Mazda5 vs KIA Rondo comparisons and articles (merged)

[skyhawk]

we were first time brand-new car buyer. all my older cars were handed down (free). We were inexperienced and could have gone easily to the Rondo if Rondo was available at that time (2006). I did not even know there were forums such as this.

So I guess we were lucky to have ended up with the MZ5. But there are
many who will go for the price and popularity advertisement, and KIA seems to be ahead in this area as compared to Mazda. My friends for example are awed by the warranty.. and free oil change, etc.. what have yous.

 

[Dyx]

Me and my wife were also looking at the Mazda5 and the Rondo but luckily we went to the Mazda dealer first and went through the dealer's lot and found a Phantom Blue GS (Sport in the US), and never looked back. Purchased it right then and there, no drive test needed.

That was one of the best decisions I ever made in my Life! hehe

 

[x10dude]

I looked at the Kia Rondo and Mazda5 very carefully. Must have test drove each car about 3-4 times. Both have their strengths. To say the either is a better car is somewhat subjective because your needs and tastes vary greatly.

In my test drive the Rondo definitely had better pick up (V6) but the Mazda did corners better. The Mazda5 has more cargo room but the Kia has more compartments. (the Mazda5 is very sparse in the front seats - extremely small center console, no coin box, no sunglass holder...). The Mazda has much better ingress and egress (passengers and cargo) because of the doors but the Kia doors do open very wide (provided you have enough side room).

In my shopping I found the Rondo a bit cheaper with a longer warranty. I've always like Mazda from my old 626 days but I was a bit surprised how far Kia has come. Anyone who says the Rondo is a terrible choice is simply fooling themselves.

In the end, for me the sliding doors pushed me over to the Mazda 5.

 

[skyhawk]

The sliding door is one. Another feature MZ5 has that Rondo does not have is the middle aisle to the 3rd row. In the rondo, this space is blocked by 3rd seat of 2nd row. So sitting in the 3rd row of the Rondo might make one feel being fenced off. In MZ5, my 10yr old is sitting in the 2nd row seat. We stopped by ymca to pick up the 15yr old. I can easily say, 'Jem please move to the 3rd row!'. So he unbuckles the seat belt and use the 'aisle' and transfer to a 3rd row seat.

In the case of the Rondo, I guess to move from 2nd row to the 3rd row, one has to get out of the car, into the rain, move the 2nd row seat and then re-enter.

 

[x10dude]

Another feature MZ5 has that Rondo does not have is the middle aisle to the 3rd row. In the rondo, this space is blocked by 3rd seat of 2nd row. So sitting in the 3rd row of the Rondo might make one feel being fenced off. In MZ5, my 10yr old is sitting in the 2nd row seat. We stopped by ymca to pick up the 15yr old. I can easily say, 'Jem please move to the 3rd row!'. So he unbuckles the seat belt and use the 'aisle' and transfer to a 3rd row seat.

In the case of the Rondo, I guess to move from 2nd row to the 3rd row, one has to get out of the car, into the rain, move the 2nd row seat and then re-enter.

But I think you are totally missing the point that the Rondo can seat 7. I don't think the Mazda5 can do that even in the rain.. . In the Mazda you gain the center aisle but you lose a passenger seat... If you are going to point out a disadvantage of either car, to be fair it's probably a good idea to say why. (ie. the Rondo doesn't have a 2nd row aisle because it seats an extra person.) Again, it's just a different configuration and may appeal to different people.

But either way, no one disagrees that both 3rd row seats are cramped but functional for short trips.

 

[coolmazda5]

I enjoy driving tons and the Mazda5, even with its people mover attributes and sliding doors, delivers it very well.

