*Disclaimer: TMC was not paid for this post. Cars provided by DriveShop. All opinions are 100% my own. 2016 Hyundai Genesis in 'Pamplona Red' Last fall I had the pleasure of driving the 2015 Hyundai Genesis AWD 3.8 and since then I have seen quite a few more on the road. As it was in October it was the same now, the Genesis garners comments, turns heads and makes people stop and take notice. The 'Parisian Gray' exterior color was certainly one of the biggest attention grabbers. The style on this car is clean and is definitely worth taking a look at again and for any future sedan purchases. Premium Ivory Leather Interior What's New Since 2015 was a redesign for the Genesis the 2016 version does not offer many changes. LED daytime running lights are now standard as are HID … [Read more...]
2016 Chevy Malibu 2LZ
Source: Chevrolet.com The all-new 2016 Chevy Malibu 2LZ definitely turned some heads while I had it earlier this month. Styled in 'Blue Velvet Metallic' (the name is very accurate) with an ash gray leather interior and dark wood grain had one person asking me if it was a Jaguar. The sleek lines and shortened back end certainly stand out and create a look that is elegant yet slightly sporty. I love that this car has come around again with an even better design than previous models. Almost ten years ago now I started writing about cars and the Chevy Malibu was my first foray into this arena. We have both come pretty far since that time. Source: Victoria Mason Exterior Right away there is a noticeable difference to the newly redesigned Chevy Malibu. It sits lower to the ground and … [Read more...]
2016 Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X
Disclosure: TMC was not paid for this post. Products are for review purposes only and supplied by esi-solutions. Opinions are 100% my own. Source: Nissanusa.com A few months back I had discussed the Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X with other car writers and the consensus was the same. This truck, an all-new model from Nissan, is a total beast, which naturally made me want to do more than just walk around it. First Impressions Late one Friday afternoon this 310 horsepower with 555 lb-ft of torque came rumbling into my driveway. The rumble comes from the Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel engine. I think I ran up to it and then abruptly stopped. The Titan was bigger than I remembered. In fact the hood came above my shoulders. The side mirrors with tow mirrors were bigger than my head. I … [Read more...]
2016 KIA Optima SX LTD
Source: Kia.com Newly redesigned the 2016 Kia Optima SX LTD offers turbocharged performance without the hefty price tag that power can sometimes command. Source: Victoria Mason I was pleasantly surprised by the 'Horizon Blue' Kia Optima SX LTD that arrived in my driveway earlier this month. It sparkled in the sun and showed off its quilted black interior nicely. I've been a fan of the Optima for a few years. It showcases the best that Kia has to offer not just in the sedan category, but also the brand as a whole providing a product that offers items as standard that normally would be considered extras while improving the actual driving experience as well. So how did the redesign fare? Outside There's nothing I like more than letting in a little light. The Kia Optima boasts a … [Read more...]
2016 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition
Source: Autonews.com The 2016 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition shows style and real value in the sedan market. When it comes to cars priced under $20k or a little over you cannot miss taking a look at the Elantra Value Edition. I drove it for a week and found it to be both surprising and about what you would expect. Here's why: On the Outs Outside the Elantra Value Edition boasts 16-inch alloy wheels and keyless entry, daytime running lights and side mirror turn indicators. In my tested model the 'Geranium Red' was cheery and contrasted well with the black on black interior and aluminum front entrance sills. A power Tilt-and-Slide sunroof are an appreciated standard feature. The rear center arm rest with cupholders and 60/40 split in the back seat work well and the trunk is roomier than … [Read more...]
2016 Mazda6 I Grand Touring
Source: Mazdausa.com Looking for a family sedan that has some style or maybe you are in the market for a four-door sedan that has sporty handling? Look no further than the highly competitive 2016 Mazda6 I Grand Touring. Given a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA it offers loads of standard safety features that many families look for in a car while giving a firm ride with competitive fuel economy that many crave. First Impressions At first glance the Mazda6 I Grand Touring in 'Snowflake Pearl White' has a sporty look that can be lacking in a mid-size sedan. My friends kept saying, "What a nice looking car!" or "It's so pretty!" and I had to agree. It has a distinct look to it that made a rather dull, winter week feel brighter. Take a Look Inside Source: Mazdausa.com The … [Read more...]
2016 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD
Source: Hyundai.com The all-new 2016 Hyundai Tucson arrived on a cold February day looking particularly sunny and bright in a striking 'Caribbean Blue' shade. I immediately smiled at this compact crossover SUV that boasted a lot of extras as standard features. I was excited to have it all to myself for a week. What's New The redesigned Tucson boasts a roomier interior and I saw that right away. The front feels just right for many adults and the back is able to easily and comfortably transport regular sized grown up people versus just a few teens or kids still in safety seats. This new model is safer and has more technological upgrades than the previous model that shine through on your daily drives as well. A turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine that is also fuel-efficient completes … [Read more...]
2016 Nissan Maxima SR
The 2016 Nissan Maxima SR is not your average sedan. It's combination of sleek lines, normal and sport drive mode with a V6 engine (3.5-Liter DHOC 24-Valve) and sport-tuned suspension make it a sportier more fun version of the typical family sedan. Who doesn't want a little more of that in their world? Source: Nissan USA First Impressions I learned to drive on a Nissan Maxima but the white with gold rims and tinted windows 1989 version with its talking computer was vastly different in styling than the SR I drove for a week. The only thing these two cars had in common was the newly redesigned 2016 Maxima can still turn heads (It no longer looks so much like the more sedate Altima!) and the 'Deep Pearl Blue' color on mine mixed with its curving lines on the hood and sides certainly … [Read more...]
2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription
Source: Victoria Mason When I found out I was reviewing the 2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription, I was elated. My first car was a 1984 Volvo 240 DL and I loved it like you love any first car. I drove that brown 4-door sedan through college until I could not get her to move anymore. It was a sad day when I had to move on even if it was to a brand new vehicle. The Volvo was my baby and I never forgot her. Fast forward to 2016 and I was excited but apprehensive about this latest Volvo. The last few years as I have eyed Volvo with a tinge of disappointment. The interiors never got it right. They were too plastic and frugal to really run in the luxury crowd. That's all changed. Make way for a new time for Volvo and one that will have us seeing some very beautiful and exciting things in the … [Read more...]
Tech Tips for Your Car this Winter
The busiest travel time of the year may be over but now is when rough road conditions begin. Be prepared for all that winter throws you and the roadways this season with these tech tips and more. Did You Know? The Federal Highway Commission estimates that more than 116,000 Americans are injured and over 1,300 are killed on snowy, slushy or icy pavement every winter. So be ready before you head out the door and fight the wintry roads. New car technology can help! In addition to proactive prep, make sure you’re always connected so help is just a button-push away when you need it most this winter. Check out the self-installed solution like Hum by Verizon which provides drivers with access to information, experts and pinpoint roadside. With Hum, drivers can talk to live Mechanic … [Read more...]