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Mazda 5 vs Kia Rondo
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Comments
Because Mazda styling, though not ugly, has always had a "blocky-chunky" sort of a look to me and Kia has always had a smoother, more inventive look that involved a higher degree of intelligence to design it.
Therefore, it required a higher degree of intelligence to notice it.
With the Mazda5 and the Kia Rondo the same formula holds true. The Rondo wins hands down in the styling department. Kia is there right now for quality, design innovation, value and low initial pricing. True, Kia pricing is rising, but most everyone's pricing is rising a tad. Oh, and Mazda's Warranty just doesn't cut the mustard to go with my Chicago hot dog, either.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
It is interesting to see the "2nd car need" to ride. My earlier "5 adult - one baby" case was about to also become a "We need 2 cars" case as well. Surprisingly the huge Graco stroller fit in the back of the 3rd row, so one car was needed at the end. My family is tall as well (e.g. brother 6'2", me 5'11")...
The only other thing I noted is your concern for the fuel economy (who isn't nowadays
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2007/04/suburban_dad_20_1.html
Therefore, it required a higher degree of intelligence to notice it.
:confuse:
...OK.... possibly my car "intelligence" is weakening then... as the more I look at KIA models, the less I like their design :surprise: .
iluvmysphia1
Kia is there right now for quality
As per the quality, yes, I'm with you on that one. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, IMO KIA has done a good job getting where they are today, no doubt.
For those looking for a much larger vehicle with good gas mileage, the Ford Freestyle is a good choice. People have been getting as high as 30mpg on the highway, which is pretty darn good for a nearly 4000 lb vehicle with 3 adult friendly rows. It's not sporty in any way, shape, or form though.
Opinions are like noses, everyone has them.
I just don't like Mazda styling, the Miata is so round it's bland and I like the Pontiac Solstice styling better.
The Mazda RX-8 is kind of interesting, I will admit that. It comes across as a very sporty looking vehicle that has a unique look to it and I like that.
Enjoy your Mazda5 and we'll happily just move on with our own opinions...and noses.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I ended up with the Kia Rondo, 5 passenger, 4 cylinder EX with the premium package. Kind of weird looking, but still pleasant to the eyes. The a/c is great in the desert, interior storage space is voluminous. The rear under floor storage areas are fantastic. Handling is on par with the Mazda 5 as is the interior materials and fit and finish. While the stereo deck display is visually disappointing it is a 2x dim unit and can easily be upgraded in the future.
Overall they are equals. It was the small things that won me over to Kia. The warranty didn't hurt either. Both vehicles are well designed for their intended purpose. The lower overall purchase price of the Rondo compared to the Mazda 5 will buy a lot of gas and options to tweak it to my liking. The Kia fit my personal needs far better and won't get lost or forgotten with the Casino Valet parking crews! It is different for sure.
Why can't Honda or Toyota make a Kia Rondo type vehicle available in the USA???? :confuse:
If they make the Stream and Wish, why not bring those over here?!?!? :mad:
Are you listening Honda and Toyota???
This market is just opening to these type of cars but it will take time (see Europe, completely different story, they love these things). Here are some models:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opel_Zafira
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Touran
http://www.caradisiac.com/php/essai_tun/ess_nou/nouv166/mg_6085_renault_grand_sc- - - - - - - enic.php
To me, reliability is subjective because in North America both are new models. The KIA CEO is a quality lover but the Mazda5 has been so far very reliable to me if you ask (we almost have 2 yrs with ours, all fully assembled in Japan). Yet, I would wait another 5 years to really attest the final result (and see the market react)
Now, I know you like the Rondo better, but in my case, Why a Mazda5 over any similar Honda model if it would exist? Handling, handling, handling and the sporty engine feeling are far superior (my other car is a Honda).
We didn't buy it to race of course, but, covers all my family needs, is really fun to drive (I have a stick shift), it can handle the road greatly and does not look weird.
