Has anyone heard anything about the Kia?

Question

I am looking for a new vehicle. I am interested in the Kia Rondo. Does anyone know of any good or bad things about this vehicle or any of the Kia's? What other vehicle would you suggest that is similar to this type of vehicle?

Answer 1

The other guys answers are very good, i also have a little imput. I sale Kia's personally have for five years.
Kia in the past 4 years have increased over 24% in reliability,which is record setting pace in the US market. Although the Rondo is new in the US the platform that the Rondo is on is actually the same as the Optima (same motor, frame, and transmission.) The Optima has been out since 2001 in the united states. Also, the Rondo has been out in the European market for 3 years now, but the Rondo is known in Europe as the Carens. So basically what I am trying to say is that the Rondo has been proven and tested not that new of a vechicle. Has tested 5 ***** saftey rating and I gurantee you that it is the easiest SUV to get in and out of.
The Rondo comes in either a 2.4 four cyl. that gets 29 MPG on highway or in a V6 2.7 (both same as the Optima) that still maintains 27 MPG on the highway. The third row is an option from the starting package starting at $17 and full of bells and whistles at $23.
I also sell the Mazda 5, it is a bit smaller in size does lack the spaciousness of the Rondo and like the other guy said it does have less power than the Rondo. Nobody can beat the Kia warranty 10 years or 100,000 mile's/ 5 year or 60,000 mile full coverage.
Another small fact Hyundai purchased 51% of Kia in 2001.
We have had great luck with the Rondo here at Kia. If you were around the St. louis area it would be my pleasure to show you the benifits of going with Kia!

Answer 2

The direct competiton to the Kia Rondo is the Mazda 5; an indirect comparison is the Toyota Matrix though the Matrix does not have the 3rd row seating.

The Kia Rondo has a bigger engine with more torque so you'll feel better acceleration.

The third row seat of the Rondo is very small so its not as good as the Mazda 5 in that respect.

the Mazda 5 has a much sportier suspension and better handling. The Rhondo has a very soft, cushioned ride that is more common on the US domestic vehicles.

The Korean won is at a less favorable exchange rate so the Korean cars are not as favorably priced as they once were when compared to the competition.

If you're looking for power and price, the Rondo is the choice; if you're looking for handling and value, the Mazda 5 is a better deal. The Matrix does not fit as a direct comparision and is somewhere between the two as a compromise.

Hope that helps answer your questions

Answer 3

(im assuming youre living in the united states, because if you arent, then everything im saying means nothing)

Well by 'new car' if you mean brand new 2007-2008 models, kias have really stepped up reliability. But if you mean 'new-used car' then stay away from kias. pre 2005, kias are horrible cars. They are plagued with problems, because they are cheaply made. Today though, the offer one of the best warranties on the market. 10 yr/100,000 mile.
Now, on the rondo specifically. I would personally stay away from it for at least another year. When a car is first offered, generally the first 2-3 years have the most problems and recalls.I cant say for a fact that they are bad cars, but the general rule applies for anyone looking for a budget reliable car.
I would compare the rondo to the mazda 5, toyota matrix, pontiac vibe, suzuki forenza.
Toyota Matrix= 6yr/60,000 mile (drivetrain) Toyota has an outstanding relability record.
The forenza/Daewoo offers the second best warranty in america 7yr/100,000 miles. (drivetrain)
Mazda 5. Mazda is a hit and miss company. Sometimes they nail reliability, other times, they miss. 4yr/50,000 mile (dt)... so far, the mazda5 has seemed to hit.
And finally, the pontiac vibe: 5yr/60,000 mile (DT).
These companies arent going to offer a warranty for 100,000 miles if they dont believe in their cars.
Its a shame that american companies cant even touch the japs,but its even worse when they cant even touch the koreans!
Rondo or Forenza or Mazda 5 or Toyota matrix would get my thumbs up.