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I think you guys will be interested in this recent blog entry for Edmunds's long-term test of the Rondo. Yep, an editor had the audacity (or is that Audicity?) to make this comparison--and the Rondo comes up smelling like roses.
What I really like about the reviews is that most auto critics have the frame of mind that they are not going to like the Rondo because it has a Kia badge and then they come away pleasantly surprised and loving it. This speaks volumes for the Rondo and where Kia is headed.
Kia and Hyundai are positioning themselves to be the next automotive heavy weights and in my opinion are the closest competition of Toyota and Honda. Although, Kia and Hyundai are delivering comparable quality with more standard features, at a much lower price.
I still don't find that North American quality and reliability is anywhere near that of Asian made automobiles.
Eric Evarts: ...So for my money, among the cars we tested in January, the Kia Rondo and the Suzuki SX4 are the only contenders for me. The Rondo would make a great space-efficient family car, but Jim Travers takes the joy out of that idea by suggesting putting Rondos into service as New York City taxicabs.
Quote:
Jeff Bartlett: ...Among our January-issue SUV alternatives, I was impressed with the Kia Rondo's smart, efficient packaging, polished manners, and overall value.
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Liza Barth: ...However, as an alternative to the small SUVs, I did enjoy the Kia Rondo. I liked the driving position--it was easy to get in and out and the ride was smooth and comfortable. It's also a great price for a seven-passenger vehicle.
Styling: If you like the shape of a jelly bean with wheels, you'll love Rondo. For those whose tastes tend toward the cute and endearing, you'll love Rondo, too.
Jelly bean with wheels? Actually, that's not the first review to say that, but I can sort of see it.
I was watching Motoring 2008 yesterday and they noted that they have completed their long term test of the 2007 Kia Rondo. They did not go into results but Grahame Fletcher said that he like the Kia Rondo so much that it is not longer his tester it is now one of his cars . Vote of confidence from a well known car critic.
Here's another one of those "pleasantly surprised" reviews from Two for the Road. It's actually three reviews in one, including the Sportage and Sorento.
I'm not sure if this review ultimately recommends the Rondo or not: HispanicBusiness.com. An excerpt:
Quote:
So the V-6 is a bit more fun to drive. That's not saying a whole lot, though. Steering on the four cylinder feels rubbery and takes a fair amount of effort. The Rondo wants to run wide on turns and commendably there's electronic stability control to curb our limited enthusiasm.
The firm ride still lets the Rondo lean a lot on curves. Small bumps are felt. But, where Rondo excels is negotiating the mean streets of suburbia and zipping into tight parking spaces at the mall.
I was watching Motoring 2008 yesterday and they noted that they have completed their long term test of the 2007 Kia Rondo. They did not go into results but Grahame Fletcher said that he like the Kia Rondo so much that it is not longer his tester it is now one of his cars . Vote of confidence from a well known car critic.
Rondo Vs. Audi Q7?
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