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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  Worst Car Ive ever owned - Avoid at ALL Costs - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Bob Lasher - August 29 - 11:39 pm

  In my life, I’ve owned numerous cars includeing Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota & Ford, but none have been as huge, unreliable money pits as our 2002 Sedona. We bought it used with about 50K miles on it about a year ago (13 months) during that time, we’ve been forced to replace the following: The Brakes Struts - twice Water pump Pulley system that attaches to the water pump The timing belt The catalytic converter Drivers side power window switch (that stupid thing was $180) Front wheel Bearings Front CV Joint & Bearing Ignition coils (two trips to the shop) strut bushings (separate from the strut trip) Tires Alternator Engine Mounts Its an automotive nightmare!

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  Better than Honda or Toyota!!!!! - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By LM - August 24 - 11:40 pm

  My wife and I were looking to replace our 10 year old minivan. We started out with Honda and Toyota and of course we liked what we saw but the price was excessive. I parked next to a Sedona the next day, looked inside and was impressed. I went to look at one the next day and I just couldnt believe it. More features, better warranty and significantly less money. Full power, 3 zone air, front to back air bags, memory seats, side mirrors automatically adjust down when backing to improve vision. Too many features to mention. For a change, we did not feel like we were taken advantage of. Love it!!

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  expensive repairs - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By resimc2 - August 24 - 5:16 pm

  I made a major trip ( 6000 miles back & forth & the van was wonderful).Very comfortable driving & interior. Once it crossed the 60,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty it started to have every major problem. # 1 some kind of pulley broke inside ( total cost $ 1300), then alternator ( cost $ 600), then seat belt ($ 125), then steering shaft ($ 200), then engine light ( minor issue but I didnt fix it).The plastic on the sides of the doors is kind of weak), bumpers are thin & fragile( I didnt fix it) finally a trauma to the backlight will cost $ 250 to replace. This vehicle is expensive to repair. Gas mileage is not great but not that terrible anyway.

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  check manufacture date before buying - 2010 Kia Sedona
  By gene - August 21 - 10:56 pm

  The 2010 sedona is basically the same as the previous year van. With a few exceptions. I traded in a 2006 sedona for the 2010.The differences I notice are. Rear spoiler was standard on 2010 Rear view cameria, seen in mirror, on the 2010. Paint job I believe is nicer on the 2010. Changes inside from my 2006 are. only one glove box on 2010 there were 2 on the 2006. No slide out cup holders on center console in the 2010. Now the reason to check the manufactered date. Kia motors magazine "Open Road" States "All new Kia vehicles now feature HD Radio". You would assume all 2010 vehicals would have this. NOT SO .Kia told me My 2010 was produced in Aug.2009 so it I dont get it .

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  Kia Sedona - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By cbaldwin - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Excellent minivan for the money. Drives great and has adequate room for our family of 4.

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  fun van - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By mr d - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the sedona for over a year. My wife and I love everything about the van. Kia did a great job with the sedona.

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  Death Trap - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Bill - August 12 - 1:33 pm

  This car has been a death trap since we bought it. Frozen throttle cable almost killed my family, and we only got attitude from Kia, until they finally did a mass recall because of our problem they claimed did not exist. 6 sets of brakes, windshield wipers went out on expressway during a rainstorm. It lost a bolt off the wiper motor. Also metal pulley fell out of van in Walmart parking lot, hitting a man in the leg. The pulley was from the air conditioning unit. Also had a leak of fuel vapors, and bad seals in the car that allowed the elements to fog up Windows badly. This car is a lemon and a death trap, I do not feel safe in this car, and dont want my family riding in it.

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  My new Kia van - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By fisher - August 10 - 10:00 am

  After looking at vans for several months we had decided to buy a mazda van but i couldnt make a favorable deal We have a small garage and it is only my wife and me and the grand kids some of the time.We looked at Kia and we were impressed with it we made an offer and they counter offered we countered and made the deal.We bought the 2003 lx model because of price.

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  Great for a minivan - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By acs938 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Sedona because we needed the practical family vehicle. It came fully loaded with leather seats for under $23,000. It fits the five us nicely, but is lacking in the trunk space dept. like all other minivans. It has a very smooth ride and I like the pickup and handling. Sleek style too! Used it to go on a road trip, and logged in 1200 miles within the first week, nice and comfortable.

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  Kia Sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Keith Philipps - July 21 - 10:00 am

  After visiting all the other Minivan dealers and looking at what they were offering compared to the Kia Sedona, their was no doubt in mine and my wifes mind that the Sedona was our first choice.