Search Results for: crossover

Cruising in a Five Passenger Crossover with the 2017 Mazda CX-5

It is not often that I get to review a car that I like multiple times over the years. It is fun to see the changes that occur in technology and design. It is, even more, fun to see a good car get better over time. That's what I see with the 2017 Mazda CX-5. 2017 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD in Soul Red. Source: Victoria Mason First Impressions I wasn't initially supposed to have the CX-5 but a small issue with my intended car brought this five-passenger crossover SUV back into my life and driveway.  I have always loved this car in years past and this time was no different. The 2017 model is redesigned.  That shows in the more upscale interior styling and with the Grand Touring (tested model) a few standard extras like, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane keeping … [Read more...]

Farewell to the Ford Flex

It was this very same time of year back in 2010 when I reviewed the Ford Flex back in 2010.  Yes, I am talking about cars again and with a bit of nostalgia. Why? Because I hold fond memories of this flat-roof, rib-sided wagon-like mobile. 2011 Ford Flex (mummysproductreviews.com) The Flex: What is it? When the Ford Flex arrived we had our third kid only a few months before. I was intrigued by the idea of having a car that was like both an SUV and a station wagon.  How would it drive? What kind of storage did this vehicle contain? In the end, what the heck is it?  Is it a crossover or an SUV? Maybe it is a station wagon? "If you took an SUV and mated it with a station wagon you would get the Ford Flex.” -Dominic Mason, my husband.   What looked like a funky mix of a wagon and … [Read more...]

3 Features to Look For In Your Next Mom-Mobile

If you're a mom, then you know how important it is to have the right vehicle to haul your kids around in. You need space and all the right features to make car rides as painless as possible. With that being said, it can be hard to choose just the right vehicle for you. SUVs are great options, but if you want to make a statement, so are pickup trucks. In fact, family trucks account for 40% to 50% of Ram sales, according to brand spokesman David Elshoff. Light duty truck sales have gone up from 57.9% to 61.9% of the total auto market in America, and increasingly it's mom behind the wheel. Women who Buy a Pickup Truck rose 67% from 2008 to 2016, and many of these new pickup truck drivers are moms. Whether you pick an SUV or a pickup truck like this New GMC truck for sale, make sure your … [Read more...]

Commuter Happiness with the 2017 Toyota RAV4 XLE

Looking for a compact crossover? Find out what the 2017 Toyota RAV4 was like during the week that I drove it around town. Source: Toyota First Impressions on the 2017 Toyota RAV4 I cannot say it was easy going from the Lexus crossover to the Toyota RAV4.  You cannot compare the two vehicles.  However, I kept an open mind the week I drove the RAV4.  The 2017 Toyota RAV4 may not be a head turner but it will serve you well on the road and offers good gas mileage and storage capabilities. What's New New this year to the RAV4 is the Toyota Star Safety System package that now comes standard.  It includes enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, smart stop technology, and electronic brake force distribution, steering assist, pedestrian … [Read more...]

2017 Lexus RX 350 F-Sport

We have had our share of rainy days this May. I'm not going to lie and say it was fine with me. I needed a little inspiration. Something sleek with dynamic styling and a bit of sportiness thrown in to combat the rainy day blues. The Lexus RX 350 F-Sport was just the thing to cure the doldrums of spring. 2017 Lexus RX 350 F-Sport. Source: Victoria Mason Lexus RX 350 F-Sport First Impressions It's rare that I get excited over a crossover SUV.  It is even harder for me to wish the car in review could stay just a little bit longer, but that is exactly how I felt with the Lexus RX 350 F-Sport.  I cannot deny that the 'Atomic Silver' color with red leather interior and bolstered seats didn't sway me.  They totally did each time I climbed into the driver's seat.  For me and my … [Read more...]

2017 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD

Introducing the Nissan Pathfinder for 2017. Source: Victoria Mason This week we have the chance to take a look at a car that I hold near and dear to my heart.  The Nissan Pathfinder.  I own a 2005 myself. Her name is Chloe and she is our one and only family car.  We bought her a few months before our first baby was born and this week that girl turns eleven.  The Pathfinder is still going strong each day and I still love her like I did on day one.  Chloe has undergone a few changes by me over the years and the 2017 Pathfinder is no different.   My 2005 Silver Pathfinder and the 2017 Pathfinder in Caspian Blue.  Then and Now What's new for 2017 is a more rugged and powerful Pathfinder. After a big redesign a few years ago that created a crossover out of the truck-like SUV … [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...]

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 Chevy Tahoe 4WD LTZ

Source: Victoria Mason It seems fitting that the last car I review for 2015 is one that we have actually considered buying, the 2016 Chevy Tahoe 4WD LTZ.  It is agreed that we are still a few years out from making the actual purchase but getting a feel for what the market has to offer in large SUV's or any other car purchase can take time.  It is a big buy and one not to be taken lightly. Our next vehicle has to be large, in charge (yeah, I said it) and able to haul the whole family with supplies for a week-long road trip and maybe even carry our beast of a Doberman.  That is not an easy find and I like to do more than just kick the tires. Driving the 2016 Chevy Tahoe LTZ for a week gave me the opportunity to think about what my family really needs for the future and that is always … [Read more...]

Whatcha Wear to the WAPA Rally

Last Thursday I finally crawled out from under my deathbed, finally feeling better (!) just in time to attend one of my favorite events of the year, The WAPA Rally.  WAPA is The Washington Automotive Press Association and I've been a member for a few years now. Each October we take to the roads and get to drive some of the newest, most luxurious, most fun and just plain awesome cars in the industry. This year was no exception.  I drove everything from a Mercedes-Maybach S600 to a F-Type Jaguar coupe, a Ford Explorer and Edge to a Volvo XC90 and a few more in between.  It was a glorious fall day and I was dressed to drive. In years past I have found that a mix of casual style with comfort is best for these events.  Last month it was a structured top with flare leg denim and nude … [Read more...]