2007 Kia Rondo – First Drive: If you have about $20,000 to spend, don’t like compact SUVs and can’t be seen in the minivanish Mazda5, then this Kia might just be what you’re looking for. It’s not a minivan, because its rear doors are hinged. It’s not an SUV, because it doesn’t offer all-wheel drive. Instead it’s a…well…it’s mostly a five-door hatchback with a tall roofline, an optional V6, seating for up to seven, and the ability to haul a lot of stuff for just a little bit of money. Kia calls it a “crossover.” We just call it a wagon, one with a great blend of practicality and value that is hard to beat. Even though this is the first time it has been sold in the U.S. market, this is the third generation of a car the rest of the world calls the Carins. The Rondo is a stubby, tall wagon with styling that makes it seem smaller than it actually is. It's based on the Optima sedan and is within an inch or so of its dimensions with the obvious exception of height. But the Rondo is a distinct model with some clever touches, and at an exceptionally reasonable price. Its compact dimensions combine with an optional third row of seats and available V6 engine and five-speed automatic for a vehicle perfect for kid-toting, coffee-sipping commuter lifestyles that don’t need the bulk of an SUV or minivan

The Rondo is available in “base” LX, LX and EX trim levels. The base LX is the price leader, where even air conditioning is optional; this will be the one you find at the rental car agency. Standard LX models come with A/C, as well as roof rails, body colored outside mirrors, and optional keyless entry. The luxury EX comes with chrome touches sprinkled on the exterior, a better standard stereo with MP3 capability and many of the LX’s options standard. It also offers optional leather seats and an optional premium package with a sunroof and CD changer. The third row of seats is available on all models, and the V6/five-speed drivetrain combo is available on standard LX and EX trims.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe Concept

The Koreans rustle themselves up a rear-drive pony car. Hyundais nothing if not ambitious. What else but ambition could turn a company known only for shoddily m...

2008 Ferrari F430 Scuderia - Previews

In case the F430 wasnt fast (or good) enough. The great thing about the 430 Scuderiaa faster, lighter, and even more compelling version of the F430 is that Ferr...

2006 Mercury Mariner Hybrid Preview

Mercury's new 2006 Mariner Hybrid is what most people would consider to be a no-brainer. Fundamentally identical to the Ford Escape, which is available with a g...

2005 Mercury Mariner Preview

NEW YORK CITY, NY - Mercury is hurting. With the departure of the Cougar sport coupe and Villager minivan, the brand was down to four relatively undistinguished...

2005 Mercury Montego Preview

Mercury lands squarely on the family car game board with the 2005 Montego, the first competitive sedan for the company to sell since the original Sable debuted ...