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...]

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 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 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 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...]

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...]

2015 Chrysler 300C AWD

Source: Chrysler.com The day the 'Velvet Red Pearl' coat Chrysler 300C AWD pulled into my driveway my oldest daughter was home sick from school. She declared it to be "the prettiest color car" I've ever reviewed.  The fleet driver laughed and agreed, it was his favorite too.  The striking color, intense lines and presence of the 300C continuously provided me with comments from others the entire week that I drove it, including that it was a "hot red car" making my friend even more excited about our Friday night movie plans. Source: Chrysler.com The thing I loved most about the 300C was its style.  It is a head turner in any color.  Inside and out the car beckons you to take in its lines and details.  From the classic Chrysler clock on the centerstack and the quilted leather lining the … [Read more...]