Photo by christielockwood The minivan market is a crowded segment of the automotive industry, led by stalwarts Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country, but also joined by Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. It is a tough market, one that General Motors and Ford have left, but also occupied by smaller, but still important players including the Kia Sedona.
For the Kia Sedona, one of the newer players in minivan market, this vehicle has received a lot of positive press lately thanks to several awards given over the past few years. Most recently, the Sedona received a “Good” rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS); a five-star crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); and just recently was named as a Consumers Digest “Best Buy” a recognition for the second consecutive year.
“It is an honor to have Sedona recognized yet again,” said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors America (KMA) and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). “Being named a ‘Best Buy’ by Consumers Digest goes to the heart of Kia Motors’ commitment to offering consumers value-minded and comfortable vehicles with outstanding safety features. “ Introduced in 1999, the Sedona is marketed almost everywhere as the Carnival, but in the United States and Great Britain the Sedona name prevails.
While some markets offer a 2. 7L V6 gas engine or a 2. 9L V6 diesel, the U. S. Sedona comes with a 3. 8L V6 and is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Sister automaker Hyundai sells a version of the Sedona which they call the Entourage. The second generation Sedona, which is now on the market, offers both Long and Short Wheel Bases; stock safety features such as six standard airbags (dual advanced front and front seat-mounted side air bags, and full-length side curtain air bags for all three seating rows); a four-channel, four-sensor, antilock brake system (ABS); electronic brake distribution (EBD); a traction control system (TCS); a brake assist system (BAS); and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
But, when compared to minivans from Toyota, Honda, and Chrysler, just how does the Sedona shape up? Clearly, the quality leaders are the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey while the Sedona is behind both the Dodge and Chrysler minivans in overall quality. Check Consumer Reports and other non-biased consumer and car publications to compare price, initial quality, and long term customer satisfaction.
Class III Hitch 02-05 KIA SEDONA (Round) – M127-13340
CPH-Brodit Kia Sedona Brodit ProClip Right mount 2002 – 2005 Fits UK – #603068
CPH-Brodit Kia Sedona Brodit ProClip Angled mount 2006 – 2009 Fits UK – #653829
Kia Sedona LX Premium Custom-Fit Floor Mats 4 PC Set (2007 2008 2009 2010 07 08 09 10)
K&N Air Filter KIA SEDONA 3.8L-V6 2006&UP
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January 7th, 2011 at 6:56 am
The Sedona might not be the best looking MPV out there, but sure is one of the best buys! Right now, kia is preparing a concept MPV, which is believed to preview the next-gen. Sedona MPV. Kia will put it on display at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show!