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CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
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Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 05/30/2007
Although it has its limitations, the 2007 Kia Rondo is a surprisingly functional people carrier. This odd-looking cross between a minivan and a sedan gets a very nice-sounding stereo as its only cabin tech offering. Its optional third-row seat gives it room for seven, as long as they're all good friends, and the engine has enough power to move that kind of weight around.
Stylewise, the Rondo is an odd duck, and we mean that more than figuratively. The hood sticks out from the body like the bill of a duck, emphasized all the more by the high roofline. And while the large windows all around afford great visibility, the high body makes this car really hard to pin down as to what exactly it is. But the EPA classifies it as a midsize wagon, and we're happy to leave it at that. Test the tech: Supreme Court of soundBecause our Rondo came with an Infinity audio system as part of its $1,200 Premium package, we pulled in some of our golden ears from MP3 player reviews and CNET Download.com Music. The optional Infinity audio system comprises a 315-watt amp and 10 speakers, including a centerfill and subwoofer. As the Rondo also came with an optional third-row seat, we placed our three judges in the front, middle, and back of the car. The music we tested the system with included Blonde Redhead's 23 and Ursula 1000's Ursadelica.
Judges Mike Tao, Donald Bell, and Peter Gavin line up by the Rondo.
With the Leather package, the interior of the Rondo seems nice, although an abundance of hard plastics over the dashboard and doors makes it clear that the Rondo is an inexpensive car. The shifter is raised up on its own pod, minivan-style. The high roofline means tons of headroom, making both front and back seats suitable for occupants of all heights. The optional third-row seat folds down, restoring cargo space. Getting into the third row requires a little scrambling, although the middle row moves forward a bit.
The stereo display has limited characters, and it's very hard to read in bright light.
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