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Mazda 5 vs Kia Rondo

717 messages,  Last post on Jul 03, 2009 at 10:51 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MAZDA5, Kia Rondo, Car Comparisons, Car Buying, Wagon

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#560 of 717 Surprised but very happy by smrl Aug 22, 2008 (3:37 pm)
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.
#561 of 717 Mazda5 and Rondo, major redesign until 2011 by coolmazda5 Sep 02, 2008 (12:27 pm)
Well, if you like the current models, it seems that they will stay until 2011, give or take some facelifts   Too early to say much, but the dates are here:   Mazda5: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10015468-48.html   Rondo: http://blogs.automobilemag.com/6291269/future-cars/future-kia-products-emphasize- - -style-design/index.html   BTW, what happens to the review updates for the 08? 2008 Mazda5: 9.3 2008 Rondo: 7.7   Also, the 2009 Mazda5 is on sale now
#562 of 717 Rondo and Mazda 5 sales for US for August 2008 by conwelpic Sep 03, 2008 (2:57 pm)
Mazda 5 - 1,324 Rondo - 3,508
#563 of 717 2008 Rondo vs. Mazda 5 by beezer2 Sep 14, 2008 (12:57 pm)
Well I can't compare the Mazda as the local dealers haven't had any in stock for months. I did compare on paper however, and liked the Rondo more. 3 weeks ago I test drove an EX model with the 4 cyl. and liked it and bought it. Now after approx 2000 kms here is what I find is hard to overlook and needs improvement: When you open the doors the dome light only lights up the back seats. The steering wheel needs to be telescopic as I have to put my seat closer to it than I like in order to be a comfortable reach. The passenger seat needs to be adjustable for up and down as is the driver's seat. My wife and I both find that the front edge cuts in to our thighs after about an hour's driving. We therefore switch seats to alleviate this. The 4 cyl. sometimes lacks sufficient acceleration depending where it is in the power band. However, I can live with these shortcomings as both my wife and I find the vehicle to be excellent overall. We have our 2 grandkids, ages 4 and 2 yrs. weekly and appreciate the wide opening doors and storage/cargo space. We really like the expansive glass area even though it feels like we're in a greenhouse when it's sunny. We're having the windows tinted aftermarket soon. The vehicle is surprisingly quiet inside. A good thing because the radio is not overly powerful sound-wise. It is easy to handle and tracts nicely and is smooth on good roads. It does jar a bit on rougher roads and bumps though. I'm not sure why here in Canada the powertrain is only warranted for 5 yrs./100,000 kms (62,000 mi.) while the U.S. model is warranted for 10 yrs. and 1000,000 MILES. I doubt that there is a difference in the drivetrains. Are Canadians harder on drivetrains than our American cousins? I think it's quite unfair on Kia's part and I aim to pursue this with them and would urge Canadian drivers to do the same. The fit and finish appear very good for the class and we are very satisfied with this vehicle. Replies to this message: palko (Sep 15, 2008 2:31 am)
#564 of 717 Re: 2008 Rondo vs. Mazda 5 [beezer2] by palko Sep 15, 2008 (2:31 am)
Replying to: beezer2 (Sep 14, 2008 12:57 pm) What kind of gas mileage are you getting on this i-4? Both city and highway? I realize you'll probably report this in imperial gallons. (an imperial gallon= 1.2 US gal) Thanks and good luck on this vehicle.....palko
#565 of 717 by medicineman Sep 17, 2008 (5:28 pm)
Didn't think I would ever poke my head in here again after all of that noise a few months ago or whenever that was (when some dude was flame-baiting Rondo owners), but I found an article that's very relevant to this thread, which is the first ever "Rondo vs. Mazda5" article I've seen from an American website. I've posted links before to comparison articles from the Canadian press--adventurous types can try searching this thread for those links.   The Truth About Cars: 2008 Kia Rondo EX vs. 2009 Mazda5 GT Replies to this message: coolmazda5 (Sep 18, 2008 2:51 pm) maltb (Sep 18, 2008 5:23 pm) riproy (Sep 18, 2008 8:14 pm)
#566 of 717 Re: [medicineman] by coolmazda5 Sep 18, 2008 (2:51 pm)
Replying to: medicineman (Sep 17, 2008 5:28 pm) Rondo = Minivan?   Mazda5 takes almost 10 seconds to stroll from 0 to 60 mph?   (Mazda5 5MT: 0-60MPH 8.53 Sec)   Rondo more fun to drive than the Mazda5?   OK, sold
#567 of 717 Re: [medicineman] by maltb Sep 18, 2008 (5:23 pm)
Replying to: medicineman (Sep 17, 2008 5:28 pm) That article makes a very good point: If you are 6'3", your choices suck. - - - - - - - - - - I know, it doesn't suck, but that word made my statement. I guess I'm just glad that I stopped at 5'10" so I could enjoy a Mazda5 for a while. Replies to this message: riproy (Sep 18, 2008 8:14 pm)
#568 of 717 Re: [maltb] by riproy Sep 18, 2008 (8:14 pm)
Replying to: maltb (Sep 18, 2008 5:23 pm) I am 6'3" and i am OK in the Mazda5. Could i use a little more leg room? Yes. Do i need it? No. I don't think i would buy this car if i was any taller. The passenger side is even worse.
#569 of 717 Canadian August Sales - Rondo and Mazda 5 by conwelpic Sep 19, 2008 (3:58 pm)
a big surprise this month as the Rondo outsold the Mazda 5 quite extensively:   Rondo: 1,087 with YTD of 7,323 (this now brings it to over 15,000 units since its introduction to North America in November 2006. Mazda 5: 747 with YTD of 9,757   (just viewed the 2009 Rondo and picked up the '09 brochure) Replies to this message: coolmazda5 (Sep 22, 2008 8:26 am)

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