Long-Term Update 2: 2007 Kia Rondo

After only five months of service, the Rondo has already amassed over 9000 miles, a testament to its utility. Senior editor Ron Kiino recently grabbed the Kia for a fishing trip to Bishop and found it about as handy as a traditional SUV. "My buddy, Mike, was the only other passenger, and we had two large duffels, two float tubes (deflated), two sets of fins, four rods and reels, an ice chest, and two pairs of wading boots. The Rondo, with the third row folded flat, swallowed all of it with no problem. We could have folded the second row, as well, but didn't even have the need. For a vehicle that looks relatively small from the outside, the Rondo can scarf up a lot of stuff." Associate art director Mike Royer concurs: "Passes my hockey-bag test with flying colors. Tons of room." With 7500 miles on the Rondo's odometer, associate editor Allyson Harwood made her way to Car Pros Kia in Carson for a $95.13 first service.