Mazda vs. Honda? Just check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU4paH8qcQ8
I believe the weak A/C issues will be addressed in the 2008 Model which should be coming soon (link below), especially if you live in Vegas
So, for the ones who haven't made a purchase and can wait, follow the Mazda news.
http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=26425&make_id=227
Now, with regards to the non standard stereo unit, I'm not sure if I followed your comment correctly :confuse: . The base model (Sport) already comes with AM/FM/CD Player. As options you can get a 6 CD in-dash player and/or MP3/WMA capable.
Anyway, tell us how it goes with your purchase and keep cool up there. Love Vegas but I dunno what I would do if I live there (Bellagio fountains every evening perhaps?) :P
you can see the vehicle at:
http://www.toyota.co.uk
I don't know that I decidedly prefer the Rondo over the Mazda5. When I said it edged it out I was just agreeing with the points made by the previous poster.
The Mazda5 has been only "average" in Consumer Reports reliability ratings. Though there has only been one year of ratings so far. It could get better.
I want a car that gets at least an "above average" or "much better than average" reliability rating from CR.
I don't know that I decidedly prefer the Rondo over the Mazda5. When I said it edged it out I was just agreeing with the points made by the previous poster.
Got it
The Mazda5 has been only "average" in Consumer Reports reliability ratings. Though there has only been one year of ratings so far. It could get better.
I want a car that gets at least an "above average" or "much better than average" reliability rating from CR.
Who doesn't?
I could only say that you need to keep into account the model (year) that you may want to buy. I got the very first 2006 Mazda5 batch in 2005 so, yes, I got some of the common first model "bugs" that may have hit the overall reliability numbers. Yet, Mazda acted fast so for the 2007 model those issues have been corrected. Yes, I took the risk in 2005 but I would do it all over again, the car is worth it (in addition that Mazda owners in general are very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful, as I've experienced in other Non-Edmunds forums).
I have to say, that strong A/C is important to me. And I think a vehicle this size should have V6 power (which the Rondo does). Though 4-bangers are getting more and more powerful these days so it doesn't matter as much as it used to.
I also like the roominess of the Rondo interior as compared to the Mazda5 in the CanadianDriver review. http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/07rondo.htm
But I think both these vehicles are very nice.
I used to have a 1st gen Dodge Caravan (SWB) V6 and it was very similar in size. The mainstream minivans have all gotten so big and bloated they can hardly be called "mini" anymore. So it's great to see at least two offerings in this size.
n my post #161, I referred to the Mazda 5 not having a standard DIM or duel DIM stereo chassis. The unit in the Mazda 5 is unique for the dash. It does not appear to be able to be changed out. I can do so with the Rondo as it has a standard 2X DIM head. After a full month with this unit, I dislike it more and more every day. Too dim of a display panel to read. Other than that, the Rondo is still great
OK, got it. I hear you, for my old Honda I can still get a good CD MP3/WMA player for ~USD$120 in Circuit City or Best Buy (free install), but for the Mazda5 (good thing it had already the in-dash 6CD Player, wife loves it) I would need to get it OEM. So Best Buy or e-bay may be still an after market option in your case.
Still getting a solid 16 MPG in 80% stop and go driving with the A/C going full tilt
Are you sure it is only 16MPG? It sounds really low for a 4 cylinder, regardless of the A/C. One report for the V6 had had that earlier (family with children fully loaded
Report:
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2007/04/suburban_dad_20_1.html
If it is an Auto Transmission, yes, I would agree. Now, I have a Manual so the 4cyl works great. Wife is the primary driver and she has no issues with the HP (I should also say she does not drive nor accelerate like I do :P)
I used to have a 1st gen Dodge Caravan (SWB) V6 and it was very similar in size. The mainstream minivans have all gotten so big and bloated they can hardly be called "mini" anymore. So it's great to see at least two offerings in this size.
Yes, I agree. Somebody told me last time that my Mazda5 had "just" the size of the very first generation Honda Odyssey (like a sign of going backwards) so I replied: "Well, it is not intended to compete against minivans, plus I don't need a bigger car, it is just the ideal size to me"
Actual dimensions are OK, actually many people have mentioned the same thing, that Rondo has more space...
