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
801 messages, Last post on Nov 10, 2009 at 8:34 PM
You are in the Mazda Mazda5 Forum. Your Host is Karens
|
|
|---|---|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: arumage (Jun 09, 2007 10:05 am) 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
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: iluvmysephia1 (Jun 09, 2007 2:21 pm) 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. |
|
|
Replying to: coolmazda5 (Jun 09, 2007 3:05 pm) 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. |
|
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
Replying to: 204meca (Nov 12, 2006 10:19 pm) 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. 
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: vegasrondo (Jun 16, 2007 10:32 pm) 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???
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: toronado455 (Jul 20, 2007 11:15 am) 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 
|
|
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
