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...]

Seeing the Possibilities in a Sedan Again with the 2017 Genesis G80

It's not often that I drive a sedan like the 2017 Genesis G80 and think, "I might own this. I can see this car in my future." It's even less often that my husband says the same thing even after I tell him the sticker price. That was totally the case with the 2017 Genesis G80 with AWD. Source: Victoria Mason Seeing Sedans Fresh off a road trip with 'Chloe' my crammed full SUV, I was ready to climb inside a brand new spacious sedan with leather interior.  The Genesis G80, formerly the Hyundai Genesis, doesn't scream "take me on a road trip with kids!". Instead, it indulges you with its soft leather interior and ticking dashboard clock that takes you back to another time.  The time before kids or maybe back to the future. A time when I'm not shuttling those cherubs around anymore and … [Read more...]

2017 Mazda6 Grand Touring

The 2017 Mazda6 Grand Touring is a head turner. Did I mention that it is also family car? Source: Victoria Mason Yes! The Mazda6 is a four door sedan that offers style, comfort and a safe ride all in one without compromising on looks. The arrival of the Mazda6 Grand Touring came on another cold winter day.  A year ago I reviewed the 2016 Mazda6 and got the same reactions from people, "What a hot car! What is it?"  The same goes for the 2017 model.  That's because this year the Mazda6 remains unchanged on the exterior with some small changes inside and under the hood.  It's the little things, right? What's New The biggest change is that the Mazda6 has Skyactiv-G which means that the car has better steering response.  When I realized this and felt it I thought, "Oh, this is so … [Read more...]

2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE

The 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE enters the review line up with a few new components and great fuel economy. Source: Victoria Mason When the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE arrived earlier this month I was surprised. I was expecting a hatchback, not a compact sedan with 15-inch wheels.  Still, I was game to tackle this type of sedan and see what it had to offer me during its week-long stay. At First Glance The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 in the SE trim comes standard with a push-button ignition, which is located on the left side. I never did get used that.  Climate control, steering wheel mounted audio controls, a back up camera, heated cloth seats, cruise control and remote locks are all included in the SE trim package. There is a 6.5-inch touchscreen display and some seriously tiny knobs (I … [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...]

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...]

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...]

Hyundai Genesis AWD 3.8

Source: 2015 Hyundai Genesis I cannot tell you how excited I was to drive the 2015 Hyundai Genesis AWD 3.8 this month.  My neighbor owns one in a light silver and I love the lines.  Mine came in a deeper gray called Empire State with black interior and wood grain throughout. Redesigned for 2015 this model boasts an upgraded interior and more room. It definitely felt spacious in the front and the back (3 more inches on wheelbase) and like the luxury sedan that it is. Since 2009 the Genesis has been showing buyers that a luxury car can also be sensible.  I'm looking at you 5-year/60,000 mile warranty on new vehicles and Hyundai's 10-year/100,000 Powertrain warranty. They both apply to the Genesis as well as 5-year roadside assistance and 7-year/unlimited mile anti-perforation warranty. … [Read more...]

2015 Kia Soul EV

  Source: Kia.com I have to admit that the 2015 Kia Soul EV took me by surprise, big time. I drove a Soul last year and it was cute and fun. The girls liked it more than I did.  Then the EV in 'Clear White' arrived and I got a bit of a crush.  First, it has a Star Wars Storm Trooper quality to it inside and out.  That got me excited to drive it right away.  Then, I spent a week with it and didn't want to give it back. This car is electric.  It contains a DC Fast Charge port (480V) and a 27kWh Lithium Ion polymer battery.   I used ChargePoint.com to find charging stations that did quick charges (2-3 hours for a full charge) and DC Fast Charge (30-40 minutes for 80% charge). There were more stations near me than I even knew.  Charging it up was easy, but daily, my one issue.  The … [Read more...]