Overview & Reviews

Minor upgrades are in store for the Sedona in its second year on the market. On the outside, buyers will find new taillights, and in the cabin, you'll note a new audio faceplate and a remote fuel-door release. The LX model gets a CD player, while the EX now comes with two keyless remotes, as well as additional leather on the armrests and lower portions of the seats. A trailer hitch is now available for all Sedonas.

• Excellent value, lots of cupholders and storage bins, solid build quality, good crash test scores, lengthy warranty coverage.

• Hefty curb weight, below-average gas mileage, missing a few key minivan features, potentially expensive to repair in minor collisions.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 227.00

• 

  Great Value but not completely satisfied - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By JennBinCA - January 21 - 2:00 am

  In first 6 months, had to have it in for repairs 3 separate times because the "engine" light kept coming on (apparently due to the oxygen sensors in the gas tank?). At 18 months, lost the ability to use reverse and had to have a completely new transmission put in and yet still having transmission problems now (VERY rough shifting). Everything so far has been covered by warranty.

• 

  kia sedona - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By svsaunders - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The driver compartment is not built for someone with any size to them. My husband is 62", 195 lbs. He cant get comfortable when he drives. He states the pedals are too close. More space on the passenger side.

• 

  Never Again - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Skip Geisaka - February 10 - 10:23 pm

  1st two months of ownership van was in dealers shop 4 times. Right window would stick midway up. One lube, two motors, one passenger side switch replaced. Next bubbling in paint under side windows and rust under rear logo. At 2 years 3 months and 28000 miles the alternator failed and battery died. Two weeks later going on a trip van overheated and left us stranded on side of road. Towed to dealer and they claimed upper radiator hose clamp came loose and hose came off? Poor quality control and workmanship. Never again.

• 

  Dont buy it. - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Dave - December 7 - 12:40 pm

  Purchased used last year, with only 54K miles on it, so it still had some factory warranty left. The air conditioner failed within a week of purchase. It took 7 visits to the dealership over the summer because their air conditioner "fix" usually only last 1-2 days. Since then, the rear brake cylinders leaked (no brakes), the radiator has leaked badly, the power steering is stiff on cold mornings (bad power steering pump). Recently had the timing belt changed, and in the process they also changed a leaking hydrolic tensioner (extra $200) and then the air conditioner stopped working again the next day. Dealership claims they didnt brake it wants $1200 to replace the compressor.

• 

  2 Engines and Counting - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By TallWill - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had more troubles with this vehicle than with all other vehicles combined. I had the rear seals and the head gasket on the first engine replaced at 17K, the engine replaced at 22K. (it leaked oil again) The gaskets replaced on the second engine at 28K and guess what it leaks again at 37K. This is not to mention the starter, alternator, fuel sending unit, the door handle that broke, and the fog light that was half full of water. (All replaced or repaired under warranty) The tires were very poor and were replaced at 20K and the breaks are almost shot. If you include the poor gas mileage, it was one heck of a value.

• 

  Dont Buy One! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Palmtree - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Picked up EX on Wed. Heater defective. On Sat., they say bring back on Mon. Go back on Mon. (after a very chilly 5 days), and get rental car. Finally call me on Thurs. to say its fixed and they had to order a part and take apart my whole dashboard. Pick up my car again on Thursday. Immediately notice a 4-inch knife gash in passenger door upholstery. Show manager. Promises to replace entire door panel today. So now I have a brand new, 10-day old car that Ive gotten to drive only 3 days. AND, theyre never the same once they start taking apart the dash, door etc. Exceptionally poor service given by Fette Ford -- during both sales process/repair.

• 

  Not worth the problems - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By whizza99 - November 13 - 1:43 pm

  Well, the starter going within the first week should of been the sign. 5 yrs, 80,000 miles later I have 3 broken handles they will not fix for less than $500 apiece, the turning radius is like a box or truck, not like all the caravans Ive had. I gave up 18" in the grand caravan and you really do miss it. I have gone thru numerous tires, so put GOOD tires on it. Gas mileage stinks! I bought it for the warranty but after 5 yrs the bumper to bumper is gone and now all the little problems are creeping up. Back seat doesnt slide, etc.

• 

  Sad times for KIA service - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By BAD SERVICE - June 5 - 10:10 am

  The KIA van runs great, however it has been in the shop for 2 months due to an airbag light that was on. The dash and components were completely disassembled and a new wiring harness was installed. I picked up the car and the problems was still not fixed; the technician didnt even bother to test drive the van. I was really disappointed at the poor quality of work from the service dept. at Folsom Lake Kia. Now the shift mechanism and the interior lights wont work correctly. Kia corporate has been monitoring our situation, these guys seem to care very much how Im treated and have offered to help. Ill report back later when we find out how we will be compensated for our loss of use.

• 

  Very poor reliability - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Lori - November 4 - 11:36 am

  I bought the 2003 Kia Sedona in November 2003 and was happy with the interior specs it provided. Other than that, I have been very unhappy with this car. It has been in the dealership service department on an average of every 4-5 months since I bought it. Beware of this car! Below is a list of the problems I have had. Thank goodness they have a good warranty. I will get rid of this car as soon as the warranty runs out. Problems: speedometer broke; back heater did not work; rear defrost strips peeled off; rear power outlets did not work; alternator went; battery was replaced; front defrost broken; power steering went; power driver seat broken; fuse box cover broken; remote entry sloppy.

• 

  Good Relaible Van - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By MommasVan - January 26 - 4:16 am

  I Bought My Van New In May 2003 after researching it for 2 years when it first came out, i was Buying My 1st new Car ever and was 41 yrs. old. I got it loaded the ex, But Not Leather seats, as I hate them, I had no problems with it Other than the Door handles Kept breaking. Odd , But Kia replaced Under warranty free. Had 2 Recalls fixed. and Have taken extra good care of it. after it hit 50,000 started hearing an Odd Noise In front wheel suspension at 40mph. still cannot figure out what it is. and engine Lights on alot, and then goes off after like 3 miles. weird. A/C quit working last year, still Not working, Have had to Buy a few relays switches for several things, Tires wear on it bad.