Positioning:
Kia's flagship luxury sedan in North America during its production run, aiming to compete with established luxury marques.
Competitors:
Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS, Lincoln Town Car, Chrysler 300
Highlights:
Spacious interior, comfortable ride, V6 engine power, premium features for its price point.
Purpose:
Designed as a comfortable and refined cruiser for long-distance travel and a luxurious daily driver.
Coverage:
Features, controls, maintenance, service schedules, DIY activities, towing considerations, safety information
Page Count:
Estimated 350-450 pages (based on typical owner's manuals for this class and year)
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Automatic transmission operation, fluid checks, gear selection
Brakes:
Brake system operation, parking brake, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) overview
Steering Suspension:
Power steering operation, suspension components overview
Electrical:
Lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, mirrors, locks, audio system, climate control operation
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belt operation, child seat installation (LATCH system), traction control (TCS), electronic stability control (ESC)
Comfort Convenience:
Climate control (manual/automatic), cruise control, keyless entry, power seats, sunroof operation
Instrumentation Controls:
Dashboard layout, warning lights, indicators, switches, steering wheel controls
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement
Diy Activities:
Limited DIY: Likely includes changing engine oil and filter, replacing air filter, cabin air filter, and potentially battery replacement
Troubleshooting:
Basic troubleshooting for common warning lights and system malfunctions
Towing:
Towing capacity, towing preparation, trailer wiring information (if applicable)
Emergency Procedures:
Jumper starting, tire changing, safe vehicle operation in adverse conditions
Depth:
Owner-level information, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not cover in-depth diagnostics or component-level repairs typically found in a service manual.
Engine Type:
V6, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
3.8 Liters (3778 cc)
Engine Code:
G6DA (Lambda)
Horsepower:
250 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
257 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Induction:
Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol-based (refer to manual for specific type and mix ratio, typically green or orange coolant)
Length:
5020 mm (197.6 in)
Height:
1455 mm (57.3 in)
Wheelbase:
2820 mm (111.0 in)
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 110 cubic feet
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 16 cubic feet
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1700 kg (3748 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approximately 2200 kg (4850 lbs)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
4-Star (driver), 4-Star (front passenger)
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags, refer to specific vehicle configuration)
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel disc brakes with ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (ESC/ESP)
Airbags:
Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags (standard on most trims)
Seatbelts:
3-point active front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seat belts
Child Restraints:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system in rear seats
Audio System:
Premium audio system, often with CD player, AM/FM radio, and auxiliary input. Some models may have optional navigation or satellite radio.
Display:
Central information display on dashboard for climate, audio, and vehicle status.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors may be an option on higher trims.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack
Bluetooth:
Not typically standard for 2008; may be an aftermarket or dealer-installed option.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months (whichever comes first), dependent on driving conditions
Engine Oil Filter:
Replace with each oil change
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (severe duty may require more frequent changes)
Coolant Flush Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-20 or 5W-30 (refer to specific manual for exact recommendation)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 - 5.0 quarts (with filter change)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Kia Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent Dexron-III/Mercon ATF
Common Complaints:
Occasional reports of AC compressor issues, minor electrical gremlins, and potential for premature wear on certain suspension components (typical for vehicles of this age and class).
Recalls:
Potential recalls for airbag issues (Takata), ABS sensor problems, or brake light switch failures (verify specific VIN).
Manufacturer:
Kia Motors Corporation, South Korea
Generation:
First Generation (2002-2009, developed from the Kia Opirus platform)
Production Years:
2002-2009 (globally), 2007-2009 (North America)
Manufacturing Location:
Hwaseong, South Korea
Awards:
While the Amanti was Kia's luxury offering, it generally did not receive major industry awards compared to its more established competitors. Its value proposition was its primary appeal.
Consumer Reports Average:
Mixed to average reliability ratings in its class, typical for a luxury model from a brand transitioning into the premium segment.