Good value for the money, lots of features low price.
Pros:
Solid performer, excellent work horse, great torque, and good value.
Cons:
Needs steering wheel which has greater adjustment, and better mileage.
The Bottom Line:
Solid performer, good value for the money. I would definitely buy another Sedona.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
OK to be right up front the Kia Sedona is not the "Best" mini van. Honda and Toyota hold that award (but sell for a whole lot more). What the Kia does represent is the Best Value for the money. It does a solid job in every category at a livable price.
This is my 4th mini van (I have owned 3 Plymouth/Chrysler products including a Town and Country).
I am writing this review after three years and 45,000 miles on my Kia Sedona. I use my Sedona like a truck. It is loaded with PCs, monitors (freight), frequently hauls a loaded cargo trailer (30 plus times a year), and transports people (200 plus miles one way).
The Sedona EX has a ton of options, and accessories included in the stock EX configuration. Instead of a low base price which climbs steadily when: Tinted Windows, Power Rear Vent Windows, Roof Rack, Cruise Control, PS, AC, Deluxe Sound Power Seats, Leather, etc. is added. Kia includes virtually every desired option into the EX package, at a very fair price. Additionally the power train warranty is 10 years 100,000 miles, with a 5 years bumper to bumper warranty.
The seats are adjustable and comfortable on long trips, and the driving position offers clear view of the road and traffic. I do recommend the "captains chairs or quad seating" if you are transporting 4 full sized adults on long trips, and the rear heating and cooling are excellent. There are numerous cup holders and DC cigarette power ports to connect laptops and i-Pods.
The 3.5L V-6 is powerful, loaded with torque, and combined with a well geared transmission launches well, shifts smoothly, and gets up to speed 60 MPH without complaint. It will haul 1,000 pounds of cargo and a 2,500 lb trailer at high way speed. It does not lug down, the transmission is solid and shifts definitively, and it does not hunt up and down or feel vague. I have done more hauling with the Sedona than I did with the 3 previous mini vans, and have not had any transmission issues at all! Even full loaded the Sedona is rock solid. It holds the road well, and tracks very stably and predictably. It does not surprise. I really appreciate the ABS on slick or snowy roads when pulling a trailer.
I have not had any quality control issues or mechanical problems in 3 plus years, and over 45,000 miles. I could not say the same for the 3 previous mini vans having replaced two (2) T-4 Chrysler Plymouth transmissions at $2,500 each out of pocket :(
Suggestions for improvement: I wish the tilt steering had a greater range, and that it telescoped in and out as well (it would help prevent driver fatique on long trips by allowing greater versatility in the driving position). I also replaced the OEM tires with a set of Yokohama Avid T-4s because the OEM tires seemed vague and did not provide good feel and response.
My mileage when hauling a trailer has ranged from 14 to 19 miles per gallon when hauling the trailer, and 19 to 25 mpg with a (60-40%) mix of highway and city driving (van and no trailer). I would expect 20 to 24 mpg in mixed driving.
I am fortunate to have two excellent Kia dealers which support and sell Sedona's in the Harrisburg PA area. Additionally, both were very competitive on pricing and availability of Sedona's.
If you are not a snob, and don't need the cachet of driving a Honda or a Toyota, or wish to avoid the uncertain support of a warranty from Chrysler who may not be around in a couple of years, I strongly recommend that you include a Kia EX in your comparison of features and final prices. It may not be the best, but it does everything well, and provides excellent value for the money.
After I have achieved 10 years of use, or 150,000 miles on this Sedona, I would definitely buy another.
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