I have taken a test drive of the Mazda5 and was impressed with the ease of entry into the driver's seat. You don't have to step up to get in, rather you can just slide right in, which is important to me because I have a bad knee. Can anyone tell me if the Rondo is the same? Thanks.
It has been a while since I tried out the Mazda 5 but I believe they are very similar height wise. I found the Rondo very easy to get in and out of. I am very tall though so everything is down for me.
The Rondo has regular rear doors vs the 5 which has sliding. Each have their advantages. Sliding is much beetter in tight spaces and the upper level 5 has power closing side doors which are nice. My experience is that sliding doors are less reliable over time whereas you rarely have any issues with traditional doors.
You should check out a Rondo before buying. Both vehicles are good value so I think it is really a style preference. I loved the 5 but it was just too tight for me in the front driver and, especially, passenger seat. The Rondo is much roomier up front.
I am just debating which engine and may wait a few months to see if there are any initial quality concerns.
One of the reasons that my wife "allowed" me to buy the Rondo was the ease of entry. I put running boards on my Jeep Liberty, but she still had difficulty getting in. No problem with the Rondo.
Hey Dakota; What station(network) have you seen the Rondo ads? I havent seen one yet! Are you located in the US or CA? Really looking forward to my first test drive of the Rondo it really looks like it might be the perfect vehicle for me. One question you might be able to answer. In the interior pictures showing the drivers area there appears to be a rest for your left foot with the carpeting cut out to clear it, maybe it's the angle of the picture but this looks as if it is pretty close to the brake pedal? does it get in the way of your left foot? I've got pretty wide feet so I would hate to rest my left foot but hit the brake pedal instead :shades: ! Congratulations on your new Rondo!!!!
They do not make it clear that the 2.9% and $750 cash-back are linked and you get BOTH. Most people will think that it's either/or. I had a heck of a time convincing people of this on Fatwallet.
I don't need the loan but will take it anyway just to get the $750. And I'll make a profit on the loan to the tune of $130/yr (even after income tax) since my MMA pays 5%,
Finally saw a Rondo TV ad last night. My wife said "Hey honey theirs a commercial on that new Rondo your interested in"{I sprinted in to catch the segment not once but being aired several times) on guess what network? No it wasn't ESPN or SPEED channel but the food network! Guess they are targeting a ahem possible certain demographic audience. Rondo in my eyes is looking better to me all the time! Can't wait for a test drive!
I have seen the ad twice, but I am not sure on what channels. I will try to notice the next time. I am in the US. The space you are talking about is called a "dead pedal". It is a place to rest your left foot while driving. It does not get im my way and I love it as a feature.
Today, I saw at least five times! On FSN, the weather channel, and on another channel I don't remember.
It seems that there are at least two versions. In both, rainbows are following a rondo, and people are cheering. But they have different points. Safety, V6, space, and the like. (One common thing was about steering like a car.)
I seen both commercials on Fox 8. The more I see it, the better it looks. If I were to get one, I'd get it in black or blue.
I seen the SX too. Speaking of looks, I like the shape a lot; however, I still think the Kia Multi-S looked the best, but I'll manage. I guess that is as close as it gets to the actual concept. Man, if only the Rondo had the Mutli-s's head lights (I guess Hyundai didn't want Rondo's face to look just as upscale as the new Sante-Fe). That Multi-S is one hell of a design.
Upon getting a Rondo I definitely would go with black cherry, I think it's called. It's a black with a dark red tinge. I don't believe it comes in a pure black, if U know what I mean.
I've seen both adverts for it on cable. It's a very smart looking machine, I agree!
I will be buying a Rondo in the near future (the EX Premium 7-seater in Canada). I like almost everything about it. I especially like the 3rd row seats, which I probably won't use that often but I know there will be times when I do need to use it. The 3rd row is definitely not for taller people--I'm 6'1" and my head touches the top-back of the vehicle. Having said that, there seems to be more legroom back there than in the Mazda5 (although I forgot to check if I had sacrificed too much 2nd row space to get that roominess).
My one quibble about the Rondo is that it has no privacy cover for the cargo space when the third row is down. I was thinking of making a makeshift privacy cover out of a large sheet of cardboard or plastic (and painting it to match the interior). I might be just paranoid, but theft from cars is a problem where I live.