But now, I have carried 5 "tall" adults, a baby on a car seat and a folded stroller in the back of the 3rd row (one of those large Gracos) and all fit greatly. I have done it once in the lifetime of the car though. I don't carry adults in the back 99% of the time so to me is not very relevant.
As per pure cargo (lugagge, swingsets, you name it) I posted these pics below sometime ago in a non-Edmunds forum. I did not do a thorough analysis on dimensions, but see how versatile the Mazda5 is. I don't need more than that if you ask
"Ideal size" may not be in the American vocabulary where "bigger is always better".
I think the 1st gen Odyssey was perfectly sized. Though I do prefer sliding rear doors like on the Mazda5. You may recall the little Mitsubishi Expo LRV from the early 90s had sliding rear doors too, while the larger Expo (non-LRV) had regular opening rear doors like the Rondo and 1st gen Odyssey. There were some other good designs then like the tall Nissan Stanza Wagon and Nissan Axxess. (The Axxess we only had in the USA for a single model year but was sold for 5 years in Canada.)
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jc/90-95axxess.htm
Really, here in the USA, we have only a fraction of what they have elsewhere in the world. :mad: Just looking at the cornucopia on this page... http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/about_toyota/manufacturing/product.html
it becomes apparent that most vehicles outside the USA are some variation on the hatchback/wagon/"MPV" small minivan theme. More pics of these can be found here: http://www.cars-directory.net/gallery/toyota/
The SUV is really not the best replacement for the station wagon. Chrysler had it right in 1984 with the original Caravan/Voyager. It took way too long for the Japanese automakers to bring something really competitive to the table in the USA. And now everythings just gone all SUV-crazy.
All I can say is hopefully sales of the Mazda5 and Rondo will set a new trend toward offering sensible, smaller minivans in the USA market.
Our experience with the dealer wasn't great (ask, and I'll tell you...), but the car itself is a pleasure to drive and has suited our needs to a "T."
Tomas
All I can say is hopefully sales of the Mazda5 and Rondo will set a new trend toward offering sensible, smaller minivans in the USA market.
Yep, this one of my aims for being in these forums
Axxess and Stanza Wagon. Well, I've seen them around but never attracted me (even when those were new. They were functional but very ugly). I realize that designing this type of cars is very difficult, that is why when I saw the Mazda5 (very functional, spacious PLUS a good looking design) I really liked it. My personal view is that the Rondo is very functional but still lacks the good looking design part.
Other brands, like Opel and Volkswagen, are also catching up. As example, the first Opel Zafira was ugly, but the new one is much better looking. Same with the VW Touran and, actually, the first Mazda5 (1999-2005 Premacy in Asia)
I hear you on this point - I also like the way the mazda looks better. What I didn't like was that narrow rear window and how low it rides to the ground- we bottomed out on a hill on the test drive. We also got the kia for a lot less $$. Also found the interior of the kia more spacious and the seats 6 and 7 were more comfortable..
Cheers,
T
What I didn't like was that narrow rear window and how low it rides to the ground- we bottomed out on a hill on the test drive
No issues with regards to the rear window but, very true, The Mazda5 rides lower than other cars (especially the front bumper/spoiler is a troublemaker). I kind of like the height but, yes, it was a hassle when new so we had to spend some time to get used to it. I remember scratching the bumper bottom several times against parking car stops where I usually never cared about with our other car. We now have to make sure we stop at a safe distance from front curbs or car stops when angle parking :surprise:, just in case. During snow days and snow piles, yes something to look out as well
Looking to downsize, but still needs space
I think this is a transcript from an automotive TV show hosted by Jeremy Cato and Michael Vaughan in Canada. They also discuss the Chevy HHR.
Vaughan doesn't like Kia's reliability record based on the reports from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. Being a Rondo owner myself, I want to point out what the reports actually say.
Kia ranked 17th out of 36 in the 2007 Consumer Reports study, which isn't outstanding, but it isn't horrible, either.
In the 2006 Power's three-year dependability study, Kia ranked fourth from the bottom--but it also notes, "Kia has improved twice as much as any other brand in the past three years." The 2007 study should be released in the next few weeks, so it'll be interesting to see if the trend continues.
