In a family vehicle safety is a main priority, and the Sedona is no slouch in that area, earning the Federal government's top Five Star safety rating for the driver and passenger frontal impact, front and rear seat side impact crash tests. According to information released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Sedona was one of just four minivans to be awarded the five-star rating in both frontal and side impact crash tests for the 2003 model year.

The front-wheel-drive Sedona epitomizes Kia's tradition of well-built, high-value vehicles that offer more than the buyer might expect. It is powered by a high-tech 3.5-liter dual overhead cam V6 that is the largest displacement engine currently available in an import minivan. It produces 195 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 218 lb.-ft. of torque at 3500 rpm.

The engine is mated to a sophisticated five-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission. The EPA-certified fuel economy for the vehicle is 16 city/22 highway.

The Sedona, which is available in both LX and EX trim levels, is built on a steel unibody platform with a 114.6-inch wheelbase. At 194.1 inches long, it is five inches longer than the Dodge Caravan SE and six inches shorter than the Dodge Grand Caravan. The

Sedona's independent front suspension uses MacPherson struts, coil springs and a stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension uses a beam axle located by a five-link design with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. The vehicle's precise handling is aided by the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering.

For stopping power, the Sedona offers hydraulic, vacuum power-assisted brakes. The front brakes are 10.87-in. vented disc brakes, while the rear brakes are 10-in. drums. A four-sensor, four-channel computerized antilock brake system is available as an option on both the LX and EX trim.

The Sedona's standard dual sliding doors open to reveal a versatile and comfortable interior. Sedona's generous list of standard equipment in both trim levels includes an eight-way adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and a four-way adjustable passenger seat. In the LX trim the seats are manual, while in the EX they are power-operated. Additional passengers will enjoy the reclining second-row and third-row seats, which also slide forward and rearward and can be removed. In the LX, the second-row configuration is a bench seat, while in the EX it is two bucket seats. Three passengers will find ample room on the third row split-bench seats. All the rear seats are equipped with rollers for easier removal.

Minivan buyers want space and versatility, and that's just what the Sedona gives them. By SAE volume, the vehicle offers 150.5 cubic feet of passenger space, and its interior is filled with useful storage areas. Up front, the Sedona offers an overhead console, an exclusive storage box on the instrument panel, two gloveboxes and a lockable storage bin under the front passenger seat. In the rear there are additional storage areas, including handy seat-back map pockets. Behind the third row of seats, there is 21.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and the cargo area expands to 70.6 cubic feet once the rear seats are removed. For 2004, the LX adds the center tray table with handy cupholders, previously available only on the EX, to its long list of standard equipment, bringing the cupholder grand total to 10 in both models.

New for 2004 both the LX and the EX models offer an available DVD entertainment system. In addition, the Sedona offers a variety of sound systems to satisfy even the most discerning audiophile. Standard on the LX is an AM/FM/CD system with six speakers. The EX kicks it up a notch by offering an AM/FM/stereo/cassette/CD player and two additional tweeters. Standard on both models are three 12-volt power access points - one on the dash, one in the third row and one in the cargo compartment - to plug in auxiliary items such as TVs, laptops and cell phones.

In keeping with the Kia tradition, the Sedona LX is packed with unexpected standard features and includes power front windows, power mirrors, power door locks, front and rear air conditioning, illuminated ignition key slot and map lights in the overhead console. There are also reading lights in the second and third rows of seating, front door courtesy lights and a rear cargo area light with a convenient on/off switch. Sunglass and garage door opener storage are also standard in the overhead console.

The upscale style of the Sedona's interior is matched by its exterior design. For 2004 the Sedona receives a new front grille featuring a larger Kia logo. In addition, the LX sports a new wheel cover design while the EX receives an all-new alloy wheel design. Other standard features in both the base LX and luxury EX models include cruise control, full instrumentation including tachometer; electric rear window defroster; tilt steering column; variable intermittent front wipers; rear wiper/washer and battery saver.

The EX ups the convenience ante by offering standard power rear quarter windows that allow the driver and third-row passengers to open and close the windows with the touch of a switch. With so many standard features on the EX model, the list of options is short but impressive: power tilt/slide moonroof, leather package and rear spoiler.
Because it is so full of features the Sedona LX really can't be called a "base" model, but it is priced like one with a suggested price of under $20,000, making it the lowest-priced import minivan in America. The luxury EX trim level starts at suggested price of $22,085 not including destination.

Like all Kia models, the Sedona is covered by Kia's comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in the package are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

Kia Motors America is the U.S. sales, marketing and service arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea.