🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Kia

Model:

Amanti

Year:

2008

Model Code:

FS

Generation:

1st Generation (2004-2009)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Kia Amanti was Kia's flagship full-size sedan, positioned as a luxury and comfortable cruiser aimed at competing with established segment leaders, offering a blend of European styling cues and a spacious interior.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Toyota Avalon, Buick Lucerne, Chrysler 300, and Lincoln Town Car, often focusing on value for money and feature content.

Key Features:

Spacious interior, comfortable ride, premium interior materials (for its class and era), V6 engine, often well-equipped with standard features like leather upholstery and power accessories.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Operation, Maintenance, Safety, Specifications, Troubleshooting, Emergency Procedures, Vehicle Identification

Page Count:

Approximately 300-350 pages (typical for a 2008 model year owner's manual)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, Drivetrain, Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Electrical System, HVAC, Interior Features, Exterior Features, Safety Systems, Audio System, Cruise Control, Security System, Warning Lights and Indicators

Specific Systems Detail:

Detailed explanations of dashboard warning lights and their meanings, proper operation of the climate control system (manual or automatic), seat and steering wheel adjustments, interior lighting controls, and power accessory operation.

Procedures Included:

Starting and Driving, Dashboard Indicators, Climate Control Operation, Audio System Usage, Seating and Seatbelts, Interior and Exterior Lighting, Fuel and Refueling, Tire Information, Basic Maintenance Checks (oil, coolant, tires), Changing a Flat Tire, Jump Starting, Fuse Identification and Replacement, Wiper Blade Replacement, Bulb Replacement (basic)

Specific Procedures:

Guidance on checking and topping up essential fluids like engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and brake fluid. Instructions for using the spare tire and jacking equipment, as well as emergency opening of doors and hood.

Technical Depth:

Covers everyday operation, basic maintenance, safety features, and troubleshooting for the owner. Does not delve into in-depth diagnostic procedures or component-level repair instructions typically found in service or workshop manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire document.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download - Printable)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

3.8L V6 DOHC MPI

Horsepower:

240 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

255 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel System:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Engine Code:

G6CU

Bore X Stroke:

96.0 mm x 87.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.6:1

Fuel Type:

87 Octane Unleaded Gasoline (Minimum)

Engine Layout:

V6

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 Valves

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-Speed Automatic with Shiftronic

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Only 5-speed auto available)

Features:

Electronic control, adaptive shift logic, Shiftronic manual mode for driver-selectable gear changes.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Kia SP-III or equivalent ATF (refer to manual for exact specification)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

5105 mm (201.0 in)

Width:

1890 mm (74.4 in)

Height:

1485 mm (58.5 in)

Wheelbase:

2900 mm (114.2 in)

Passenger Volume:

Approximately 105 cubic feet

Trunk Capacity:

Approximately 16 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

1690-1750 kg (3726-3858 lbs), depending on trim and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 2230 kg (4916 lbs)

Wheelbase:

114.2 inches (2900 mm)

Front Track:

62.7 inches (1592 mm)

Rear Track:

62.9 inches (1598 mm)

Tire Size Standard:

P225/55R17 or P235/50R18 (depending on trim level)

Wheel Size Standard:

17x7.0 inch or 18x7.5 inch alloy wheels

Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

4-star driver, 5-star passenger (2008 model year specific testing)

IIHS Side Impact Test:

Good (for models equipped with side airbags)

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS)

Lighting Features:

Automatic headlights (on some trims), fog lights, projector-beam headlights.

Passive Features:

Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (standard or optional depending on trim), active front headrests, pretensioners with load limiters for front seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Standard AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 speakers. Optional Infinity premium audio system with subwoofer and amplifier available on higher trims. Auxiliary input jack present.

Navigation System:

Optional GPS navigation system integrated into the dashboard infotainment unit.

Driver Assistance:

Cruise Control standard. Optional features might include parking assist sensors.

Connectivity:

Standard power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors). Keyless entry with remote fob. Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system available on some trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions - refer to manual for severe conditions).

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles under normal conditions.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace annually or every 15,000 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 100,000 miles (typically iridium or platinum plugs).

Transmission Fluid Change:

Check fluid level and condition every 30,000 miles. Replacement interval varies greatly depending on driving conditions; refer to specific maintenance schedule in the manual, typically around 60,000 miles under normal use.

Coolant Replacement:

Initial replacement at 105,000 miles or 7 years, then every 50,000 miles or 5 years thereafter.

Drive Belt Inspection:

Inspect every 30,000 miles for cracks or wear. Replacement as needed.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30, API SM or higher (API Certified)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 5.2 US quarts (4.9 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based coolant, Kia Long Life Coolant (Blue or Pink, check manual) - mixture of 50/50 coolant and distilled water

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon ATF

Windshield Washer Fluid:

Use commercially available windshield washer fluid, never just water.

Known Issues:

Some reported issues include premature wear on suspension components (control arms, ball joints), occasional HVAC blower motor failures, and minor electrical gremlins. The engine and transmission are generally robust but require regular fluid maintenance. Check for any open recalls related to airbag systems or fuel delivery for specific VINs.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Kia, a South Korean automaker, has a history dating back to 1944, initially producing bicycle parts and later expanding into motorcycles, trucks, and eventually passenger cars. Kia has grown significantly in global market share and reputation, particularly in the last two decades.

Model Evolution:

The Kia Amanti (first generation) was introduced for the 2004 model year in North America, based on the Kia Opirus platform, which itself was derived from the Hyundai Grandeur. It was designed to be Kia's premium offering, featuring more upscale styling and amenities. For 2007, it received a minor facelift. The 2008 model year represents a carryover year for the first generation.

Production Years:

2004-2009

Manufacturing Location:

South Korea

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While the Amanti did not receive major mainstream awards, it was often recognized for its strong value proposition and extensive list of standard features compared to competitors in the luxury sedan segment, particularly for its price point.