumer Reports.... nobody says a word about how biased these publications are.
iluvmysephia- exactly which issue are you talking about that showed a previous generation model? FWIW, a couple years back, Car and Driver flubbed a Camry comparison test and included more than 5 pictures of a model they didnt test, and never stated the error until several issues later when a reader wrote in about it. Stuff like that happens in publishing, and doesnt happen as often in web based mediums becuase those are super simple to update. Deal.
I'm still curious as to what exactly makes the Amanti the best value in its class?
~alpha
As to value in the Kia Amanti package. The amount of safety equipment, including ABS and electronic stability control, the quiet ride including much sound proofing material, the luxurious interior build materials, ample powertrain and large appointment of airbags built in as standard equipment would me just for starters as kudos for this new luxury car from Kia. Price? Come on now! Anything under $25,000 for this car is an obvious bargain for the amount of engineering built into it. The car seeps value and intelligent engineering. I am a person that has recognized these things about Kia for quite some time now. My 1999 Kia Sephia began teaching me about Korean car engineering and now Kia is on a large roll along with big brother Hyundai up into the top 5 of worldwide automakers. They're well on their way there. Clodsumer Retorts may tell you a lot about a new Maytag or a chocolatey-delicious candy bar. As far as telling me about cars, though, I might as well be talking to Dennis Rodman. Humm, all of a sudden a large Escalade enters into my mind.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Electronic stability control is not standard. ABS is a common feature on vehicles under $25,000, so no points there either. HOWEVER, Kia definitely deserves credit for standard side impact inflatable restrait system on this car. The car "seeps value and intelligent engineering". Um, what? When I think intelligent engineering, I think a strong power/efficiency tradeoff. Not present on this car. When I think value, I think a lot for the money, and yet, a Five Hundred SEL with AWD and side curtains, leather, etc. costs the same, while offering better acceleration, and fuel economy. Theres also the issue of resale. On the credit side, Kia's long haul warranty is nice.
But overall, I think the magazines have pegged the Amanti for what it is... a good car competing against better ones.
~alpha
If you want to believe the other cars are better ones, stay away from this one and chose what appeals to you the most. As my dad used to say, "It's a free country!"
-Pete
Happy Holidays!
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
And thankfully, it is indeed a free country.
My only intent is to point out that simply because publications pan certain aspects of the Amanti (and praise others as well... which seems to get ignored), does not necessarily mean there is a bias against Kia or Korean vehicles.
And of course its ok to defend your car! Whats not ok is to toss out objectivity. From the posts on this forum, one would think that the vehicle is completely without fault, and the best thing since opposable thumbs. That simply isnt the case.
Happy motoring
~alpha
This is true for all makes and models in edmunds not just korean brand supporters.
As far as the heat in the console idea, I haven't noticed any issues there. I'll keep a closer eye on it though.
I said once before that I am more interested in "consumers" reports than I am in a magazine article (which, by the way, may or may NOT be "objective"). You obviously are not a "consumer" (as pertains to this discussion) and your opinion is irrelevant. I want to hear from other Amanti owners. If your comments are objective, I'll toss them out whether it's OK or not.... For me, this a great car. Maybe you'd rather buy a Ford. That's OK too.
I priced the Amanti out against a loaded Camry and it was cheaper, with more equipment by far; against a new Maxima and it was cheaper by $4000; against a loaded Avalon and it was $9000 less money. It cost less than a Honda Accord Hybrid and came in just $2000 more than a loaded Accord or Altima but with so much more equipment that there's simply no comparison.
I test drove 4 different 04 models over a many months, read everything written on the car, and finally decided to take the plunge and for $1000 more I got the first 05 sold here. I picked it up on Monday evening and have driven it every day since then and love it.
This car has an amazing ride and is silent inside. It has acres of room, very nice fit and finish, a nice tight turning circle (especially in comparison to the barge-like Maxima), and there's absolutely nothing I dislike. I don't find the ride at all boatlike and couldn't believe what Consumer Reports wrote about the car. I've not been able to make my tires squeal and I don't think it leans any more in turns than many other cars I've been in. The other day, as I was driving out of a parkade I noticed the attendant admiring the car so I asked what kind of car he thought it was. He said, "It's a Bentley, and I know cars!" I laughed and told him he'd be most surprised if he had a look at the trunk lid and then I heard him exclaim, "A Kia! I never knew they made one this size. It sure looks like a Bentley." While I don't think it does, it was interesting that he was the second person that day to say that to me.
I'll post an update on how the car does in service over time but certainly at the moment I think I've bought the perfect car for me. It costs less than anything remotely comparable and feels and looks like something that costs many thousands more. And that ride....
MagMax
MagMax
If anyone questions the value packed into this car in any way, read the post above. Kia motor vehicles are built well, last well, look great and have that fantastic Long-Haul Warranty, the very best in the business. The whole package just adds up to making great automotive business sense, eh?
Oh, I almost forgot. When you factor in the low initial pricing it makes for a Beltre home run.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I have to say that I'm liking the car more and more every day. People keep asking me what it is and when they see the interior they can't believe it's a Kia. I can't get over the silent, smooth ride on our city's broken streets. It's as if all the streets have been freshly paved. There's really plenty of power on take off and I see no reason for needing more power unless I was towing a trailer in the mountains maybe, but I don't do that.
As for gripes, I've got two. First of all, the check engine light came on two days ago and it's now been reset 4 times by the dealer but it comes back on after only a few minutes of driving. They told me that they didn't know what was causing it since each time it went onto the electronic diagnostic computer it showed a different sensor at fault. They've told me to just keep driving it and ignore the warning light until they come up with a fix. I hope this isn't the beginning of unreliability. Has anyone else experienced this problem?
My second gripe has to do with the driver's seat. I've developed a nasty pain in the right leg and am sure it's from a badly adjusted seat. So I'm now trying all sorts of different positions to see if I can make the pain go away. I find the seats a little too narrow at the front, so that my leg sits on the raised bolster and I suspect that presses on the sciatic nerve. I may have to have some of the padding removed from the right side of the seat but before I go to that length I'll try altering the seating angle again and again. Eventually I should be able to get it right considering it has 8 way adjustment along with power lumbar support.
My car is the pearl white with grey interior and I must say I love that colour combination. The paint work seems to be especially lustrous. Again, passers by have commented on the car and its colour and everyone has an opinion on the grille with most people thinking it's attractive.
I find the steering to be perfect around town and now that I'm used to the side mirrors that turn down to show me the curb when I reverse I don't know how I managed without them all these years. I haven't used the heated seats yet. And so far I've had no problems with anything else other than the check engine light.
I'll do an update in a few weeks. In the meantime I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who might have had some experience with the check engine light staying on. Yes, I know about clicking the gas cap, although mine sounds more like creaking than clicking.
MagMax
Thanks.
Also, now would seem to be the time to try your heated seats, eh?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick