EDMUNDS.COM 2004 KIA SEDONA
Find, Buy, Review, Make offers on, and View more vehicles like the 2004 KIA SEDONA new at UsedNewCars.com!
Click Here For More Reviews On Edmunds.com
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
While mainstream minivans may offer all the latest gadgets, Kia''s Sedona continues to stuff all the essential ingredients of a family vehicle into a value-priced package.
Pros
Excellent value, roomy interior with lots of cupholders and storage bins, solid build quality, lengthy warranty coverage.
Cons
Below-average gas mileage, missing a few key minivan features, potentially expensive to repair in minor collisions.
What''s New for 2004
For 2004, the Sedona has a revised grille with a larger logo. The EX model has a new alloy wheel design, while the LX has redesigned plastic wheel covers. A center tray table with cupholders is now standard on both EX and LX.
Overview
Introduction:
Anyone with kids knows that, like ''em or not, minivans rule when it comes to versatility and convenience. The minivan''s status as the ultimate family hauler has made this segment one of the most hotly contested markets in the industry. Top-rated vans like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna offer spacious cabins with a deft combination of comfort, convenience and safety that family buyers can''t help but like. Trouble is, these minivans command relatively high prices that put them out of reach of families on a tight budget.Like the company''s Sorento sport-utility vehicle, the Sedona packs an amazing punch for its price. As on the Odyssey, there are just two trim levels -- LX and EX -- and either one will get you into a seven-passenger minivan carefully assembled with quality materials and overflowing with storage areas and cupholders. Regardless of which trim you choose, Kia has the basics covered: The base LX comes with one-touch power front windows, power door locks, front and rear air conditioning, cruise control and a CD player. And your family will have plenty of room to spread out -- this Kia is about the same size as larger vans like the Odyssey, Dodge Grand Caravan and Ford Windstar, even though it''s priced closer to the short-wheelbase Dodge Caravan and Mazda MPV. Downsides to Sedona ownership? Well, you won''t find power-sliding doors, a third-row seat that disappears into the floor, traction control or side airbags, though the Sedona''s five-star sweep in crash testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would seem to make up for the airbags. Also, power from the standard 3.5-liter V6 is certainly passable, but the minivan''s 4,700-pound curb weight taxes the drivetrain and the brakes, if you don''t spring for the optional ABS. It also keeps fuel economy down; the Sedona is rated at 15 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway -- the lowest of any front-wheel-drive minivan. Finally, in 5-mph bumper strength tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Sedona incurred the highest repair costs of any minivan on the market -- meaning that it could be expensive to repair after a minor collision. If you can live with these few shortcomings (and we''ll wager that most people can), you''ll be getting a very capable minivan that will leave you extra money to spend on what really matters -- your kids.
 |
For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Sedona is offered in two well-equipped trim levels, LX and EX. The LX comes with 15-inch wheels; body-color bumpers, door handles and side molding; seven-passenger seating (with a second-row bench seat); adjustable seat height and lumbar for the driver; one-touch power front windows; power door locks and mirrors; front and rear air conditioning; cruise control; a CD player; a folding center tray (between the front seats); 10 cupholders; and three power points. A roof rack is optional. The EX adds keyless entry; second-row captain''s chairs; an eight-way power driver seat; four-way power passenger seat; power rear-quarter windows; a CD/cassette player combo; foglights; automatic headlights; alloy wheels; a roof rack; and various leather and wood trim throughout the interior. Options include leather upholstery and a sunroof. Both models are eligible for ABS and a rear spoiler.
Powertrains and Performance:
Powering all Sedonas is a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 195 horsepower. This might not sound like enough power to hang with the many 200-plus horsepower vans out there. However, thanks to a five-speed automatic, the Kia makes the most of its 195 horses and never feels slow; off-the-line power is excellent. Fuel economy, on the other hand, is not good, rating just 15 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway -- the culprit here is the Sedona''s hefty 4,700-pound curb weight.
Safety:
Front disc/rear drum brakes are standard, but ABS costs extra. We highly recommend spending the money. The Sedona swept up during government crash testing, earning five-star ratings in all categories. IIHS testing wasn''t as encouraging, though, as the Sedona was rated "Acceptable" in the 40-mph offset crash test (the second highest out of four) and received a "Poor" rating for bumper strength. The latter score isn''t a major safety concern but does suggest that repair costs would be high in minor front- or rear-end collisions.
|
For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
In addition to abundant storage and cupholders, the Sedona offers comfortable, flexible seating. Both front seats, for instance, offer ratcheting armrests. The second- and third-row seats can slide fore and aft by several inches, allowing owners to position the seats to accommodate longer legs or extra cargo. Unfortunately, the third-row bench does not fold flat into the floor, and the seats are more difficult to remove than most. Cargo capacity is 21.8 cubic feet with all seats in use, 70.6 cubes with the third-row bench removed and 127.5 with all rear seats removed.
|
For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Despite its hefty curb weight, the Sedona feels comfortable and stable in everyday driving situations. The van''s steering is nicely weighted and responsive, and visibility is excellent, though the third-row headrests can partially block the rear window.
|
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
[ UsedNewCars.com ] [ Information Index ] [ Site Map ]
[ KIA Information Index ] [ MINIVAN/VAN Information Index ]
|
