2011 Lemon Aid People Carriers

The People Carrier category is one that encompasses vehicles that are essentially passenger cars that can seat more than five people.

While new to our market, buyers on other continents frequently pick People Carriers when seeking a large family car. Most makers offer People Carriers in other markets, but only the Ford Flex, Dodge Journey, Kia Rondo and Mazda 5 are available in Canada. If trends elsewhere find root in the Canadian market, sales of People Carriers could grow strongly over the next few years.

What’s new
Comprehensive mid-cycle remake with a redesigned front end, rear fascia and taillamps outside, and a new cabin inside. The "Pentastar" V6 produces 48 more horsepower than the 3.5L V6 it replaced. Redesigned steering and suspension. Enhanced soundproofing.

Performance
The previous 3.5L engine delivered smooth, responsive power. The new 3.6L V6 should be quicker and quieter than its predecessor. The 2.4L four has enough strength to move the Journey at a reasonable clip, but except when cruising, the engine sounds harsh and wheezy. Good ride. Prior to the recent update, handling was predictable but the underdamped front suspension floated over larger bumps. The changes made to the suspension for 2011 should improve ride and handling. The new dash is a huge improvement in style compared to its predecessor, and cabin materials are much more elegant than previously. Cabin space is ample in the first two rows, but the third row is meant for the small and agile. The second and third row seats fold to reveal a long, regularly-shaped cargo bed that is deep below the window line. Cargo space is tight when the third seat is up. In an APA road test with the pre-facelift Dodge Journey, the previous-generation Mazda 5 and the Kia Rondo, the four-cylinder Journey was rated last of the three cars. Though smaller outside, the Kia Rondo had no less usable space inside, and its eager, refined four-cylinder powertrain is infinitely nicer than the Journey’s shrill four.

Reliability
Not rated, insufficient data on the new engine and revised cabin. Premature front brake wear expected. Three year/60,000 km bumper to bumper warranty, 5 years/100,000 km on the powertrain.

Comments
The Journey is spun off the flexible platform that underpins the Dodge Avenger and the Jeep Compass/Patriot. With clean lines and good proportions, the Dodge Journey is one of Chrysler’s better looking cars. Powertrain choices are a 2.4L four, and a 3.6L V6. A four-speed automatic transmission is fitted to four-cylinder Journeys, but a six-speed automatic transmits the power to the wheels on V6 cars. An “on-demand” all-wheel drive system is optional with the 3.6L V6. Built in Mexico

Pricing
Trim upgrades are fantastic value. Expensive trim versions will suffer from extreme depreciation. With around 24,000 sold last year, the Journey has been a huge success for Chrysler.

Safety
Standard seat-mounted side airbags and side-curtain airbags. The Journey was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and was rated Good in the IIHS frontal, side, rear and rollover tests. Standard ABS and ESC.

What’s new
Flex: New Titanium range-topper. Both: Optional power fold and tumble third-row seat.

Performance
The strong base V6 in the Flex is twinned with a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic transmission. Compliant suspension, stable handling and nicely weighted steering make the Flex a pretty agile bus that excels on long highway runs. The dashboard has clear gauges and is, except for a button-festooned dash centre stack, visually restrained. The rest of the cabin is very chic and nicely finished. The Flex features comfortable seats, and the legroom varies between reasonable for the third row to spectacular for the second. All who travelled in the Flex were charmed by it, with middle row passengers feeling especially pampered. Unlike many three row people carriers, cargo space is quite good with the third-row seat up, and expansive when the second and third-row seats are folded.

Reliability
Not rated, insufficient data. Unproven turbocharged engine. Three year/60,000 km bumper to bumper warranty, 5 years/100,000 km on the powertrain.

Comments
With straight sides and a so-called “floating roof” created by blacked out roof pillars, the Flex looks like a low-slung Range Rover or a MINI Maxi. The Flex is powered by either a 262 horsepower 3.5L V6 or a turbocharged 3.5L-V6 that cranks out 355 horsepower. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional with the base engine and standard with the turbo. The base engine in the MKT is a 3.7L version of the Flex’s V6, with the turbo engine optional. All-wheel drive is standard on the Lincoln. The sole transmission is a six-speed automatic. Built in Canada.