We've been beaten the horse to death comparing features between one and the other, but I believe fun to drive differences are not really seen as very relevant by many potential buyers, which is OK, to each its own

As mentioned earlier, I have not driven a Rondo but I've driven some of its KIA brothers and Hyundai cousins and no, no comparison on sporty shorter turn ratio steering, road feedback, precise shifting and handling on the twisties in general for a car that price. And yes, I'm not talking about more HP I4 nor V6. To me power is not that relevant if it is not fun to drive (plus the Mazda5 offers MT )

 

[2ride4life]

Mz5 vs Rondo comparo (merged)

Hopefully not a repost, check out this comparison

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2008-kia-rondo-ex-vs-2009-mazda-mazda5-grand-touring/

Not bad, I don't agree with the Rondo being the better choice ... obviously (wink)

Their only real knocks on the Mz5 were ESC, interior ergonomics, and a V6. Personally, the electronic nanny wasn't a necessity, ergonomics for us is perfect, and the V6 was actually a negative for me.
The only shocking thing to me is that the reviewer actually thought that the Rondo was "more fun to drive".

Enjoy!

 

[antlind]

Interesting article. Having spent a week with a Kia Rondo over the summer I can say that it does nothing for me from a handling perspective.
The only comment I really agree with this articel is 'You find yourself wishing they built a MazdaSpeed5'......
Anthony

 

[raspykart]

no mention of gas mileage... between sliding doors, gas mileage, fun to drive factor, and confidence in Mazda quality... I didn't even bother with the Rondo

 

[x10dude]

I test drove both cars pretty extensively this summer. Maybe about 5 times each at different dealers. Of course the sliding doors basically swayed me to the Mazda5 (and perhaps my previous 626).

Of course I prefer the 5 over the Rondo but the Rondo isn't that bad.

One thing that I did prefer in the Rondo was the amount of storage compartments especially compared to the Mazda5 up front. Come on Mazda, you can't even put in holder for sunglasses??!! (not sure if that is available on the GTs). The center storage console is also alot deeper and more functional on the Rondo.
The lack of ESC on the Mazda is also VERY puzzling. It's not even an option.

Neither one was that impressive in power so it's funny to hear people compare how much more powerful one is over the other....
Handling is better on the Mazda but again, you don't really buy these cars for the exceptional handling. Both are competent on the road, but the Mazda3 is superior to both! So if power and handling are MOST important factor to you, you are really looking at the wrong vehicle.

Basically you buy either for their versatility and functionality and depending on your needs both are good options. It's really subjective so there really isn't a clear cut answer. (Of course in this forum the Mazda5 will be king)

 

[Olestra]

Neither one was that impressive in power so it's funny to hear people compare how much more powerful one is over the other....
Handling is better on the Mazda but again, you don't really buy these cars for the exceptional handling. Both are competent on the road, but the Mazda3 is superior to both! So if power and handling are MOST important factor to you, you are really looking at the wrong vehicle.

I tend to disagree. For many people, they would love to drive a Mazda3, Mazdaspeed3 or equivalent but need the functionality of sliding doors, extra seating and cargo space. The Mazda5 is an excellent compromise because it gives you all that utility plus it retains the dynamics of a very nice handling car. Many are pleasantly surprised, they wouldn't expect this type of vehicle to handle so well.

 

[x10dude]

I tend to disagree. For many people, they would love to drive a Mazda3, Mazdaspeed3 or equivalent but need the functionality of sliding doors, extra seating and cargo space. The Mazda5 is an excellent compromise because it gives you all that utility plus it retains the dynamics of a very nice handling car. Many are pleasantly surprised, they wouldn't expect this type of vehicle to handle so well.

I think you misread and misquoted me. I said the main appeal the Mazda5 and Rondo are their functionality and versatility. I also said that they both are competent on the road.

If you reread my post I said that if your MAIN factors in buying a a vehicle is power and handling... then you are looking at the wrong car. Yes, the Mazda5 handles nicely for what it does... but I can name like 50 other cars that handle much better.

Basically I was just expressing how it's funny how much EMPHASIS is placed on handling and power, when that' NOT really what these cars are meant for. Both drive decently but power and handling is not primarily why people buy them. It certainly helps but that is not the main appeal. (that's all I was saying)

 

[antlind]

I tend to disagree. For many people, they would love to drive a Mazda3, Mazdaspeed3 or equivalent but need the functionality of sliding doors, extra seating and cargo space. The Mazda5 is an excellent compromise because it gives you all that utility plus it retains the dynamics of a very nice handling car. Many are pleasantly surprised, they wouldn't expect this type of vehicle to handle so well.

