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2006 Kia Sedona EX Road Test

Sedona Lands a Knockout

Kia, the less known Korean auto manufacturer is actually Koreas oldest builder of automobiles. Although this modest builder of value-added vehicles is one of the newer brands in the U.S., they have a manufacturing history dating back to 1944. Kia is now one of the fastest growing car companies in the States. As mega auto-manufacturing conglomerates, such as GM, close plants and drop model lines, Kia goes quietly about increasing its market share, and not just in here at home, but worldwide. That is of course impressive, but familiarize yourself with the huge leaps in build quality and reliability that Kia has achieved in a remarkably short period of time and you are likely

The new Sedona minivan is Kias value and quality "gem in the crown." (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

to be blown away.

Kia has focused on two key objectives in the manufacture of its automobiles: value and quality. As of today, the new Sedona minivan is their value and quality "gem in the crown."  Put by a product and planning manager for Kia, "This vehicle is new from scratch." That means it is not a warmed-over 2005 edition, which was a darn decent van in its own

The new Sedona is no warmed-over 2005 edition, but an all-new vehicle from the ground up. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

right. Kia has proven itself to be a fast learner. Considering that the previous generation Sedona, which hit the market in 2001, was Kias first attempt at a North American style minivan, they have nailed the category in just their second try.
During the launch of the 2006 Sedona, this product planner explained that Kia knew its new van would have to be a segment leader in styling, safety, convenience

Kia was clear in understanding that its new van would have to be a segment leader in styling, safety, convenience and power if it was to succeed. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

and power if it was to succeed. Those exact qualities have bred huge life into Toyotas Sienna, Hondas Odyssey, and, well, at least created an initial stir around Nissans Quest, and Chrysler Groups Caravan and Town & Country duo are still the segment leaders due to innovative seating flexibility and other segment firsts, so the bar has been set extremely high. The kicker in this equation is value. Core to Kias marketing

Kia has salted the new Sedona with styling equally as attractive and modern looking as any of the big nameplates. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

strategy is "value," so providing the essential elements while adding reverse sticker shock by offering the new model at a price well below the noted competitors would be the challenge.

It would appear that overcoming challenges is a Kia specialty. They have salted the new Sedona with styling equally as attractive and modern looking as any of the big nameplates. But Kia isnt relying on style alone to attract the family dollar. Their Sedona comes with a 244-horsepower, 3.8-liter (232 cu in) V6 engine,

The Sedonas plentitude of horsepower and standard equipment is not accompanied with the big-ticket pricing that stalks its three toughest import rivals. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

split flat-folding third row seating, second row seating that tumbles forward or can be easily removed, rear sonar park assist, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, six airbags, dual side-curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring and tri-zone air conditioning as standard or available equipment. Also available are the usual power-operated assists such as keyless entry and power mirrors along with dual sliding doors and drop-down side glass. Impressed yet? If not, just wait. You will be.

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