2002 Kia Sedona consumer reviews

As a $10 gift, this van was more than a deal. However, we have easily spent as much money in parts (and a few complicated repairs) as the van would have cost new. We have owned this van for ten years, with 151,000 miles on the odo. The van has gotten us where we needed to go. We've experienced just about every problem mentioned in the forums, though...and maybe a few more, to boot. Since our ownership of the van beginning approximately at 30,000 miles, we have had to repair/relace the following: 1. The alternator (3x). 2. The parking brake (1x). 3. The MAF (mass airflow) sensor (2x). 4. The coolant lines underneath the vehicle (1x). 5. Three of four oxygen sensors (1x). 6. Both rear shocks (1x). 7. The passenger's CV axle, with the driver's side still needing to be replaced (1x). 8. The climate control board (1x). 9. Both rear sliding door handles (2x). 10. The passenger's side sliding door hinge (1x). 11. The steering gearbox (1x). 12. Both engine valve covors need to be replaced. 13. The crankshaft position sensor (1x). 14. The serpentine belt tensioner pulley (1x). 15. An expansion valve, part of the A/C system 16. A piece of the exhaust pipe (1x). 17. One catalytic converter (1x). 18. Most of the evaporative emissions system (1x). One of the biggest – and most concerning – complaints about the 2002 Kia Sedona is a very bad stalling problem. We experienced this to the extreme. However, we were able to solve the problem. I find it very surprising that mechanic's shops and even the Kia dealership couldn't. Perhaps it is because the problem is so illusive and under-the-sun. The cause of the problem was the a failing component of the evaporative emissions system. The purge valve was failing, which permitted actual gasoline to fill the charcoal canister. This resulted in an overly lean air-fuel mixture, and therefore caused the intermittent stalling problem. Since replacing the evaporative emissions system, this problem has stopped 100%. No hesitating/stalling/misfiring. Overall, the power is unimpressive, at least in comparison to our V8 Grand Cherokee. That without much of a load. The one time we drove it with some serious weight, it was really lagging. Presently, our Sedona has 151,000 miles on it, and it is going strong...for now. Until the next catastrophic failure. In addition to very shaky reliability, the '02 Sedona is a tremendous gas guzzler, especially when the oxygen sensors are needing replacement. It eats through the disc brakes very fast, and despite taking care of the alignment and balancing, wears out tires quite fast. The air conditioning isn't great, but it's better than nothing. The rear controls are also very limited; it only allows rear passengers to adjust the fan speed. No temperature or vent control. I do have a few positive things to say about the Sedona, though. On multiple occasions (4 at least), we have gone over 10,000 miles between oil changes. The oil level was so low, absolutely nothing was visible on the dipsick. The engine seems no worse for wear! That shows at least some quality. Secondly, the interior of this van has held up surprisingly well! All the powered things (seats, windows, door locks, etc.) are working just fine. Thirdly, the ride quality of this van is great! It handles the bumps excellently. Five stars for the smoothness.

I bought this van new. It's now old enough to vote. Quite reliable with no major work other than brakes and oil changes. Heavy but a smooth ride. It still rides tight if you keep the back windows closed. It isn't the flashiest vehicle on the road but all I need is reliable transportation. The V6 has enough power for me.

Great reliability, comfort, value and original warranty. Smooth ride like a sedan. Adequate power even to tow a small boat or trailer. Many long road trips with the family enjoyed over 17 years.

It had great performance. Easy to drive. It was a real hauler. It has a trailer hitch which we used to haul our 25 ft I/O Boat.

I had always thought Kia cars were bland and unexciting. Not anymore! I had a limited budget when I bought my Sedona. My kids love this minivan. Reliability is E-X-C-E-L-L-E-N-T! The V6 engine is strong and the Kia is a lot of fun to drive. In my opinion, the original Sedona is MUCH BETTER than today's model. Quite impressive!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have had this car since the first vehicle year of 2002. The only repari we have ever had on it was a transmission fluid fitting that had come loose about 2 years after we purchased it. We've done lots of driving, both city and highway. Carried passengers. Caried heavy music equipment. Etc. Mainatinence consisted of regular oil changes and windshiel wiper replace ments. One set of tires (the Korean tires are great). This past year, we had the brakes done for the first time, the timing chain replace (routine maintainencae) and the AC compressor don. Absolutely NO complaints. Except the tailgate is extremely heavy. Don't recommend it for a short person or someone who is not very strong.

good van poor strut mounts replace with after market is better then dealer and very low gas mileage great leg room and very reliable van fun too drive

i owned sedona from one year.we drove 8000 miles.i bought it beause very cheap to buy compare to other vans.since one year i have changed alternator and battery.sedona 2002 to 2005 good for short trips but not for long trips.gas mileage not good in city.cargo space not enough if your kids using stroller.driving and handling are good.but its worth of money as a used van.

leaked anti freeze all over the place and the radiator over heated and the engine block cracked plus the ac broke down a week earlier so i sold it and bought an new charger

Bought with another child on the way and in desperate need of a SAFE vehicle with more room. Looked at the competition, but for the price and safety considerations the Sedona was the absolute best choice. Surprising power for a minivan, does not disappoint when in need of that little extra to get by.