2003 Kia Sedona: Road Test
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2003 Kia Sedona ▼
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- MSRP: $19,620 -$21,835
- Invoice: $18,405 -$20,055
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Our road test for the 2003 Kia Sedona includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Kia Sedona from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Kia Sedona, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Kia Sedona help you decide if a 2003 Kia Sedona is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| EX w/ABS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.1 |
Test EX did 0-60 mph in 10.5 sec. Sedona has adequate power in gentle driving, but is among the heaviest minivans, so scooting from a stop, passing, or catching up with highway traffic when loaded with passengers requires liberal throttle application.
FUEL ECONOMY
| EX w/ABS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4 |
Extended-use-test EX averaged 17.5 mpg over 7266 mi. of mostly highway driving. Other test EXs averaged 15.6 mpg in a more even mix of city/highway travel, or just 13.2 mpg including mostly city driving and 0-60-mph acceleration runs. Kia recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| EX w/ABS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 |
Sharp bumps, tar strips, and pavement cracks register through steering wheel, seats, and structure, but seldom jolt. Wavy surfaces trigger some float and wallow.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| EX w/ABS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.3 |
Slow, rubbery steering feel. Even leisurely changes of direction induce noticeable body lean. Weight and soft tires cause noseplow as cornering speeds increase. Stopping power adequate, but some test models suffered poor brake-pedal feel with and without ABS.
QUIETNESS
| EX w/ABS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5 |
Tires sing on coarse surfaces. Engine intrudes under even moderate throttle. One test model suffered lots of wind rush from around tops of front doors at highway speed, but other Sedonas tested had acceptable wind-noise suppression.
CONTROLS
| EX w/ABS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 6.1 |
Simple, clear instrumentation. Controls generously sized, plainly marked, easily reached. Shift lever sprouts from lower-center part of dashboard, leaving controls unobstructed and allowing passage between front seats; gear-position readout thoughtfully repeated near speedometer. Pleasant, contemporary interior ambience. Some lightweight-plastic controls, but assembly quality and most materials are competitive with those of like-priced minivans. Annoying rattles from 2nd- and 3rd-row seats on one model tested.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| EX w/ABS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 6 |
Roomy, supportive. Good driver positioning. EX has standard power passenger seat. Both front seats have fold-down left armrests. Windshield-wiper deicers and rear wiper/washer are standard, but headrests hurt aft visibility; rear-obstacle-warning system unavailable.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| EX w/ABS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.9 |
Comparable to rivals, though 2nd-row bucket seats don't tilt, greatly complicating 3rd-row entry/exit. Second-row seats slide fore/aft to fine-tune leg room for both rear rows. Outboard seating positions have ceiling air vents, and 2nd row gets separate AC control. EX has standard power-opening rear quarter windows and gives 3rd-row passengers their own control buttons.
CARGO ROOM
| EX w/ABS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 9.3 |
Slim behind 3rd seat, a split 50/50 bench that flip/folds for more space. Second and 3rd rows remove, but the lightest sections weigh more than 60 lb and are cumbersome to handle. Small-item storage excellent in both models, with multiple cupholders, covered felt-lined dashtop bin, 2-level glovebox, slide-out locking front passenger-seat tray, and front overhead compartment. Cupholder/storage tray between front seats folds to allow pass-through.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| EX w/ABS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.9 |
Korean automakers stake their fortunes on delivering more features per dollar than class competitors. On that basis, Sedona trumps all rivals. Additionally, Kia says its comprehensive warranty is the No. 1 reason buyers purchase its vehicles. However, Kia's customer satisfaction ratings and resale values are low.
Total Score
| EX w/ABS | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 60 | 57.1 |
Total Score: 60
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