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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  What a Wonderful Vehicle, K, K, KIA!! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Davidm - January 24 - 2:00 am

  All I can say is KIA! This is a WONDERFUL vehicle & I cant say enough about it. This minivan is loaded & when U add features, nothing else even comes CLOSE to KIA on price, affordability and quality. Other comparably equipped vehicles are $3000 to $7000 more. I previously owned a 2002 KIA Rio Cinco which I simply adored & traded in for the Sedona. Just to show Kias quality, I had 40,000 miles on my Cinco & all I ever did was change the oil. THATS IT! The new 2003 Rio Cincos have all the features that the 2002 model lacked. What a GREAT vehicle. I used to be Mitsu proud but now I am ALL KIA! For price, quality and overall value you cant beat KIA!

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  What a Wonderful Vehicle, K, K, KIA!! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By DavidM - January 24 - 2:00 am

  All I can say is KIA! This is a WONDERFUL vehicle & I cant say enough about it. This minivan is loaded & when U add features, nothing else even comes CLOSE to KIA on price, affordability and quality. Other comparably equipped vehicles are $3000 to $7000 more. I previously owned a 2002 KIA Rio Cinco which I simply adored & traded in for the Sedona. Just to show Kias quality, I had 40,000 miles on my Cinco & all I ever did was change the oil. THATS IT! The new 2003 Rio Cincos have all the features that the 2002 model lacked. What a GREAT vehicle. I used to be Mitsu proud but now I am ALL KIA! For price, quality and overall value you cant beat KIA!

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  I Like This Van! - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By mrs_mac - January 18 - 5:46 am

  We bought our 2003 Kia Sedona last year. The previous owners (original owners) hardly drove it. The van only had 75K miles on it. We have put on 26K in one year! The car has been great for us. Its been all over the place because my husband travels a lot for work. It gets good highway gas mileage. We live in a rural area so it isnt so great for going from town to town. We havent had any major issues at all. We are taking it in for general maintenance expected at 100K. Plugs, wires, etc. because it is running rough, but with the way we drive thats to be expected. I love the V6 - it really goes! I love this mini-van!

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  Number one - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By fifty5 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Havent owned any others but really like the van and its appearent value. Dont regret its purchase for an instant.

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  rust - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Zidek - January 9 - 12:23 pm

  We discovered that the steel lines that run to the heater rusted out just after the vehicle ran out of warrenty. The customer service team at Kia Corporation was terrible to deal with. We had documentation that the part started to rust while within warranty and the service department at the dealership even confirmed this, but they still would not consider a compromise on repairs.

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  Sooooo Glad - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By SUV to MiniVan - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I am a new owner and I must say, I love this Minivan. Its comfort can only be compared to the top sellers. Its look is very impressive to the eye, its price is the best part of all. I hated driving my 2000 Ford Expedition. It is huge and cumbersome to drive, ya should have seen me trying to put my baby in the car seat, had to get in the truck. The Sedona is easy access from both sides. I could easily afford all of the top brand and I test drove them all, I even put a $1000 deposit on a Honda and changed my mind at the last minute after driving the Kia

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  Two months and counting - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By GLJOD - December 21 - 11:36 pm

  Previously had 3 Chrysler Mini Vans but 5 transmissions so time for a change. The 5K rebate got me. So far the van is fine. Mileage seemed to be as issue with many but I am very happy with mine so far (2000 miles). 18 in the city and 24-25 on the thruway which is better than expected.

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  SEDONA GOOD BET - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By MR JAE - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I have had the sedona for 14 months put on 7500 miles. The only problem i had was the rear door would not open from the inside. But that was easy to fix. The minivan comes with 5 years or 60,000miles bumper to bumper. This is a good all around minivan. I have the EX model it has everything except leather seats. If u are looking for a minivan take a close look at this one.

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  Not comfortable - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By clhughart - December 12 - 6:23 pm

  In 2012 we purchased a 2008 Sedona with 65,000 miles to replace a 92 Plmouth Voyager that had 210,000 miles. The Sedona handled much better and had lots of power compared to the Plymouth. Our Sedona had non-power cloth seats; my back would hurt after about an hour and my wife complained about her legs hurting. We sold the Sedona after owning for three months. First time Ive had a vehicle for such a short period of time. Also, the carpet was sort of like that trunk carpet where you cant hardly sweep anything out of it (sand/grass/etc.). The doors would easily freeze shut in the cold, and the interior trim just didnt look like it was gong to hold up as well as the Plymouth did.

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  happy at the anniversary - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By bepeace - December 12 - 2:00 am

  we have had our Sedona now for 12 months...while many relatives looked at us cross eyed when we told them we bought a Kia, we decided (based on the price) to take a chance...it was a good call...we have only had one problem (the front cup holder) other than that it has been entirely reliable, easy to drive, very functional!!! we have the scaled down LX (no leather, no CD, etc) but it was money well saved...the dealer required maintenance has also been economical, fast, and friendly...no complaints thus far...if you need to seat a car pool and dont want to have to pay through the nose to do it, this van is a great choice!