2008 Kia Rondo Performance Review

May 29, 2008

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

power output seems more than adequate for the job
Canadian Driver

drives...well enough for the average Kia buyer
Car and Driver

power is there, but not so aggressive that the wheel puts up a fight
Jalopnik

Reviewers feel the 2008 Kia Rondo's performance is adequate for most driving situations.

There are some significant performance differences between the 162-hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and the larger 182-hp V-6 option. ConsumerGuide calls the 2008 Rondo's four-cylinder's power "adequate" when starting out, but reports that it "struggles to gather speed for passing and merging." The V-6 option didn't seem to make a lot of difference around town, but it proved "meaningfully stronger at highway speed." On the other hand, while agreeing that the smaller engine's power was "adequate," the New York Times suggested that the "stronger but slightly less fuel-efficient V-6 hardly seems worth the extra cost [of $1,000]." This source may have a valid point here, but according to Cars.com, the mileage difference isn't that much, and unless the buyer is paying cash, the extra money shouldn't add significantly to the monthly payments.

Reviews were similarly mixed when it came to the transmission; while Car and Driver says the "V-6 felt comparatively gruff," it adds that "the transmission didn't help significantly." Kelley Blue Book, on the other hand, reports that the "four-speed automatic transmission possesses sufficient force to get you through normal urban stop-and-go traffic and onto freeways," but was more enthusiastic about the five-speed automatic version of the 2008 Kia.

Cars.com reports that braking is solid, although the 2008 Kia Rondo exhibits a tendency to nose-drive in hard braking situations. With such a tall profile, the Rondo should have plenty of body roll, you might suspect, but according to Kelley Blue Book, this is not the case. New York Newsday reports that the "Rondo's ride was almost always comfortable," but notes that when driving over some rough pavement at highway speed, the Rondo Kia was "a bouncing and unpleasant place to be."

Towing capacity is marginal; according to New York Newsday, the Rondo Kia can tow no more than 1,000 pounds regardless of which engine is installed.

TheCarConnection.com spent hundreds of miles in the Kia Rondo, and observed that performance is competent but unremarkable. The four-cylinder is smooth, refined, and more efficient than the V-6 (cheaper, too), so we recommend it. The Rondo's automatic transmissions shift smoothly and come with a +/- shift gate for manual control. Handling isn't sharp, but the 2008 Kia Rondo is very maneuverable, and its compact size makes it surprisingly easy to park. The Rondo has a very smooth ride, and its basic but attractive and comfortable interior stays quiet.

Conclusion

With the Rondo, Kia builds in decent performance with an inexpensive V-6 upgrade.

PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:power output seems more than adequate for the jobCanadian Driverdrives...well enough for the average Kia buyerCar and Driverpower is there, but not so aggressive that the wheel puts up a fightJalopnik Reviewers feel the 2008 Kia Rondo's performance is adequate for most driving situations. There are some significant performance differences between the 162-hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and the larger 182-hp V-6 option. ConsumerGuide calls the 2008 Rondo's four-cylinder's power "adequate" when starting out, but reports that it "struggles to gather speed for passing and merging." The V-6 option didn't seem to make a lot of difference around town, but it proved "meaningfully stronger at highway speed." On the other hand, while agreeing that the smaller engine's power was "adequate," the New York Times suggested that the "stronger but slightly less fuel-efficient V-6 hardly seems worth the extra cost [of $1,000]." This source may have a valid point here, but according to Cars.com, the mileage difference isn't that much, and unless the buyer is paying cash, the extra money shouldn't add significantly to the monthly payments. Reviews were similarly mixed when it came to the transmission; while Car and Driver says the "V-6 felt comparatively gruff," it adds that "the transmission didn't help significantly." Kelley Blue Book, on the other hand, reports that the "four-speed automatic transmission possesses sufficient force to get you through normal urban stop-and-go traffic and onto freeways," but was more enthusiastic about the five-speed automatic version of the 2008 Kia. Cars.com reports that braking is solid, although the 2008 Kia Rondo exhibits a tendency to nose-drive in hard braking situations. With such a tall profile, the Rondo should have plenty of body roll, you might suspect, but according to Kelley Blue Book, this is not the case. New York Newsday reports that the "Rondo's ride was almost always comfortable," but notes that when driving over some rough pavement at highway speed, the Rondo Kia was "a bouncing and unpleasant place to be." Towing capacity is marginal; according to New York Newsday, the Rondo Kia can tow no more than 1,000 pounds regardless of which engine is installed. TheCarConnection.com spent hundreds of miles in the Kia Rondo, and observed that performance is competent but unremarkable. The four-cylinder is smooth, refined, and more efficient than the V-6 (cheaper, too), so we recommend it. The Rondo's automatic transmissions shift smoothly and come with a +/- shift gate for manual control. Handling isn't sharp, but the 2008 Kia Rondo is very maneuverable, and its compact size makes it surprisingly easy to park. The Rondo has a very smooth ride, and its basic but attractive and comfortable interior stays quiet. ConclusionWith the Rondo, Kia builds in decent performance with an inexpensive V-6 upgrade.  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.

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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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