Mazda 5 vs Kia Rondo

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.

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• toronado455 (Jul 20, 2007 11:15 am)
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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???

Replies to this message:
• coolmazda5 (Jul 20, 2007 3:31 pm)
  • conwelpic (Jul 20, 2007 4:17 pm)
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Replying to: toronado455 (Jul 20, 2007 11:15 am)

Maybe because the mainstream USA market is still looking after huge minivans, sedans, crossovers and gas guzzling SUVs to haul small families?
 
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
 

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• conwelpic (Jul 20, 2007 4:17 pm)
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Replying to: vegasrondo (Jun 16, 2007 10:32 pm)

Didn't like the air conditioning (weak)or the non standard stereo unit.
 
I believe the weak A/C issues will be addressed in the 2008 Model which should be coming soon (link below), especially if you live in Vegas . Where I live has not been a big issue (so far).
 
So, for the ones who haven't made a purchase and can wait, follow the Mazda news.
 
http://media.ford.com/mazda/article_display.cfm?article_id=26425&make_id=227
 
Now, with regards to the non standard stereo unit, I'm not sure if I followed your comment correctly . The base model (Sport) already comes with AM/FM/CD Player. As options you can get a 6 CD in-dash player and/or MP3/WMA capable.
 
Anyway, tell us how it goes with your purchase and keep cool up there. Love Vegas but I dunno what I would do if I live there (Bellagio fountains every evening perhaps?)

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Replying to: coolmazda5 (Jul 20, 2007 3:31 pm)

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• toronado455 (Jul 20, 2007 6:27 pm)

Replying to: conwelpic (Jul 20, 2007 4:17 pm)

Replying to: coolmazda5 (Jul 20, 2007 3:31 pm)

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• coolmazda5 (Jul 21, 2007 4:45 am)
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Replying to: toronado455 (Jul 20, 2007 6:39 pm)

I don't know that I decidedly prefer the Rondo over the Mazda5. When I said it edged it out I was just agreeing with the points made by the previous poster.

 
Got it
 

The Mazda5 has been only "average" in Consumer Reports reliability ratings. Though there has only been one year of ratings so far. It could get better.
 
I want a car that gets at least an "above average" or "much better than average" reliability rating from CR.

 
Who doesn't?
 
I could only say that you need to keep into account the model (year) that you may want to buy. I got the very first 2006 Mazda5 batch in 2005 so, yes, I got some of the common first model "bugs" that may have hit the overall reliability numbers. Yet, Mazda acted fast so for the 2007 model those issues have been corrected. Yes, I took the risk in 2005 but I would do it all over again, the car is worth it (in addition that Mazda owners in general are very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful, as I've experienced in other Non-Edmunds forums).

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• toronado455 (Jul 21, 2007 9:09 pm)
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Replying to: coolmazda5 (Jul 20, 2007 4:03 pm)

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