Thanks for the heads up, csandste. Unfortunately, the seller doesn't ship to Canada, but it's good to know that a cargo cover for the Rondo actually exists. I'll just ask the dealership if one is available or if I can order one.
Here's a grand list of all the reviews I could find that I consider to be useful (according to my own subjective standard ). Some of them have been mentioned before. A lot of these reviews are from the Canadian press since I'm Canadian.
Sometimes reviewers puzzle me. In the AP review, the writer compares the performance of the V-6 Rondo unfavorably with that of the Mazda CS-7 or the Saturn Outlook -- both of which are really in a different price class -- $7,000 to $10,000 more.
Re: Consumer Reports...I'm a subscriber and I read their auto reviews and I find SOME value in them... but I wouldn't say CR does comprehensive auto reviews! They aren't as detailed as many other sources.
Thanks Medicineman. I had read them all before but hadn't seen Graeme Fletcher's video for Motoring which I really enjoyed. Still it's nice to have them all in one spot!
Still debating between the 4 and 6 cyl, for the 7 seater. There seems to be no consistent advice on which is preferable or even what distinguishes the two. The 4 seems to be a newer design that will cost less to maintain and fuel. Th 6 has slightly more power and torque and may be smoother and quieter with the 5 speed tranny. Of course I haven't driven either yet
...but I like to know exactly what I want before I go in to buy so I don't make a rash decision I end up regretting.
This is the 2.7 like the Optima right? At least in the Optima I found the four to be the better deal. New design, no timing belt, slightly better mileage without much difference in power.
Yes, the Rondo rolls on the Optima chassis as well. The suspension components are the same up front, but a little different in the rear to lower the floor for the 3rd row.
The other difference is the Optima gets a 5 speed auto on both the 4 and the 6, whereas the Rondo gets a 4 speed on the 4 cyl. Odd that they would do that given the same engines.
I see the Sonata has the 4 speed auto tied with the 4cyl 2.4, so I guess that is the tie-in. Perhaps they wanted to distinguish the base Optima from the Rondo.
Oddly the base Santa Fe gets a 4 speed with the 2.7 Mu engine whereas the Rondo gets a 5 speed with the same engine.
Clearly Hyundai/Kia just enjoys messing with my mind. :confuse:
Bought the Optima. Drove both the Rondo and the Sonata. I'm sure that the Kia's suspension is cruder (closer to the Elantra), but I really didn't notice any major differences in feel or handling. The Rondo would be heavily considered if I had to get rid of my Maxx. I liked Rondo and found the overall interior look and feel to be much better in person than in some of the pictures (ahem, Canadian Driver, cough, cough).
+ price! it is cheaper, by about $6K (comparing Rondo LX at $19K and Santa Fe at $25K) than any other "crossover" vehicle of the same size or that can seat 7 people
+ MPG of 4cyl is highest among this same group I could find except hybrids
+ great warranty
+ all the important safety features
+ drives basically like a car, inline 4cyl engine is *very* peppy
+ doesn't look too much like a van or a wagon, reminds me of a small European minivan/suv cross (which makes sense since it was sold in Europe first)
+ nice interior, very quiet, no rattling, etc.
+ overall well designed, lots of A/C & heat vents, cupholders, storage areas, etc.
- not a ton of space, obviously. We have a large dog and a kid on the way, and plan to put the dog in the 3rd row and the kid (and any later kids) in the middle row, and get a roof cargo box for the gear when we take long trips. I think there's definitely enough room for 2 kids + gear if you fold the 3rd row. We ended up going with the Rondo because we take long trips (long = more than 1 day and bring the dog) maybe 4 times a year, and it seems silly to pay another $7-10K for a vehicle that has at best 20 more ft^3 of cargo space (i.e., the Saturn Outlook) plus pay the extra gas for a bigger car if its really only needed once in a while... instead we will put the cargo box on only when its needed. For us it'd even be cheaper than buying a bigger car to just rent a bigger car the few times we need one... it depends how often you need a truly minivan or large-SUV sized car I guess.
- depreciation! if you sell/trade it in within 4-5 years, you'll be lucky to break even, but if you have the money to get new cars ever 2-3 years, you probably aren't looking at a Rondo.
