Sign In Join 



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

What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA5, Kia Rondo, Car Comparisons, Car Buying, Wagon


Messages Page 17 of 82
1
...
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
...
82
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion

#154 of 806
Re: compared them at the auto show [coolmazda5] by arumage
Jun 09, 2007 (10:05 am)
Reply

Replying to: coolmazda5 (Jun 09, 2007 4:35 am)

I often have my current vehicle, a 1999 Camry, filled to capacity. I also have friends as tall as I am. I wish for those that I am transporting to be comfortable. That goal would be completely unachieved in Mazda5 or Forester. The point is that I don't need a larger vehicle to achieve that goal. I'm 45 minutes from a large city, and with gas being the way it is, we like to travel in the same vehicle. Currently, we have the choice between a Tahoe and an Explorer, or to take two vehicles. None of those propositions is very attractive to me. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law are both fairly short, but my wife, father-in-law, and my sister-in-law's boyfriend are all tall so the Rondo is a perfect fit since two rows are comfortable for those of above average height. The Mazda5's last two rows are not adequate for tall people. The Forester's second row isn't either. Why should I get a vehicle bigger than I need? The other vehicle I am considering at the moment is the Hyundai Santa Fe, which gets poorer gas mileage but has more interior space and better towing, which is a plus for me. Overall length for it is no longer than my Camry either.
#155 of 806
Well... by iluvmysephia1
Jun 09, 2007 (2:21 pm)
Reply
they say that styling is a subjective kind of a thing and it must be.
 
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.
#156 of 806
Re: compared them at the auto show [arumage] by coolmazda5
Jun 09, 2007 (3:05 pm)
Reply

Replying to: arumage (Jun 09, 2007 10:05 am)

Thanks Arumage, you seem to have your case so best of luck!
 
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 ?) so I'll just point you to the article below about the Rondo's V6 option (I read this on a non-Edmunds blog earlier but it seems that the article is there as well). 15MPG City is a real gas guzzler for a car that size, so if you go for the Rondo, you better consider the 4cyl option
 
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2007/04/suburban_dad_20_1.html
#157 of 806
Re: Well... [iluvmysephia1] by coolmazda5
Jun 10, 2007 (2:30 am)
Reply

Replying to: iluvmysephia1 (Jun 09, 2007 2:21 pm)

iluvmysephia1
Therefore, it required a higher degree of intelligence to notice it.

 
 
 
...OK.... possibly my car "intelligence" is weakening then... as the more I look at KIA models, the less I like their design .
 
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.
#158 of 806
Re: compared them at the auto show [coolmazda5] by arumage
Jun 11, 2007 (12:46 pm)
Reply

Replying to: coolmazda5 (Jun 09, 2007 3:05 pm)

Most people have been in the 20mpg area. That's the first poor review I've seen for the Rondo though. It definitely could use a 6-speed.
 
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.
#159 of 806
coolmazda... by iluvmysephia1
Jun 11, 2007 (7:35 pm)
Reply
as usually happens with styling differences of opinion we have a different way of viewing Kia and Mazda and we'll have to part with our own opinions on them.
 
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.
#161 of 806
Re: New competition for Mazda5 [204meca] by vegasrondo
Jun 16, 2007 (10:32 pm)
Reply

Replying to: 204meca (Nov 12, 2006 10:19 pm)

I live in the desert called Las Vegas, NV. I was looking for a small mini van type of vehicle. My list came down to the Mazda 5 and the Kia Rondo. I rented a Mazda 5 from Hertz for a couple of days and had mixed emotions about it. Nice handling, liked the sliding rear doors and the styling. Didn't like the air conditioning (weak)or the non standard stereo unit. Didn't see the possibility of upgrading it in the future. Interior space was good for people, but not great for odds and ends.
 
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.
#163 of 806
Re: New competition for Mazda5 [vegasrondo] by toronado455
Jul 20, 2007 (11:15 am)
Reply

Replying to: vegasrondo (Jun 16, 2007 10:32 pm)

I agree about the Rondo edging out the Mazda5. But my question on either would be reliability.
 
Why can't Honda or Toyota make a Kia Rondo type vehicle available in the USA????
 
If they make the Stream and Wish, why not bring those over here?!?!?
 
Are you listening Honda and Toyota???

Messages Page 17 of 82
1
...
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
...
82
Prev
Next
Last
Go To Msg #
Search This Discussion
To POST a message, please Sign In.

New? Join Now!

Forum Tools

Please sign in.
Email Address:

Password:

Forgot Password?

Search Forums

Enter Keyword(s)

Advanced Search

Browse by Vehicle



View All Vehicles
Advertisement
Ask the Community
See What People Are Asking

Browse by Board

Browse by Topic


View All Topics

Today's Chats

Advertisement