Power also has a 90-day initial quality study. The 2007 study notes, "Among non-premium brands, Kia posts the largest improvement in ranking, moving from 24th in 2006 to 12th in 2007."
Mini people-movers go head-to-head: Kia Rondo EX V6 Luxury and Mazda5 GT share many qualities yet are vastly different
GRAEME FLETCHER
Montreal Gazette
May 23, 2007
The Europeans are known as trendsetters. In the automotive world, they have long embraced the diesel engine and, with the cost of motoring being what it is, they prefer smaller, more practical forms of transportation.
In North America, the minivan and seven-seat SUV have been the typical choices for anyone needing to carry more than five people on a sometime/regular basis. The problem is that the minivan paints the driver with a tainted brush (you're a soccer parent) and big SUVs are gas hogs. Now, there are urban-friendly alternatives. Here, the Kia Rondo EX V6 Luxury takes on the Mazda5 GT. Both offer five-plus seating and deliver plenty of cargo space when the third row is not in use.
Interior/Cargo
The Rondo and Mazda5 are strikingly similar, right down to the sharp-edged flashing on the glove-box door, yet they are very different. The biggest similarity is seating - the Mazda5 accommodates six in a 2+2+2 configuration, while the Kia adds a seventh spot to the middle row. Realistically, it is fit only for a child.
Both also deliver plenty of flexibility and cargo capacity. Folding the middle and third rows flat is a simple matter, although the Kia's second-row headrests have to be removed first.
When it comes to actual cargo-carrying capacity, things get a little muddy.
The two companies seem to use different methods to calculate the relative space available. One thing is for sure - with the third row deployed, there is virtually no cargo space in either case. (Take the toothbrush, buy the toothpaste when you get there.)
With the third row down, space more than quadruples. And, with the centre row flat, the Rondo opens up to 73.4 cubic feet. Visually, the Mazda5 matches the available space, although its swoopier roofline might slightly limit overall height.
As for accommodations, both again come very close. In the third row, the Kia has noticeably more legroom, kneeroom and headroom. Mazda also puts a hard plastic trim piece right where your head sits. The 5, however, is slightly more comfortable because the seat sits higher off the floor (270 millimetres versus the Kia's 230 mm).
In the second row, things are much better. First, the seats are comfortable and can be moved fore and aft. With the third row vacant, moving the seat back brings plenty of stretch-out space. When the third row is in use, pulling the middle-row seats forward opens up the third row appreciably.
The Mazda also has a couple of nice touches, including a storage bin under the left middle seat and a handy tray/net under the right. The Kia counters with functional roof rails.
Up front, there is little to split the two. The driving positions are comfortable, visibility is good (both feature triangular windows at the A-pillar, which eliminates what would be a bad blind spot) and the layouts are entirely logical. Both testers also came with air conditioning (a $1,100 option on the Mazda5), decent audio packages and power locks, windows, mirrors and sunroofs. The noticeable difference is manual adjustment for the 5's cloth seats versus the power adjusters for the Kia's heated leather buckets.
Differences are also found in the doors. Kia uses four conventionally hinged doors; Mazda uses sliding rear doors. The difference is subtle but meaningful. On the plus side, the Mazda5 is easier to load when parked in a tight spot. On the downside, the sliding doors hinder access to the third row because the leading edge eats into the entryway.
Road manners
Unlike larger minivans or SUVs, the Rondo and Mazda5 track a pretty good line through a fast on-ramp. Likewise, there is minimal body roll (both use anti-roll bars front and back) and any understeer exhibited is far enough out so as not to be a nuisance. Both also come with suitably large tires (the Mazda5 GT wears P205/ 50R17s, the Kia 225/50R17s) and anti-lock brakes.
There are bigger differences in the powertrain. The Mazda5 comes with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder and a four-speed manumatic; the Rondo EX V6 is powered by a 2.7-litre V6 that drives a five-speed manumatic (the base Rondo EX comes with a 162-horsepower, 2.4-litre four and a four-speed tranny). The Mazda5 takes 9.3 seconds to reach 100 kilometres per hour and 7.6 seconds to do the 80-to-120-km/h passing move; the Rondo's V6 accomplishes the same thing in 8.2 and 6.1 seconds, respectively.
