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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  Kia Sedona at 13,000 Miles - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By diskjokk - September 8 - 7:16 pm

  I never dreamed I would end up driving a minivan but as a single father of 3, there was no better choice of vehicle for me right now. So I bought a 2005 Kia Sedona LX. I just love this van! Everything from the exterior to the interior of this van was put together with care and understanding of a family on a budget. The van looks and rides good and I am pretty happy with the purchase. My only gripe about this vehicle is that its consumption of gas is HUGE! I can get about 22mpg on the highway. When on the road, there is minimal road noise and good visibility. Controls in the cabin are laid out in a logical and thoughtful manner. Factory CD/radio system isnt bad.

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  Trouble free luxury - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By likesoafar - September 7 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our two-tone Sedona EX in Spet. 2002 with leather, rear AC and sunroof. My wife has put 8K on it already and we have had zero problems. Very solid build quality an execellent transmission. The ONLY rattle comes from the third row seats on occassions. I had a friend who knows cars sit in it without seeing the name. He looked around, felt the materials and said, "Is this a new Acura minivan or something?"

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  meets expectations - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By usaved1 - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall we have been pleased with our Sedona EX. We have had one failure in our first year. A sensor for the spark contol. We have driven it from Virginia to Toronto and Montreal Canada with only good things on the trip. However two pet peeves are the loud noise from the colling fan and the knocking from the front right whell linkage. Waiting for factory fixes.

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  A Very Stylish Impressive Vehicle! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Ken10 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Looks Like the Korean Automaker has come along way from little compacts to a Awesome Mini Van. Mine Drives like a Cadilac! The ride is great very smooth, love this van highly recommended from a very tough critic!

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  Sadona is the best value period! - 2016 Kia Sedona
  By John Girard - August 23 - 11:58 am

  It will be loaded with extras that you have to pay more for in other manufacturers vehicles. Whatever version you get it will give you value and reliability, this is just the most practical van you could hope for I am also blown away by the 22 mpg I am getting with a van.

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  Im not impressed - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Im not impressed - August 17 - 8:56 am

  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.

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  Do Not Buy a Kia - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Piece of Junk - August 15 - 9:33 pm

  This van has been a complete piece of junk from day one. Gas mileage is horrible. Transmission went at 15,000 miles. Front Brakes need to be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. A/C system has been completely replaced and still does not cool well and is extremely noisy. The following also have been replaced: Alternator, Front Hub Bearings (twice), front struts, front stabilizer links, rear heater lines, accelerator cable and battery. Do not buy this van unless you like visiting the service department very often. Worst automobile purchase I have ever made. A PIECE OF JUNK!!!

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  Never Again - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By cmazgo - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Looks are deceiving. I thought I was purchasing a quality vehicle. What I got was a van-wanna-be. After only 5 months and 12,000 miles the front bumper paint was peeling in a number of places. Kias response--everyday road debris caused it, so its not covered under the warranty. I dont drive anywhere that a million other people drive, but because of "everyday road debris" its not covered.I will mention that Ottawa Kia did re-paint the bumper at their expense which they did have to. And know Im starting to have problems with the driver seat armrest not coming down! And gas mileage---IT STINKS! Highway driving gets me a whopping 16 MPG.

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  Disappointed Purchaser - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By diddapointedpurchase - August 12 - 2:43 am

  Was very excited to have such an equipped minivan for the price, that is until it proved to be totally unreliable. Had to have service on it around 20 times (no really). Transmission replaced, AC components replaced several occasions and still does not function properly on long road trips (more than 100 miles). We only have 42,000 miles on it. My advice. Stay away from the 2002. Glad to see there are more positive reviews than negative and others are having better luck with their Sedona.

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  kia - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Ashley Woody - August 10 - 10:00 am

  The van is a great vehicle. I have had zero problems and this year we put 33,000 miles on it. We live out in the country so the gas mileage hurts a little, but over all it is a great vehicle for the price. I would buy it again. NO regrets