Introduction

Kia Sedona offers a good value for big families that don’t want to break the budget on a minivan. The Sedona is bigger than a Dodge Caravan and comes loaded with popular features, yet it costs about $4,500 less than other comparably equipped minivans.

Though relatively inexpensive, the Sedona is among the few minivans that have earned the Federal government’s top five-star crash rating for both driver and front-seat passenger in a front impact, and for all front and rear-seat occupants in side-impact tests, an important consideration in a family vehicle.

Sedona drives well, too, with a responsive V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. Its ride and handling are easy and smooth. The main difference is in the quality of the door handles and some of the interior finishes, and that’s not much of a trade-off for $4,500.

For 2004, the Sedona offers an optional DVD entertainment system at both LX and EX trim levels.

Lineup

Kia Sedona is available in two trim levels, LX ($19,975) and EX ($22,085). Both models are powered by a big 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. They provide seven-passenger seating and come standard with sliding doors on both sides.

LX is equipped well, even without options. Standard equipment includes front and rear air conditioning, six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, power mirrors, power front windows, cruise control, an overhead console with storage, electric windshield de-icer, rear window defroster and wiper/washer, sophisticated interior lighting, three 12-volt power outlets, eight-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, tilt steering column, a folding center tray table, even floor mats.

EX adds remote keyless entry, chrome exterior trim, fog lights, woodgrain interior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a luggage rack, heated mirrors, power rear quarter windows, power seats for driver and passenger, second-row captain’s chairs in place of the standard two-seat bench, a trip computer, alloy wheels, and an eight-speaker AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo.

Options include anti-lock brakes ($595), a roof rack for the LX ($200), and a trailer hitch ($350). A Leather Package ($850) and power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof ($700) are available for the EX. A DVD entertainment system is being added to the options list for 2004.