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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  Never Again - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Skip Geisaka - February 10 - 10:23 pm

  1st two months of ownership van was in dealers shop 4 times. Right window would stick midway up. One lube, two motors, one passenger side switch replaced. Next bubbling in paint under side windows and rust under rear logo. At 2 years 3 months and 28000 miles the alternator failed and battery died. Two weeks later going on a trip van overheated and left us stranded on side of road. Towed to dealer and they claimed upper radiator hose clamp came loose and hose came off? Poor quality control and workmanship. Never again.

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  good value - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Joe - January 31 - 11:46 pm

  After 2 years of ownership the car has been is the shop 6 times for little nagging problems from pulsing brakes to check engine lights. Never was a serious problem found but enough is enough.Add to it the new policy that The customer has to lay out $90.00 before they look at the car under its 5 year 60k mile program to make sure it qualifies for warranty work. I would think twice about this car...

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  Dont buy it. - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Dave - December 7 - 12:40 pm

  Purchased used last year, with only 54K miles on it, so it still had some factory warranty left. The air conditioner failed within a week of purchase. It took 7 visits to the dealership over the summer because their air conditioner "fix" usually only last 1-2 days. Since then, the rear brake cylinders leaked (no brakes), the radiator has leaked badly, the power steering is stiff on cold mornings (bad power steering pump). Recently had the timing belt changed, and in the process they also changed a leaking hydrolic tensioner (extra $200) and then the air conditioner stopped working again the next day. Dealership claims they didnt brake it wants $1200 to replace the compressor.

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  Kia Warranty - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Morgan - November 14 - 12:33 pm

  The battery and fuel pump had to be replaced within the first 2 weeks. If the battery fails call roadside assistance. Kia makes no allowances for extenuating circumstances and will strictly adhere to their written policies.

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  Dont buy a used one - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Moore - April 5 - 1:16 pm

  The warranty is not honored if you are NOT the original owner. They have have problems with steering due to winter salt but no recall. Also a problem with the cooling hoses to the rear and again no recall. They have been aware of these but will NOT cover the expense since we were not the first owner even though we bought it with 48,000 miles. We now have a car with 78,000 miles and NO warranty.

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  Love this van BUT - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Billyio - October 19 - 2:00 am

  ok just one gripe I am 59" tall and the roof seems to come down on my hear if I didnt get the sun roof it might have been a better deal but the seat sits to close to the roof for me.. other than that. I love the cost and with the exception of the timeing belt that must be changed at 60,000 miles all is well wiit owning the machine. Thanks Kia the same EX in an American brand would have cost me about 14K more dollars, well see if I get a great trade in deal in 6 years BTW, I have a 2002 Sedona

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  Not worth the money - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Beach_Baby - October 6 - 4:53 pm

  Of course a new van is gonna be nice and not have problems, but after a year the transmission was making noise and not performing well. Than 4 years later, the power steering pumb and something else is out, tranny is bad and motor acts up. Only has 32,xxx miles and should be running great! It doesnt. It was the main transportation for my handicap grandmother, who now has to relay on finding other people to take her places like her doctors apt! The van sits in the street broke down, and we still owe $3,000 on it. Cant trade it in, cause we owe more than its worth. Quilfys for a Clunker, but we ow money. So we are stuck with this piece of junk KIA. Never get another one!

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  Spotty quality. - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By njw1224 - September 20 - 12:36 am

  Terrible gas mileage - about 12 city, 16 or 17 highway. Eats front end tires quickly due to the heavy weight. At 49,000 miles Ive already gone through 2.5 sets of 60,000 mile tires on the front. Ive had to have the front brakes worked on twice, already replacing the brake rotors - not covered in warranty. A/C isnt very cold anymore, and the engine (or tranny?) is getting very noisy at only 49,000 miles. Im expecting something to go wrong within the year. Also - BEWARE - make sure you do all of the required servicing at the required mileage intervals or your warranty may be void. Check with dealer. There are a number of services that need performed at various intervals.

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  You get what you pay for. - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Andrea - August 26 - 1:20 am

  I am shooting myself in the foot by giving this van a poor review, but so far, I have to have the air conditioner compressor worked on, the sliding passenger door scrapes, the steering wheel whooshes when you make a turn, the transmission clunks when shifting into drive, my drivers seat squeaks and juts forward, the ignition has locked on me four times in the past three days, there are blind spots in the wind shield pillars and when using the visors, it bottoms out on bumps and sways on cornering the airconditioning has a musty smell, the mileage is much less than promised, and the KIA dealership tried to rip me off on the service agreement. Now other than that, things are just fine.

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  Not so good after all.... - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Aaron - August 14 - 3:10 am

  My wife and I bought our Kia new in 05 with the hope that we were getting a decent vehicle...WRONG! Overall its okay. However, the rear brakes make a groaning noise that the dealer cant seem to fix. The horn works intermittently. Every so often the A/C stops working. There is not as much cargo room as I had initially hoped. Unless you are a child, getting into the back seat requires you to be a contortionist. The paint must be the lowest quality possible, it gets scratched just by looking at it. The fuel mileage isnt horrid, but you can get comparable mileage from a Suburban. Which is what we are looking into trading in for. Do yourself a favor, avoid Kia.