Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Vans & Minivans Mazda Mazda5 Mazda 5 vs Kia Rondo
806 messages, Last post on Nov 26, 2009 at 2:38 PM
You are in the Mazda Mazda5 Forum. Your Host is Karens
|
|
|---|---|
I am currently thnking of buying a new car. And the Mazda5 and Kia Rondo have really caught my eye. Im wondering whats the best deal i can get with the most features, specs, looks, etc. Or if you guy can suggest a diffrent model i would be very grateful. 
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: csandste (Jan 27, 2007 12:00 pm) |
|
Drove it for an hour today. Base model, M/T. Zoom, zoom! This a great car for a young family man. Too bad I'm old and gray  But I still like it. It has a lot more style than the Rondo (which I also drove for an hour). Seems lower and sportier. You sit more in it than on it. I have no use for the middle seats let alone the back seats (standard). And the cargo area is not flat because of the large hole between the middle buckets when folded so it's not so good for my dog. Unlike the Rondo, the middle seats tumble forward so it doesn't make as good a sleeping surface for a 6' footer because the lower seat cushions form a barrier. There is vitually no storage behind the 3rd seat when it is upright. I might have considered this car if it weren't loaded up with junk options. They charged over $200 for the white paint (???) and another couple of hundred for some dopey compass or something. The base model CD player, tho a 6-changer, does not play mp3s. The mid-level (Touring) seems like the best deal. You get a moon-roof with that.
|
|
|
|
|
but I'm hesitant to buy a car that's in its first model year, with unknown reliability. The Rondo had a nicer and bigger interior along with standard ESC, TRAC, and TPMS. We have 3 kids and wanted a backup vehicle for our Sienna that could hold all the child seats. Mazda5 does have some of those safety features available overseas, and just introduced direct injection and a 5-speed auto on the JDM version - maybe in US in MY2008?. We ended up picking up the Mazda5 this past weekend as there was a good deal on a stripper Sport with no options other than the automatic.
|
|
|
Replying to: starlightmica (Feb 07, 2007 5:32 am) |
|
|
Replying to: raderator (Feb 06, 2007 6:06 pm) |
|
|
Replying to: 204meca (Nov 12, 2006 10:19 pm) Styling was not that great but it drove well with auto stabilization. The one I had was equipped with a six cylinder that could keep up with a BMW 7 Series on heavy acceleration getting onto a highway. Damn car could cruise at 110 without any issues at all. In the time I used it I had no mechanical problems. In fact what I found rather strange was that many more people were attracted to and commented on the car than anyone ever has with the Mazda 5.
|
|
|
Replying to: davidfehr (Feb 10, 2007 5:36 pm) yes, it's photoshopped... |
|
|
|
|
Replying to: raderator (Feb 06, 2007 6:06 pm) I'd like to test drive the Rondo, or at least see one. I wonder why Mazda does nothing to push the 5, it seems as though they could sell a few with a little effort. |
|
|
For the past two months I have done extensive research on these two vehicles. The models I selected were the Kia Rondo EX 5-seater and the Mazda5 GT (Mazda5 Touring in the USA). The two vehicles, when compared side-by-side have many similar features, so I will only speak to the differences. My requirement is for an economical vehicle with a 4 cylinder engine, maximum cargo area with rear seats folded, precise handling, and maximum versatility. I rarely have need to carry more than two passengers, but do have a lively 100lb. Labrador that always insists on coming along! When assessing the maximum cargo volume, I encountered some particularly incomprehensible figures, so resorted to measuring it myself while taking both for a test drive. With all rear seats folded flat, I calculate that the Rondo has 73.6 cu.ft. available, and the Mazda5 has 64.6 cu.ft. Having eliminated identical or nearly identical features, I was left with the following major differences: Kia Rondo EX 5-seater: Longer basic warranty and roadside assistance coverage Air conditioning standard Electronic Stability Control Traction Control Generous underfloor storage spaces Heated front seat standard Mazda5 GT: Sliding side doors Telescoping steering wheel More responsive handling due to larger wheels and performance tires Rear seat fore/aft adjustment Reclining rear seats Rear seat mounted armrests At this point, it seemed with a MSRP approximately $3,500 less and valuing safety over convenience that the Rondo seemed the clear choice. It was not until I drove both during an extended test period that I had to reconsider. On a typical shopping trip to my local mall (a common, almost daily use for the vehicle) the value of the sliding side doors on the Mazda5 became apparent. Loading and unloading was a breeze, and the dog could enter and exit without having to use the rear hatch. When fully open, the rear door on the Rondo extends a full 46" out from the body. The parking spaces at shopping malls in your area may be more generous, but ours are designed with smaller vehicles in mind, so loading groceries into the Rondo is best done via the rear hatch. For a passenger getting into the rear seat, this is not an option! Loading a large carton through the rear hatch led to another interesting discovery. While the Rondo is 3" taller overall, the tallest object that can be slid into the hatch is 32" vs. 34" for the Mazda5. In conclusion, I believe both are fine vehicles, well constructed, and highly versatile. In the end, I decided that the Mazda5 was better suited to my purpose, and purchased one yesterday ---- your requirements may lead to a different conclusion. |
|
You are here:
Forums
Vans & Minivans Mazda Mazda5 Mazda 5 vs Kia Rondo
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2009 Mazda MAZDA5
2009 Kia Rondo
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
