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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  Impressive - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Josh - September 8 - 11:36 pm

  I absolutely love my van. It looks so sleek and nice on the outside and the leather interior on the inside is easy cleanup. The sunroof is also great. Wonderful van for the money. Very happy!

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  Not as impressed as others - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By b - September 7 - 12:50 am

  Leased 2007 Sedona July 2007. 1 week later needed the DVD replaced. Power sliding doors decided to work or not when they felt like it and dont always close securely, sometimes opening back up for no reason and often hearing a crunching sound also. Fuse box needed replaced, no wipers. Tire pressure system often shows all tires are low for no reason. Sunroof leaks. DVD blocks rear mirror when drivers seat is raised. Driver needs to be a contortionist to operate and remove dvds for small children while driving.

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  Happy overall - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Satisfied owner - September 5 - 4:56 am

  Ive had my Sedona for over 3 years and have never had a brake problem as others are saying. The only persistent problem is that the interior light doesnt always come on when I open the door. If I play with the switch, it works for a while and then stops working again. The dealer hasnt been able to find any problem. The only other comment is that it doesnt have a great turning radius. I was used to compact cars and sedans. I drive over 40 miles round trip daily. I am getting 20 miles per gallon! I think thats pretty good for a large vehicle. My next minivan however will be stow-n-go seats and power side doors.

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  cracked windshield - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By jlovesgolf - August 30 - 10:00 am

  great van, rides great. Also had a problem with the windshield cracking by the defroster, anybody have any luck at the dealer? would highly recommend to anyone. Got the 02 EX with rebate for same price as 03 LX

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  Van is trying to kill us - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By price family - August 28 - 5:46 pm

  Twice in a 12-month period our throttle body has needed replacing. "Normal" auto shops wont touch a Kia, so emergency repairs are a no-go: not helpful when mom has two babies in carseats and is literally stranded with a self-decelerating van on the side of a highway.

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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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  Nice Van - Highly recommend. - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By linuxking - August 21 - 3:33 pm

  Bought this 2006 in 2011 with under 40K miles on it. No problems - easy to work on. I change my own oil and just flushed the transmission fluid by myself. I was hesitant to buy with all the bad reviews - think most posters just got lemons - I had a Mercury Sable that had all the problems described in the other posts.

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  No Dealership In CA - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By BONG - August 20 - 2:16 am

  driving this vehicle for a year is not that good because for the first two mos of driving, i noticed the popping noise from driver side or when you hitting pot holes and turning.after a year, the a/c compressor has a knocking noise and need replacement and they need to order the Dont buy kia when you are in california or dont go to california when you have this kia cars..They dont have participating dealer in ca.......parts.when you turn L/R/maneuver or backing, you need extra effort.

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  2006 Sedona "Lemon" - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By jwmrjm - August 19 - 1:43 pm

  Within a few weeks the transmission went out. The technicians had difficulty diagnosing the problem before deciding to order a new transmission from Korea. Two "loaner vehicles were provided. Both of these Sedona’s had electrical malfunctions. The fuel pump has been replaced. The intake air system has failed. The tire pressure sensors have failed. The horn has failed and Kia installed the "wrong" replacement making yet two more trips back to the shop. The vehicle has spent 1/4 of its life in the shop. Kia has failed to honor terms of extended warranty contract. Do not buy Kia.

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  great value - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By DeAnn Hair - August 16 - 10:16 am

  I was recently widowed when I purchased my Kia Sedona. I wanted leather and a great AC---for FL lifestyle. I haul grandchildren, crafts, and travel out of state frequently. Reliable, attractive vehicle. Purchasing it was a very good decision.