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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  Good Relaible Van - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By MommasVan - January 26 - 4:16 am

  I Bought My Van New In May 2003 after researching it for 2 years when it first came out, i was Buying My 1st new Car ever and was 41 yrs. old. I got it loaded the ex, But Not Leather seats, as I hate them, I had no problems with it Other than the Door handles Kept breaking. Odd , But Kia replaced Under warranty free. Had 2 Recalls fixed. and Have taken extra good care of it. after it hit 50,000 started hearing an Odd Noise In front wheel suspension at 40mph. still cannot figure out what it is. and engine Lights on alot, and then goes off after like 3 miles. weird. A/C quit working last year, still Not working, Have had to Buy a few relays switches for several things, Tires wear on it bad.

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  Wheres the Warranty - 2003 Kia Sedona
  By bjlieffort - January 24 - 8:50 pm

  Drives well. But if you ever have to take it in for service, youre in trouble. The dealership cant do anything under warranty with out an OK from KIA. Will try any excuse to avoid doing work free warranty work. The factory demands that you maintain the van using the severe maintenance schedule no matter how you use your van. Factory Reps are available but they rule supreme ... told me a transmission chatter [tranny cant decide which gear to put itself in on a down-shift at 1500RPMs and about 40 MPH] that I have is normal operation if I use the overdrive in the city. Their suggested bypass is to drive in town with overdrive off and at about 5k RPMs higher. Just cost me more with poorer MPG

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  Can anything else be wrong - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By P Contreras - December 30 - 12:33 am

  We have a 2002 Sedona and have loved it until one thing after another keeps going on. The van keeps dying out on me. We have changed the motor mounts, 02 sensors, the air flow filters, and the alternator. So far the check engine light has not turned on so the dealer is guessing on what could be wrong. Up to now we have spent close to $2000 and still dont know whats going on. At this point I regreat letting my husband change my mind from buying the Toyota Sienna. WOMEN DONT LET YOUR HUSBAND CHANGE YOUR MIND. For a mom with 3 small kids this is not a safe car!

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  Very Noisy Cabin - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By R.S. - November 9 - 10:00 am

  The ride is rigid and the cabin is extremely noisy (unlike other reviews seen here). Other than that it is a decent, practical vehicle but is is hard to get past the noise.

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  Spark Plugs hard to change - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By tlrussell0829 - October 17 - 2:50 pm

  My husband and I bought this 05 sedona used and he went to change spark plugs and the back 3 is going to be very expensive to change, you have to take the intake manifold off and I find that very ridiculous that they would build it that way. I love the van except trying to squeeze in the very back and not a lot of trunk space. Very disappointed that it is going to be hard just to try to do basic repairs ourselves like changing spark plugs.

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  nothing but problems - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By tyler37 - October 16 - 1:03 pm

  good performance. poor build quality

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  Worst car Ive ever owned! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By wmumpower - June 27 - 1:26 am

  Ive had nothing but transmission problems with my car since 9,000 miles. The dealership has made every excuse they can think of to not fix the problem. Supposedly at 18,000 miles they replaced the transmission with a rebuilt one. Problems still existed after the supposed replacement. Now they say that the transmission is no good because of the tires being of a different circumference even though they are marked the same size, refusing to fix the transmission. The car is in my opinion, junk and the dealership is a sham. Oh, they also had to replace the engine 2 weeks after the worked on the transmission. Seems the serpentine belt broke and got into the timing belt.

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  Worst Car Ive ever owned - 2006 Kia Sedona
  By frommissouir2 - May 16 - 2:46 am

  I have had the oil changed at the dealer for the entire life of this car simply because every time it was time to change the oil something else was broken on it. The air bag light just came on this morning, and the check engine light has been lighting up regularly so BACK TO THE DEALER we go. I still plan on driving it until the wheels fall off but I will NEVER buy another KIA.

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  Latent Battery Related Issues - 2010 Kia Sedona
  By mytwocents - May 3 - 6:27 pm

  Purchased in March 2010, roughly 6 months later began having unexplained occurrences of the battery dying. Dealer found nothing wrong, yet the issue persists sporadically even to this day.

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  The Warranty - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By SAd - April 15 - 5:23 am

  The warranty on the car is not worth it wait in gold. I have had the car for 4years have replaced the tires 9 times the brakes 5 times and now the car is in the shop and has to have a new engine. This is not covered by the warranty even though I only have 70,000 miles on it. They say it is my fault for not having the oil change like I should I have proof that I do have it changed like I should and they say it is still my fault. The answer is either fix it which will cost me 3,500 for a used engine with a 6 month warranty or I could trade it in on a new one. I think this is very sad that my husband 20 year cars engine still runs great and a 4 year old engine needs to be replaced.