- Kia has an average reputation on reliability, but they are aware of this and have been getting better since Hyundai bought them, and the long warranty is insurance against any trouble. So, I think they are undervalued, which in the investment world means buy, but others probably disagree.
- MPG is pretty good (still on first tank so no personal experience year, expect 25-30 based on sticker), but not spectacular (I'm used to 30-36 w/ my Saturn SL1). Now that gas is heading toward $3 again, maybe get a used car for a few years and wait until some more "alternative" fuel cars are in production... I'm guessing this will take at least 5-7 years though, so to me buying new seems a much better idea now than buying new in 2010-2012 will be.
- no AWD. It does have ESC, EBD, and ABS, and to me stopping & turning are more important than accelerating, and AWD lowers MPG
- no daytime running lights, so be aware of when its not bright out and turn your low beams on, the benefit of this is you get rear lights on too unlike w/ DRLs.
I guess thats about it, maybe this is a little slanted since I ended up getting a Rondo, but those are the pros/cons I weighed before getting one.
I have been looking into the Rondo also, and I really appreciated your list! I'm still undecided on what to buy. I have a 2001 Camry and LOVE the smoothness of the ride and great V6 pickup! However, I would like to trade it in for something with more cargo space. I like the Matrix, but am not impressed with it's 4-cyl. engine. Also, it just doesn't seem comfortable.
Having owned a Dodge Colt Vista, and currently owning a first gen Voyager, the Rondo seems like a good combination of the two. When I stopped at a local dealer they did not have any Rondos with the 3rd row in stock. The sliding second row is listed as being able to recline. I assume this is only a few degrees. I assume the 3rd row seats do not recline. (On the late lamented Vista the 2nd & 3rd rows could recline into a bed).
Also Canadian specs list the Rondo as having traction control (TCS) along with stability control (ESC). In this class of vehicle, TCS is generally accomplished via braking and engine management (cutting power) and is a sub-set of ECS. Do US models truly lack TCS or is this just not advertised.
Had a Vista. Loved the Vista. Had the present good discounts been available I would have bought the Rondo for my wife instead of the Optima. You are right that the two cars are very similar.
I looked for the advertisement you mentioned on Ebay Motors and couldn't find it. However, Kia makes a privacy screen for the cargo area on the Rondo. The cost is $336. The part # for a gray interior is: 85910-1D00S8 (Vin number Specific).
Here's a place pointed out to me where you can get the security cover for the 5 seat Rondo for $204. They are brand new and come in three different colors to match the interior. it ONLY fits the 5 seat Rondo and NOT the 7 seater. I went all over this on one of the other Rondo forums. The 5 seater has the indentations in the side panels and rear to hold the security cover whereas the 7 seater does not. Here's the link to the KIA Parts People ....
- no daytime running lights, so be aware of when its not bright out and turn your low beams on, the benefit of this is you get rear lights on too unlike w/ DRLs.
Just like to point out that you can turn the lights on (parking lights or driving lights) and leave them on all the time if you like DRLs. Yes, the rear lights will light up also. The lights will only work with the key in the ignition, so the lights will turn off automatically when you exit the car and back on again when you start it up again.
I'm a new Canadian member to this forum, but have been reading the comments for some time and felt it was time for me to join in on the discussions. I do not own a Rondo, but as I plan on purchasing a new vehicle in the near future (it will be our first new one in 35 years) I am doing my ground work in preparation. The vehicles that I am considering are the Matrix, CR-V, Element, Santa Fe and now the Rondo. I have downloaded the Rondo owners manual from the Canadian Kia site (you can find out a lot about a vehicle from reading one) and became even more interested in it when you can appreciate a lot of the "thought" that has gone into this vehicle and things that no one seems to have mentioned and would be of interest to anyone, like myself looking into this vehicle. Some of them are: (based on the Canadian EX 5 seater version) • fuel filler lid opener on the drivers door (instead of the typical release on the floor) • windshield de-icer (wires at the base of windshield behind the wipers) • heat ducts at the rear of the centre console • heat ducts under the front seats for the rear passengers feet • heated exterior mirrors • passengers seat that lies flat with rear seat cushion allowing you to put 8' items in • illuminating ignition keyhole • battery saver function • large under floor rear storage (on 5 passenger model) • 8 cup holders • heated front seats • auto off headlights • fog lights • 2 dome lights plus map and luggage light • double level storage console • sunglass holder • 2 power outlets • shopping bag holder on passengers side • audio remote control on steering wheel • 1400 lb vehicle weight capacity (CRV is only 860 and the Element only 675) • a removable towing hook • inner fuse panel easily accessible at the drivers end of the dash • same wheelbase as the Santa Fe • anti-whiplash front headrests • standard alloy wheels
Plus the more obvious standard features. However, there was a couple of things that struck me as odd and that is they still have ashtrays and no MP3 player or auxiliary plug in (according to the people I talked to at the Toronto Auto Show, this is being looked into).
