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2003 Kia Sedona Road Test

No Sacrifice Value Van

Who would have thought that Koreas Kia would be competing head to head with the top domestic and Japanese automakers in the hotly contested minivan sector of the market when they started out?

Well they are, and theyve come to the table with a formidable product. After almost two years of production the Sedona has walked away with various best new vehicle awards, a total value index award and a vehicle satisfaction award, not bad at all. Its National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 5-Star rating for front and rear-seat passengers in both frontal and side impact crash tests was a

The Kia Sedona has earned an impressive list of awards over the past two years, including a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

boost too, showing just how far Kia has gone to not only win over buyers but keep them... alive.

I tested the 2002 Sedona when it arrived on the scene over a year ago and was duly impressed. It wasnt perfect, and didnt completely measure up to the

The Sedona has a long list of standard features, all at a price well below its competitors. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Chrysler Caravan, Honda Odyssey or Mazda MPV in interior perceived quality or convenience features, but then again offered standard features that should have made some of its competition blush with embarrassment at the prices they were asking. Even without factoring the 2002 Sedonas low price it was good enough to recommend.

Model year 2003 hasnt brought

The Sedonas 195-hp 3.5-L V6 is mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox, putting it ahead of many of its competitors. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

much in the way of changes, actually none that have been made known to me. I noticed some improvements in build quality, especially with the tailgate that feels more substantial when closing now than the previous example I was testing.

As far as its competition, of which I spent a great deal of time in the previous review doing comparisons, only the Toyota Sienna has dramatically changed with a 2004 model just made available,

High-speed stability and agility in the corners puts the Sedona near the top of the pack, but the lack of traction control is noticeable. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

while a new Nissan Quest, not available last year, and a replacement for the aging Ford Windstar, the Freestar, are on the way for 2004.

The Sedonas 3.5-L V6 remains the same for 2003 at 195-hp, and offers excellent response to input, that is if the front wheels dont light up spinning and screeching desperate for front wheel grip. I dont usually start reviews with complaints but for those whose right foot gets the best of them this minivan needs traction control. Back on the positive, torque

A standard list of safety features keeps the family safe and secure. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

steer, often a problem with front-wheel drive cars, is virtually non-existent. Whats more, while some competitors are still only offering 4-speed automatic transmissions the Sedonas 5-speed unit shifts seamlessly, a really impressive gearbox.

Also the Kia wont disappoint those trying to make up time on their way to a past due appointment, as its high-speed stability and agility in the corners is near the top of the pack. Again traction control, or even a more sophisticated stability control system, could go a long way to improving things in slippery conditions, but such features cost money, and would drive up the

Rear drum brakes are all that is available on any Sedona model. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Sedonas bottom line.

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