Mazda 5 vs Kia Rondo

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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• vegasrondo (Jul 21, 2007 5:59 pm)
  • coolmazda5 (Jul 22, 2007 4:02 am)
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  • dakota29803 (Jul 22, 2007 4:58 am)
    • vegasrondo (Jul 23, 2007 4:41 pm)

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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• coolmazda5 (Jul 22, 2007 4:02 am)
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• dakota29803 (Jul 22, 2007 4:58 am)
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Replying to: coolmazda5 (Jul 21, 2007 4:45 am)

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• coolmazda5 (Jul 22, 2007 4:21 am)
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• coolmazda5 (Jul 22, 2007 5:50 am)

Replying to: vegasrondo (Jul 21, 2007 5:59 pm)

vegasrondo replied:
n my post #161, I referred to the Mazda 5 not having a standard DIM or duel DIM stereo chassis. The unit in the Mazda 5 is unique for the dash. It does not appear to be able to be changed out. I can do so with the Rondo as it has a standard 2X DIM head. After a full month with this unit, I dislike it more and more every day. Too dim of a display panel to read. Other than that, the Rondo is still great
 
OK, got it. I hear you, for my old Honda I can still get a good CD MP3/WMA player for ~USD$120 in Circuit City or Best Buy (free install), but for the Mazda5 (good thing it had already the in-dash 6CD Player, wife loves it) I would need to get it OEM. So Best Buy or e-bay may be still an after market option in your case.
 
Still getting a solid 16 MPG in 80% stop and go driving with the A/C going full tilt
 
Are you sure it is only 16MPG? It sounds really low for a 4 cylinder, regardless of the A/C. One report for the V6 had had that earlier (family with children fully loaded )
 
Report:
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2007/04/suburban_dad_20_1.html

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• vegasrondo (Jul 23, 2007 4:47 pm)
  • coolmazda5 (Jul 24, 2007 6:00 am)
  • vegasrondo (Jul 28, 2007 10:44 am)
    • coolmazda5 (Aug 04, 2007 4:25 am)

Replying to: toronado455 (Jul 21, 2007 9:09 pm)

I have to say, that strong A/C is important to me. And I think a vehicle this size should have V6 power (which the Rondo does). Though 4-bangers are getting more and more powerful these days so it doesn't matter as much as it used to.
 
If it is an Auto Transmission, yes, I would agree. Now, I have a Manual so the 4cyl works great. Wife is the primary driver and she has no issues with the HP (I should also say she does not drive nor accelerate like I do )
 
I used to have a 1st gen Dodge Caravan (SWB) V6 and it was very similar in size. The mainstream minivans have all gotten so big and bloated they can hardly be called "mini" anymore. So it's great to see at least two offerings in this size.
 
Yes, I agree. Somebody told me last time that my Mazda5 had "just" the size of the very first generation Honda Odyssey (like a sign of going backwards) so I replied: "Well, it is not intended to compete against minivans, plus I don't need a bigger car, it is just the ideal size to me"

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• toronado455 (Jul 23, 2007 10:03 am)
  • coolmazda5 (Jul 24, 2007 6:37 am)

Replying to: vegasrondo (Jul 21, 2007 5:59 pm)

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• vegasrondo (Jul 23, 2007 4:41 pm)