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...]

2016 Hyundai Genesis AWD 3.8 Part II

*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 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 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...]

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...]

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...]