I have created a spreadsheet to compare feature of vehicles and also take lots of pictures which I find very helpful to compare side by side on my computer. I find the vehicle very good value in comparison to its competition, just not as high profile brand as some of the others, but I hope some of this information maybe helpful to anyone reading comments about this vehicle.
All really good points and a couple things I'll throw in. The 5 speed auto trans is one of the smoothest I've ever come across in a medium priced vehicle, and throw in the ABS, ESC and TPMS and you could ask for no more. The ONLY thing, so far, that I find anoying is the height adjuster on the driver seat. My wife is small so ten pumps on the handle and she's sitting as high as she likes, but when I get in, it's ten pumps down to get it to my level of driving. I didn't miss an electric adjustable seat with all my options did I ???
That sucks. Here, the best seat you can get is a "6-way manual drivers seat with seat height adjustment" which is what I have.
I was just talking with another Canadian on a different Rondo forum and appearently he loves the Light Almond Beige color of mine because he can't get it in Canada.
I just got the Rondo a few days ago and I'm quite happy with it. The one downside, however, is that it's a pain in the butt to parallel park this thing.
Okay, I admit I'm not the world's best at parallel parking and this could all be just me, so keep that in mind. This has nothing to do with the length of the Rondo, obviously, since it's relatively compact already. What I've noticed is that when backing into a parking spot, I can't see the front end or the hood of the vehicle parked behind me because the Rondo's rear window is up so high. I've already lightly bumped a vehicle because of this "blind spot."
Anybody else have the same problem? Or is it that I just don't have a feel for the vehicle yet?
Can't remember when I last had to parallel park, must be years. The rear Rondo window is high. You'll have to use your outside mirrors and hope the car behind is wider than your Rondo but it would still be hard to judge the distance using the mirrors. No other choice except the camera.
Comments
The Rondo has regular rear doors vs the 5 which has sliding. Each have their advantages. Sliding is much beetter in tight spaces and the upper level 5 has power closing side doors which are nice. My experience is that sliding doors are less reliable over time whereas you rarely have any issues with traditional doors.
You should check out a Rondo before buying. Both vehicles are good value so I think it is really a style preference. I loved the 5 but it was just too tight for me in the front driver and, especially, passenger seat. The Rondo is much roomier up front.
I am just debating which engine and may wait a few months to see if there are any initial quality concerns.
I don't need the loan but will take it anyway just to get the $750. And I'll make a profit on the loan to the tune of $130/yr (even after income tax) since my MMA pays 5%,
The space you are talking about is called a "dead pedal". It is a place to rest your left foot while driving. It does not get im my way and I love it as a feature.
Today, I saw at least five times! On FSN, the weather channel, and on another channel I don't remember.
It seems that there are at least two versions. In both, rainbows are following a rondo, and people are cheering. But they have different points. Safety, V6, space, and the like. (One common thing was about steering like a car.)
I think the commercials are hilarious.
I seen the SX too. Speaking of looks, I like the shape a lot; however, I still think the Kia Multi-S looked the best, but I'll manage. I guess that is as close as it gets to the actual concept. Man, if only the Rondo had the Mutli-s's head lights (I guess Hyundai didn't want Rondo's face to look just as upscale as the new Sante-Fe). That Multi-S is one hell of a design.
About the Rondo, and colors...
Upon getting a Rondo I definitely would go with black cherry, I think it's called. It's a black with a dark red tinge. I don't believe it comes in a pure black, if U know what I mean.