Pricing
Flex: the AWD system is a $2000 option. The SEL and Limited upgrades are overpriced. The Titanium package is great value. The turbocharged (EcoBoost in Ford parlance) is a $3400 option on the Limited all-wheel drive variant. MKT: a base MKT is priced nearly $7000 higher than a Flex all-wheel drive Limited with similar equipment. Flex sales dropped about 20 percent last year, but MKT sales increased by 500 percent.

Safety
Standard seat-mounted side and side-curtain airbags on both vehicles. The Flex was a Top Safety Pick, rated Good in the IIHS frontal, side, rear and rollover tests. The MKT was a Top Safety Pick, rated Good in the IIHS frontal, side, rear and rollover tests.

What’s new
Revised grille displaying Kia’s tiger mouth motif. Revised trim. Window switches are back-lit for 2011. New power release for the fuel door. The Rondo is no longer sold in the United States.

Performance
The Kia Rondo’s 2.4L engine and four-speed automatic transmission combine to provide smooth and flexible power. Performance is little better with the 2.7L V6 than it is with the four, but refinement is even better. V6 fuel consumption is not much higher than it is with the four, especially on the highway. The Rondo is graced by an absorbent ride, confident non-sporting handling, abundant space (even the third row is habitable by small adults) in a cabin with supportive seats, clear gauges, simple, logical controls and excellent fit and finish. The Rondo’s smooth fuss-free performance impressed APA test drivers, and it handily won an APA three car test between it, the Dodge Journey and the previous Mazda 5. The Rondo is just as roomy as the much larger Journey. Five passengers and a mountain of luggage can be carried in the Rondo at the same time, unlike the Mazda 5, which lacks a third seating position in the second row of seats. In addition, the Rondo’s ride-handling balance and general refinement are superior to either of the other two cars.

Reliability
Predicted average to above reliability, like newer Hyundai group vehicles. Five year/100,000 km bumper to bumper warranty.

Comments
The Rondo is built on the same platform, and uses the same power units as the old Kia Magentis. Built in South Korea.

Pricing
The V6 engine/five-speed automatic transmission upgrade is priced only $1100 higher than the base four. Boosting the seat count from five to seven costs about $1000. Upgrading to the next trim level represents good value. The seven-passenger Rondo EX 2.4L is priced about the same as a Mazda 5 GS with the Convenience package. Monthly payments for the Kia are roughly $60 less if you finance (60 months, $0. down). With lease payments (48 months, $0. down) virtually the same as 60 month financing, there is no point in leasing a Rondo. Rondo sales dipped around 35 percent last year.

Safety
Standard seat-mounted side airbags and side-curtain airbags. Not crash tested. Standard ABS and ESC.

What’s new
New second-generation 5 powered by a 2.5L four.

Comments
Built on the same wheelbase as before, the 2012 5 is 35 mm (1.4 inches) shorter, and marginally narrower and lower than its predecessor. The new 5 has a familiar silhouette, but bears Mazda's "Happy face", cycle-type front fenders and flowing "Nagare" flank highlights championed by Mazda's ex-head stylist, Franz von Holzhausen. The cabin is reminiscent of the current 3. Big, clear instruments reside in deep sonotubes. Climate can be adjusted via the three chunky dials. Easily-accessed audio controls. Careful assembly of very attractive cabin components. With 2+2+2 seating (in North America), Mazda leaves potential clients at the curb as you can't carry five people and a fair bit of luggage simultaneously. Comfortable seats and good room for the first 2 rows, with the third row strictly for kids. Power stems from the 3's bigger 2.5L four sending power to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. Like the 3, the 5 should be an enjoyable drive. Made in Japan.

Reliability
Predicted reliability is average, like the previous-generation Mazda 3 it is based on. Three year/80,000 km bumper to bumper warranty, five years/100,000 km on the powertrain.

Pricing
Spectacular value GS Convenience and GT upgrades; good value Luxury package. The Mazda 5 GS with the Convenience package is priced virtually the same as the seven-passenger Kia Rondo EX 2.4L. Monthly payments for the Mazda are roughly $60 more for financing (60 months, $0. down). Leasing is not offered on the Mazda 5. Mazda 5 sales dropped about five percent last year.

Safety
Seat-mounted side airbags and side-curtain airbags are standard on all models. Not crash tested. Standard ABS and ESC.