3 Star Reviews for 2005 Kia Sedona

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.95/5 Average
129 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Second-row captain's chairs are now available on the LX, while all models get larger rear drum brakes.

Pros:
  • Excellent value, roomy interior with lots of cupholders and storage bins, solid build quality, lengthy warranty coverage.
Cons:
  • Handling and steering response could be better, missing a few key minivan features, ABS not standard, below-average fuel mileage.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 129.00
  • Disappointed with Kia - 2005 Kia Sedona
    By -

    Weve had our van for 12 months,14,300 miles. The brake rotors were turned twice, the engine was disassembled to replace a head gasket, a complete half shaft assembly was replaced, the AC blower was replaced, stereo was replaced, all engine mounts were replaced. Weve averaged 17.5 miles per gallon. Vehicle performance in the mountains was disappointing, the engine downshifted too easily, had insufficient torque. After 15,000 mile service the engine compartment smelled strongly of burning transmission fluid, which the service department attributed to the oil leak that they supposedly fixed. The vehicle didnt smell before the "repair".

  • Never Again! Read before you buy! - 2005 Kia Sedona
    By -

    Like everyone else, I read the reviews before buying my 2005 Kia Sedona. Sure there were SOME bad reviews, but they were small compared to all the positive ones. Besides, it was a new vehicle year with a new design so we bought one. Here we are, just 47k short miles later. The A/C has gone out entirely (needs new $470 compressor), the engine almost dies (shudders) when you press the pedal to go. And now the check engine light has come on!! Its on its second front brake job. Whats next! I bought a 2002 GMC truck (w/13k miles) the same time and have not had a single problem with it. If you buy one, dont plan on keeping it long. Were trading this in on a new GMC!

  • The "Mona Lisa" Kia - 2005 Kia Sedona
    By -

    If you decide to buy this van, please take it out for a day long test drive. My Kia has a moan telegraphing from the front Air Conditioner compressor through the dashboard. First time returned - Dealer says noise is "normal" - checking with Kia for countermeasures. Second time in - dealer checking with "tech-line" for countermeasures. Third time in, a Kia District Manager stated again noise heard is "normal". Rode exact same make and model courtesy vehicles transporting me to dealer 70 miles round trip (3 seperate vehicles)- no noise. Offered to trade my van for one of them (with 21,000 miles)- dealer laughed. Make sure you check with NHTSA before buying. I call my car "Moana Lisa".

  • Im not impressed - 2005 Kia Sedona
    By -

    My wife and I bought the van in May 05. With two kids, we figured a car wouldnt work so we bought the van. As for room, we should have stuck with a car. Not much more room offered. The seats are very uncomfortable. The gas mileage - absolutely horrible! But considering the price, safety and budget well have this van for quite a while. Gotta do it for the kids.

  • Beware of faulty brakes - 2005 Kia Sedona
    By -

    Within a few months of buying our Sedona we began having brake problems. The brakes would grind when stopping. We took it to be repaired and they fixed it at no charge. The same problem happened again within a short time and the brakes had to be replaced for a second time. We read on the internet that the brakes were too small for the weight of the vehicle. This was a design flaw. A third time we had to take the van in for brake repairs and this time the dealership told us that they had a brake kit that would permanently fix the problem. They put in the new brakes but since the van had 50,000 miles on it they made us pay over $400.00 to finally fix the problem. We are furious about this!!

  • Get your motor runnin (if you can) - 2005 Kia Sedona
    By -

    If its to good to be true than it is! 4,000 miles on the Kia and its had 2 recalls and now the check engine light is on. I have waited 8 weeks for a call to tell me my warranty recall parts are in. I know Korea is a long ways from here but I assumed they would mail the parts, not deliver them with a bicycle! Be warned, a pretty package and cheap price dont make up for the headaches you may encounter.

  • 60,000(miles), The Magic Number - 2005 Kia Sedona
    By -

    We had this LX since 6/2004(15k)& only one mechanical problem before hitting 60k miles. The starter went bad and was replaced under the warranty. At 60,000 miles, however the check engine light came on and the van started driving really rough. 14 diagnostic codes fired,the crank shaft sensor went bad, causing the van to downshift while driving($550). The power steering "pump" went bad, making the van impossible to steer($800). And the mechanic says that all of the belts are on their last leg. Reading about future value of Sedonas, your best bet is to sell before 60k and run into the ground past 75k. These vans Im sure have improved quality, however this van has not held its value at all.

  • Not so good after all.... - 2005 Kia Sedona
    By -

    My wife and I bought our Kia new in 05 with the hope that we were getting a decent vehicle...WRONG! Overall its okay. However, the rear brakes make a groaning noise that the dealer cant seem to fix. The horn works intermittently. Every so often the A/C stops working. There is not as much cargo room as I had initially hoped. Unless you are a child, getting into the back seat requires you to be a contortionist. The paint must be the lowest quality possible, it gets scratched just by looking at it. The fuel mileage isnt horrid, but you can get comparable mileage from a Suburban. Which is what we are looking into trading in for. Do yourself a favor, avoid Kia.

  • Kia Sedona - 2005 Kia Sedona
    By -

    My parents own a Kia Sedona, 2005, and really like the minivan. It has been very reliable and done us well after 4 years. The brakes werre replaced prior 2 times and on the second tine, my dad made them put heavy duty rotors and pads and its been fine ever since. The engine has been very reliable and the problems noted n these reviews have never happened to us. We did replace the tires with the car tires they reccomend, and they wore out fast. What you need to do, is replace them with light truck and SUV tires and i fixes that problem. Think about it, the vehicle weighs 4800 lbs, and car tires are just not heavy duty enough. Overall, its been a great vehicle for our family.

  • Can anything else be wrong - 2005 Kia Sedona
    By -

    We have a 2002 Sedona and have loved it until one thing after another keeps going on. The van keeps dying out on me. We have changed the motor mounts, 02 sensors, the air flow filters, and the alternator. So far the check engine light has not turned on so the dealer is guessing on what could be wrong. Up to now we have spent close to $2000 and still dont know whats going on. At this point I regreat letting my husband change my mind from buying the Toyota Sienna. WOMEN DONT LET YOUR HUSBAND CHANGE YOUR MIND. For a mom with 3 small kids this is not a safe car!

Kia Sedona Reviews By Year:
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