I've seen both adverts for it on cable. It's a very smart looking machine, I agree!
Cheers...
Peace! :shades:
My one quibble about the Rondo is that it has no privacy cover for the cargo space when the third row is down. I was thinking of making a makeshift privacy cover out of a large sheet of cardboard or plastic (and painting it to match the interior). I might be just paranoid, but theft from cars is a problem where I live.
Edmunds (of course)
Family Car
Autoweb
Auto123.com
Car & Driver
Associated Press (Ann M. Job)
Motor Trend - Was in the running for 2007 Motor Trend Car of the Year
National Post Canadian national newspaper
Victoria Times Colonist
Toronto Globe & Mail Talks a bit about Kia's below-average reliability history
Toronto Star
Toronto Sun
Winnipeg Free Press
Motoring 2007 A TV show on TSN in Canada, watch the video review
The all-important (some might say self-important) Consumer Reports hasn't done a comprehensive review of the Rondo yet.
Canadian Driver
Rondo
Re: Consumer Reports...I'm a subscriber and I read their auto reviews and I find SOME value in them... but I wouldn't say CR does comprehensive auto reviews! They aren't as detailed as many other sources.
Still debating between the 4 and 6 cyl, for the 7 seater. There seems to be no consistent advice on which is preferable or even what distinguishes the two. The 4 seems to be a newer design that will cost less to maintain and fuel. Th 6 has slightly more power and torque and may be smoother and quieter with the 5 speed tranny. Of course I haven't driven either yet
...but I like to know exactly what I want before I go in to buy so I don't make a rash decision I end up regretting.
Oddly the base Santa Fe gets a 4 speed with the 2.7 Mu engine whereas the Rondo gets a 5 speed with the same engine.
Clearly Hyundai/Kia just enjoys messing with my mind. :confuse:
+ MPG of 4cyl is highest among this same group I could find except hybrids
+ great warranty
+ all the important safety features
+ drives basically like a car, inline 4cyl engine is *very* peppy
+ doesn't look too much like a van or a wagon, reminds me of a small European minivan/suv cross (which makes sense since it was sold in Europe first)
+ nice interior, very quiet, no rattling, etc.
+ overall well designed, lots of A/C & heat vents, cupholders, storage areas, etc.
- not a ton of space, obviously. We have a large dog and a kid on the way, and plan to put the dog in the 3rd row and the kid (and any later kids) in the middle row, and get a roof cargo box for the gear when we take long trips. I think there's definitely enough room for 2 kids + gear if you fold the 3rd row. We ended up going with the Rondo because we take long trips (long = more than 1 day and bring the dog) maybe 4 times a year, and it seems silly to pay another $7-10K for a vehicle that has at best 20 more ft^3 of cargo space (i.e., the Saturn Outlook) plus pay the extra gas for a bigger car if its really only needed once in a while... instead we will put the cargo box on only when its needed. For us it'd even be cheaper than buying a bigger car to just rent a bigger car the few times we need one... it depends how often you need a truly minivan or large-SUV sized car I guess.
- depreciation! if you sell/trade it in within 4-5 years, you'll be lucky to break even, but if you have the money to get new cars ever 2-3 years, you probably aren't looking at a Rondo.
- Kia has an average reputation on reliability, but they are aware of this and have been getting better since Hyundai bought them, and the long warranty is insurance against any trouble. So, I think they are undervalued, which in the investment world means buy, but others probably disagree.
- MPG is pretty good (still on first tank so no personal experience year, expect 25-30 based on sticker), but not spectacular (I'm used to 30-36 w/ my Saturn SL1). Now that gas is heading toward $3 again, maybe get a used car for a few years and wait until some more "alternative" fuel cars are in production... I'm guessing this will take at least 5-7 years though, so to me buying new seems a much better idea now than buying new in 2010-2012 will be.
- no AWD. It does have ESC, EBD, and ABS, and to me stopping & turning are more important than accelerating, and AWD lowers MPG
- no daytime running lights, so be aware of when its not bright out and turn your low beams on, the benefit of this is you get rear lights on too unlike w/ DRLs.
