2011 Kia Sedona Named Consumer Search "Best Reviewed" in Budget Minivan Category

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ConsumerSearch.com, a website that analyzes expert and user-generated consumer product reviews and recommends the best products to purchase, recently named the 2011 Kia Sedona as "Best Reviewed" in the Budget Minivan category for its industry-leading warranty, extensive list of standard safety features, handling and comfortable interior.  A proven favorite among families and journalists alike, this honor comes on the heels of other notable accolades including being named to NADAguides' "Best Car Buys for 2011" list as well as "Best Minivan for the Money" for 2011 by U.S. News & World Report.  In addition, Sedona is a four-time recipient of the "Top Safety Pick" award and proclaimed the "safest minivan ever tested"(1) by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)(2).

"As one of the longest-running nameplates in the Kia lineup, this honor from ConsumerSearch reinforces Kia's commitment to bringing well-equipped, high quality vehicles to market that meet and exceed consumer expectations," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.  "Sedona continues to be a family-favorite, offering a complete package of standard safety, technology and convenience features at an extraordinary value."

ConsumerSearch.com uses expert and user-generated content to help consumers identify top-rated products in a variety of segments with a goal of reducing the time it takes readers to make an informed purchase decision.  Editors compile and analyze reviews evaluating each with a one-to-five star rating in the following categories:  how up-to-date the review is compared to others, how credible the reviewer's top picks are in relation to the top picks of other reviewers, how expert the reviewer is and how extensive and convincing the reviewer's methodological approach is compared to other reviews.

About the 2011 Sedona

The 2011 Sedona is available in LX and EX trims, with pricing for the LX starting at $24,595 and the EX trim starting at $29,195(3).  A segment leader in value and safety features, Sedona offers consumers invaluable protection provided by a wide range of standard safety features, including six standard airbags(4) (dual advanced front and front seat-mounted side air bags, and full-length side curtain air bags for all three seating rows), active front headrests, and a four-channel, four-sensor, Antilock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which takes into account vehicle load and weight distribution in order to apply the appropriate-level of stopping force.

Sedona also offers consumers a variety of standard features and amenities, including a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 271 horsepower; exterior side mirror LED turn signal indicators; Bluetooth®(5) wireless technology(6) to enable hands-free operation for all compatible mobile phones; SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio capability with three months complimentary service(7); MP3 connectivity and steering wheel-mounted audio controls(8).

2011 Kia Motors America Product Line

Kia's model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima and Optima Hybrid midsize sedans, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea.  KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 740 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA."  In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share.  Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

(1) 2006 Sedona named "Safest Minivan Ever Tested" by IIHS.

(2) Sedona recognized as an IIHS "Top Safety Pick" in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

(3) Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRPs exclude $795 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

(4) For maximum protection, always wear your seatbelt.

(5) The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

(6) Not available with the Premium Entertainment or Navigation Packages.

(7) Sirius services require subscriptions, sold separately after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase/lease. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com. If you decide to continue your Sirius service at the end of your complimentary trial, the plan you choose will automatically renew and bill at then-current rates until you call Sirius at 888-539-7474 to cancel. Sirius U.S. Satellite service available only to those at least 18 years of age in the 48 contiguous United States, D.C. and PR. Go to www.siriusxm.com/traffic for available coverage. © 2011 SiriusXM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc.

(8) Driving while drowsy or distracted is dangerous and should be avoided.  Drivers should remain attentive to driving and always exercise caution when using the steering wheel–mounted audio controls while driving.

SOURCE Kia Motors America