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More of a workhorse is our 2008 Kia Rondo EX. This compact crossover is all packaging, maximizing space inside while keeping a tidy footprint outside.
The Rondo lacks the all-wheel drive of most crossovers. But, after only 2 months and a mere 2,500 miles, fuel economy is already pleasing us at 22.9 miles-per-gallon of regular in mostly stop-and-go driving.
Our staff likes the pep of its 182-horsepoer 2.7-liter V6 engine. Other pluses include comfortable seats, and great visibility, except to the rear, where a backup camera is sorely needed.
The Kia Rondo is very purposeful, and that makes it perfect for our times.
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Five months into our year-long test, we are increasingly enamored with our 2008 Kia Rondo EX. While the Rondo lacks the all-wheel drive of most crossovers, it's still proving itself to be a fine combination of commuter car and near mid-size workhorse.
Ride and handling are well balanced, while the 182-horsepower V6 responds with spirit, if also with quite a bit of noise. So far fuel economy has averaged an acceptable 20.9 miles-per-gallon of regular grade gas.
But it is the Rondo's interior that got our attention. It's much roomier and more useful than we expected, with our EX having a nice array of standards like heated mirrors and keyless entry.
In total, we find the Kia Rondo is a downsize utility with big appeal.
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Whether you call it a crossover, or a tall station wagon, our 2008 Kia Rondo EX is proving itself to be highly capable for day to day chores. Taking up no more pavement than a compact sedan, the Rondo's five-seat interior has impressive passenger comfort or cargo room.
After 7 months and 5,000 commuter miles, the front drive Rondo's 182-horsepower V6 is looser but still a bit too noisy. Fuel economy is an acceptable 21.4 miles-per-gallon of regular gas.
Add a low base price and high mileage powertrain warranty, and it's clear that no matter what you call the shape of the Kia Rondo, it's a great value.
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If you don't need all-wheel drive, our front drive only 2008 Kia Rondo is an interesting small crossover alternative. It's very roomy, yet takes up no more pavement than a compact sedan.
Great visibility is a plus, with smart, easy to use control placement. On the minus side are cheap feeling interior materials, and the engine is a bit noisy.
After 9 months and 12,000 mostly commuter miles, our Rondo's 2.7-liter V6 is managing an acceptable 22.4 miles-per-gallon of regular gas.
With a low base price and high mileage powertrain warranty, the Kia Rondo is a small utility not to be ignored.
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Whether you call it a tall wagon or a small crossover, the 2008 Kia Rondo is a good carry-all alternative if you can live without all-wheel drive.
The front drive only Rondo is very roomy and versatile with well placed controls.
On the minus side are inexpensive interior materials, and the engine is a bit noisy.
After 9 months, our Rondo's 2.7-liter V6 is managing an acceptable 22.5 miles-per-gallon of regular gas.
With a low base price and high mileage powertrain warranty, the Kia Rondo is a small utility not to be ignored.
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We're entering the home stretch with our Kia Rondo. After 10 months and 17,000 miles, this front-wheel drive crossover continues to be trouble-free to the point of almost being taken for granted.
Kia quality has come a long way, and the Rondo is driving proof. Yes, the interior materials are still a little cheesy and stain easily, and the engine could be smoother.
But, our staff finds the 192-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 in our EX delivers good pep for passing with better response than the base 4-cylinder. Fuel economy, on the other hand, at 22.2 miles-per-gallon of regular, is just okay.
Still, with prices starting four grand under big name rivals like the CRV and RAV-4, and a 100,000-mile power train warranty, the Kia Rondo is an impressive package.
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Our Kia Rondo is the perfect crossover. So much so most don't know what it is. We've heard it called bulbous front-wheel drive car, tall station wagon, and cleverly packaged utility. Actually the only thing that really matters is that within its compact link, is more useable room than most mid-size SUVs.
The Rondo can be ordered with two rows and five seats or our three row seven seater with all variety of cargo flexibility. While there is no all-wheel drive option we had no problems navigating moderate winter snows, and the 192-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 5-speed auto combo in our EX model always has adequate spunk when needed.
Fuel economy could be improved however - 22.1 miles-per-gallon of regular after a full year at 18,600 miles. We've had no mechanical issues of any sort. Indeed the very affordable Rondo just does its job day in and day out.
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Seldom have we greeted a vehicle with as much ambivalence, yet in the end valued it more, than the Kia Rondo. As we end our long term test of this smallish crossover, we still love it's clear sense of purpose, and unwavering practicality.
After more than a year, and some 20,000 miles, we sum it up with far more pluses than minuses.
With a tall cabin and lots of glass, the Rondo let's both versatility and visibility shine. It's deceptively large inside, with space for 7 passengers, or nearly 75 cubic feet of cargo. We've had zero mechanical problems, and our only complaints are inexpensive interior materials, and a somewhat rough running 192-horsepower 2.7-liter V6.
Also, mileage ended up at a mediocre 21.8 miles per gallon of regular. The base 4-cylinder does better. Still, with a low base price and excellent warranty, the Kia Rondo is a true blue family friend.
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