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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  $21,000 sold us - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By jhs - August 7 - 10:00 am

  As I type this our 2002 EX is on the back of a wrecker to the dealer. Was at a fast-food and the radio went off, then the dash lights got dim, then the abs-engine-seat belt / other lights came on in dash. Turned off AC, dash lights got bright. Turn-off engine, would not start. This is the 4th time in 2 and half years this has occurred. AC compr.,lumbar switch, and radio have been replaced. Kia will charge the battery and find no problem. We will sell once out of shop.

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  Good Van... 100K look out! - 2011 Kia Sedona
  By Dan - August 2 - 5:50 am

  I have owned several Kia Sedonas and over all we have been satisfied. I even recommend them to friends that are in the market for a van. I like that the Kia has light truck tires on it. This isnt so good for a ride, but is great in a rural venue. It also lends to a more durable tire. I feel that Kia has kind of skimped on the interior of the van. It could have more options, but I think they were trying to keep the cost down and threw some of them out the window. There are several issues to be aware of... 1. the AC pump is prone to going out at least once in the vans life. And even when it is working properly, it makes a rather annoying noise. 2. Be prepared to replace the idler pulley at least once. I have owned 2 vans and this has happened to both. 3. The paint job is kinda cheep. The handles are starting to peel and stuff... could have done better. 4. The bucket seat arms are always coming lose and require me tightening them up once a month.... rather stupid. For my major complaint.... 5. at 100K miles be prepared for something to happen. Right now I am dealing with the oil pressure sensor that is leaking oil. The shop wanted $500 to replace it so I decided to tackle it my self. I think $500 for them to do it would have been a better deal. Wicked pain in the butt!! This being said, I hope to have it fixed and back on the road. I would like to run this bad boy till the wheels fall off. I think I would buy another Kia, because there are some good points, but just be aware of the 100k jinks.

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  So far replaced 75% of the van - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By hyundai5 - June 14 - 5:26 am

  It all started not 7 months after I purchased it with the battery, then plugs @ 15,000 miles they blamed the condition of the plugs on champion? Each 3 months it was something else, this year the entire transmission. And the 5th set of rotors 3rd set of belts 2nd ac sys. Control panel have so many claims on this van, its almost getting to be routine, like changing your oil, I like the engine but if that so much as misfires Im done with it! It has always had a problem firing upon starting, gonna have the plugs looked at again wrote them a letter, they sent me a 500.00 check, all I wanted was an extended warranty I feel I deserve that after 26 unscheduled repairs in 4 yrs!

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  Sad times for KIA service - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By BAD SERVICE - June 5 - 10:10 am

  The KIA van runs great, however it has been in the shop for 2 months due to an airbag light that was on. The dash and components were completely disassembled and a new wiring harness was installed. I picked up the car and the problems was still not fixed; the technician didnt even bother to test drive the van. I was really disappointed at the poor quality of work from the service dept. at Folsom Lake Kia. Now the shift mechanism and the interior lights wont work correctly. Kia corporate has been monitoring our situation, these guys seem to care very much how Im treated and have offered to help. Ill report back later when we find out how we will be compensated for our loss of use.

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  Not Great - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By cleo - May 6 - 10:23 am

  My family has been driving the Sedona LX for 2 years now. With less than 30000 miles, it has been in the for power steering line problems 5 times. Finally the line was replaced. One dealership added power steering fluid 3 times (why on a brand new car with less than 6000 miles??) Problems with the rotors. Both passenger doors freeze when the temperature drops. This happens consistently, not just when the car is wet. Very aggravating trying to get 3 kids in the van in winter with doors frozen shut crawling over the front seats. Gas mileage is terrible 13-15 in the city. Due to the size of our family (3 car seats), got a minivan (reluctantly). We should have went back to an SUV

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  bad quality - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By richcor - May 2 - 10:00 am

  After 7,000 miles the van started to experience problems, Alternator problems,broken plastics, transmission oil leak,air conditioning(3 times), Speed meter fluctations, driver window fault and now the van is shuting down the engine while runing.In puerto Rico the warranty is 36,000 miles and now Im stock with a van that is a safety concern

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  Kia Sedona - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By naayaah321 - February 16 - 5:43 pm

  My parents own a Kia Sedona, 2005, and really like the minivan. It has been very reliable and done us well after 4 years. The brakes werre replaced prior 2 times and on the second tine, my dad made them put heavy duty rotors and pads and its been fine ever since. The engine has been very reliable and the problems noted n these reviews have never happened to us. We did replace the tires with the car tires they reccomend, and they wore out fast. What you need to do, is replace them with light truck and SUV tires and i fixes that problem. Think about it, the vehicle weighs 4800 lbs, and car tires are just not heavy duty enough. Overall, its been a great vehicle for our family.

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  Its a people hauler - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By foursmos - February 11 - 10:00 am

  As a sports family we do the baseball and basketball traveling. We have experienced no room for the standard equipment for these sports. The only way it will fit is the removal of the two back seats, we need the seats for people.

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  Very poor reliability - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By Lori - November 4 - 11:36 am

  I bought the 2003 Kia Sedona in November 2003 and was happy with the interior specs it provided. Other than that, I have been very unhappy with this car. It has been in the dealership service department on an average of every 4-5 months since I bought it. Beware of this car! Below is a list of the problems I have had. Thank goodness they have a good warranty. I will get rid of this car as soon as the warranty runs out. Problems: speedometer broke; back heater did not work; rear defrost strips peeled off; rear power outlets did not work; alternator went; battery was replaced; front defrost broken; power steering went; power driver seat broken; fuse box cover broken; remote entry sloppy.

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  Very Disappointed! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Leslie - October 26 - 2:03 pm

  Our 04 Kia Sedona has been reliable for the most part. We have had a few major problems with the air conditioning. The size of this van is very small and is not a 7 passenger van but more of a 6 passenger van. I cant fit all my groceries in the back cargo space. 13 mpg is not acceptable. The third row and second row seats are very hard to remove. The driver and passenger seats and head rests are very uncomfortable.