I guess thats about it, maybe this is a little slanted since I ended up getting a Rondo, but those are the pros/cons I weighed before getting one.
I'm still undecided on what to buy. I have a 2001 Camry and LOVE the smoothness of the ride and great V6 pickup! However, I would like to trade it in for something with more cargo space. I like the Matrix, but am not impressed with it's 4-cyl. engine. Also, it just doesn't seem comfortable.
Thanks again, I hope to get something soon!
Also Canadian specs list the Rondo as having traction control (TCS) along with stability control (ESC). In this class of vehicle, TCS is generally accomplished via braking and engine management (cutting power) and is a sub-set of ECS. Do US models truly lack TCS or is this just not advertised.
Thanks.
Voyager (I had the Caravan), not so close IMHO.
http://kiapartspeople.com/SearchProduct.asp?Model=Rondo&catid=3374648381583243&y- ear=07&productdesc=Cargo+Cover
Just like to point out that you can turn the lights on (parking lights or driving lights) and leave them on all the time if you like DRLs. Yes, the rear lights will light up also. The lights will only work with the key in the ignition, so the lights will turn off automatically when you exit the car and back on again when you start it up again.
C&D Feb 07 Rondo Review
BTW, with respect to TCS on US cars, some sites say yes, some no. Still wondering.
I do not own a Rondo, but as I plan on purchasing a new vehicle in the near future (it will be our first new one in 35 years) I am doing my ground work in preparation.
The vehicles that I am considering are the Matrix, CR-V, Element, Santa Fe and now the Rondo. I have downloaded the Rondo owners manual from the Canadian Kia site (you can find out a lot about a vehicle from reading one) and became even more interested in it when you can appreciate a lot of the "thought" that has gone into this vehicle and things that no one seems to have mentioned and would be of interest to anyone, like myself looking into this vehicle. Some of them are: (based on the Canadian EX 5 seater version)
• fuel filler lid opener on the drivers door (instead of the typical release on the floor)
• windshield de-icer (wires at the base of windshield behind the wipers)
• heat ducts at the rear of the centre console
• heat ducts under the front seats for the rear passengers feet
• heated exterior mirrors
• passengers seat that lies flat with rear seat cushion allowing you to put 8' items in
• illuminating ignition keyhole
• battery saver function
• large under floor rear storage (on 5 passenger model)
• 8 cup holders
• heated front seats
• auto off headlights
• fog lights
• 2 dome lights plus map and luggage light
• double level storage console
• sunglass holder
• 2 power outlets
• shopping bag holder on passengers side
• audio remote control on steering wheel
• 1400 lb vehicle weight capacity (CRV is only 860 and the Element only 675)
• a removable towing hook
• inner fuse panel easily accessible at the drivers end of the dash
• same wheelbase as the Santa Fe
• anti-whiplash front headrests
• standard alloy wheels
Plus the more obvious standard features. However, there was a couple of things that struck me as odd and that is they still have ashtrays and no MP3 player or auxiliary plug in (according to the people I talked to at the Toronto Auto Show, this is being looked into).
I have created a spreadsheet to compare feature of vehicles and also take lots of pictures which I find very helpful to compare side by side on my computer. I find the vehicle very good value in comparison to its competition, just not as high profile brand as some of the others, but I hope some of this information maybe helpful to anyone reading comments about this vehicle.
I was just talking with another Canadian on a different Rondo forum and appearently he loves the Light Almond Beige color of mine because he can't get it in Canada.
I do also. Took mine from my registration on my PT Cruiser.
Okay, I admit I'm not the world's best at parallel parking and this could all be just me, so keep that in mind. This has nothing to do with the length of the Rondo, obviously, since it's relatively compact already. What I've noticed is that when backing into a parking spot, I can't see the front end or the hood of the vehicle parked behind me because the Rondo's rear window is up so high. I've already lightly bumped a vehicle because of this "blind spot."
Anybody else have the same problem? Or is it that I just don't have a feel for the vehicle yet?
http://www.mobilevideo4less.com/cameras.html
Can't remember when I last had to parallel park, must be years. The rear Rondo window is high. You'll have to use your outside mirrors and hope the car behind is wider than your Rondo but it would still be hard to judge the distance using the mirrors. No other choice except the camera.