2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

The 2016 Mazda CX-9, another year and a very different review. Mazda CX-9 in Sonic Silver Metallic. Source: Victoria Mason At the annual WAPA Rally in October the Mazda CX-9 was my first drive of the day.  I always like to start the event off with a brand I feel comfortable with and car that doesn't offer a ton of surprises.  While I may know Mazda, the 2016 CX-9 offered plenty of surprises the minute I opened the driver's side door. On the Outside All new for 2016, the Mazda CX-9 is great to look at and offers families a lot in a 7-passenger vehicle. With 20-inch alloy wheels (standard in the Signature trim), heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and a power open/close rear lift-gate you find convenience and ease that is hard to beat. Features like rearview cameras,a lane-keep … [Read more...]

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe LTD ULT AWD

Meet the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe LTD ULT AWD. Source: Victoria Mason There is so much to love in this latest vehicle from Hyundai and I feel like I can't say it enough, but when it comes to getting more for your money Hyundai hits it out of the park.  Why? Check this out: Source: Victoria Mason An aerial shot comes first.  Then the driver can pick the angle as they navigate a space.  It is absolutely freeing to have this technology. That's the 8-inch touchscreen with the multi-view camera system that offers 360-degree view.  I have a long, downhill, curvy driveway that I usually do a 360 turn in to get out of when I'm in my own SUV. With the multi-view camera I can navigate my way out much faster and park the Santa Fe anywhere with little effort or sweating.  Other … [Read more...]

Rally Ready-What I Wore

Rolls Royce Dawn: WAPA Rally 2016. Source: Victoria Mason Getting WAPA Rally ready means finding an outfit that I'm comfortable in all day and not just sitting and looking pretty. It is a day of climbing in and out of SUV's, small cars, luxury sedans and trucks. No skirts allowed.  Heels?  I don't know how some women do it. I have to plan and this pack for an overnight which means picking out a look that both feels and looks good all day long.  No heels tripping me up or getting caught running boards allowed. After thinking it over I knew I wanted flats, fitted denim and a loose top that I could layer my vegan leather jacket over the top. Jewelry is tough.  I don't want things getting caught up in my lanyard or bracelets and rings getting in the way of  driving and all … [Read more...]

WAPA Rally 2016 Favorites

Ah, the WAPA Rally. Quite possibly my favorite event of the year with this group.  If you are new here, WAPA stands for Washington Automotive Press Association, and I am a member.  Every October we gather together to spend the day driving cars from many automotive makers and it is ridiculously fun and informative. This year the WAPA Rally was no exception as it was held in Kent Island, Maryland.  Just off the Bay Bridge the views were stunning and provided gorgeous backdrops for car photos and plenty of scenic drives. What did I love at this year's WAPA Rally?  Nissan Rogue Source: WAPA Rally: John Soule I love the 'Magneto Black' paint on the 2016 Nissan Rogue.  Makes me feel ready for Star Wars story 'Rogue One' on December 16. Way more storage space than I anticipated … [Read more...]

Simplify with Blitzify

There are so many things I love about technology. I love how it can make life fast, keep us in touch and most of all make life simple.  I'm all about working smarter, not harder.  The same rules apply when it comes to cars.  That's why I like the new app, Blitzify.  You can simplify with Bliztify and take a complicated problem like car repairs and make life easy again. Tap into modern technologies and bring a unique experience to your customers by hiring the right ios app developer. What it Does: It takes the guesswork out of car repairs.  Plain and simple. There's that word again.  No need for negotiating prices on repairs either. Blitzify enables users to get exact quotes on repairs and compare them to other area repair shops so you are able to see the cost before you walk in … [Read more...]

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Limited

Source: Chrysler.com When it comes to minivans I have always been leery.  However, after seeing the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica in June at a WAPA event, my attitude changed. I was really excited for this summer loan and not just because I had a road trip all mapped out. The all-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica (in any of its five trim packages) is no ordinary minivan.  It replaces the beloved Town & Country by Chrysler and in effect created a minivan that doesn't just compete with its rivals the Odyssey and Sienna but challenges them to be better.  Yes, I really just said that.  The Pacifica challenged me to think long and hard on whether or not this could be my next family vehicle and I made a marriage vow to never own a minivan. Chrysler calls the Pacifica the "minivan reinvented". It … [Read more...]

2016 Mini Cooper – A Family Car

Guest post by Stephanie from Where in the World Am I?.   Source: Miniusa.com I chose a Mini Cooper as a family car. A 4-Door Mini Cooper Hardtop, to be exact.  Here's why. Sizing It Up About six months ago, I mused to a friend that I should get a Mini which may be enhanced with the help of companies like Auto Glass Replacement Plano, since my husband travels for work all the time it’s mostly our young daughter and me driving together. I started noticing other parents getting their kids in and out of Minis in parking lots and approached a few of them to see what they thought of it. For daily use people thought it was perfect. Some joked it wasn’t a problem until their children became teenagers and wanted to drive the car themselves. While the back seat is tight for three people … [Read more...]

5 Road Trip Essentials

Source: ChickDriven.com Did you know that over 65% of families will go on UK road trips this summer? That's right! We can't resist the call of the open road, beaches, lakes and forests once the weather turns warm. Taking a road trip, big or small, takes preparation. Inspecting your vehicle is one of the most important things you need to do. If there are small chips or cracks on your windshield, you may want to schedule a windshield calibration, windshield repair or car windshield replacement before you go on a road trip.  Ruby Davis, founder of ChickDriven.com has put together a list of her five favorite road trip essentials for whenever she embarks on a road trip. A Phone Charger. One little device will help keep you safe, happy and juiced up your whole trip.  Ruby recommends … [Read more...]

2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited

Source: Hyundai.com When people find out that I review cars they immediately ask about luxury and sports cars.  When I tell them my latest is more every day like the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited they sometimes act let down. That's a mistake.  It's the every day car that makes our commute worthwhile.  It is cars like the Elantra that get us where we need to go and don't let us down with temperamental behavior, but instead consistently keep performing day in and day out.  We don't give these cars a second thought but that's partly what is so right about them. Redesigned for 2017 the Hyundai Elantra Limited arrived at my door with all the features this car can possess.  With more power than a Corolla (147 horsepower) and the hands-free Smart Trunk feature, like the luxury sedan the … [Read more...]

2016 Kia Sedona SX-L

Source: Kiausa.com The 2016 Kia Sedona SX-L seats seven passengers, offers a dashboard designed with the driver in mind and is a slightly better version than its 2015 redesigned model.  How did it perform for a woman who has always been loathe to drive this family friendly mode of transportation?  Let's find out! Source: Victoria Mason I have a theory about minivans.  It's a new one because despite having three kids and tons of activities we have stuck to our SUV.  Not only do I love it, but H and I made a pact back in our early days of dating that we would never buy a minivan.  Never.  Yet, I really wanted someone to give me on to test drive. My friends adore them.  Would I?  No one dared to send one, it seemed.  Until earlier this month when Kia stepped up to the plate with the … [Read more...]