Kia Sedona

Couldn't Believe We Bought a Kia

By CubsFanMom (Minneapolis, MN) on Sunday, July 12, 2009

"We did not want to buy a mini-van, but realized we needed to cave once baby #3 arrived and oldest started school and we needed space to help with carpools. The most important thing was safety so we agreed to buy the safest minivan out there, and were surprised to find that consistently that was the Kia Sedona. We drove a Honda Odyssey, a Toyota Sienna and a Town & Country along the way. Frankly, a minivan's a minivan. We went into it sure we'd go for the Honda or the Toyota, but stuck to our commitment to safety and bought the Sedona. It's been two years, and it's been a great great vehicle. Has good (deep) storage behind the 3rd seat, the back seats fold into the floor and the middle ones pop right out if needed. The back up sensors and mirrors that auto adjust when you back up are nice, and the power/leather/wood grain make it feel like a step up from the minivans I grew up with. There are ample cup holders. I really like not having to "dig" for the LATCH hooks in the seats (in our other car they are hidden behind a flap of leather and are cumbersome to find). If you are especially big/tall, there is not a lot of room in the front. My husband is 6'2" and it works, but if he were any taller it would not be comfortable. We have had zero mechanical problems. Overall, we were surprised to buy a Kia, but have been very very happy with it."

52 people out of 52 found this review helpful

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Great Van

By Dad of two young boys (Bourbonnaisl, IL) on Saturday, September 13, 2008

"First of all I am quite frugal and I hate buying cars. We have a 99 Hyundai Elantra and a 2003 Santa Fe. We purchased the Santa Fe because we were going to have the boys. It turns out that the Santa Fe was much smaller than we realized once we got car seats in it. So, in comes the minivan sage of life. I did a good deal of research and it came down to the Kia, a Hyundai and the Dodge. Near as I can tell the Hyundai and Kia were the same vehicle with some styling differences. And the thing that made me consider the Dodge Caravan was the new “lifetime Warranty”. The Hyundai was something like $3000 more than the Sedona so the Sedona was hands down over the Hyundai. So then it was down to the Dodge and the Kia. Dodge had a better power train warranty but a poorer bumper to bumper warranty. From what I have seen, the power train usually has few problems but things like power windows and heaters have a way of failing after about 3 or 4 years. Also the Dodge had a much smaller engine, and in test drives, I could really tell the difference. Where the Dodge was slow to accelerate both from a standstill and while passing, the Kia had plenty of pep. The Kia accelerated smoothly but if I gun it, it stands up and takes notice. The Dodge did have a slightly smoother ride but not by much. Gas mileage is pretty good at about 23 on the highway. The Dodge had 24 but with only a 175 horse engine vs. the Kia’s 250. We purchased the Base LX model with floor mats and roof rails. I guess the roof rails are ok and it is hard to find one without them. Just about everything you want in a van is standard. Power this and that, cruise, cd player and the stow and go 3rd row seats. My little guys just love being able to work the sliding doors on their own, no power but easy enough so that my 2 ½ year old can open and close it himself. And, the windows in the sliding doors go down as well. That comes in handy when we are saying by to grandma and grandpa. Fittings are all top notch and the inside looks great. I like the fold down center consol in the front seat and the three zone cooling is sharp too. In the Dodge all of these things were extra. In the end we got what I thought was a great deal on the car. It took me over a month of looking and test driving and talking with different dealerships. In the end, I finally made a vehicle purchase that I felt good about with no reservations. I got a great price on a really good van. Anyway, great van. I am sure I will keep it until long after the warranty expires."

29 people out of 29 found this review helpful

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Great Vehicle!

By damwill64 (New Hampshie) on Thursday, August 06, 2009

"I bought a 2004 new Kia Sedona LX 3.5L,drove for 5.5 years with no problems.Only put tires,front end allignment,front pads, new rear coolent hoses.Only 38K, Traded because gas milage was bad 16-19 mpg.at best! and no room behind third seat. With 6 in family room was important. We traded for 2008 used Kia Sedona 3.8L, LB, LX with 35k was a rent a car for Enterprise Boston, Ma. Paid $14,700.00 Plus got $4000.00 trade allowance.(owed $2800.00 on 2004) We bought 2004 for $22,000.00 lost so much after new. These vehicles don't hold retail or trade value. Buy used. Very reliable. This 2008 has more room. More power. More gas milage 22-25 mpg. No timing belt on 2008(timing belt change for 2004 is $400.00 plus). Has Timing chain(dose not need to change) and look at scheduled maintainace for 2008 compaired to 2004. Alot less. Very differant ride compaired from 2004 to 2008. 2008 rides like a limo compaired to 2004. Well worth the trade. Bought extra warrentee for both vehicles and did not need. Also bought Gap insurance both times. I like to be safe. probely don't need extra insurances? Thanks"

13 people out of 13 found this review helpful

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