Kia tuned the car that way from the beginning. That's how they feel brand new.

Almost every review I've read has mentioned the poor steering and handling/suspension.

M.

 

If the taillights were clear I wouldn't even know what direction it's supposed to go in.

 

Always was an ugly car IMO. At least Kia had no shame in saying that they copied Jaguar, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volvo, and Saab styling.

 

Some have suggested that KIA stands for Korean Imitation Automobiles.

 

I have reviewed this car but did not do a formal write-up on it. Yes, it borrows its styling from several other makes.....Mercedes, Jaguar, and Lincoln, for example, but so what? It has something VERY few cars still have today with the obsession for race-car handling............riding comfort, though at the cost of a lot of body roll and classic understeer.

 

maybe if those two chicks came with it, sales would go up? just an thought...

 

True.....but this car is not meant to be a sports car. It is built for the Interstates and cruising, where it does a good job of road isolation.....better then most other cars on today's market.

There are ENOUGH sports sedans on the market...and more every year. We need some more good alternatives....cars that don't pound you over bumps.

 

I agree with you about this, as I have in the past. And before I say too much, I might go drive one to make sure the mags aren't just panning this car b/c it's a Kia. But from what I've read, this car isn't just floaty, it's almost uncontrollable over bumps and around corners - almost to the point of being dangerous I think I read somewhere. Again though, I don't know if that's true - just what I've read.

My dad's Kia Optima (last gen) was a good compromise b/t ride comfort and controlled handling - it also has the best interior for the money (he paid $14,000 for the EX 4-cyl a few years back). While I think Kia's marketing tagline "The Power to Surpise" is a little corney, the Optima certainly did surprise us when we went shopping with its incredible mix of build-quality, long drivetrain warranty, interior amenities/electronics (climate control for instance is std on the EX), and value. It's also been very reliable.

M.

 

i am pretty sure that Kia Amanti taking an curve is not an safety issue, heh...

journalists are crazy...

 

Guys, I'm pretty sure that's not the new Kia Amanti.

In Korea, there are two high-end level cars. The one that is well known in the US is the Hyundai Equus which has yet to meet the US markets but there's been word that it's coming to America and IMO, is not a bad looking car at all.

The one pictured here is the Opirus which is supposed to be at the same entry level as the Equus IF NOT higher. The Opirus is chosen as transport by many wealthy Korean families along with BMW's and Mercedez. Lexus is not as big but the market is growing quickly.

The car picture here will not be the new Kia Amanti. I'm almost positive. I'm probably 90% sure.

 

I'd also like to add that the model on the right in the picture is quite attractive... yes... quite attractive...

 

opirus is sold as amanti in the US... it is just an facelift, so "old" amanti, exterior wise looks very similar...

 

Yeah.

Equus is RWD while the Opirus is FWD. Equus is available w/ V8 while the Opirus (unless I'm mistaken) is not.

So I'd say, without much hesitation, that the Equus is the more prestigious of the two within the Hyundai Motors Group. The Opirus is Kia Motors' top model, however.

M.

 

Go drive one, and enjoy yourself. I'll look forward to your review. Just keep your speed down in the corners. This car is not a Porsche 911. It has a LOT of body roll and a lot of understeer. Drive it like it is supposed to be and it is a nice comfortable cruiser.

On the new 2007, though, it will be interesting to see if Kia tries to firm the chassis and tires up like Lexus did with the new ES350. I hope not...like I said, we currently have enough sports sedans on the market. ...the current Amati is a good alternative.