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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  Save about ten grand - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By gunnar02 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Its a Minivan and at about ten thousand less than a comparably equipped anything else its agreat deal. The build quality is great the warranty is great, its got a five speed auto and a pretty lively v6. Its not a porsche its a minivan,sorta like buying a toothbrush, something you just gotta have. And to my surprise I like driving it as much as my other no kids get to go to work in it German thing. Maybe Ill replace my car with a Kia Optima, so well have matching Kias!!

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  over all good - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By AEROBURTON - July 19 - 10:00 am

  like the ride and comfort interior well laid out. Like the van overall but needs more rear storage room. one problem I have and they have not been able to fix is runs rough at idle ?? waranty has been great they fix ed every thing we have asked except rough idle.

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  140,000 miles and still going strong! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By guitarrista - July 3 - 7:49 am

  We bought our Sedona new in 2002. It was a daily driver while the kids were in car seats, now its our road-trip and weekend car. We bought one of the first ones that came off the boat, and it had all the problems the reviewers said it would have. The good news is, when those faulty parts failed it was covered under warranty and they were replaced with improved parts. I was pleased that Kia had redesigned the faulty parts (not all auto makers do this), and we have had zero problems with the replacement parts. We had thought we would buy a new(er) van, but after looking at the options, we decided to keep the old one a while longer. Its that good!

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  Worst car Ive ever owned! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By wmumpower - June 27 - 1:26 am

  Ive had nothing but transmission problems with my car since 9,000 miles. The dealership has made every excuse they can think of to not fix the problem. Supposedly at 18,000 miles they replaced the transmission with a rebuilt one. Problems still existed after the supposed replacement. Now they say that the transmission is no good because of the tires being of a different circumference even though they are marked the same size, refusing to fix the transmission. The car is in my opinion, junk and the dealership is a sham. Oh, they also had to replace the engine 2 weeks after the worked on the transmission. Seems the serpentine belt broke and got into the timing belt.

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  reliability stinks - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Cindy Warring - June 25 - 5:13 am

  I have owned my Kia Sedona for alsmost 3 years. Within that time frame, the car has gone through 3 alternators. three times without mush warning, this car has left me walking. I dont think I would buy a Kia again.

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  New Sedona for family of five - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By hall4times - June 21 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I just bought a Kia Sedona EXb(2002) with ABS,leather,two- tone(black/BR.Platinum),homelink,and rear spoiler. We paid 22449 before taxes. The van is gorgeous and functional especially for a family with a five yr old, a three yr. old, and a 10 month old. And a dog. We look forward to traveling many miles in our van and plan God willing to keep it until its 100000 mile warranty is gone .

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  120K miles and still going strong - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By guitarrista - June 19 - 8:42 pm

  We got this van new, and after 11 years and over 120K miles an update is in order. This van was new to this country in 02, and there were a number of issues. Ours was one of the ones built earlier in the year, and we had the expected issues come up, but they replaced all the faulty bits with the improved ones, and no problems with those parts since. We have driven this van all over the US and it has performed like a champ. We initially got this van to fit kids in car seats, and now use it mostly for family outings and road trips. The original engine and transmission are still going strong. This van has been a great value.

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  Good Minivan for the Price - 2012 Kia Sedona
  By rob_longisland - June 19 - 5:37 pm

  A good basic minivan. I was looking for a basic family transportation vehicle which I plan to drive till it drops, so trade in value is not a huge thing for me. Im hoping to get the car up and over 150k miles during my time of ownership. The Kia fit the bill perfectly. My dealership was very fair and upfront with all the numbers. Nothing was hidden and everything was clearly explained. Received great financing at 2.9% for 60 months and substantial rebates as well. I was also able to negotiate the price of the vehicle close to the invoice price. Overall I got a vehicle at a price that could not be matched by any of the competitors for the same equipment level by thousands of dollars.

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  Value - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By No. VA dude - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Satisifies the basic criteria - Ride is very smooth, engine is responsive, brakes well, comfortable on trips, decently carries a family of 6, nicely equipped, and reasonably priced.

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  We love our Sedona! - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Hartmans - June 16 - 5:00 pm

  My husband & I have an 11 mo. old daughter & wanted a van that would make our lives easier. We didnt have big bucks, but knew we wanted the works. The Sedona made it possible for us to have it all! Leather, CD/tape, DVD, sunroof, ABS, power everything, you name it. The van is "meaty" & feels safe & comfortable. Im picky about cushy seats. I do wish it had auto doors that slid open, but no big deal. I dont care that the seats dont fold into the floor. We have very versatile captains chairs & it seats 7 comfortably. Not great turning radius but everything else is fine. Some cheapy elements, knobs on controls, door handles. Everything else is A+. We love