The difference boils down to the power on tap. The Mazda four delivers 153 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm; the Kia pushes 182 horses and 182 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Kia's extra gear accentuates the urgency off the line and is also quieter at highway speeds.
When it comes to fuel economy, it's pretty much a tie. The Mazda5 is rated at 11.2 litres per 100 km in the city and 8.3 L/100 km on the highway; the Rondo is thirstier in town (11.8 L/100 km), but better on the highway (7.9 L/100 km). Again, credit the five-speed box.
As for safety, the Rondo beats the Mazda5 by coming with standard traction and electronic stability control systems - neither is offered on the Mazda5. Both come with front and side seat-mounted airbags, as well as drop-down side curtains and active headrests.
The bottom line
Both these vehicles are very good at what they do. They out-handle any SUV, have rear seats that are actually usable (albeit for a limited period of time), and both are attractively attired and affordably priced. The Mazda5 has the company's rep going for it. The Kia brings more power and better equipment for similar money. As such, my score sheet ranks the Kia Rondo EX V6 ahead of the Mazda5 GT.
I topped off the tank this AM. It was 87 degrees outside. I then checked the tire air pressure, then drove to the freeway. I put 63.8 highway miles on the car, all but 4 miles at 68 MPH. The cruise control worked great. I then topped off the tank, 2.3 gallons, and my little experiment gave me 27.7 MPG on the highway with the A/C running full tilt. When I got home, the temperature was 91 degrees. The 2007 EPA highway ratings is 29. For 2008 it will be, I think, 27. So I am getting the adjusted EPA MPG, and that is real world MPG. I am real satisfied.
All in all, I am very pleased with the highway mileage of the Rondo. As an extra note, the infinity Stereo, while still being horrid to see the display, does have incredible sound. During my little road trip I listened to Abbey Road (side
You may need to get more tanks calculations to get a good average but to me that sounds like OK mileage. I wouldn't mind a Manual Transmission to get more than that though
Happy driving...
Since you bought the car, and seem to really like it, that's all that matters in the long run. It will still depreciate at the same rate, and it will still cost the same to insure and operate. Enjoy the Rondo. The moral to the story is, the real price of a car is whatever someone is willing to pay for it.
yes, i think better to put in $12 for consumer reports. there was also one other site which had car review at $1 per car and a minimum of $5. thanks
If you are interested in a 5 seater, then they will even lower the price more (but then again, there are many other options). Use the net to find other dealers within your state (and perhaps out of your state) - for 2K$ you can take a nice vacation driving to pick one up... (isn't this line better suited for the dealer experience forum?)
P.S.
I picked the Rondo over the Mazda because: (i) more space for the kids (ii) more space for the driver (iii) 5 speed transmission (V6 only). The fact that it was somewhat cheaper was nice, but did not matter. Having the 7th seat is nice, but of limited use, as only a skinny 8-12 years old could fit there...
I have carried 5 adults, a baby on a car seat and a large stroller in the back of the 3rd row and have not felt a lack of power (I have a manual transmission however). I have done this only once in 2 years. Now, other Auto Tranny Mazda5 owners have said that the engine is not power out of this world but sufficient, even fully loaded (peppy enough as long as you are not intending to race it of course
To me any V6 seems very economical when driving on pure highway, but the Rondo's V6 city MPG seems very low for the type of car. I read once (link below) that it was only around 15MPG? On my 2 years as a Mazda5 owner, we have gone from 22MPG (bad, hot day w/ full A/C city driving) to almost 34MPG (highway). Our avg is around 24-25MPG, 3 passengers.
Now, as per choice, although it is just a family ride and both cars have very similar versatility, I prefer the Mazda5 as I love the Zoom-Zoom spice and the appealing look added to it.
Some MPG stuff and reviews I found for both:
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2007/04/suburban_dad_20_1.html
KarenS, "Mazda5 Owners MPG-Real World Numbers" #, 22 Jul 2005 8:51 am
Good luck!
