I still haven't driven this car (a test vehicle will be in our offices shortly), but if you read our First Drive
you already know we liked it. We did, however, get a "walk around" with company reps recently. That's an industry term for when the manufacturer's product people walk around a new vehicle and give a relatively detailed explanation of what's new and different. I got to sit in the van, play with the folding third-row seat (possibly the best folding system in the segment) and generally try out everything except the driving dynamics (which will happen in few weeks). This thing looks good -- really good...
It's much bigger (passenger volume is up 15 percent) but it's also lighter and more powerful. The interior layout provides adequate room in all seating postions, even for adults, and the price/feature ratio is still very potent -- though it's now priced much closer to the competition. The styling is also a pretty blatant Odyssey rip-off, but that's not a bad thing. I used to be troubled by how excited I got over great minivans (and how angry I got over bad ones - ahem, Ford...). But now I've just surrendered to the fact that with age and kids comes appreciation of big sliding doors, conversation mirrors (the big, convex ones that let you spy on the kids) and fold-away seats. Can't wait to drive it.
By navigator89
on March 7, 2006
02:30 AM
I dont see how the Sedona is an Odyssey styling ripoff. The taillamps and headlamps look way different, and about the only thing they share is the same boxy outline.
Styling aside, this van will be a real hit for Kia. Its got tons of values, power and features. Plus it has that 10 year warranty.
Why cant Ford make a van like this? Everyone else seems to have worked out the minivan success equation.
By ateixeira
on March 7, 2006
11:01 AM
The greenhouse does look like the Ody, especially the D-pillar area and profile. From the front it looks unique, though.
I'm impressed by how the entire van segment has improved in recent years. Even a "bad" van is a pretty good one, and would have been great a decade ago.