2002 Kia Sedona LX 3.5L V6 from North America

Summary:

Worst vehicle I've ever owned

Faults:

In 13 months we've had to replace:

The brakes.

Struts - twice.

Water pump.

Pulley system that attaches to the water pump.

The timing belt.

The catalytic converter.

Driver's side power window switch (that stupid thing was $180).

Front wheel bearings.

Front CV joint & bearing.

Ignition coils (two trips to the shop).

Strut bushings (separate from the strut trip).

Tires.

Alternator.

Engine mounts.

General Comments:

In my life, I’ve owned numerous cars including Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota & Ford, but none have been as huge, unreliable money pits as our 2002 Sedona.

I have never heard of or experienced such an automotive pile of junk. Do whatever you have to in order to NOT to own one of these lemons. If I worked for Kia, I’d be thoroughly embarrassed. The company has no honor whatsoever.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th March, 2015

2002 Kia Sedona LX 3.5 from North America

Summary:

Disappointing, frustrating

Faults:

Blown head gasket at 100100.

Air conditioning issues.

Stereo CD player does not work.

Check engine light on... evap code, engine misfire code.

General Comments:

I bought this car off an eBay auction from a man in Connecticut; I live in NY State. The car was titled in Georgia and it had relatively low miles for the year. The body had no corrosion on it, which was a big advantage when buying a car in the Northeast.

Right after having towed the car home, I discovered that the head gasket was blown ($700.00).

I did a complete tune up (plugs, wires, coils etc) when fixing the head gasket. I was told by seller that the A/C was great... when the warm weather came it wasn't working at all. I had the A/C serviced and it lasted for most of the summer. Recently it has been not working properly. There are no leaks, so the reason for the lack of AC is unknown. When the rear A/C is turned on, the front AC is more likely to work.

The audio system in the car is junk. The CD player will not work (error message) and the radio tuner is of poor quality. The car is hard on tires. Alignment is perfect, but tire wear is rapid compared to another van we have in the household.

The sliding doors on both sides are poorly engineered. I had to modify both of them so they could be opened from the inside.

So what I thought was a good deal on a southern car has become a real bummer. NYS inspection is due in another two months, so I will need to spend more money in addressing the misfire and evap issues. The car has, with no warning, stalled while driving it. Not sure at this point if that is connected with the misfire issue.

My previous car was a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan. I never appreciated just how great the engineering on the Dodge was until I had this KIA. This Sedona reminds me of the Yugo's of the 80's. You might think you are getting a good deal, until you get it on the road.

I understand that KIA quality has improved greatly on the 2006 and later models. I have several friends with these newer models and they just love them. I'm still thinking that the Chrysler minivans are better engineered.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2012

10th Sep 2012, 16:26

I can't suggest to buy a new Caravan, not when they've made it so you can't change your own transmission fluid.

But as for the Kia, I think that you should've looked at it in person before buying it. One of the big rules when buying a used car is "Don't buy it until you drive it".

2002 Kia Sedona LX 3.5 from North America

Summary:

I love my VERONI... KIA SEDONA LX

Faults:

Back hatch won't open at 140000 km.

Driver's door handle broke at 130000 km.

Engine light came on at 130000 km. Mechanic says it's the gas cap/emissions sensor. These issues are minor.

I bought this van... which I have named VERONIKIA to get me back and forth to my REMOTE work location... on first a logging road... then a wagon road... sometimes 10 inches of mud.

It had 126000 km... it has taken me reliably and safely in and out of work each week, and all the way to the Yukon from the Okanagan without so much as a hiccup...

I am a woman, and travel everywhere by myself... and insisted to the dealership that I have reliability...

I actually took out the second and third set of seats... so I could put in a full length foamy to sleep on during my travels...

The rear heater is awesome... the air conditioning is great as well... the only thing I have any issue with is the width of the driver's seat cushion... I'm a big woman, and during my 1000 km a day of driving, I got a kink in my leg from the seat cushion...

My brother and father are mechanics, and have always driven North American made cars until recently... now it seems we are all driving imports...

I LOVE MY VERONI... KIA... SEDONA LX.

She only has 144000 km, so will be happy for a long time yet...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th January, 2011