If you're looking at these kind of vehicles, you're obviously concerned primarily about functionality. IMHO, the Rondo is more versatile when it comes to functionality and configurability compared to the Mazda5. The obvious reason for this is that the Rondo is capable of seating one more person than the Mazda5. Its 2-3-2 seating configuration gives you a few more options than the Mazda5's 2-2-2 configuration.
For instance, if on average you will be carrying at most 5 people in your vehicle, the fifth person has to sit in the third row in the Mazda5. In the Rondo, the fifth person can choose his poison
If, in your mind, the versatility is pretty much equal between the Rondo and Mazda5, then other considerations come into play. IMHO, the Rondo comes out ahead when considering the warranty (the 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty is a killer) and safety (electronic stability control and traction control system are standard, which are not available for the Mazda5). The Mazda5, again IMHO, comes out ahead when considering resale value and performance/handling (available with a manual tranny, which is not available for the Rondo).
If looks and image matter, the Mazda5 gets the nod over the Rondo, although that's not saying very much. There's no disguising the fact that these vehicles are what they are--utilitarian people movers.
The Mazda5 also has sliding doors, which I consider a plus (and it should be considered a plus, because I'll say it again, these vehicles are primarily about functionality). Some people, however, seem to hate sliding doors due to its "soccer mom" look. If the Rondo does have an advantage over the Mazda5 in the looks department, I suppose this would be it.
As for MPG, you should check out (if you haven't already) some of the real-world drivers' experiences with the Rondo at these threads:
Kia Rondo, Real World MPG
So what kind of mileage are people getting? (Kia Forums)
Rondo fuel economy compared to goverment ratings (Kia Forums)
BTW, coolmazda5 seemed to have found one of the few mostly negative reviews of the Rondo (i.e., his link to the KickingTires blog at Cars.com). For a comprehensive list of Rondo reviews, see here.
BTW, I won't post other non-Edmunds forums I frequently visit, as it is generally a Forums member's rule (do not promote external forums in your post)...
renu_p, you seem to have a lot of info now, so happy shopping around!
I can't comment specifically on the Rondo, but in general, when a particular vehicle is offered with a choice of either 4 cyl or V6 engines, because the weight is basically the same either way, you can get about the same gas mileage out of the V6 as long as you drive with a light foot.
In other words, drive with a heavy foot in the V6 version, and you'll use more gas, simply because the V6 is CAPABLE of using more gas when pushed. But you'll also have the added benefit of better acceleration when needed and more pulling power when needed for larger loads because of the increased torque.
Personally, I'd rather have the V6 because I'd like the larger reserve of power available, and the smoother, quieter running characteristics of V6 engines.
I think in most driving you'll get the same gas mileage as the 4 cyl. You just have to train yourself not to take full advantage of the V6 power reserve unless you really need it.
By the way, I thought my posted links were fair (good and bad) on both sides, not negative. I still believe that the V6 engine economy is misleading, but that is pretty much it
Just to clear up any misunderstanding, I was only referring to the review at the KickingTires blog. Plus, by "negative," I wasn't implying that the review was unfair, but that it ultimately didn't recommend the Rondo. That is what I mean by "negative review" when I've used those terms in any of my past posts (i.e., the review doesn't recommend the vehicle or the review is leaning in that direction, by my estimation).
I've also noticed that you posted the KickingTires link several times before, as though it were some sort of "smoking gun" (and as I said before, it just happens to be one of the few "negative reviews" of the Rondo out there). If you're basing your belief about the V6 on just that one review, I suggest that you check some other reviews and other drivers' accounts (it just might contradict or even confirm your belief).
BTW, I wasn't aware of the forum member's rules, but ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Seems to me that you'll get better mpg with the 4cyl, just like the 4cyl Accord and Camry get a lot better mpg by EPA estimates as well as real-world users (see posts on MPG.com or Edmunds). No reason to think that the Rondo would perform any differently.
The 6cyl is better if you know that you're carrying a heavy load all of the time (ie..you have a big family!), but other wise, I'd just get the 4cyl.
Then check again. It is also linked to the Rondo forum.
Oh and if anyone is need reassuring it seems to be you.