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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  2007 Kia Sedona - 2007 Kia Sedona
  By Peter Bennett - October 12 - 11:00 am

  Sixteen months & 25,000 miles with lots of enjoyment and zero malfunctions. Excellent product at a great price.

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  Great deal - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By dobjob - October 9 - 10:00 am

  We just bought our new Sedona and are delighted with it. We paid 22k for an EX with leather, sunroof, homelink and ABS. We got the 0% financing for 3 years so thats an added bonus.

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  Kia Got it Right - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Damned_Right - October 7 - 2:00 am

  The soccer mom meme doesnt apply. Theres nothing "mini" about this van. It is as solid a beast as any pick-up truck, IMO. The versatility is amazing, converting it from a hauler w/ the rear seats down and the mid seats folded fwd, to a comfortable transport for seven. Everything is where it needs to be - cup holders, nooks, comfortable seating & decent mileage. My only gripe is AM radio reception which is limited to only local broadcasts - no distant stations can be recd where any other radio would, easily. Not sure if this is just my Sedona doing this, or others have similar issues.. Would be curious to know, if it can be fixed. Note the newer Sedonas no longer use in-glass antennas.

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  I love it! - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By Vernon and Joan - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Just traded in my 2002 for a 2004 and have not complaints. Handles well in snow and love the updates in the 2004. Very nice reliable van. Hubby and children do not care for the new grill, but they will get over it. It seems as though Kia has worked out many of the complaints with this model. Think the ripped me with the 2800 dollar dvd system though. I still love it though.

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  3 years and 100,000 - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By scdad - October 1 - 10:13 pm

  I brought my Kia brand new in 06. It was the only 05 left and it only had 7 test miles on it. This van has taken me back and forth to Vax4, MDx3, Gax4 and Flx2 with no problems what so ever. I wouldnt trade it for the world. I dont know what everyone else is talking about but my Kia it awesome. It is all about how you take care of your vehicle.

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  Great Value - 2004 Kia Sedona
  By optimist - September 30 - 10:00 am

  My second Sedona. Owned 2002 model. Great value, excellent quality for the money.

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  Sedona Rocks - 2008 Kia Sedona
  By Bill - September 29 - 2:56 am

  Rented a car in may 2007, was upgraded free to 2008 kia sedona for a week. best test drive ever. Wife fell in love with van. Finally in the market to purchase a vehicle March 2009, Sedona only one came to mind. Love everything about sedona. Engine same size as the 98 z34 monte carlo, V6 3.8l. nice acceleration and handling. My wife and I argue over who gets to drive when we go places now.

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  Bad Experience. Unsafe .. and others think so too - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By nickelrider - September 27 - 2:18 pm

  Warning- XXX -Warning Fair Warning to anyone considering this car. It is totally unsafe as it will just turn off in the middle of driving- anywhere. Not good for what most buy as a family car. Left my wife and kids stranded 3 times and me several times as well. Could be fuel pump/filter, air mass sensor, TPS, IPM Module, Junction Box, cold air sensor, or the key cylinder. My mechanic is stumped. Rust Bucket too. The sliding door handle fell off and there are other small hardware issues. At least I get $ 250.00 to haul her away. I cannot in good conscience sell this to another party based on what I know. Bottom line- KIAs reliability just plain sucks!! Enough said.

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  Outstanding Value - 2002 Kia Sedona
  By BlackBear - September 27 - 10:00 am

  One of the best vehicles I have ever purchased. Loads of standard equipment for thousands less. The envy of all the Dodge Van owners on my street. Look no further than this van for price, quality and reliability. If you were in the hunt for a van choose the Sedona. 5 star crash rating and 10 year warranty. What else can I say?

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  Rods KIA - 2005 Kia Sedona
  By RAY RUBY - September 23 - 10:16 am

  Overall vey satisfied. Fuel economy much better than expected. It is consistently 18.5 to 20 mpg with AC running and in and out of traffic. Road noise a little high and steering radius a bit short but neither problem comes close to off-setting the value of the purchase price. Seats are a bit heavy and bulky to remove but 7 adults can ride quite comfortably. Dual AC unit is outstanding and here in south Florida that counts for a lot of comfort. Tires are nosiy and I look forward to replacing them. havent had chance to check out dealer support as Ive had no problems . Im very satisfied especially "for the money." I wish I had gotten the optional "back-up warning system."