own a sedona-updated (Kia Sedona 2.5 V6 S)

Member Name: dibuzz

Product:	Kia Sedona 2.5 V6 S
Date:	15/06/01 (433 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: cheaper than its rivals, light and easy to handle, versatile seating arrangements

Disadvantages: below average fit and finish, poor rear visibility

Although cheaper than any of its rivals it is not noticably inferior.

The 7 seats are very versatile. The 2 middle row seats can turn completely round to face the rear and due to extra lap belts can be used this way when travelling. The rear seat also can lie completely flat and all the seats can be moved individually to create extra luggage space.

Some people prefer seats which can be removed completely but these are often heavy and you need somewhere to store them. The Sedona addresses this problem by mounting the seats on runners so you can move them all forward or back to create a larger luggage area. This is aided by the completely flat floor plan which also gives a greater feeling of space.

The 2.5 V6 engine is perfectly adequate for the job and once you get used to the light control of the pedals it is very easy and smooth to drive. In fact the engine is so quiet that you can barely hear it. The steering is also very light and easy to use.

One problem I have found is that the fit and finish is not as good as it could be ( the caroet feels very cheap) but as it is so much cheaper than the equivalent from such as Ford or Renault this is something you learn to live with.

The average fuel consumption is 25 mpg which is not bad for such a big car, especially when carrying a full load of passengers. Access to the rear passenger compartment is good, with sliding doors on both sides and tilting middle seats. This is also helped by the flat floor pan which makes it easy for a child to walk around the entire vehicle easily and exit through whichever door takes their fancy that day ( you need to have kids to understand that).

The rear seat has handy hooks on the back so that you can attach shopping bags and they will not slide about. There is also a place for a fire extinguisher, various cup holders, a glovebox, cd/tape storage area and a lockable security box.Obviously I won't tell you where that is!


Although this is the basic model it is well equipped, with electric windows, electrically adjusted door mirrors,central locking, multi position seats and a seperately controlled heater for the rear.

The first dealer service is at 9000 miles or 12 months.

The only other problem is rear visibility when reversing round a corner or into a driveway. This can be awkward until you learn to rely more on the mirrors.

For the price this car is well worth considering. I am pleased I bought one.

I have now had this car for 2 months and continue to be impressed by it.

Fuel consumption isn't the best but easily beats my old transit minibus.

My two youngest kids love to trvel in the middle two seats facing the rear which is so easy to do I don't mind keep changing them round. Even the rear bench seat reclines which makes it more comfortable if the kids nod off on a long journey.

I have got used to the rear visibility problem and manage easily with the door mirrors. It is actually easier to see through the back with the middle seats turned around to face the rear.

Although the finish doesn't seem as good as on dearer cars nothing has failed or gone wrong.

I feel I have made a very good choice.

Summary: