Like those of other Aeronca designs, the Sedan's fuselage and tail surfaces are constructed of welded metal tubing.

In a significant design departure from previous Aeronca aircraft, the strut-braced wings of the Sedan are all-metal assemblies.

Unlike its siblings the Champ and Chief, both of which employ oleo struts for shock absorption, the Sedan makes used of bungee cords to absorb landing and taxi loads.

Though Aeronca sold a number of its other designs after ceasing production, the company long maintained ownership of the Sedan.

On February 21, 2008, Burl's Aircraft announced that the company was building new Sedan fuselages and a new style fuel valve.

It found a niche as a personal aircraft and in commercial bush flying roles; it could also be equipped for agricultural work.

A Sedan was chosen by pilots Bill Barris and Dick Riedel for their attempt to set a time aloft record in 1949.

Inspired by the flight at Fullerton, later in 1949, Yuma, Arizona, decided to sponsor its own time aloft record attempt.

The city needed publicity as it was experiencing economic hard times due to the 1946 closure of Yuma Army Air Field.

Pilots Woody Jongeward and Bob Woodhouse piloted the City of Yuma, a Sedan borrowed from local owners, modified for the flight and painted with the slogan, “The City with a Future.” The flight began on August 24, with the aircraft remaining in the Yuma area throughout, and ended after more than 1,124 hours, or nearly 47 days in the air, on October 10.

In 1997, the record-setting airplane was located and returned to Yuma; made airworthy again, it flew on October 10, 1999, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the record flight.