Kia Rondo: A Minivan That Can

The Kia Rondo minivan is a great buy for large families on a budget

by Thane Peterson

Editor's Rating:

The Good: Rebates, available V6 engine, seven-passenger capacity, excellent warranty

The Bad: Quality doubts, fuel economy could be better, scant luggage space behind third-row seats

The Bottom Line: A compact people-hauler for families on a tight budget

Reader Reviews

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Up Front

I never thought I'd say this about a Kia (KIMTY), let alone a Kia minivan, but the 2008 Rondo is a terrific vehicle. It's a small minivan that's far roomier than a compact car and can seat up to seven, yet it gets decent (if not great) mileage and has five-star government crash test ratings. Even better, through Sept. 2, Kia is offering big cash discounts off the Rondo's already low list price.

The Rondo is an excellent choice for young families on a tight budget. It's only 179 inches long, the same length as a 2009 Toyota (TM) Corolla. But it is 2.4 inches wider and more than 7 inches taller, so it has more head, hip, and shoulder space than the Corolla and other compact sedans. The Rondo's optional third-row seats are too tight for most adults, but there's plenty of room for a driver to carpool with up to six children.

The Rondo's only real direct competitor is the Mazda5, a similar compact minivan that was improved as of the '08 model year. Otherwise, the Rondo's closest rivals are totally different styles of vehicle, including compact hatchbacks such as General Motors' (GM) Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix, small SUVs such as the Toyota Rav4 and quirky niche models such as the Scion xB and the Chevrolet HHR. However, only the Mazda5 and Toyota Rav4 also have an available third-row of seats.

Sales of both the Rondo and Mazda5 have soared this year. The Rondo's U.S. sales were up 15% in July, to 2,556, and up 51.7%, to 18,530, in the first seven months of this year, while the Mazda5's sales jumped 39.7%, to 1,336, in July, and 43.7%, to 13,313, in the first seven months of this year. Mazda is controlled by Ford (F).

One reason for the Rondo's success is the rebates of $1,500 to $2,000 Kia is offering on the model right now (alternatively, there are also low interest loans available). On top of that, you may qualify for an additional $1,500 to $2,000 rebate. Depending on which region of the country you live in and if you already own a Kia or certain competing vehicles. Check Kia's web site for details

Even before rebates, the Rondo's price is very low. The entry-level Rondo LX powered by the small engine starts at just $16,995 without air conditioning and $17,895 with air conditioning, and comes standard with such amenities as full power accessories, 16-inch alloy wheels, a fold-down second-row seat and a CD player. Add $500 for the optional fold-down third-row seats. The upscale Rondo EX powered by the larger engine starts at $20,795, and can be fancied up with a 10-speaker/6-CD sound system and a sunroof for $1,200, and leather upholstery for another $1,000.