2007 Kia Rondo: Tester's Comments
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2007 Kia Rondo ▼
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- MSRP: $16,395 -$20,195
- Invoice: $15,625 -$18,895
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2007 Kia Rondo. See if the 2007 Kia Rondo is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2007 Kia Rondo (long term--again) |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | EX |
| Arrival Date: | 07/01/2008 |
| Engine: | dohc V6 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | 5-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 20,195 |
| Price as Tested: | 23,495 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 13462 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 16963 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 3501 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 154.008 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 22.38 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Leather Package (Leather Seat Trim, Heated Front Seats), Premium Package (Power Sunroof, Infinity AM/FM/CDC Audio System), Third Row Seat
From the Back Seat
Tim Healey
If you could have SUV-like passenger and cargo capacity without sacrificing fuel economy or performance, all in a vehicle that's easy to park, wouldn't you jump at the chance? Kia's Rondo and the similar Mazda5 are banking on it. The Rondo is likable enough, but it lacks a certain pizazz. It's certainly not a chore to drive, but it's not all that engaging, either. Its interior is user-friendly, but it's not particularly inviting. The styling is bland but not unattractive. The Rondo shines as an example of a vehicle that can haul lots of stuff without using lots of gas and causing lots of stress. Too bad Kia couldn't work just a tad more excitement into the package. As it stands, the Rondo is likable and useful, but it won't truly standout until it becomes a little more fun to drive.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2007 Kia Rondo (long term) |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | EX |
| Arrival Date: | 06/15/2007 |
| Engine: | dohc V6 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door wagon |
| Transmission: | 5-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 20,195 |
| Price as Tested: | 23,495 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 641 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 13374 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 12733 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 603.111 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 21.04 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Leather Package (Leather Seat Trim, Heated Front Seats), Premium Package (Power Sunroof, Infinity AM/FM/CDC Audio System), Third Row Seat
From the Back Seat
Chuck Giametta
Yet another surprise from South Korea. Rondo is easy to live with, easy to drive, even easy on the eyes. Opt for the V-6 rather than the overburdened four-cylinder engine; fuel economy should be about even and the V-6 pays off in better performance. Lastly, our generously equipped test V-6 Rondo listed for just $22,895. That's easy to afford.
Don Sikora
The Kia Rondo doesn't stand out as spectacular in any one area, but also isn't plagued by any deal-breaking vices. Kind of like a baseball team's indispensible utility infielder, Rondo does a good job completing a variety of tasks with little fanfare. Especially at these prices, Rondo is worth a serious look.
Ed Piotrowski
Rondo's minivan-like styling will be a turn-off for some, as will a lack of power compared to many rivals. Still, with lots of standard features, decent driving dynamics, reasonable fuel economy, a strong warranty, and value pricing, this wagon makes a pretty compelling case for shoppers to consider it.
Jack Stewart
Only feels like an SUV when you have to stretch to wash the roof. That's good because the Rondo has plenty of room like a big SUV, but it drives like a car.
Jennifer Geiger
Rondo was a superstar this weekend--it held 6 in a pinch one day and a sink, vanity cabinet, and 24 feet of crown molding the next--all while fitting in my compact, urban parking spot.
Jennifer Geiger
Great value, great utility, great passenger capability. I would take this vehicle over an Accord.
John Biel
The "loaded" EX tested for this report delivered a nice array of appointments, plenty of passenger and/or cargo configurations, and decent V6 zip for $23,495 delivered. Just on price alone, that combination of features behooves the small-wagon shopper to stick his or her head in a Kia dealer's store and see if the Rondo won't fit the bill.
Matt Jaster
The Rondo offers a great balance of performance and dependability at an affordable price. Though the third-row seating seems pretty pointless, the overall package is commendable.
Rick Cotta
It would be a lot easier to like the Rondo if its styling didn't scream "Mini Minivan." It offers an uncommonly high degree of refinement for the price, roomy and versatile accommodations for the size, and an impressive number of features for the money. Hmm.... Maybe it isn't so hard to like after all.
Sikora Don
What's a Rondo? One of the nicest midsize cars that no one seems to know about. If you're shopping midsize sedans, wagons, minvans, or crossover SUVs, you really should look at the Rondo.
Tim Kapustka
I used the Rondo like a work truck. Over the weekend I hauled plants, dirt and various other "stuff" while doing landscaping. The Rondo handled it all with ease. I never even had to fold down the middle row of seats. I spent the weekend North of Detroit and even in the All-American motor city area people asked me about the Rondo.
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