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2008 Kia Rondo Safety Review

May 29, 2008

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

handled emergency maneuvers...with refreshing predictability
Jalopnik

safety rating is almost perfect
New York Newsday

impressive number of standard safety features
New York Times

The Kia Rondo for 2008 scores well in crash tests and in standard safety equipment.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the Kia Rondo nearly perfect safety scores across the board. It scores five stars for front crash protection, five stars for driver-side impact protection, and four stars for passenger-side impacts and rollover resistance.

The New York Times reports that the "Kia has loaded an impressive number of standard safety features into this inexpensive family hauler, including electronic stability control, tire-pressure monitors, four-wheel antilock disc brakes and six air bags."

Canadian Driver suggests, though, that the 2008 Kia Rondo's stability and traction control is so attentive that it becomes intrusive. If the "system senses some slip, it cuts some engine power...leaving you stranded at the corner." This can be a problem in snowy or icy conditions that are all too common along the northern tier and into the provinces. Fortunately, drivers can shut this feature off if necessary. This source highly recommends using different tires if you are driving in snow and ice, however, as the stock tires have very little in the way of "grip." Jalopnik confirms this impression: "traction control kicks in if you push too hard, and causes an odd wha'happen sensation."

Conclusion

The Kia Rondo for 2008 provides excellent value in terms of safety.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:handled emergency maneuvers...with refreshing predictabilityJalopniksafety rating is almost perfectNew York Newsdayimpressive number of standard safety featuresNew York Times The Kia Rondo for 2008 scores well in crash tests and in standard safety equipment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the Kia Rondo nearly perfect safety scores across the board. It scores five stars for front crash protection, five stars for driver-side impact protection, and four stars for passenger-side impacts and rollover resistance. The New York Times reports that the "Kia has loaded an impressive number of standard safety features into this inexpensive family hauler, including electronic stability control, tire-pressure monitors, four-wheel antilock disc brakes and six air bags." Canadian Driver suggests, though, that the 2008 Kia Rondo's stability and traction control is so attentive that it becomes intrusive. If the "system senses some slip, it cuts some engine power...leaving you stranded at the corner." This can be a problem in snowy or icy conditions that are all too common along the northern tier and into the provinces. Fortunately, drivers can shut this feature off if necessary. This source highly recommends using different tires if you are driving in snow and ice, however, as the stock tires have very little in the way of "grip." Jalopnik confirms this impression: "traction control kicks in if you push too hard, and causes an odd wha'happen sensation." ConclusionThe Kia Rondo for 2008 provides excellent value in terms of safety.  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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