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Class: Midsize CarBest BuysRecommended
Honda Accord Ford Fusion
Kia Rondo Hyundai Sonata
Kia Optima
Mazda5
Mercury Milan
Nissan Altima
Saturn Aura
Toyota Camry
Last edited by MedicineMan : 11-15-2007 at 04:41 AM.
Thanks MM! How fascinating... (a) that they've classed it as a midsize car, and (b) that they've rated it without having, apparently, done a review yet. It doesn't come through in your posting, but on the linked site all the recommended and Best Buy listings are links to the full reviews and road tests of the vehicle in question. But for the Kia Rondo, the Kia Optima, the Nissan Murano, and just a very few others, there are no links. And if memory serves me right, they didn't review this car in 2007 either, did they?
Gottarondo, Consumer Guide did do a full review of the 2007 Rondo and the link to it appears in the thread's original post. I'm not sure why they didn't have a link to this review where the Rondo appears on the list. It's kind of odd that the Rondo got a score of 57 out of 100 and the Guide's average score for a midsize car is 59.2, yet the Rondo is a Best Buy for 2008.
Not only that, the Guide is also doing a long-term test of the Rondo. It doesn't look like they're posting their impressions as the test goes on, but I presume the final results will be posted on the second page (where it says, "2. 2007 Kia Rondo Long Term Test").
BTW, I've just noticed that you can edit your posts indefinitely, which is a good thing for a thread like this one (I'll try to keep the thread's first two posts up-to-date for as long as it's possible).
"Auto writers generally see the 2007 Kia Rondo's exterior as friendly, but virtually unnoticeable -- and even a little confusing. Edmunds sums it up: "There's nothing goofy or awkward in the Rondo's overall look, but there's also little to captivate the mind's eye. It might just be the perfect getaway car for a seven-member gang. Eyewitnesses would have a hard time describing it to the cops." "
That's from the meta-analysis and gave me a good laugh. It's so true. Having one of the first on the road was a funny feeling, as I hadn't looked at it enough from the outside to be sure I would recognize one if I saw one. I became very adept at recognizing BMW X3s, the Lexus SUV, and those darn Matrixes that are everywhere before I figured out the keys to recognizing the Rondo - the front view is the most characteristic with the two whiskers. But now I've internalized the lines enough that I can do reliable Rondo ID... on the still rare occasion that I see one. But still, describe it? Not sure I could
Here's a video clip from Autoline Detroit, a TV program that appears on the SPEED cable channel and on Detroit Public Television. At the start of the clip, there's a brief 90-second discussion of the Rondo.
Click here to search for more videos. I already have the more informative video reviews (to me, at least) listed in the original post.
The Dec issue of consumer reports has a review of the Kia Rondo. Highs: ride,quietness,powertrain,access,verstility,contro ls,standard ESC, available third row seat. Lows: unsupportive seat,steering wheel doesn't telescope,supension noise. Condensed version of review:
Liked the smooth, optional V6 engine and quiet interior. Mentioned third row seat is tight even for children. Overall gas mileage was reported as 21mpg. Dummy audio controls on steering wheel of LX model looked especially cheap. Some drivers complained about short front seats whic provide too little thigh or lower back support, also wished they could adjust tilt of the cushion more. Steering wheel does not telescope and most found it too far away. Liked the generous head,knee, and foot room. Easy access to cockpit and large glass areas were big pluses as well. Secondrow has room for three adults and is high enough to give thigh support. Folding second row requires several steps: folding bottom cushions on each side forward, remove head restraints, and then folding the seatbacks. Braking: Average in the dry, long in the wet. Headlights: low beams don't reach far enough, sharp cutoff. Visibility: lots of glass, wide rear panels block the view. Access: excellent in first and second rows because of large doors and low floor. Cabin Storage: Modest. Child Seats: rear facing seats might not fit well using the belts. Lower latch anchors are easy to access. Front facing seats secure in any rear seat but there are no third row top tether anchors.
AlamoCity, I was quite curious about Consumer Report's ultimate take on the Rondo, so thanks for summarizing the review in the forthcoming December issue (I presume it's already available online to subscribers).
There's also a preliminary report (which is listed in the original post) from June that can be viewed for free: First Look: 2007 Kia Rondo
Consumer Guide's 2008 Best Buy and Recommended Awards
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