2008 Kia Rondo is a midsize 5-door multi-purpose vehicle that can be outfitted with a third row of seats or left as is for greater cargo capacity. Powered by either a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine that produces 162hp or a 2.7L 185hp V6 engine, the Rondo is well-equipped to take care of business on the highway and the city street. Speaking of city and highway, the fuel efficiency of the new Rondo will bring a smile at 19mpg city, 26mpg highway for the 4-cylinder and 18mpg city, 26mpg highway for the V6.

Viewing the Rondo from the outside one gets the impression that it's all there, headlights, mirrors, doors, grille, yet the whole package fails to inspire. This seems to be the trick of understanding the Rondo. It offers all the practical features of other midsize transporters, like the Matrix or the Mazda5, but without the style that is, unfortunately for Rondo, a great part of the attraction in this segment.

On the road, the Rondo displays stirring performance with its crisp steering and able acceleration. Roads melt away on encountering Rondo's 4-wheel independent suspension while both of Rondo's engine options handle highway onramps with aplomb. Next to consider is Rondo's safety rating, which is very good. Rondo has acquired five-star frontal impact ratings for driver and front passenger, five-stars for side impact for the driver and four-stars for the passenger.

The 2008 Kia Rondo has fashioned a comfortable and roomy interior for five to seven passengers. The driver is treated to easy to read instrumentation, comfortable seating, plenty of leg and head room, and easy to reach controls. Passengers will be surprised by the abundance of room as well. There are no wood accents or leather to add to the cost of Rondo, which may contribute to the unappealing predominance of molded plastic in the cabin. For those who are looking for an affordable, well-built family vehicle, the Kia Rondo is worth a test drive.