Mazda5 vs KIA Rondo comparisons and articles (merged)

Well...I just got a Rondo for my company car. The 5 wasn't on the list. Just got it today w/ 11 miles on it. I'll have it until I hit 20,000 miles (6-7 months) before I have to turn it in. It is the LXV6 with the only options being Cruise and keyless entry.

So far: its quiet and peppy but the 5 speed auto is definately programmed for fuel economy. It will shift from 1-2 at 5mph if you don't really step into it. Same thing all the way up the ladder. Base stereo is awful. Love the room throughout but the driver's seat could stand to gain a couple more inches in rearward travel...that back seat can definately afford to lose it for my gain. Lets see what the next several months have in store...
 
Holy, talking about reviving threads :D, good memories. I've just re-read some replies and is funny that I was told that I felt threatened by the Rondo features, which made me laugh because I was NOT the one on a Rondo forum trying to defend a Mazda5, LOL.

Well, that is the only way I would get a Rondo, when is job sponsored. As per getting money out of my pocket to buy a Kia or a Hyundai, nope.

Anyway, thanks for posting, keep us updated. I've read that KIAs have very good initial quality, but when they break, they do really break and service/support is terrible. I'm assuming your company leases them or has them as fleet, so you should be OK.

Enjoy the car!
 
No. In a nutshell, I think that the Rondo drove down the ugly highway and hit every pothole along the way. In contrast, the 5 is a sexy b****.:D
 
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pedro_mazda said:
:rolleyes: I think I should change my name to that.
Click to expand...

Yeah, you really look like a confused dude, your forum name ends with _mazda, you were owning a nice 2008 mazda5 with roof racks on the works until 2 days ago, but now your Avatar pic is a Rondo (silly)

(Just teasing you Pedro, *** <-- Sarcastic smilie inserted here ;))
 
sorry.. but i can't imagine Honda build a car like Rondo.
(unless Honda design team all get druken while drawing(cryhard))
 
...I would rent one... :D

No, I would not buy one even if its a BMW. It has very similar features to the Mazda5 but it has zero design (read ugly), does not have manual tranny nor sliding doors and, although I have not driven one, I have rented Hyundai Sonatas and Kia Rios (close cousins) and just the handling does not cut the deal. I prefer a 5MT I4 lively holding the curves than an AT V6 rushing on a straight line...

Once I posted these 2 questions in another forum. Both cars are unique and don't fit a particular class, yet I let you choose which car belongs to each:

a) Wow, cool car, What is it?
b) Oh, geez, What the heck is that?
 
I've seen the Rondo, been in it, and I find it to be a decent car. I just don't get that gigantic rear door. It portrays a very American me-first attitude and seems so wildly impractical in places such as: a parking lot, my garage, parallel parking and opening into oncoming traffic...

To answer the original question, maybe. But the this is that Honda wouldn't build the Rondo. Honda's history is to package small cars with good gas mileage and room. They already have the element, built on their Light Truck platform with the 2.4L 4cyl. I would have a hard time seeing Honda compete in this segment with something based on the Accord, as it would likely be large than the Element even (more like the upcoming Dodge journey). If they were to compete, they would need something Civic-based, and that platform and 1.8L engine aren't large/strong enough for American tastes.

The 5 fits Mazda's lineup very well. It doesn't really overshadow the more upscale CUVs and is much bigger then the 3 hatchback in terms or Cargo Volume. The Rondo Fits KIA's lineup in much the same way. The company to compete would really be Toyota, but they already have the Matrix. Perhaps a Scoin-branded Micro-Van would be a goo fit?
 
Ok...I just got a Rondo as a company car and you know what? My wife and I like it. Not because of its looks but because it does everything we need it to for our family. My former company car, a Pontiac G6 GT was nicer yes but couldn't even swallow my daughter's stroller in the trunk. Trunk was big enough, but not the opening.

Having put 220 miles on my Rondo in 2 days already here's what I can say about it:

I'll have it until I hit 20,000 miles (6-7 months) before I have to turn it in. It is the LXV6 with the only options being Cruise and keyless entry.

So far: its quiet and peppy and will hit 100 in no time but the 5 speed auto is definately programmed for fuel economy. It will shift from 1-2 at 5mph if you don't really step into it. Same thing all the way up the ladder. Good thing there is a manual mode for shifting it yourself. Also, if stability control is on and you hit the accelerator hard, you'll kick it in and bog the car down. Best to shut it off if you know you have to get accross a 6+ lane intersection in a hurry.
The base stereo is awful but at least it has an IPOD adapter in the armrest.
I love the room throughout the whole car but the driver's seat could stand to gain a couple more inches in rearward travel and a bottom cushion tilt function...that back seat can definately afford to lose some of its legroom for my gain. Trunk space is huge and there's little cubbies beneath the floor of the trunk for even more space. The second row seats fold down with ease and you don't have to move the front seat up or remove headrests. Once folded, everything is totally flat.
I've got 170 miles on a 1/2 tank so far and I've not been nice to it.
I asked for a 5 for my company car but couldn't get it. It wasn't on the list. This was the next best thing and i'm very happy I got it. We'll see what the next 6-7 months hold in store for my family and the Rondo.
 
^^ As per the earlier post request, please keep us on the loop, it would be a good comparo. Am I right to say that you owned a Mazda5 before? That would even make it more interesting.

offset_98 said:
Ok...I just got a Rondo as a company car and you know what? My wife and I like it. Not because of its looks but because it does everything we need it to for our family. My former company car, a Pontiac G6 GT was nicer yes but couldn't even swallow my daughter's stroller in the trunk. Trunk was big enough, but not the opening.
Click to expand...

I think that is a very good point, I would take one as well under those conditions (Do you know which is the fastest and most rugged car? The one that is not yours ;))

No, If you have to choose between the Mazda5 and a Rondo, What would you buy?
 
No, I didn't own a 5 before...have been trying to get one for a company car for some time. I have a CX-7 at home. I still like the looks of the 5 better and speed isn't all that important to me but I'll keep you guys in the loop.
 
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