2003 Kia Sedona: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This South Korean automaker's minivan returns for its second season with minimal changes. Sedona has standard V6 power, 7-passenger seating, and comes in a single body length, which is about 2 inches longer than a regular-length Dodge Caravan. LX and uplevel EX models are offered. Both use a 3.5-liter V6 teamed with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Dual sliding rear side doors are standard, but power doors and side airbags are unavailable. ABS is optional. The LX's 2nd-row seat is a bench; the EX has buckets. This year, the LX gains a standard AM/FM/CD player, central door-lock button, and remote fuel-door release. EX models add additional stereo speakers and a second remote for the keyless entry. All get new taillights. Kia is owned by Hyundai and duplicates Hyundai's warranty: 5-years/60,000-mi. bumper-to-bumper, 10/100,000 powertrain, and 5-years/unlimited roadside assistance.

COMPETITION

Though the competition has heated up, we feel that Dodge Caravan is still one of the best minivans you can buy. It offers all of the creature comforts in a pleasing package at a fair price. Our other Best Buy is Honda Odyssey. It's sportier to drive, and it has a super-convenient flip-and-fold-away rear seat, but the ride can grow harsh at times.

Recommended Chevy Venture and Toyota Sienna are comparably priced and offer loads of neat features, but they can't match the road manners of our Best Buys. Mazda MPV makes it to the Recommended list this year as a reliable family hauler offering better fuel economy than competitors at a reasonable price. Also garnering Recommended ratings are the Chrysler Town & Country and Chrysler Voyager. Though they don't offer the Caravan's breadth of model choices, they are mechanically similar. Their entry-level models are a super value for the price.