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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  2005 KIA SEDONA - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By LISA - September 21 - 4:46 pm

  So far it is a nice vehicle. It has great pickup and rides very smoothly. I had a DVD put in for the kids and it makes it all worth while. The price is right and we got a great deal for a large automobile.

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  Back in Love With It - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Traveling Mom - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought this Summer 02. In the first month, it broke down 4 times. We were just about to get going on the Lemon Law thing, but Kia really took care of things. They found the problem (finally -- some wire that was shorting out), sent their national customer service guy and mechanic to inspect it (the guys at the dealership were running around cleaning and acting nervous, so I was impressed), and have been in touch with us since to make sure were happy. Van is running great ever since.

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  Have to agree with other Kia owners - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By mishimin - September 11 - 11:50 pm

  I love the design and handling of this vehicle. Down fall is back door is heavy and must be slammed in order to be closed. I have gone through 2 sets of tires on the front in a 1year, brakes and alternator went out on the same week so that was costly. Kia puts in ceramic breaks which cost more and was told by dealers and repair shops Kias alternators are infamous for failing so you must put in a new one or that one will go bad. Have had 2 new batteries. Front end, paint and windows are new due to a hurricane so I wont replace that.

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  Good solid van - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By cribsguy - September 8 - 11:26 am

  We bought our 2006 in Feb. of 2007. We now have 17K miles on it. No major issues. We had the tires rotated at the 12K service interval and the sensors went off because the tires were under inflated. I just put some air in them and the sensors cleared. Interior is rather spartan. Gas mileage is okay from a 3.8L engine that turns out almost 250 HP. Great get-up-and-go. Wife loves the way the third row seats fold down. Lots of usable space inside. Just make sure to change the oil every 3K miles. It is a 40-weight oil so it is a little more expensive if you dont go to the dealer.

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  Great Car Great Price - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Sara - September 4 - 8:23 am

  We bought this car after looking at the Odyossey and Sienna. For $6000 less than the other two cars and a 5 yr bumper to bumper compared to the 3 yr, it was a no brainer. We were able to afford the power package and are very happy with the purchase.

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  I Love My Kia - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Joyce - August 31 - 6:40 pm

  We bought this van used with 49,000 mi. All we have done is oil changes, tires, and brake pads. and also a front wheel bearing. It has about 74,000 mi now and I cant complain one bit about the maintenance . It all comes under wear and tear. I love it but it is to big for us now so I would go to something smaller. At least when you step on the brakes you stop.

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  honeymoon over? - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By first kia - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Have had new since Nov 2003, now has 8200 miles. AC was not cooling well this summer(No other problems). They find low freon and no leaks, they assume low from manufacturer. Now hearing strange noises under the hood as driving down the road after this servicing: high pitched continuous noise, sort of like a vacuum noise, and then this random, short-lived humming-like sound that might be associated with the AC. I hope this is not the beginning of problem(s). Needless to say this will be re-evaluated soon.

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  Crash Test - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Chris Chappell - July 9 - 1:16 am

  My wife and I bought a 2005 Sedona that has 16,500 miles on May 21. Three days later while driving home from work I had an accident. A lady in a Lexus pulled in front of me and I slammed into her going approximately 50mph. After recovering from the initial shock of it all, I got out and found, to my surprise, very little damage to our van. The lexus was totaled. The van sustained damage to the front end and radiator, but had no intrusion into the engine. I was also very pleased with my lack of any serious injury, an air bag burn to my hand was all that happened. And now I have become a believer in the Sedona and its high crash rating.

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  MY 2001 KIA SEDONA LX - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By LAM THANG - July 1 - 10:00 am

  HAD PROBLEM WITH PASSENGER SLIDING DOOR WEATHER STRIPPING. AIR CONDITION PROBLEM. VAN VIBRATES WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT 70 MILE. IT STUMBLES ONCE A WHILE WHEN GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON INDICATES PROBLEM WITH SYSTEM. BRAKES SQUEAK WHEN VAN IS SLOWING DOWN TO COMPLETE STOP. WIPER BLADES WORN OUT. GAS MILE PER GALLON. HARSH RIDE.

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  Purchased used 2 years ago and already vechilce needs work on engine - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By lyns2 - June 23 - 8:42 am

  I purchased this van 2003 Kia Sodona 2 years ago and right after I paid it off the engine had problems it has blown head gaskets and will cost me $2200.00 to get back on the road.