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Last post on Aug 22, 2010 at 8:13 PM
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Mazda Mazda5 Forum.
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Mazda MAZDA5, Kia Rondo, Car Comparisons, Car Buying, Wagon
#237 of 859 Why still no crash test results for the Mazda5?
by kparola
Nov 07, 2007 (12:40 pm)
I have been trying to decide between the Rondo and the Mazda5. I want a replacement for my 1999 Toyota Sienna and the new minivans have just gotten too big for my tastes and garage. I'd like something small that still has the option of third row seating.
I test drove both the V4 and V6 Rondo and liked the V6 a lot more than I thought I would. I like the concept of the Mazda5. My favorite feature is the sliding doors, which would protect me from door dings in my garage. But I have yet to test drive the Mazda5 for one major reason. I can't understand why a car model that has been out since 2006 has not been crash tested? Is Mazda trying to hide something? I think this is inexcusable. I would also like to see ECS on the Mazda5, which seems to be standard equipment on most of its competitors.
BTW, I also looked at the Mitsubishi Outlander which I liked the best of the three for its exterior appearance. But I did not like its very dark interior and its clamshell third seat was a joke.
#238 of 859 Re: Why still no crash test results for the Mazda5? [kparola]
by bgw
Nov 08, 2007 (9:08 am)
Not to nitpick but the 4 cylinder in the Rondo is an inline 4, written as I4 or L4. No cars sold in North America have V4's.
I have a V6 Rondo but also looked at the Mazda5, which I liked tremendously. I decided against it since it is not rated to tow at all, whereas the Rondo can tow 2000 lbs.
#239 of 859 Re: Why still no crash test results for the Mazda5? [kparola]
by conwelpic
Nov 08, 2007 (9:50 am)
I just purchase a week ago a 2008 Rondo EX 5-seater with the 2.4L 4-cylinder (Canadian model). The performance of this engine is outstanding and for my purpose I could see no reason to purchase a V6. It out-performs my previous vehicle, which was a '86 Old Cutlass Ciera with a 2.8L V6!
I also considered the Mazda 5, but in my case I did not like the sliding rear door and also had no reason for requiring the rear 3rd seats, I also didn't like the black interior on the Mazda 5, prefer the lighter grey version on my Rondo.
I found the Rondo offered more features for the dollar and a longer warranty. Having driven it for a week now (only have 440km on it) I find the stereo outstanding, and enjoying those heated seats and heated outside mirrors. Had the opportunity to check it out very closely yesterday and found the fit and finish hard to fault - very well put together. Only time will tell if this continues. Not put any gas in it yet, so hard to tell how the mileage will work out.
#240 of 859 Re: Why still no crash test results for the Mazda5? [kparola]
by kivo
Nov 08, 2007 (11:14 am)
That seems to be true about the US tests, but the Mazda5 has been crash tested in Europe and the results were excellent. Some of those tests are very rough.
#241 of 859 Re: Why still no crash test results for the Mazda5? [kparola]
by coolmazda5
Nov 08, 2007 (5:23 pm)
Agree, there may not be (yet) NHTSA American centric crash test results, but if the Mazda5 passed the Japanese NCAP and EuroNCAP crash tests with the highest ratings, then there should not be anything to hide in my opinion (BMW, Volvo, Honda or even Renault in Europe and Japan would be a good comparison point).
Mazda5 Wins Highest Crash Safety Rating from EU and Japanese New Car Testing Agencies
http://www.japancorp.net/Article.asp?Art_ID=12380
#242 of 859 Re: Consumer Guide & Consumer Reports [medicineman]
by medicineman
Nov 08, 2007 (6:48 pm)
Quoting myself here:
In the December 2007 issue of Consumer Reports, there is finally a review of the Rondo (sorry, no link). The Rondo got a score of 76 out of 100 (thanks, viking79, for that info). The Mazda5 got a score of 86 in CR's 2007 annual auto issue, topping the "Wagons and Hatchbacks" category. If the Rondo were included in that category, it would have been tied for fourth out of 22 vehicles.
Watch a video of CR's evaluation of the Rondo. It's short and sweet and incomplete.
#243 of 859 Re: Consumer Guide & Consumer Reports [medicineman]
by ramblin
Nov 09, 2007 (7:00 pm)
Looks like he hit 6000 rpm at the end of the clip. I don't think I've done that yet.
#244 of 859 My Opinion
by wardw
Nov 11, 2007 (7:23 am)
I went to the Tampa Auto Show yesterday and checked out the Rondo (no Mazda5's there.....don't think the 2008's are out yet....but, I own a 2007 to compare it to). I really liked the Rondo. If I did not require sliding rear doors, I would have selected the Rondo over the Mazda5.
#245 of 859 Re: US Rondo sales vs Mazda 5 sales [conwelpic]
by conwelpic
Nov 11, 2007 (6:19 pm)
Finally got the figures through for vehicle sales in Canada for October 2007, and a real surprise, for the first time the Rondo has outsold the Mazda 5:
Rondo - 828
Mazda 5 - 823
Couldn't get much closer than that! However, on a year-to-date basis the Mazda 5 is nearly 4000 units ahead of the Rondo.
#246 of 859 Finally saw a Mazda 5
by ramblin
Nov 11, 2007 (7:58 pm)
Sharp looking car. Not sure what year it was.