2008 Kia Rondo Consumer Reviews
Fuel Economy
21 - 22 mpg
Recent Consumer Reviews
(32 Total Reviews)
Great Car Until the Engine Goes
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2008 Kia Rondo LX 4dr Wagon (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I recently purchased a Kia Rondo in April. Just this month they replaced the engine - the entire short block. It was making noise for a while and took some time to diagnose, but now my new car had to have a new engine put in. I am very nervous about this car for the future.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
0 out 1 people found this review helpful
Roomy & Right-sized. Thumbs up overall.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2008 Kia Rondo LX 4dr Wagon (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Really like my Rondo. Getting 21 city 26.5 hwy. Good power/very roomy. Front of vehicle looks a little plain, but I like the back end and side views. I did a 20% tint on the back windows (not driver, passenger-front or windshield) and it really increases the exterior appeal. Suggest you spend $150 and do the same. Also drove a 4 cylinder Rondo; seems even more peppy in city driving than the 6 cylinder! Wouldn't shy away from buying a 4-banger. Both pull 2500 RPMs at 70 MPH. But the tranny on the 4 seems a little smoother shifting. Great dash set up; lots of rear leg room; sits higher up than sedan and slightly lower than an SUV - a happy median. Drivers seat height good for long legs.
Favorite Features
Headroom, legroom (front and back), gas mileage, MP3 stereo jack, interior design and functionality, shorter overall length of vehicle, amount of rear cargo space for such a small vehicle, LARGE hidden storage areas under cargo floor (can carry all the normal "trunk items" but they aren't seen).
Suggested Improvements
Factory tint windows, slightly smoother ride (not bad; but some road noise & bumps make their way into the cabin), better stereo sound (needs 2 more speakers) & reception (some interference), auto headlights, steering wheel audio controls, CD player should play MP3 discs, more attractive front end.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Just What I Was Looking For
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2008 Kia Rondo LX 4dr Wagon (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I had a 2000 Kia Sportaqe for 8 years and could not kill it. Therefor I wanted another Kia but with more cargo space. Great to drive with good gas mileage. I get 21MPG in mostly city type driving. Highway is near 30MPG. Cargo space is fantastic compared to other similar models and makes. Kia motors were very helpful in transferring the warranty to me on the day of purchase. With only 15,000 miles on the odometer, I got a "new" car for a great price.
Favorite Features
Safety ratings. 4 wheel disc brakes. Flat cargo area. Visibility. Driver's seat.
Suggested Improvements
Tint the windows. It cost me $240 to have the windows tinted to prevent excessive heat build-up in the cabin. Provide the rear bumper guard standard.
Lots of features for budget family
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2008 Kia Rondo EX 4dr Wagon (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I was looking for a car to replace my 13yr old Saturn wagon with more passenger and cargo capacity and a moon roof. We set a budget of $20k and had our eyes on the Mazda5 for the past several years. Recently we realized the Rondo to be the only direct competitor of Mazda5 that fulfilled our requirements. It has good mpg for my daily driving mostly on local. Highway mpg is slightly lower than expected but should be improved after breaking in. The V6 has good acceleration and is very quiet. The second row is roomy even with someone sitting in the 3rd row. With the $4K cash rebate, we got it loaded with options (leather, moonroof, 6CD/MP3, etc) and still within our budget.
Favorite Features
Quiet V6 with good acceleration Up to 7 seats Roomy cargo area with 3rd row folded 2nd row fold flat and slide Audio remote on wheel Moonroof Seats at perfect height Storage space and cup holders Excellent visibility Good local mpg 3 DC ports Trip computer 5yr/10yr warranty 17" alloy wheels
Suggested Improvements
Put back the cargo light Better cup holder Better highway mpg Cargo net and cover
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
Always look forward to driving it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2008 Kia Rondo LX 4dr Wagon (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
We love the roominess of the interior plus the storage is great. It has more cupholders than all of my previous cars combined (6 cars). I love the high seating that doesn't require me to climb up into it. We did have the check engine light come on after the first fill-up due to not tightening the cap correctly, but no problems since. I do mostly city driving and have gotten between 19 and 21 mpg. I like having the multiple 12v ports, espcially having one in the back that we can use for our electic cooler or a car vac. No complaints about wind noise. We had a very thorough test drive with this vechicle before buying it so we could dectedt any obvious flaws or even not so obvious. Great car.
