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Vans & Minivans Mazda Mazda5 Mazda 5 vs Kia Rondo
799 messages, Last post on Nov 08, 2009 at 11:30 AM
You are in the Mazda Mazda5 Forum. Your Host is Karens
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Mazda 5 - 1,336 units Rondo - 2,556 units
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Replying to: conwelpic (Aug 01, 2008 1:35 pm) As per the CR-V, yes, the MT was dropped, but because it is an SUV I believe. I tested the 05, one of the last models with 5MT, but my wife thought it was too tall and jumpy (very SUV or small truck if you ask), and we only test drove it because of that, because it had manual transmission. Anyway, that is why I mentioned the new target market. I'm sure there are some people out there disappointed with models like the Rondo SX concept that only was shown as automatic. As per wives, manual transmission topped the list of mine when buying a Mazda5, she can drive automatic by need (i.e. rental), but cannot stand it, don't ask why  . Tiptronic is a nice thing but it cannot compared to a modern manual transmission like the Mazda one, very soft clutch and close ratio gearing, precise shifting and a lot of fun to drive... |
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I rented a Kia Rondo (2007,v-6) for a weekend trip to the beach  Presque Isle Park in Erie,pa. The combined city/highway mileage was 23 mpg. Most of the highway was 70-75 mph with 3 people and a load of beach gear. This rental had 28000 miles on it and i did notice it had warped brake rotors when hard braking. Other than that it handled well. Far better than my 2004 chevy tracker 4wd. The v-6 had plenty of power. I'm thinking of buying a 2008. Now I'm torn between the 2.4L 4 cyl and the 2.7L v-6. Does anyone have any preference over either one? Plus I'd like to hear any experiences you may have with this vehicle...thanks..palko 
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Replying to: palko (Aug 07, 2008 9:49 am) I would suggest you start a new thread with a suggested title of "Rondo 2.4L vs 2.7L" for example or something similar as I am sure that this is a pretty common question amongst prior owners, I know it was for me. Also that way you question would get a more direct response.
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Replying to: conwelpic (Aug 07, 2008 11:58 am) |
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Had a chance to try Rondo (odometer 12,000 miles) in real life with real load. My friend came in 6 cyl Rondo to Cape Code Nikkerson State Park (90miles from Boston) from Toronto. Park is located on relativley steep hills and it is very twisty 4 miles from Park entrance to our camp on the very top. With 4 adults (3 - 6ft 200 pouns, 1 - 5ft 6in 150pouns) + 3 kids 15 years old (you know they are not very small in US) Rondo (6cyl) did not have any problems going these 4 miles down and up with 7 people mentioned above. Handling was Ok (but nothing special), power was more then enough. Brakes - no complaints. No feeling that suspension was stressed or overloaded. Then trip from Park to Provincetown - 30 miles one way by local hwy with the same load of 7 people at 50 mph. Park to Provincetown trip: Position-Behind the wheel: No problems passing other cars, handling is predictable (but nothing special). Ride is steady and even. Brakes are fine. Driver seat it comfortable. Visibility - very good (much better then in sedan). No road noise complaints. 2 15 years kids in back (3d row) seats - no complaints Provincetown to Park trip: Position- Back in 3d row (I'm 6 ft tall, 200 pouns): Comfort- Ok. Amazingly good visibility side and forward. Road noise - no complaints. Ride is steady and even. 2nd and 3d rows - Very comfortable headrests (also noticed by one Honda Accord owner). 40 min 3d row trip for me (6ft) was fine but longer trips will not be comfortable. So for in town (or short out of town) trips Rondo looks good for 7 adults. PS: When we arrived in Provicetown locals were a little bit surprised by how many people managed to get out of relaively small car. |
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Replying to: conwelpic (Aug 01, 2008 1:40 pm) Rondo - 1,066, YTD - 6,235
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Replying to: conwelpic (Aug 16, 2008 2:55 pm) I like that monthly highlight, let's hope it does not change soon 
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I've just realized that the 2009 Mazda5 is up for review on the right side of the screen, but is not in the market yet  . Regardless, look at the numbers for the Mazda5 vs. the Rondo so far: 2008 Mazda5: 9.4 (40 reviews) 2008 Rondo: 8.0 (6 reviews) 2007 Mazda5: 9.1 (53 reviews) 2007 Rondo: 8.8 (71 reviews) What about those 2008 Rondo fans? Put those numbers up Note: Population of Mexico is 3 times bigger than Canada |
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On August 16th, just picked up a 2008 Touring Mazda 5, Desert Sand, with most options, including the entertainment package. Price was right at the TMV.  Using several internet sites, especially Edmunds, we had narrowed our initial choices (at least on paper) to Mazda 5 Touring or Grand Touring or Rondo EX, most likely 2008 to get a deal. I expected to either like both or not much like either, but the test drive was revealing. Without slamming it too much, the problem with the Rondo was that some of the things that looked good on paper, weren't that great in person, as far as we were concerned. It didn't help that the dealer apparently wasn't interested in selling, but we didn't let that affect our views. Enough of that. The Mazda dealer had 2 Mazda 5 2008 models left (and no 2009's in yet), the one we got and a GT Stormy Blue, fully decked out. The only thing we wanted in the GT was bluetooth, but wasn't worth the price difference. (Not a big fan of leather). Plus, that shade of blue can look purple in the North Alabama sun in August. My wife an I both liked the Desert Sand--reminds us of our first car, an '89 Jade-Grey Nissan Sentra. The options were exactly what we wanted. We closed the deal in 2.5 hours, and most of that time was us test driving and thinking. I have never been treated that well by a dealer before, though Saturn came close. We love the way it drives. We love the features. I can see how the leg room might be a problem for some, but we are a 4-person family, all about average height, with occasional need to haul another kid or two. Plus, our other vehicle is a 1999 Venture van, which we also like. The Mazda5 is perfect for our family trips, my current commute, and switching over to my wife's main vehicle, once we finish our move. Thanks to Edmunds, and all you who posted here, for guiding us to the vehicle we wanted, so painlessly. |
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