I really hope your new vehicle gives you years of pleasure. Given Kia's
record you'll be one lucky dude if it does. I'm afraid "reviews" of cars
are like reviews of most everything else; product hype used to get
manufactors to buy ad space.

Ever read software reviews and then bought the software?

Of course buying the Kia was a bit of a risk. But here's the limited
inside dope I recieved.
One of the co-owners of a Kia dealership here in Queens is a friend of
mine who also rents a slip from me. Three years ago he told me to avoid
Kia until Hyundai finished with thier changes to the line in 2005. He
was off a bit. Kia only has two premium level cars, the Sedona being
one of them. But Kia has 9 cars set for release over the next 4 years
and is serious about sales/service here. With Hyundai's muscle they
released the Sedona, which will also be seen as a slightly revamped
Enterouge with the Hyundai badge. Now, the only major build difference
between Kia and Hyundai is the sheet metal. The Sedona is built along
with Hyundai's premium cars.
My friend tells me that his service dept. has to follow very high
standards now, essentially copied from Toyota. That's what the Koreans
are doing: They're copying Toyota and Honda and dumping elements they
don't like.
If my Kia turns out to be a mistake, I'll simply trade it away. No big
deal. It's certainly a bit of risk, but hardly an expensive one. Unlike
the claims made by some folks here I'll be happy to list any problems I
have with the new Kia Sedona. Can Kia build an upscale mini-van to
match the Honda or Toyota? Yes, in fact I think they've surpassed the
Honda. Will it hold up? I'll let you know.

Problems thus far with the Sedona: One of the wireless headsets for the
DVD system required replacement.

Most impressed with: Fit and finish. The van is just really tight, with
not so much as a squeek or rattle, better than my Tribeca or even the
Honda and Sienna I drove. But will it last?

RB
35s5
NY