Faults:

At 52,000 miles the engine blew up. I have always serviced the car regularly. Kia put a new engine in it; no charge.

My wife & I love to drive it around town, but made a mistake when we first bought it, and took it on a long trip. Not a highway car.

Would buy another no problem. Kia service has been great.

Faults:

Car seat anchor covers broke almost immediately.

Interior easily appears soiled (tan interior).

Wind noise at freeway speeds from driver's side window; very minor though.

General Comments:

I purchased the vehicle used, and made the choice between the Rondo and a Chevy Malibu Maxx. For the price, the Kia was more, but the mileage, warranty, and overall vehicle was a better fit for my family, and I wouldn't turn back now.

The V6 and 5 speed auto work together greatly, and put down passing power very well. I have never had to question if the car will fall short of necessary power.

I average 20MPG in mix use driving, which is understandable for a small V6 on a large size wagon, plus I have a heavy foot.

Ample cargo areas and space, the under floor cargo in the hatch area is just plain awesome and handy for things that may spill (had to test this during Thanksgiving time with a few food dishes). The overall seating area though is quite impressive, though smallish from the outside, sitting inside almost makes you feel like you're in a much larger car with how much head room and seating space there is. 4 grown adults can fit in this car very comfortably no problems.

The ride is great and composed for a car in this class/price range. You feel the road well enough, but not every pebble.

Faults:

Since purchasing our Rondo in January of 2009, it has been back to the dealership at lease 8 times (none for routine maintenance).

Three of the four oxygen sensors have been replaced.

The parking brake has had to be adjusted twice.

The hub on the A/C unit went out and has had to be replaced.

The transmission computer has been reset.

The transmission will sometimes not shift, or will slam into gear.

There is a foul smell coming from the vents when we first start the car after it sits for a bit, etc.

General Comments:

We bought the KIA Rondo to replace our 2005 Ford Focus ZX4 that had just been totaled. So far, we wish that we had gotten another Focus.

The gas mileage is beyond horrible. We are supposed to get between 18-22 in town and up to 27 on the highway, and we are only getting about 12 in town, and maybe 20 on the highway (this is at 60 mph too). I find it sad that our 05 Chevy Malibu gets better mileage than the KIA.