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Vans & Minivans Mazda Mazda5 Mazda 5 vs Kia Rondo
801 messages, Last post on Nov 10, 2009 at 8:34 PM
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Replying to: bunchakids (Jun 24, 2008 2:19 pm)
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Replying to: maltb (Jun 24, 2008 5:11 pm) But who wants to shop with 5 kids. Its a very versatile car.
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Replying to: bunchakids (Jun 25, 2008 4:32 am) |
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Today's Wall Street Journal reports sales are higher for the Mazda5 and Rondo. Seems like high gas prices are making these more popular as a replacement for larger vehicles. "A few vehicles that were once considered strange -- such as those that combine elements of minivan and car -- are enjoying a sales renaissance. Examples of models that have suddenly surged in popularity include the van-like Mazda5, up 46%, and tall wagons like Hyundai Motor Co.'s Kia Rondo, which more than doubled, and the Toyota Matrix, up 56%." John |
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Replying to: fred222 (Nov 22, 2006 11:04 am) Just wanted to throw my two cents in... I do not own either the 5 or the Rondo but a Kia Sedona which I love, really is a great mini van and has mucho power. Anyway, my brother has the 5 and I helped someone else purchase the 5 as well. I have to give props to the 5 for being a good car. Fuel economy was a little disappointing. I rented the Ronda a little while back and it was a nice car as well. The suspension was sporty, maybe not quite as much as the five but sporty enough. The Rondo's seats are more comfortable in my opinion and probably a safer car. I know my Sedona is rated as the safest minivan. Kia has made huge leaps in quality and as a manufacture they offer the most amount of features for the money. I would not have purchased a vehicle from them a few years back but they are striving for market share and the bar is high for them. If anything the top two have been slipping in quality on some of their products. Manufactures can get lazy at the top. I believe either way the 5 and the Rodo are good choices just depends on what features a person wants. I was looking at both of them but they were just way to small for my needs. Plus have a 3.8 and pumps 253 lbs of torque is quite nice. I still average 18 / 25 mpg which is impressive for the size of the engine. My point is a 2.4 should be getting much better MPG with technology the way it is... Now yes a Kia does depreciate more then other vehicles but this often balances out in the money you save initially. I know for me there was a 6 - 10 grand difference between the Japanese vans. Plus, if you plan on keeping your vehicle for some time then depreciation is not a factor and the long warranty is a major plus. Kia is making some really good products these days. Don't believe me? Trying checking out consumer reports and see how many models they recommend.
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Replying to: lavrishevo (Jun 26, 2008 6:19 pm)  You are posting good KIA brand information in your post response so no issues there, but I have only one disagreement in the following comment: "the Rondo is probably a safer car". I'm not sure what are the basis for that conclusion, but below here are some reasons why I think is not the case: EuroNCAP Rondo: http://www.euroncap.com/tests/kia_carens_2007/291.aspx EuroNCAP Mazda5: http://www.euroncap.com/tests/mazda_5_2005/241.aspx Mazda5 Wins Highest Crash Safety Rating from EU and Japanese New Car Testing Agencies: http://www.japancorp.net/Article.asp?Art_ID=12380 And here is what a forum member (mfuchs2004, who is not a Mazda5 owner) replied some time ago: I have an extensive background in industrial safety, with a focus on chemical safety. Here are some points to ponder - 1. Mazda 5 is a very safe car on crash tests for adults: NHTSA has a matrix for testing car safety that looks at a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors that may cause a vehicle NOT to be tested is that it has recently rec'd high scores on the Euro and Japanese tests (and the vehicle is structurally the same model). Doesn't mean it won't ever be tested, but it drops way down the waiting list. I think this is good gov't policy, and puts untested cars through the system sooner than might otherwise be the case. 2. Mazda 5 is very safe for children in appropriate restraints: I agree that the lower child rating on the Euro test is procedural NOT the result of inadequate protection. The Euro test automatically deducts safety points for lack of clear labels, poorly marked electrical connections, etc. The wisdom seems clear - if things are poorly marked, then parents could incorrectly install safety seats, and technicians could inadvertently disconnect air bag sensors.
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| http://www.greencar.com/features/top-5-green-minivans/ | |
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Good info coolmazda5. I may stand corrected though from the stats they are so close I would concede the difference is negligible. I put the word probably in there because I did not know for sure. Anyway, I know many will not even test drive a make because of the name of the manufacture. Honestly, if you asked me a few years ago what auto maker I would probably never purchase from it would have been Hyundai / Kia. I did not have high hopes when I went to test drive my van but it was such a pleasure to drive and so comfortable I could not say no. If you get a chance take a look at the Odyssey forum and look at all the transmission problems people are having. I am glad auto manufactures are getting it together and building much better cars on a whole. Even Ford and GM have some good models now which is amazing. Again, I really have nothing bad to say about the 5, it is a great car. I know my brother loves his. Don't you hate the tire life on those 17" rims. Look good but show me a tire that will last 30K... You know the funny thing is how many people will line up at the light against the big minivan and get burned.... lol I love it. Of course this is without my family inside.... Take a look at this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-bLgPC69Hk
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Replying to: lavrishevo (Jun 26, 2008 8:28 pm) As per minivans kicking butt, I'm no longer into racing mine (nor does my wife, that is for sure), but people movers rock, check this out. That one really burns, so stay out of the way 
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Honda and Nissan owner here, so no vested interested in either a Kia or a Mazda. Even so, my brother owns a Mazda 5 ('08 Navy Blue Grand Touring) and that is one BAD car! Like bad as in REALLY good. The thing never ceases to impress me! I drive his 5 at any chance I get. Good thing he knows I like it, so he lets me drive it anytime I'm around. Recently went on a road trip with him, his wife and my wife, and all 4 of us were impressed with the car - peppy performance, great handling, brakes, seats, leather, sound system, cool and useful features everywhere, good looking, great mileage and more. Never thought of owning a Mazda before but I'm seriously considering trading in my wife's 07 CRV for the 5. It's that good! On the other hand, my cousin owns a new 2008 Kia Rondo EX. He loved my brother's car, and wanted to get something like it but without copying him (self esteem issues). So he went for the Rondo. He likes his car. Overall, he's happy with it. But, he often mentions how my brother's 5 is better, and how he would've loved to have bought that car instead, but just didn't want to seem like a biter (issues). And, we all have to agree. Just like "Nissmazlover" is saying, the 5 is just a better car. There's no denying it. Sorry.  The Rondo's an alright car (comfortable, decent engine, nice sound system). But it just doesn't seem as high quality as the 5, or drive as nice, or ride as nice, or look as good, or feel as good, it's not even as economical or have as many features as the 5. Even though it's comfortable and seats one more person, it just doesn't seem as comfortable as the 5 - i love the middle row captain's chairs, and 3 adults in the middle row seat of a Rondo are not comfortable! I love driving my bro's 5, but after driving my coz's Rondo a few times, I wouldn't care about driving it ever again. I wouldn't go as far as to say that it sucks but, to me, there's no comparison - and the Rondo's cheaper price doesn't compensate for it. Now, the Rondo's alright. If you absolutely need space for 7 and want to pay a few dollars less, then go with the Rondo. If not, then go with the 5. It's just better. Now, don't go jamming down my throat like you did with Nissmazlover (poor guy). Just wanted to add my two cents in.  Can you Mazda 5 guys out there convince me even more into trading in my CRV for the 5? I'd like to hear what you have to say. And, Rondo owners, what is the absolute best deal you've gotten for your cars? Maybe if it's a LOT cheaper, then I'd think about it. |
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