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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  2004 Kia Sedona - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Rip - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The Sedona by Kia has been basically a good purchase. I was disappointed in the gas mileage, both in town and out on the road. The "take-out" rear seats are heavy when removing.

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  Love It! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By dirksm - March 12 - 10:00 am

  The Sedona is a joy to drive. The first weekend I drove it, I got a speeding ticket -- my first one in ten years. Drove from St.Louis to Florida last summer and the cruise control had no problem maintaining speed over the mountains. The windshield cracked due to the heat and it took awhile to get a new windshield installed (it was back ordered). However, the service department was great when the parts actually came in. The Sedona does have many many blind spots. We had to remove the headrests in the back to be able to see out of the back window.

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  Good vehicle for a family - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By DeWayne - March 8 - 4:26 am

  My wife wasnt impressed when the dealership gave us two different coded keys. She couldnt start the van because the key she had was coded wrong for the ignition. It took the dealership 6 hours to get back to her to explain why the van wouldnt start. Weve also had to return to the dealership to have the cigarette lighter replaced with a cell phone plug-in. The vehicle only had one power plug. Neither my wife or I smoke, so we preferred to have two power plugs. There are a lot of bells and whistles, almost too many to get to know in a short period of time. Ive found that some of the accessories, like the pull up tray between the driver and passenger can make it difficult to engage the seatbelt.

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  BOSE eat your heart out! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By gameboymama - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Only driven my new minivan a few weeks, but it handles much better than my Caravan ever did. All the features inside are easily accessible and the kids love the rear air features and the 12v plugs throughout the van that they can plug their games and stereos into. Was pleasantly surprised by the luxury car mats that came with it- even for both back seat areas, and the first aid kit was also a great find! It is a great van for the money and since I saved more than $8,000, I can use that money for a vacation!

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  I like it - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Kia owner - February 23 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Kia brand new in May 2002 (EX model with leather, moonroof, rear spoiler, the works). The price was excellent!! The Van runs great and weve had very few problems which only includes the check engine light coming on twice in 2 years. But it was for very minor problems. We also recently bought another one (used 2002 LX). I love that one too! The LX is mine and the EX belongs to my husband. The Sedona is just a great value.

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  Great Van for the Money - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Mdunk - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Only have driven a couple hundred miles in it, but I love it. The ride is awesome, features are great, and the family loves it. We traded our Ford expedition due to gas mileage and for the ease of getting kids in and out. We love it so far!!!

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  New Kia Owner - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Leslie W - February 17 - 2:00 am

  We got a great price and a fully loaded van. The kids love it and we are so happy to have them out of a cramped SUV where they touched each other and fought over everything. Now they have their own space and everything is much quieter in the car!

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  We LOVE our new Sedona EX minivan!!! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Hartmans - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I am disappointed that our van did not make the Consumer Report top 5 list. We shopped HARD at all the available minivans on the market. This van won us over hands down in affordability (we wanted ALL the options incl. the DVD), looks, comfort (short mom LOVES the power seat options), and driveability. It isnt any more expensive gas-wise than the Ford Explorer we drove for 10 years. The crash tests impressed us as we wanted a very safe vehicle for our new baby. The seats arrange in so many ways! Who cares if you cant hide them in the floor?! Our only complaint - knobs/handles feel lightweight.

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  Best Vehicle I Ever Owned - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Shaun - February 10 - 5:16 am

  I traded in my 2006 Tahoe in on the Sedona. I needed a vehicle that gets better fuel mileage and still has enough room for at least 7 people. The Sedona is definitely that vehicle. I have had this vehicle for 4 months and I already have 13,000 miles on it. I take my Sedona everywhere. This vehicle is perfect for traveling. I love the large space behind the 3rd row when the 3rd row is up. Driving the Sedona is definitely fun and a pleasure. It has plenty of pickup and a very comfortable ride. Took it on a 2,000 mile road trip and averaged 25 miles per gallon. I would definitely recomend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Service Stinks - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By David Louis2 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  After 30,000 mile service by dealer Transmission began to slip on second shift after making a left hand turn. Dealer stated it is normal for transmission to slip when aceleriting after making a left turn that it is serching for a gear.( BS ) Dealer was suposed to drain radiator and flush,then fill with new antifreez. after ariving home I checked under hood and radiator cap had never been removed,still had dust and dirt on cap with no signs of ever being removed. Was told tey drained radiator, and flushed and refilled through the reserve tank. MORE BS. I love the vehicle but hope I can find a dealer who will listen to me and fix my problems.