Well said.......the Mazda5 is represents the ideal compromise between the Mazda3 and the MPV. Minivan-type functionality with sedan performance. As I said before, the Rondo is a pig compared to the Mazda5....no comparison at all when it comes to overall handling.

 

[x10dude]

Well said.......the Mazda5 is represents the ideal compromise between the Mazda3 and the MPV. Minivan-type functionality with sedan performance. As I said before, the Rondo is a pig compared to the Mazda5....no comparison at all when it comes to overall handling.

I would say that the Mazda5 is the best handling vehicle with sliding rear doors!
As a crossover with incredibly versatility it does have decent road manners. I AGREE it is a good compromise. But let's not kid ourselves into thinking that this is a great handling vehicle.

"Rondo is a pig compared to the Mazda 5".... I guess Rondo owners could call the Mazda5 a dog when it comes to acceleration. (I find it a bit amusing how people find the need to call "the competition" derogatory names.... like PC owners calling Macs a piece of junk and vice versa. It all seems a bit insecure to me.)

Again it is really subjective and what is really important to you. Interesting note is that the YTD Rondo sales have gone up just like Mazda5. So BOTH vehicles must be doing something right.

 

[antlind]

Heheheh...maybe I should restate by saying that 'The Kia Rondo is a tad pudgy when compared to the svelte Mazda5.'

But what the heck, this is a Mazda forum where we are all slightly (or very depending on the individual) biased in our views .....(shrug)

 

[x10dude]

Heheheh...maybe I should restate by saying that 'The Kia Rondo is a tad pudgy when compared to the svelte Mazda5.'

But what the heck, this is a Mazda forum where we are all slightly (or very depending on the individual) biased in our views .....(shrug)

Ha ha..... much better. But I still think most Mazda5 owners will read your description and still think... "pig"

Yeah, you aren't going to get too many Rondo is better posts on this board.
But there are Sooooo many other threads on other boards comparing the two. And there are soooo many posts going back and forth "The Rondo is a piece of junk..." , "No the Mazda is a piece of junk"... etc. It's almost comical.
If you are speaking about the Yugo, then yup I'd agree. But anyone who says either car stinks just strikes me as someone who is either very insecure about their car purchase or knows nothing about cars (or both...)

 

[antlind]

Ha ha..... much better. But I still think most Mazda5 owners will read your description and still think... "pig"

Well it could be worse....I could have said 'pig with lipstick'.....(cryhard)

 

[x10dude]

Well it could be worse....I could have said 'pig with lipstick'.....(cryhard)

hilarious

 

[coolmazda5]

Just posted it on another forum:

• Rondo = Minivan? (scratch)
  
  
• Mazda5 takes almost 10 seconds to stroll from 0 to 60 mph? (scratch)
• (Mazda5 5MT: 0-60MPH 8.53 Sec)
  
  
• Rondo more fun to drive than the Mazda5? (scratch)

OK, I'm sold

FS: 2006 Mazda5, 5MT, all stock
WTB: Fun-to-drive Rondo

 

[x10dude]

Just posted it on another forum:

• Rondo = Minivan? (scratch)
  
  
• Mazda5 takes almost 10 seconds to stroll from 0 to 60 mph? (scratch)
• (Mazda5 5MT: 0-60MPH 8.53 Sec)
  
  
• Rondo more fun to drive than the Mazda5? (scratch)

OK, I'm sold

FS: 2006 Mazda5, 5MT, all stock
WTB: Fun-to-drive Rondo

Yeah, I think most "car comparison" threads are not that useful simply because they are soooo subjective (what is the world does it mean that xxx is more fun to drive than yyyy?) and people tend to get so emotional over their own car.

And it just turns into endless "if you put down my car, I'm going to put down your car."

But of course WE ALL KNOW that the Mazda5 is much more FUN to drive than the Rondo!! (drive)