I am in the market to buy a minivan. I know Kia has gotten a rap as being inferior to Toyota, Honda and even Dodge or Ford, but considering the good pricing and warranty on a new Kia Sedona....I am taking a look to see if it is worth considering. Are Kia Sedona's a lemon? How do they hold up over say several years? Hyundai's seem to do ok, so why not Kia's. Any information appreciated.
It's supposed to be a very reasonable choice for most families. You can check out the following for a variety of reviews and comparisons regarding the 2002 to 2005 model years:
Edmunds:
However, I understand that there is a redesigned model due out for 2006 (i.e. September 05) or 2007 (September 06). The new one will probably share much of its fundamentals with the upcoming Hyundai Entourage, a car which has already generated some buzz.
Hope this helps!
Mr. Lapin made some good comments. I agree that the 2006 Sedona is going to be quite an upgrade.
That said, it may make a leftover 2005 an even better deal. Right now, dealer "cash back" is $4000 on an '05 Sedona.
Either way, it is easily the best value in minivans, running circles around Ford, Dodge and GM. Don't know much about the re-designed GM's, but they are just slight updates of the very unimpressive vehicles that have been around for about 8 years.
As for the Ford and Dodge, I live in an area where everybody buys them (as opposed to imports), but no one is happy with them. The Toyota is good, but very expensive, and apparently not many Toyota dealers will make you much of a deal for one. Not much different for Honda.
Hope this helps.
Tom Wenndt
I have a 2005 Sedona LX. We really like it. It may not be as refined as a Toyota but it didn't cost $30K + either.
Points that I like:
Heavy - body on frame built. Has a large truck style frame Good towing ability. U.S. version's rated at 3500 lbs while the same van with SMALLER engine in Europe is rated at 4500 lbs. Good torque at lower RPM's. Peak is generated at 3500 RPM. Toyota and Honda's peak is at the red line.
5-speed tranny HUGE tranny fluid cooler as standard equip.Dislikes:
Thin paint Truck like ride
I'd say go for it.
Todd
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