Favorite Features
Large cargo area, high chairlike seating position with plenty of head room, bag holder on front passenger side, 10 cup holders! dead pedal foot rest for driver
Suggested Improvements
Tinted rear windows, UBS port, cargo cover for 7 passenger, center console cup holder flanges from the 07 model to hold small cups/cans more securely, raised roof rails like the 09 model.
6 out 6 people found this review helpful
A GREAT BUY!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2008 Kia Rondo EX 4dr Wagon (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
The Rondo may not get you looks on the street but the function is superior of any car in its class. This is a GREAT buy for people who need room and don't want to bleed your wallet. The ride is wonderful and the finishes are excellent! I purchased a FULLY LOADED Rondo for less than half loaded competitors cars. Unbelievable deals are out there on Kia's. I would absolutely tell anyone interested in a new car to look into a Kia. The warranty itself is a no brainer.
Favorite Features
The value. The ride. Car volume. Folding flat(not a angle "fold down" like other makers) but completely flat folding back seats. No blind spots. You can see everything while driving.
Suggested Improvements
It could have better MPG but if you're not commuting then it's fine. A cargo cover for 3rd row cars. Tinted windows on all models. Built in Navigation System.
20 out 20 people found this review helpful
Second Kia
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2008 Kia Rondo LX 4dr Wagon w/AC (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Review
This is my second Kia, had a Sedona before with few problems that the dealer took care of with no hassels. I drove the Rondo and was impressed with the ride and drive in the 2.4 4 cylinder. Big room inside and better gas mileage than the Sedona. Yes Kia has come a long way.
Favorite Features
Good engine, this car wanted to run 70 mph first day I drove it. I notice no wind noise.
Suggested Improvements
Tint the rear windows, better gas mileage is always a plus.
8 out 8 people found this review helpful
Impressive....
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2008 Kia Rondo LX 4dr Wagon (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I have never heard of the Rondo. I bought an 08 with a little more than 7,000 miles on it for $10,900.....bout 3,000.00 below book. I did a test drive....and LOVED it!! Its got lots of zip! Handles well! Lots of leg room. Very comfortable. Storage compartments are hidden in the back cargo area. Very quiet inside. I was/am VERY impressed with this car. Its got lots of compartments that are convenient in the front for the driver and passengers. I would recommend this car highly and I am so glad that I now own one.
Favorite Features
Mine is a v6, 2.7L and it is amazing. I love the hidden compartments in the back. The back seats fold down which is nice for long trips, which I plan to do in this car.
Suggested Improvements
It needs a outside temp gauge.....other than that, to me, this car is perfect!
9 out 9 people found this review helpful
dig it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2008 Kia Rondo LX 4dr Wagon (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Got an 08 KIA Rondo of the used lot of a dealership, for under 10k. Only had 20,000 miles on it. Looks brand new for the most part. Drives well, i love the extra kick that the v6 gives. Add's a lil boost that some other crossover wagon type veichles dont give you. all the usual stuff, power windows, power doors, am/fm/cd, ac/heat. The rondo is very spacious in the back. Lots of room for kids, groceries, camping...whatever. Im pleasantly suprised with this ride, so far!
Favorite Features
spacious back, hidden compartment for car jack, tool kit, jumper cables, or whatever essentials you want to store in there without having to be seen.
Suggested Improvements
stereo is fine, but could be better. the driver side seat belt is a pain to buckle. It goes down in an angle, and i often have to jimmi it, to get it in.
7 out 7 people found this review helpful
SO FAR SO GOOD,KIND OF SURPRISED
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2008 Kia Rondo LX 4dr Wagon w/AC (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Review
Bought this 2008 new.Have driven it for a month. Wanted a hatchback instead of a sedan. Looked at Vibe,Mazda,Matrix but for the price of the KIA, others weren't close. The most striking thing is the interior. LOTS of room everywhere. Not cheap looking and its loaded,remote,power windows,locks,cruise,ESC,ABS. Lots of storage space. The 4-cylinder gets to 65-70 smoothly and is surprisingly quiet. Gas mileage isn't great for an engine this size though. I'm a little worried about the recall on the fuel pump. Under the hood,seems accesible, isn't jam packed Don't complain about how the car looks from the outside if you ended up buying it...duh. If my Rondo is this good in a year, I'll be sold.
Favorite Features
Interior room. Loaded with extras. Price.Seems fun to drive. Warranty.
Suggested Improvements
Gas mileage isn't great. Lose the roof rack and/or crossbars. Need autolock for doors.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
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