Then & Now with a Ford Mustang

A lot can change in 17 years. A LOT. Proof.  This is H and me the night we met. Our first "date".  Back when dates could be filed under sorority formals. And this was the car that he drove to pick me up. A 1995 Ford Mustang in bright red. Source I cringed when he picked me up that night in that khaki vest.  I groaned aloud when I saw the car and made some remark about how it figured that a boy like him would drive a car like that.  We were a blind date. This was no normal meet-cute across the campus quad.  The rest is history.  We went on so many dates in that car.  I realized that this man can really make me laugh in almost any situation and smile. We took trips together and I helped him get his old Mustang ready to sell when he shipped off to Okinawa with the Marine Corps a few … [Read more...]

Must Have Summer Car Items

Summer is going to be here! The kids are out of school soon and it’s time to start planning your family’s agenda for the months ahead. I spoke with Cars.com senior editor Jennifer Newman (also a mother of two) and she offered up some tips on how to get your car ready for summer travel. Whether it’s longer family road trips or driving to and from day camps, parks and soccer games, you’ll be spending a lot more time in your car. Cars.com senior editor Jennifer Newman recommends some useful items to stock your car with to ensure your family’s car is summer ready. The 'It' List First-aid kit: Scrapes, cuts and plenty of tears are marks of summer. A well-stocked first-aid kit ensures that a boo-boo won't bring an early end to a day at the beach or playground. Towels: Throw a couple … [Read more...]

Ford F-150: One truck, a Million Ways to Work

2015 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab Fully redesigned for 2015 the new Ford F-150 boasts aluminium body panels and some small style changes that creates a rugged look that offers more substance rather than just sleek style.  Don't me wrong, the grille and headlights are striking but there is no mistaking this is an F-150 and that is not a bad thing. I was excited to test this truck out. I haven't been behind the wheel of a truck for everyday driving purposes in almost ten years and I missed it.  I'll willingly admit I was hesitant about it too.  Last time I didn't have three kids in the extended cab behind me to shuttle to school.  I burn a lot of gas that way each week but it was nice to have the usefulness of a truck which also contained a 2.7L Ecoboost V-6 engine.  I didn't go through nearly … [Read more...]

Under the Hood with Barbara Terry

Heading into spring cleaning season, there is no better time to consider tuning up your car by making sure you are equipped with everything you need to drive safely and maintain your vehicle’s condition over time. The words “expensive” and “stressful” are often top of mind when car owners think about servicing their vehicles. National automotive expert Barbara Terry says that doesn’t have to be the case. Barbara is partnered with Cars.com to provide the information people need to make confident decisions when it comes to dealing with their cars. Tips for women and their cars: Educate yourself. The more you know about your car, the better off you will be. Knowledge is power. Get to know your vehicle, so that you are familiar with it and the owner's manual, which will come in … [Read more...]

Winter Trunk Show with Toyota

Welcome to my version of a trunk show with the Toyota Highlander with AWD! I had fun riding around during these last few weeks of winter with this Nautical Blue Highlander. While we might be safely out of the harsh weather here in the 'burbs of Washington, DC that is not the case everywhere. So I put together a handy list of what I stock my car with each winter and some additional items just to stay safe. I polled TMC readers asking them what items they keep in their cars and trucks in the cold winter months and in case they need to do snow plowing.  Here are the most popular and important.  Unless you live in Alaska, then you might want to add a sleeping bag and jumper cables to the mix. Stay winter-ready with snow removal company MJ Landscapers in Oakville. Their professional … [Read more...]

2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0T

Source: Victoria Mason Some rides are worth getting excited for.  The 2015 Santa Fe Sport with AWD from Hyundai is one of those vehicles.  Right away I was drawn to the Canyon Copper color that sparkled in the sun while the dual panel sun roof beckoned me to take a ride and enjoy a day where we finally had blue skies. Source: Hyundaiusa.com Style-wise the Santa Fe Sport is ready for its close-up.  I reviewed this car in the past (non-Sport model) and liked it and it has only improved over time.  That's what Hyundai is all about these days.  They made a crossover vehicle that performs well, is a pleasure to drive and has a dose of fun included in the Sport model.  The interior is roomy without taking up too much space and really comfortable and well-appointed. Inside the Santa Fe … [Read more...]

2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD

Source: Mazdausa.com I'm sometimes reluctant to get car reviews in the dead of winter.  Not only can the car get super dirty on the inside and outside, there is also an extra car to shovel out (#firstworldbloggerproblem) but I worry that I might do something to it in inclement weather.  It's all in the name of writing the review though, right? … [Read more...]

6 Wicked Easy Winter Driving Tips

Being from New England I grew up surrounded by bad winter weather and people who took precautions when driving in it.  The winter I learned to drive was one of the worst we had in a long time.  I lived on a hill that was often covered in ice.  It was no joke getting to school my senior year. I totally have my share of "when I was growing up... " stories about driving in winter weather. Here are some of the best tips I know and use to this day.   … [Read more...]

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC

Source: veamason "It's short and squatty." That is just what my five year-old first said when she took a look at the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE AWC.  This four-door crossover SUV arrived at my door in a sharp Mercury Gray with black interior.  It did look short and squat, but so what, it is a crossover SUV.   The grill has a predatory look to it that always makes me smile and it zips around highways with a speed that surprised me. Here's why. … [Read more...]

2015 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD

Source: veamason I have always had a thing for dark blue cars.  I wanted a navy sedan years ago and ended up with desert sand beige. The Deep Crystal Blue on a Mazda CX-5 is a beautiful thing.  Much like the Soul Red 2014 version I reviewed last year ,  the Mazda colors have depth and the sleek lines on the car stand out making the Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring with AWD an attractive small crossover SUV.  … [Read more...]