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2008 Kia Rondo Features Review

May 29, 2008

FEATURES | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

bells and whistles you would expect from an expensive car
Canadian Driver

Lots of features for a low price
Edmunds

better equipped to carry toys than have too many built-in
Jalopnik

offering a lot for the money
New York Newsday

This Korean company is generous when it comes to standard features on the 2008 Kia Rondo.

Amazingly, last year's model included a cassette tape player (what, no Victrola?). Thankfully for audiophiles, this has been replaced by an input jack for an MP3 player and other audio devices in the 2008 Kia Rondo, as reported by Cars.com.

Steering wheel controls that are found on many production vehicles today are convenient, but Canadian Driver found that on the 2008 Rondo Kia, these can be "intrusive during parking lot maneuvers," causing the driver to unintentionally make adjustments to the radio or climate control. This source also noted the lack of a telescoping steering wheel. Ultimately, the reviewer was able to adapt to this particular deficiency, but drivers with short arms should be aware of it.

The New York Times reports that the many features offered on the Rondo Kia represent a tremendous value, even when such features are optional: the base model starts at around $17,000, but even for a fully loaded Kia Rondo, this source states that one would be "hard pressed to spend more than $25,000..."

TheCarConnection.com notes that the warranty is another reason to consider the Rondo; Kia's coverage ranges up to 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain.

Conclusion

Plenty of standard features are fitted on the Rondo; Kia also prices the options well.

FEATURES | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:bells and whistles you would expect from an expensive carCanadian DriverLots of features for a low priceEdmundsbetter equipped to carry toys than have too many built-inJalopnikoffering a lot for the moneyNew York Newsday This Korean company is generous when it comes to standard features on the 2008 Kia Rondo. Amazingly, last year's model included a cassette tape player (what, no Victrola?). Thankfully for audiophiles, this has been replaced by an input jack for an MP3 player and other audio devices in the 2008 Kia Rondo, as reported by Cars.com. Steering wheel controls that are found on many production vehicles today are convenient, but Canadian Driver found that on the 2008 Rondo Kia, these can be "intrusive during parking lot maneuvers," causing the driver to unintentionally make adjustments to the radio or climate control. This source also noted the lack of a telescoping steering wheel. Ultimately, the reviewer was able to adapt to this particular deficiency, but drivers with short arms should be aware of it. The New York Times reports that the many features offered on the Rondo Kia represent a tremendous value, even when such features are optional: the base model starts at around $17,000, but even for a fully loaded Kia Rondo, this source states that one would be "hard pressed to spend more than $25,000..." TheCarConnection.com notes that the warranty is another reason to consider the Rondo; Kia's coverage ranges up to 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain. ConclusionPlenty of standard features are fitted on the Rondo; Kia also prices the options well.  2008 KIA RONDO STYLING | [5 out of 10] Car and Driver: "Less glamorous than a minivan...ugh" Cars.com: "Friendly face has few edges" Edmunds: "Lack of pizzazz" Kelley Blue Book: "Clean lines" New York Newsday: "Tall, reasonably stylish" Reviewers from across the Web had lukewarm ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Mazda5, which is the closest match to the Rondo in the U.S. market, has sliding doors, which many may prefer; it's also peppier and more fun to drive--with a standard manual transmission--and looks the part, with sportier, more appealing styling. But the Mazda5 is noisier, doesn't ride as smoothly as the Rondo, and lacks the surprisingly vast interior space. The Chevrolet HHR and Chrysler PT Cruiser are other alternatives; both offer hip (or not-so-hip) retro styling and flexible cargo arrangements, but neither has a third-row seat. Neither does the new Scion xB, which is also quite fuel-efficient, but beneath its boxy body, it doesn't feel exceptionally roomy.

Next Steps:

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See the Kia Rondo in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (2 total)

  1. By tony spears #3, Posted: 7/13/2008

    Mr.

    I bought a 2007 rondo last april and I have put 35000 miles on it already and I find the vehicle is superb with its v6. I had a sedona before and it is a big change to the smaller rondo but it maneuvers much better.

  2. By olive #4, Posted: 3/8/2009

    headrest

    I rented a rondo recently. The headrest on it forced me to bend my head unnaturally forward, so I pulled it out and reversed it so I could sit back in the seat. Other than that, it's very comfortable for someone with my long legs - 34" inseam. I may buy one.

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