Kia Sedona offers a good value for big families that don't want to break the budget on a minivan. The Sedona is bigger than a Dodge Caravan and comes loaded with popular features, yet it costs about $4,500 less than other comparably equipped minivans.

Though relatively inexpensive, the Sedona is among the few minivans that have earned the Federal government's top five-star crash rating for both driver and front-seat passenger in a front impact, and for all front and rear-seat occupants in side-impact tests, an important consideration in a family vehicle.

Sedona drives well, too, with a responsive V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. Its ride and handling are easy and smooth. The main difference is in the quality of the door handles and some of the interior finishes, and that's not much of a trade-off for $4,500.