The only minivan to earn the Insurance Institute's "Top Safety Pick," the 2008 Kia Sedona continues to impress families looking for an affordable yet safe people mover for their most precious cargo. It consistently earns five stars in front and side impact tests. The front-wheel drive minivan is pretty much unchanged this year, except for a few nips and tucks. These include new tires, black exterior trim, a new MP3 input jack, and the removal of the second-row coat hooks.

There are three trims for the 2008 Sedona. Base models come only with a short wheelbase â?? 13 inches shorter in overall length than the LX and EX. As such, cargo capacity in the Base expands from 12 to 121 cubic feet, while the longer trims hold up to 142 cubic feet. All trims feature three rows of seats for seven passengers. Both second and third rows can be removed, and the third row split-folds and reclines. Only in the LX and EX does the third row also fold flat into the floor. Captain's chairs are standard in the second row of the EX. The same 3.8-liter, 250-hp V6 engine and 5-speed Sportronic manual-shift automatic powers all three trims, achieving around 16/23 mpg.

Six airbags (dual front-side, and side curtain airbags for all three rows), traction and stability control, four-wheel ABS brakes, and a tire monitor help explain the high safety marks for the 2008 Sedona. Moving up to the EX adds foglights and automatic headlights. Family oriented on the inside, the 2008 Sedona features plenty of storage units, a fold-down tray, tri-zone climate control, and cupholders for all three rows. All start with a full array of power features, cruise control, and a CD player, with the EX adding power seats and leather trim. Power sliding doors are an option only on the LX and EX. Optional packages tack on power pedals, leather upholstery, and a sunroof.

A terrific warranty, low cost of ownership, good interior layout, and decent legroom front and back are appealing to families. Complaints focus on a somewhat sluggish V6, a cramped third row, and heavy second-row seats that are difficult to remove.