2008 Kia Rondo

A micro minivan/crossover in the vein of the Mazda 5, the Rondo seats either five or seven and will be powered by a 158-hp four-cylinder or a 185-hp V-6. The Rondo will be sold as the Carens in the rest of the world. With the ability to accommodate more people than the Mazda 5 (which seats six), plus more power and an assuredly low sticker price, the Rondo should seriously shake up the mini-minivan segment--which consists of pretty much only the 5.

The Kia Rondo is capable of carrying seven adults, yet it's small. It's shorter than the six-passenger Mazda5, but it offers more third-row legroom than a Toyota RAV4. We found the ride, handling and brakes of the Kia Rondo excellent. It's a good vehicle for running around town or for taking the whole family on a long trip.

The Kia Rondo is an excellent choice for a family vehicle. It's a front-wheel-drive, seven-passenger vehicle with a low price, midsize, high fuel mileage, ample cargo room and passenger versatility, and complete safety features as standard equipment. It features good leg and shoulder room for the passengers despite its modest length. It comes with either a robust four-cylinder engine or smooth V6, and offers an excellent ride, handling and brakes.