"So quiet at idle, it feels almost like an electric," claims copy chief Jacqueline Manfredi. If it actually were, it might rack up more miles (we tend to like novelties); but as such, it's only accumulated around 14,000 in nine months, lower than usual. Still, as Manfredi notes, there's much to like with the Rondo: "The interior is efficient and gracious. My stuff fits where it belongs, and the seats are comfy. In fact, it conveys a sense of roominess that's a surprise. While it's not a powerhouse, it can accelerate into a lane opening with aplomb. It has one of the easiest to use hatches of my experience-not heavy to lift and with a grabber right where it needs to be. Plus, those racks on top make it look almost cool. I could totally live with this thing."
| 2007 Kia Rondo |
| Months/miles in service | 9/13,993 |
| Avg econ/CO2 | 19.5 mpg/0.99 lb/mi |
| Unresolved problems | None |
| Maintenance cost | $95.13 (oil change/inspection/rotate tires) |
| Normal-wear cost | $0 |