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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  The 2002 Kia Sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By akwilliams - September 20 - 6:16 pm

  This minivan offers more value than any other on the market. Fully loaded, the Sedona does not exceed $24,000. Yet, it has a 5 star crash test rating, leather seats, abs, sunroof and more. The build quality is very impressive. And, the warranty is the best on the market. If you can do without the power doors and fold down seats, you should give it a test drive. Do, and you will buy it.

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  Front end knock that wont stop knocking - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By casperpat - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This is 2001 Sedona. The car has had the following problems: winshield washer tank leaking, faulty gas gauge, air leakage/whistling sound from the moon roof area and worst yet we have a prevalent knock in the front suspension. The dealers technician played dumb with suspension knock and moonrooof leak. The car was back for an entire day, they didnt have either part (fuel send unit not winshield wash tank) and the technician said there was no problem w/ moonroof and front end knock. That is until I insisted we go for a test drive. Then all of a sudden his ears starting working. Two more service dates corrected all the problems except front end knock. They have no answer for it.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Beth - September 19 - 6:56 pm

  If you are looking for the best value for your dollar, this is the ticket! Why pay thousands more for other brands with the same features? This one provides quality at a value price.

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  Great little van - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By INDIOSDAD - September 17 - 8:33 pm

  Got the van to transport our greyhound dogs. We have 4 of them and have found with the center row of seats out we have ample room for all the dogs. This van has been very reliable and we have had no issues with it. Have only had to perform normal maintenance on it. The ride is good, the interior design is just right, over all we find this a good vehicle that suits our needs. We only wish it got better mpg, however it does get better mpg then my wifes pt cruiser. Will buy Kia again when we need a new van.

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  sedona ex - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By road_master70 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  only had 6 weeks. got a good buy on this van. very comfortable seating, fairly quite ride, a lot of standard features. rear climate control doesnt have a temp. selector, it is either hot or cold.(very poor design) engine runs well (3.5 L) but has a inherent vibration which is a bit disapointing. overall rating 8

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  beware - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By trash man - August 24 - 4:03 am

  One of the first questions i asked the salesman was how did the transmissions hold up on towing!!!!! He said great havent had a problem... Well at 12000 miles even before we hooked a small pop camper to it we had to have the tranmission replaced, and from there 6 more trips to the dealer for shifter problems, eng light came on due to a trans problem....and oh yeah forgot this 18000 miles had to replace all 4 crappy YOKOHAMA tire on it!!! I think you guys can get the gas mileage up too

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  Trade my Odyssey for a Kia - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Georgian - August 4 - 6:33 am

  I traded my 2002 Odyssey after the transmission was replaced 2 times. Yes there is a difference between these two vehicles but this Kia can hold its own. I brought my fully loaded and for the price, no one can touch it. I have had a few problems with my Kia but no major. I took of the tires that came with this vehicle after 13,000 mile and replaced them with some new Goodyear tires. What a difference that has made. Ride improved drastically. Look forward to the new 2006 model. From the reviews it will raise that bar.

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  Great Van for the price - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By SCORPIO1 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  So far, this mini-van has performed really well and rides really smooth. Im not too happy with the gas mileage. It seems like Im filling up every other day. For the price range & the amenities, the Kia Sedona is worth it. I recommend it!!!

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  HanKOOK Tires - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Blimpnurse - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I had this car about 3 months and much trouble with the Hankook Tires. Had the vehicle only 3 days and a flat tire. Two weeks later another flat. A Month later the two front tires got flat spots from a normal skid.They had to be replaced. Has anybody had problems like this ???

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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.