2002 Kia Sedona...continued

The basic Sedona is sold under the Carnival name in the rest of the world and the basic components are well tested before coming here. It has been specially configured and equipped to reflect American tastes, but like the rest of the line up, was proven before we got it. They have paid special attention to safety, and based on their testing, they expect to get a 5 star crash rating.

It was introduced as the Kia van at Chicago 4 years ago, but Kia and the entire segment were in flux, and the market is not too forgiving of mistakes. Initial shortcomings in the engine and seating were corrected, and the delay was worth it. What distinguishes the Sedona from other low priced minis is the 3.5 liter dual overhead cam V6 that is as large as any in the field, and with 195 hp is in the upper echelon as well. And it runs on regular gas where some others want premium. The unique feature is their smooth 5 speed automatic, where others are 3 or 4 speeds, and usually only luxury or performance cars offer the 5 speeds.

The suspension is typical with struts in front, and a beam axle in the rear. The brakes are discs front, and drums rear, and ABS is an option. Nothing out of the ordinary, but the handling is crisp and the ride is comfortable, even in mountain curves.

It's hard to distinguish a minivan, but Kia does a good job with a swept wedge styling instead of the blank sides so typical in the industry. An upscale grill adds to the distinctive appearance. Families will appreciate the easy pull design door handles; great for all sizes of hands, dealing with awkward packages, and foul weather difficulties.

Lest anyone think that the value pricing means less, Kia equips the Sedona with an expansive suite of features. These include dark tint privacy glass and a rear wiper/washer/defroster as standard. Also, the base models include power front windows, locks and mirrors, cruise control, an overheard console and floor mats.

The interior is simple with a high seating position, and the radio is the highest in the center stack, both boons to safe driving. The gauges are conventional but the shifter is mounted offset in the center console, a neat solution that avoids the gauge blocking of a column shift, or the floor clutter of a floor shift. There are a variety of radios, mainly with differences in cassette/CD combos. It has the largest variety of storage available to the front seat occupants, with a well in the dash, a locking under seat slide out box and TWO glove boxes!

For user ease, there are multiple function exterior locks that can undo driver's door with a single twist, or all if twisted twice. The upscale EX has a remote control. Unlike some competitors, there are grab handles all around, including the second row, with map lights and air vents in the rear as well. There are flip open rear vent windows, power actuated on the EX with controls for the rear seats as well. Knowing modern needs, there are dual power points in front and one in the rear area.

The LX is the base model, with the EX the high-end version. The EX adds: second row Captain's chairs, power seats, an AM/FM/cassette/CD radio, remote locking doors, power quarter windows, chrome on exterior trim, an upper console with Homelink and trip computer, alloy wheels, fog lamps and a roof rack. About the only options are a rear spoiler, two-tone trim, a power sunroof and ABS. And all together it is hard to add much over $2000 to the price of any Sedona with options.

The success of Kia has been remarkable in light of the slow auto market, and while others have been down, they have increased their sales 38%. They have expanded beyond their Sportage SUV and added the Spectra sports sedan, Rio economy sedan (and now a wagon this year), the Optima mid-size/luxury sedan, and now the Sedona. There is a larger SUV coming and probably a crossover vehicle in the future.