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:
Showing 31 through 40 of 1,046.00-
Best van under 24000.00 - 2004 Kia Sedona
By DAVID00 - September 23 - 10:00 amI drove every other van in the market, when got to the Sedona, big difference, comfort, power, style etc... In a 1200 miles trip, excellent... about 23 ml/gl , better tham my 97 g caravan.
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Dont regret the purchase but would not buy another one - 2007 Kia Sedona
By apennysaved1 - September 17 - 11:50 amI own a 2007 KIA Sedona LX. I purchased the car used in late 2009. It had 37,000 miles at time of purchase and was a good value for the money. The good points about this car: it drives smoothly, has a lot of power, is very roomy and comfortable, incredibly safe with electronic stability control, 8 airbags, ABS, and I like the look of it. The gas mileage isnt bad for city driving. I get about 20 mpg in the city. However, Ive had some big issues with this car that would really make me think twice about getting another one. The transmission needed to be replaced at 88000 miles. I was stunned that the transmission died so quickly.
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Using the Warranty a Lot!! - 2002 Kia Sedona
By Tired of the hassle - September 15 - 2:00 amWe bought this van when due with our second child. We have had a lot of challenges with it so far, and are currently working on getting out of it. Ive used the roadside assistance 3 times for a dead battery and had it in for service to replace the cam seals. The darned thing was leaking oil at 5000 miles! The car has not started on 3 separate occasions, which stinks when youre pregnant and relying on it! I would not buy one again, nor would I recommend it to friends. When it runs its a nice enough van. A bit loud, but basically a nice, albeit unreliable van.
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kia sedona 2004 - 2004 Kia Sedona
By chirs - September 11 - 6:26 pmI bought my minivan at 45,000 miles and starting 3 months later started having problems. It literally took 5 trips in for service to figure out why it was stalling out and I had a rental that they paid for at one instance for 2 months!!!!! Now Im having trouble again and it looks like a transmission issue as well as rusted out cooling lines. I would NEVER by a kia again. It is a poorly made car.
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Pretty good minivan - 2004 Kia Sedona
By ccfire - August 30 - 8:36 amIve driven this vehicle on several long trips and have had no problems. Other that routine maintenance, its been trouble free. The mpg is a little better than advertised. Overall, Ive averaged 21 mpg. It could be better. Acceleration is very good for such a heavy vehicle. The interior is comfortable in cold or hot weather. There are several interior features that make this minivan very people/kid friendly.
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The Kia - 2003 Kia Sedona
By Bucar - August 29 - 2:00 amVehicle performs well. I have two concerns with it. There is a noise in the air conditioner compressor(replaced once and still has noise) and the brakes are rough when decending hills.
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love it but hate it - 2002 Kia Sedona
By max2000 - August 26 - 2:00 amLove our new kia, drives great , and rides great, love to upgrades it has also,, hate it because i have a rattle from the rear seats that no one seems to know how to fix it??? any opinions? if so please email me,, max2000here@aol.com when we brought it home we loved it, no we are starting to hate it
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Wow, what a ride - 2010 Kia Sedona
By Joe - August 26 - 2:00 amMale,Age 75,I traded my 2002 Mazda Minivan (116,000 miles) for this 2010 Sedona. Drove home from MN.to Tx. then turned around and drove to San Francisco, Ca. and back to TX. All interstate. This car is a real great road car, holding the legal limit of 80 mph in Texas on I-10 for over 400 miles. Carried a lot of "stuff" to Ca. as I am downsizing the house. 3700 miles mostly between 70 & 80 mph I averaged 22.6 mpg. Great for this size car. Similar mileage to the old Mazda MPV which was smaller and lighter. Both with V-6 motors. We saw a lot of the Western USA, from the MPV, so I am used to road travel. Wish my wife was still alive to enjoy this great new Mini-Van.
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Kia Sedona - 2002 Kia Sedona
By Alabama - August 21 - 10:00 amWe are long time owners of mini-vans. Found the Kia Sedona to be a real good deal with lots of features found in much more expensive cars. Nice suprise!
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Kia Sedona, the perfect minivan - 2004 Kia Sedona
By Haja Peer - August 18 - 10:00 amIm completely satisfied with my purchase. Its almost a year im driving the Ex model. The vehicle engine is very smooth and very comfortable and i have made lots of long trips.
