Rondo Tires

Like all things in the world, there is a good and bad.  The Rondo's tires are that one bad thing.  Here's a review of the experience a woman had with her Rondo:

I'm so glad I bought my little Rondo new in 09. Love almost everything about it. Except the crappy tires. I never got good traction in rain, snow, or ice. I'm not asking for miracles, just to be able to stop when appropriate and to move forward, even uphill in inclement weather. I had a cheap Chevy Cavalier before this with a lot of crappy elements to it, but it had at least adequate traction. I've been nervous every winter with my Rondo, been unable to scale the slight uphill angle of the street in front of my house in winter (had to slide back to the bottom and go a different way), and had huge problems getting up the incline of my driveway in ice and snow, even when its been shoveled. The tires always looked like cheap, wussy little things to me when I bought it new. The dealer seemed to indicate that those were the only tires I could use with a Rondo when I asked, but I have seen other websites indicating otherwise. I have been told now that I'm at 58,000 miles or so, that all 4 tires are completely shot, bald, caput. 

I can say this happened to me as well.  At 28,000 miles we had to put new tires on.  But if this is the only hold back the Rondo has, I think its managable. Look some other reviews here: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Kia-Rondo-2008/expert-review/

2008 Kia Rondo Road Test Video

What most people want and need in a car are, most of the time, completely different.  Many people want to have the speed and performance of a Lamborghini, sleek looking, and low priced car.  But in reality what you need is something that is economical, spacious, and low priced.  The Rondo can satisfy your need.  I have just started on the seats and there is so much more to be explored.  The engine, design, wheels, tires, packages, interior features, and many others are examples. 

There are always going to be exceptions and complaints depending of the individual, but in the end you'll come to relize why and how it is so practical.  Watch this video from Edmunds Inside Line about some of the specifications and to see further detail.  By Edmunds Video Productions:

Interview

I have a few friends that have driven and riden in the Rondo. I asked them, Tal, Joe, and JJ, a couple questions about what they think about the Rondo. Tal hasn't driven the Rondo but has riden in it many times before, Joe has driven it many times and is very familiar with it, and JJ has taken a trip or two with me but has not driven the Rondo.

I asked them: From when you've been in the Rondo, how was your experience with handling, ride and comfort? What first comes to mind when you firt look at the Rondo? Would you recommend the Rondo for short trips into town or long hauls to the cabin?

Cargo Space

 

Don't you hate loading up stuff in your car and you don't have enough room?  Whether it's groceries, hocky bags, baseball bags, or a bike it seems like you've never got enough room in a normal mid size car.  This isn't the case for the Rondo.  With it being a hatch-back and the height of the roof, cargo space isn't a problem.  The back end can be compared to most cross-overs and SUVs.  The Rondo has 31.7 cubic feet of cargo room compared to Chevy's HHR of 25.2 cubic feet.  This easily shows that the when compared to other competitors vehicles the Rondo shows superiority over them. 

The Rondo is on the top and its competitor, HHR, is on the bottom.

 

 

 This extra space may not seem like it is much of a difference, but in reality when you try to put several hockey bags in the back it's nice to have the extra space. 

Easy Specs

See what Ronnie Tanner says about the Rondo, "The Kia Rondo With the 2.4L 4 Cylinder"

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Kia-Rondo-With-the-2.4L-4-Cylinder&id=4564899

   

Front Seats

The Rondo has very comfortable front seats.  Throughout my year and a half of driving the Rondo, I have never once felt uncomfortable in the driver seat.  They are great for the long ride up to the cabin or the trip out of town for a baseball tournament.  The extra width gives a roomier feel for more comfort.  As a passenger in the front it is easy to stretch your legs out completely straight.  This is how much room the Rondo has to offer.  With the seat moved all the way back, you can recline the seat and lay down as if you were in your own bed. 

The comfort level of the Rondo is nearly unmatchable.  Being 6 foot 2 inches, it is a good feeling to not have to duck while riding or driving.  The head room is very generous as well.  Everyone likes to go on a road trip, under the right comfort levels.  If you're on your road trip nobody likes to have a sore neck from tilting it so your head doesn't hit the roof.  If you're looking for a car for your next road trip, let me know if you want to rent out my Rondo to insure a comfortable trip.

The next time you are in your car, look to see if you notice the amount of head and space you have.  Compare it to the Rondo and see what you think.

Quick Overview

Heres a quick look at some of the features the Rondo has to offer.

Back Seats

I will be covering all/most aspects of this wagon inside and out.

The outside isn't what matters on this car, it's the inside that matters the most. This is one of the most comfortable vehicles of its class of the road today. The extended hight gives you much needed room for head space. In most cars on the market it is hard to find one that has reclining back seats.  Most are in one position that can be uncomfortable at times.  These seats also more front to back to give you an extra few inches, which may not seem like a lot but make all of the difference.  Leg room while sitting in the back seat is also very well proportioned. In most reviews there are comments of how 'roomy' the back seat interior is. If you read this review, you can learn the likings of the interior: http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Kia_Rondo/Interior/. There are always going to be down falls in every car. People have thier different likings, but in this specific aspect it is hard not to like it.

Introduction to the Rondo

This blog is going to be devoted to a very special vehicle. This vehicle is the one and only Kia Rondo. I own a Rondo and it is the best car I have even owned (and the only car I have ever owned). Classified as a wagon, it isn't the most stylish looking car on the road but does the job.