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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  Stop Looking and Buy - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Sedona Lover!! - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I love this Van. My husband and I bought this Van last year and we still love it. No regrets!! Even with the other new Vans we see on the road, it still feels new to us. When we see other people driving Sedonas, they even stop and talk to us. they say things like " Dont you love it" and "Isnt this a great Van" TRUE!! Its all TRUE. Thats how wonderful this Van is!!

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  I must be lucky! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Outafocus - December 27 - 9:40 am

  After 5 years and 78,000 miles I have nothing really bad to say about my Kia minivan. It gets 22-23 MPG on the highway loaded with as much as we can stuff in it. The ride and handling are very nice. Repairs? Ive only had one and that was front brakes at 72,000 miles. I had the timing belt and water pump changed at 60,000 for the warranty and, thats it. First set of tires lasted 48,000 and the current set of Michelins are a little more than half worn at 30,000 miles. Is everything perfect? Nope. The plastic parts around door thresholds, etc., are waaaay too thin. They crack and break easily. Taking the seats in and out is a real pain. If I could buy another one like this one I would in a minute!

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  Never Again - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By Leftyflinter - December 27 - 7:03 am

  I have owned 6 brand new vehicles and this has to be worse than the 15 year old Subaru I got rid of that had 235,000 miles on it. I can not think of any positive feedback for this vehicle. The warranty is only good if the manufacturer will fix/repair the problems.

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  Great Value & 10yr. 100,000 warantee - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By swin728 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Better ride then I thought possible in Minivan after driving others. Plenty of power. Price that cant be beat.

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  I LOVE MY KIA - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By Ramonita jimenez - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THE WAY THE FIVE SPEED TRANNY RIPS THREW THE GEARS WHEN I PUNCH IT SOUNDS LIKE A SPORTS CAR. I THINK KIA SHOULD PUT THE FIVE SPEED IN THE NEW SPORTS UTILITY VEHICLE THEY ARE INTRODUCING NEXT YEAR (sorrento)

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  I love this vehicle! - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By Regina - December 22 - 9:46 pm

  We purchased our new Kia after our 2000 Chevy Venture starting having problems due to its age and 95,000 miles on it. No complaints with the Venture but I didnt like to looks or the price of Chevys Uplander. After pricing the Chevy and the Dodge vans we decided to check out Kia. so far I love it We did have to have the fuel pump replaced right away as it was taking a lot of cranking to start it. Kia gave us a loaner to use which was identical to our vehicle...great move Kia. :) I highly recommend people to check out Kia, great amenities for the price!

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  Great car, iffy service - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By DawnBaby - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Overall, we are happy with our purchase. The mini van is comfortable and fun to drive, especially with the leather package and sun roof. We have had a bad experience with the dealership. The radio broke the day after we got it and they made us wait a long time for a new one. (Do not jump start a Sedona without disconnecting the radio from the circuit panel!! Apparently the dealer jumped the car the night before we bought it and it ruined the stereo) Now the privacy glass is bubbling and we need a new window. A few inconvieniences, but we are pleased with our decision to buy the Sedona.

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  great minivan! - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By keetoburrito - December 12 - 7:30 am

  My dad bought this van years ago, and now I drive it to and from work very often. It is a great van, and we havent really had many problems with it. However, if a door is not shut properly, it will wear down the battery. Otherwise, it is great and very reliable. The outer paint is a little worn due to high temperatures when we go to the desert, but it doesnt affect the cars performance. I have not seen any of the problems with transmission, A/C, or anything else and the van is almost at 38,000 miles.

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  12398745+665 - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By v - December 10 - 2:00 am

  this car is fast speedy and good it shold be priced less

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  Great Van - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By TLK - December 5 - 2:00 am

  We have owned this car for almost two months and we love it.