Overview & Reviews
The Kia Sedona may not be the first name you think of when shopping for a new or used minivan. The original Sedona had almost everything needed to be a success in the minivan segment, but it was pudgy, weighing some 400-700 pounds more than its rivals, which blunted acceleration at higher speeds and didn't do much for cornering ability. Still, overall performance was relatively refined, if not exciting.
With the second-generation Sedona benefiting from a diet and more power under the hood, Kia's minivan is no longer huffing and puffing to catch up to the more expensive class leaders. Plus, it delivers in the key areas of build quality, passenger comfort, crash test scores and storage space. However, this Sedona has been in production for many years without a major redesign. Late-model Sedonas have been eclipsed by more recently redesigned rivals.
Current Kia Sedona
After a one-year hiatus, the Kia Sedona has returned for 2014, essentially unchanged except for a few styling updates. Power is provided by the 3.5-liter V6 that's now rated at 269 horsepower and 246 lb-ft of torque and again paired up with a six-speed automatic.
Inside there is seven-passenger capacity with second-row captain's chairs and a 60/40-split third row that folds into the floor. Sized similarly to most other minivans, the Sedona offers plenty of legroom for all three rows, though the third-row seat suffers from a low cushion and limited headroom for taller folks. Maximum cargo space rates a generous 142 cubic feet, and plenty of cubbies are available for quick stowage of things like cell phones, purses and snacks.
The base LX comes with foglights, roof rack rails, rear parking sensors, air-conditioning with rear controls, a 60/40-split third-row seat, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack. An option package adds alloy wheels, dual power-sliding side doors, a rearview camera and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Highlights of the EX include a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and heated front seats. EX options include a sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power-adjustable pedals, driver's memory presets and a navigation system that includes an eight-speaker Infinity sound system.
All told, the latest Sedona still has some nice attributes, including a smooth ride, secure handling, attractive pricing, a roomy interior and, of course, Kia's healthy warranty coverage. However, the Sedona lacks some of its more modern rivals' refinement. Additionally, it's not available with some useful minivan features, such as keyless ignition/entry, a rear-seat entertainment system, blind-spot monitoring and a second-row bench seat. If overall value is more important than having the latest gizmos, then the Sedona should satisfy. If not, we suggest also checking out its competition.
Used Kia Sedona Models
The second-generation Kia Sedona minivan debuted in 2006 and ran through 2012, after which it took a one-year hiatus. Originally, this Sedona was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 with 244 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. Output went up to 250 hp from 2007-'09, but was dropped back to 244 for 2010. A five-speed automatic was standard. For '11 the Sedona received a more sophisticated 3.5-liter V6 (rated at 271 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque) matched to a six-speed automatic. Given its superior power and fuel economy, if you have a choice we recommend this powertrain over the earlier one.
From 2007-'10, the Sedona was also offered in a short-wheelbase model that gave up 5 inches to the regular Sedona and featured a 50/50-split removable third-row bench. It was offered in base trim only.
Inside, these Sedonas are somewhat plain but not unattractive. Most cabin materials are of decent quality, but there are a few cheap-feeling elements here and there. Gauges and controls are easy to use, apart from the less-than-intuitive manual climate control.
Available in LX and EX trim levels, even the most basic Sedona has a full complement of safety features, front and rear climate controls, keyless entry, full power features and, for '09 and later, satellite radio and an iPod/USB audio jack. Bluetooth connectivity was added for '11. Springing for the EX means added luxury features such as alloy wheels, a power liftgate, power seats and a trip computer. Leather upholstery, a DVD entertainment system, a navigation system and a rearview camera were optional on the EX.
In reviews, we found these Sedonas offered solid performance, a quiet and comfortable ride and confident handling. Given its long warranty, well-rounded nature and attractive pricing, a used Sedona from this generation makes a good choice for a families looking for maximum minivan value.
The first-generation Kia Sedona ran from 2002-'05 and went with the "most features for the money" strategy. But in addition to providing a lot for families on a tight budget, the Sedona also boasted excellent build quality and impressive crash test scores. However, compared to its successors, this Sedona was 400 pounds heavier and its modest 3.5-liter 195-hp V6 didn't help matters. Two trim levels were offered: well-equipped LX and plusher EX.
