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
717 messages, Last post on Jul 03, 2009 at 10:51 AM
You are in the Mazda Mazda5 Forum. Your Host is Karens
|
Replying to: coolmazda5 (Jun 26, 2008 8:15 pm) I've read those safety reports before, and they are interesting, but they measure different things than we do in the USA, so comparing a NHTSA report on a US spec Rondo to EuroNCAP report on a EU spec Mazda could be like comparing apples and oranges. I wish the Mazda5 NHTSA ratings were published for comparison purposes to the NHTSA crash ratings for the Rondo. Here's an excerpt from the NHTSA FAQ concerning comparing different organization results; "Note: Each organization's rating results are generally for vehicles sold in its respective country or region. Vehicle specifications, and therefore crash results, may vary between countries. As such, comparing the rating results for a similarly named vehicle model from different countries should be done with care, as there can be differences in the rating protocols and rating systems as well as the vehicle model itself." Interestingly, the 2008 Comparison of Insurance costs does compare both vehicles. With 100 being average, Mazda got a 90 (better than average) and Rondo got a 66 (much better than average)(In this test, lower is better meaning that Rondo had collision costs 34% below the average, and Mazda 5 was 10% below the average). While the test does not reflect injury potential, it does reflect what the insurance companies pay out based on historic figures for the two vehicles compared to an industry average. Full report here; http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/staticfiles/DOT/NHTSA/Vehicle%20Safety/Articles/Associa- ted%20Files/2008_Insurance_Costs_Comparison.pdf John
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: nycdriver1 (Jun 30, 2008 1:21 pm)  , but... For what is worth, when I bought my 06 Mazda5 I also test drove an 05 CR-V. As you may know during that time the Honda CR-V was also offered with manual transmission, which my wife likes, so we gave it a look. Good looking car, manual transmission, OK engine and great fuel economy but a) it was an SUV and it was too "tall" for wife. In addition, she thought the interior was not as functional as the Mazda5 one so the Mazda5 won over. My 08, I traded it for a Honda, and I chose a 2nd Mazda5 based on the experience of my wife's car, something not commonly heard of. Also, there are many reviews out there, but if you like driver-car engagement, this is the one that tells me the most out of a people mover that price: But the best part about the 5 is how you feel driving it. Sliding doors? Three rows of seats? It's hard to believe that the 5 can carry six people considering the way that it drives. Due to being so low to the ground it has a sporty ride quality, and its well-damped multi-link rear suspension and nicely weighted, agile steering make it a joy to drive. It also corners flatly, and has surprisingly good levels of grip complemented by strong brakes, and that's not just compared to other minivans, that's in general. If you enjoy driving, I've no doubts the Mazda5 will please you. Source: http://car-reviews.automobile.com/Mazda/review/2008-mazda5-gt-road-test/5543/ __________________
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: radar1 (Jun 30, 2008 4:03 pm) 1) If we are comparing apples to oranges, why the NHTSA has waived the collision testing for the Mazda5 for so long? Why we don't have already tons of Chinese cars running in the US today just because the China collisions test are safe? NHTSA does look after recognized tests globally including E-NCAP and J-NCAP to prioritize their testing, that is for sure. In other words, comparing those tests may be like comparing red apples with green apples instead, they are not the same but they have common guidelines. 2) Collision costs? Mazda collision parts may be more expensive than KIA collision parts in average, but that does not mean one car is safer than the other. Example: Honda Accord 4 door, it has 99, does that mean the car less safe than a Mazda5? 
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: coolmazda5 (Jun 30, 2008 4:04 pm) It really is a nice car. I'm really thinking about getting it. And I love the whole thing the reviewer said about "passion" at the end of the article. It's true: You can't put a price on that. Sadly, that is something the Rondo is sorely lacking. The Rondo's is merely functional. Whereas the 5 is not only functional, but stylish, fun and passionate. I don't understand why someone would pick the former over the latter. |
|
|
|
|
Replying to: coolmazda5 (Jun 30, 2008 4:04 pm) Also, nycdriver1, I noticed the same thing about the electric sliding assistance. I know my Mazda 5 Grand Touring doesn't have that, so may be it was an oversight or something on the part of the reviewer. Also, thanks for the vote sympathy in your last posting. I appreciate it! Like CoolMazda5 said, it doesn't sound like you need much convincing about getting the 5  . The only thing I'd worry about, and this isn't my business at all, would be if you'd be upside down on your payments by trading in such a new car for the 5. I mean, part of the appeal of the 5 is that it is so affordable and you feel like you cheated the world or something by buying a car that feels so much more expensive than what it is. Other cars that contain the same things the 5 GT has are so much more expensive. So, the affordability of it all is factored in heavily. Would you still have that if you have to make higher payments than other 5 owners because of the upside down portion of your trade-in? Just something to consider is all. Again, that's your business. Any Rondo owners out there going to try to convince him to go the Rondo way?
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: nissmazlover (Jul 01, 2008 9:13 am) 
|
|
|
Tuesday means Mazda chat night! The chat opens at 8:45 pm ET and runs until 10 pm ET. I hope you're able to join us tonight to meet and greet with your fellow CarSpace members! See you there! |
|
|
The Electric Assist is available on the Canidian GT models IIRC. No electric assist for the US from what I know. btw, slightly off topic, but the Standard 5 Sport without side sills (CM5 did they add those for 2008?) isn't too low to the ground. I can attest to that after an um.. incident involving one of those concrete parking stop blocks... Not sure if I have any undercoating or paint left on the frame rails though. |
|
|
|
If you need to tow a boat or jet ski you may want to consider the Rondo. The V6 version can tow up to 2,000 lbs with trailer brakes. Otherwise pick what fits your needs. Both are great cars.
|
|
|
Replying to: lavrishevo (Jul 03, 2008 8:11 pm) My 1998 Legacy wagon, with a 137 hp 4 cyl, was rated to tow the same amount, and my 1998 Escort wagon, with a 110 hp 4 cyl, is rated to tow 1,000 lbs. Why then, with a 182 hp V6, is the Rondo only rated for 2,000 lbs and the 153 hp Mazda5 not rated to tow at all? Are the Legacy and Escort ratings overstated (unlikely) or is it just that the Rondo and M5 are underrated for towing? Hmmm. Anyone know?
|
|
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
