Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Key Competitors:
Buick Park Avenue, Chrysler LHS/300M, Lincoln Town Car, Toyota Avalon, Mercury Grand Marquis.
Luxury Appointments:
Leather upholstery, wood trim accents, premium audio, advanced climate control, spacious interior.
Performance Orientation:
Designed for comfortable highway cruising with a capable V6 engine.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system.
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation, differential, drive axles.
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes (including ABS), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument panel, gauges, fuses, relays, power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horn.
Comfort Convenience:
Climate control (HVAC), audio system, cruise control, keyless entry, security system, interior features, seating adjustments.
Safety Security:
Airbags, seat belts, child seat anchors (LATCH), vehicle security features.
Operation:
Starting and driving, parking, fuel recommendations, fluid checks, basic adjustments.
Maintenance:
Regular maintenance checks, tire pressure, fluid level checks, filter replacement recommendations, cleaning procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Understanding warning lights and indicators, basic troubleshooting for common issues.
Emergency Procedures:
Emergency starting (jump starting), tire changing, basic roadside assistance information.
Depth:
Covers operation, maintenance, and owner-level troubleshooting. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or step-by-step repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V6
Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3497 cc)
Engine Code:
G6CU (likely derived from Hyundai/Mitsubishi 'Epsilon' family)
Horsepower:
200 hp @ 5500 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane recommended (can tolerate 89 for slightly better performance).
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 9.5 liters (10.0 quarts)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 liters (4.8 quarts) with filter change
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30
API Service Classification:
API SM or higher, ILSAC GF-4 or higher
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Transmission Model:
FW4A-EL (likely a variation of the Hyundai/Mitsubishi F4A family)
Overdrive:
Yes, with overdrive gearing for fuel efficiency at highway speeds.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Kia SPII or SPIII, or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon.
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 6.3 liters (6.7 quarts) for fluid change with filter.
NHTSA Front Driver Impact:
5-Star (for 2003-2004 models, refer to specific test data)
NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:
5-Star (for 2003-2004 models, refer to specific test data)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Not commonly equipped on this model year.
Airbags:
Standard front dual-stage airbags. Optional front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags (depending on trim).
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, pretensioners and load limiters for front seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system in rear seating positions.
Audio System:
Premium audio system with CD player, AM/FM stereo. Higher trims may include a cassette player and subwoofer.
Navigation:
Optional GPS Navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors on some models.
Auxiliary Input:
Typically not standard on this model year; may have been an aftermarket addition or available on very late production models. No Bluetooth connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (160,000 km) (if using iridium-tipped spark plugs).
Timing Belt Replacement:
This engine uses a timing chain, which typically does not require replacement under normal service intervals.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, meeting FMVSS 116 standards.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III/Mercon or Kia-specified power steering fluid.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Kia's long-life coolant is recommended.
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension components (bushings, ball joints), catalytic converter issues, power window regulators, occasional transmission solenoids.
Engine Performance Quirks:
Some owners report a desire for more low-end torque, though the 3.5L V6 is generally reliable.
Kia History Overview:
Kia, established in 1944, began as a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycles before entering the automotive market in the late 1960s. It gained significant recognition and market share in the early 2000s with a focus on value, design, and improved quality.
Amanti Introduction:
The Kia Amanti was introduced for the 2004 model year, serving as Kia's flagship luxury sedan. It was based on the Hyundai XG platform and was designed to compete in the growing segment of affordable luxury vehicles.
Amanti Lifecycle:
The Amanti had a relatively short production run, lasting from 2004 to 2007. It was later replaced by the Kia Cadenza.
Manufacturing Location:
South Korea
Production Years:
2004-2007