The debit side of the ledger included a portly weight of 4,800 pounds (anywhere from 400-700 pounds heavier than its competitors), somewhat lazy handling and mediocre steering feel and response. This Sedona also lacks a fold-flat third-row seat and therefore doesn't offer as much cargo flexibility and capacity as some other vans with that feature.
We liked this Kia Sedona for its comfortable seating, roomy cabin, quiet ride and high crash test scores. Poor reliability could be a concern, however. Only minor detail changes, such as slight revisions to the grille and taillights, occurred during this Sedona's four-year run, so condition and mileage should be the chief considerations when shopping for one.
User Reviews:
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Great Van - 2003 Kia Sedona
By VFR - February 13 - 2:00 amI love this Van. We dont have enough stuff to put in all the interior storage compartments. It has all the features and more of the MUCH more expensive Vans. We have had it for over a year now and Havent had any complaints yet. Plus I went Head to head with a realative who owns the Honda Van in a "well I have this" comparison. The only thing he could do better was flip his rear seat over. He got rid of it later that year due to costs.
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Just Plain Excellent - 2003 Kia Sedona
By JOHN MCCARTHY - February 2 - 10:00 amKia , has really out done its self! Under Promise and for Sure it Over Delivered one awesome Vehicle! Road Trips are Comfy and those daily dreaded commutes are a breeze thanks to the Comfort , Style , and design of Kia Sedona. I would highly recommend this Vehicle to everyone!
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KIA Problems - 2003 Kia Sedona
By Martin F. Morgan Sr. - January 27 - 10:00 amMy KIA sedona, within the first 15,000 miles had to have an alternator, and transmission replaced. The inside back Air control continues to fall out of the ceiling, and I have had to go through the factory to have it replaced. It continues to have the same problem with it, falls out of the ceiling. The interior is not well put together and the gas mileage is poor at best. The gas nozzel will cut off but pumping slowly you can still put four to five gallons of gas in the vehicle.
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best overall - 2003 Kia Sedona
By twoot - January 27 - 10:00 amthis car is awesome for frst time drivers. it is definitely a safe vehicle. I love it.
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Love this van! - 2003 Kia Sedona
By Seagull61 - January 27 - 10:00 amBought the Sedona before the safety testing information was available... crossed my fingers and hoped what the dealer was telling me was true (it was, the Sedona was rated tops in crash tests). We LOVE this van. Has given us worry-free operation, is packed with features you would pay thousands more for on a comparably equipped Toyota or Honda. The warranty convinced us to go with the Kia. Only had one problem... it decided not to start one day. I called the free road-side assist and help was on the way immediately. The dealer couldnt recreate the problem, but found that the battery was the likely culprit and popped a new one in, no questions asked.
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Kia Sedona Rocks - 2003 Kia Sedona
By Kiapeg - January 27 - 10:00 amMy 2003 Kia, is a GREAT minivan. Has the feeling of an SUV. All the cupholders & gadgets are great. Its really fun to drive.
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the best van the best price - 2003 Kia Sedona
By dane - January 27 - 10:00 ami have owned two sedonas. the have plenty of horse power. lots of features. and a five star rating.
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MY PERSONAL OPINION - 2003 Kia Sedona
By ORLY - January 27 - 10:00 amBETTER INTERIOR DESIGN AND CONFORT THAN CARAVAN, CHEV. VENTURE AND 2002 TOYOTA SIENNA. FOR THE PRICE OF THIS MINIVAN AND THE WARRANTY, BELIEVE ME IT IS THE BETTER CHOICE, THE OTHERS IS JUST BRAND.
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My KIA - 2003 Kia Sedona
By luhiluhi - January 27 - 10:00 amI like the KIA because of the comfort,style and the way this minivan performs. Although it doesnt come with anti-lock breaks,with the price being lower than other minivans, you can afford to add on this (important) option. I added anti-lock breaks and the total price was still lower. My advice? Do your research. I did. And Im extremely satisfied.
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Kia is King! - 2003 Kia Sedona
By Robert McDonald - January 27 - 10:00 amThis is my second Kia Sedona. The last one I had I put 48,000 (2002) and traded it on the 2003 model. No problems with the 2002 whatsoever. I have rented a 2003 Grand Caravan on a business trip. The Caravan was no comparison. The difference was a VW versus a Lincoln Towncar. Kia wins by a landslide! Go Kia!
