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The Amanti
has very soft suspension tuning that absorbs road imperfections very well but
lacks control; particularly at high speeds, a bump can set it into a rather
extensive period of buoyant motions before it can regain composure. While some
may actually prefer that sort of floaty ride, the corresponding handling
response is much less subjective. The car feels clumsy, with pronounced body
roll even in routine driving, as if the car is always asking to be driven more
gently. The steering is numb and, in some situations, almost disconcertingly
slow to respond. The car’s substantial weight prevents the 3.5-liter V6 (the
only available powertrain) from delivering rapid acceleration, but the car
never sounds or feels strained. Engine, wind, and road noise are superbly
suppressed. Gas mileage is the worst in this group, comparable to V8-powered
large sedans.
Inside, the
Amanti’s front seats are high, well-shaped, and supportive, though perhaps
firmer than some may prefer. There is plenty of leg and head space, and the
seats are wide. No front bench seat is offered. The rear is high, well-shaped,
supportive, and very comfortable, and here as well head and leg space are
plentiful. Feet fit comfortably under the front seats, and even
middle-position occupants will be fairly comfortable. The interior is of
excellent quality, the high-quality materials fit together very well. The
instruments are logically placed and easy to use, and the gauges are very
clear. Drivers sit comfortably despite the lack of either a telescoping
steering wheel or power-adjustable pedals, and have unimpeded visibility.
Wide, well-shaped door openings, large footwells, and the high roof facilitate
entry/exit. The trunk is suitably large, usefully shaped, and easy to access.
The Amanti
was rated Good in its IIHS offset crash test, and its head restraints were
Acceptable. The IIHS has not conducted its side-impact evaluation on the car,
and NHTSA has no crash-tested it at all.
The Amanti
reviewed here came in very well-equipped at a rather high $27,300. It has no
satellite radio, but its power front seats have a memory function, and active
head restraints are standards.
Overall,
the Amanti offers as much luxury as any other car under $35,000, for a price
that undercuts most any other contender for such a title. But the car’s sloppy
ride and handling and poor fuel economy weigh against its many merits in this
group. It’s certainly worth a look for its relative luxury for the money,
offering its comfort and refinement at mainstream family sedan prices. But it
is not the well-rounded package it would need to be to score higher here.
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