By Neil G. Chirico
Our Sedona doesn't get much rest. Technical editor Kim Reynolds made a couple trips with it: one to Mount Palomar observatory and another with his family to Solvang and on to the theme-roomed Madonna Inn in central California. They continued to Monterey and its famous aquarium. Kim notes the Sedona aced its minivan duties, and he never tired of driving it.
Apparently, everyone else on staff loves it as well. It's been serving yeoman-like duty as a photo chase van on comparos, with lots of room for gear with the rear seat stowed and plenty of power to keep up with the test cars. It's always signed up for a road trip.
OTHER VOICES
In what universe does a minivan make teenage boys go "wow"? Apparently this one. On the first occasion, my daughter's boyfriend dropped the Wow bomb while I was transporting him up a steep freeway onramp. The Kia's engine growled its way to freeway speed in short order, duly impressing the youth. A couple days later, I drove him and his pal to the movies. His friend was still recovering from a quad vs. pickup interaction, with him on the losing end. "Wow, this thing is comfortable...and...big" his friend exclaimed. Prompting my daughter's friend to say, "You should hear the engine". Our Kia has a license frame that says, "The Power To Surprise". Imagine, an advertising slogan that's true. The Kia is not without its downside. First and foremost is noise. Sure, you can revel in the guttural moan of the engine but if you can hear that you can hear tire whine and growl, chassis creak, suspension thud, and a plethora of unsophisticated mechanical squawks. Still it's a damn respectable transport with lots of sophisticated amenities for the money. -Thomas Voehringer
| 2006 Kia Sedona EX |
| Total mileage | 17,590 |
| Average fuel econ | 18.3 mpg |
| Unresolved problem areas | None |
| Maintenance cost | $19.51 (7K service); $223.27 (15K) |
| Normal-wear cost | $0 |