2 Ways the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Help Us Create a Summer to Remember

Sunrise on the beach with the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser. Source: Victoria Mason Toyota loves to say, "Let's go places!" And that's exactly what we did with the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser with its V8 engine and 4WD this summer. We did a lot of traveling and spent a great deal of time together as one big family unit, especially during the month of August.  It was as if we were really feeling the waning days of summer and wanted to chase after them, even if it meant we had to get in the car and drive for hours on end to do so. I'm talking to you eclipse traffic. The Land Cruiser is part of those memories because it gave us the ability to do exactly what we wanted without sacrificing comfort or safety at any point during our two trips.  First, when we were northbound to Bethany Beach, DE … [Read more...]

2017 Toyota Highlander SE AWD Turns My Head

Back in 2015, I did a 'Trunk Show' about the 2015 Toyota Highlander and I wasn't too impressed. I didn't do a full review and I found the Highlander sluggish with an interior that didn't inspire and drove more like a minivan. I know that the Highlander is incredibly popular among car buyers and I get why. It drives like a car because it is on that type of platform, it gets excellent gas mileage and is a safe ride.  Does that ring true for the refreshed 2017 Toyota Highlander SE with AWD that I tested out last month?  Let's find out. The light plays tricks on the 2017 Toyota Highlander SE 'Salsa Red' paint. Source: Victoria Mason On the Outside with the Toyota Highlander The 2017 model, a third-generation Highlander,  features a slightly sportier look than the previous model I … [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...]

2017 Nissan Armada Platinum 4WD

New year, new wheels. The 2017 Nissan Armada Platinum 4WD is the first car to be reviewed on TMC this year. The newly redesigned SUV offers both drivers and passengers a chance to be comfortable and find some edge. Touring Bull Run on a winter day.  The Armada easily handles curves, going off road and steep hills. Source: Victoria Mason I cannot tell you how excited I was to drive this particular vehicle.  The Nissan Armada has been on my list for a while. With a redesign I was ready to do a little jig in my driveway when it arrived. Source: Victoria Mason Exterior First off, it is beautiful.  Everyone commented on how gorgeous it is on the outside. The 'Mocha Almond' exterior paint color is soothing and attractive.  The 20-inch alloy wheels with monochromatic rims make a … [Read more...]

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4×4

May I introduce the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4. The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4. Gorgeous and ready for the holidays. Source: Victoria Mason I am always a little sad when I come upon my last vehicle review of the year.  However, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 did not disappoint me.  I was impressed with its interior space and design right from the start as well as its rugged but still refined exterior.  As soon as I started posting about it on my social media channels the questions began rolling in.  I was sad to give it up, especially when it meant saying good-bye to the heated steering wheel and seats during one of the coldest days of 2016. Ruggedness and Refinement Through and Through You will probably keep reading about those two 'r' words throughout this … [Read more...]

2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

The 2016 Mazda CX-9, another year and a very different review. Mazda CX-9 in Sonic Silver Metallic. Source: Victoria Mason At the annual WAPA Rally in October the Mazda CX-9 was my first drive of the day.  I always like to start the event off with a brand I feel comfortable with and car that doesn't offer a ton of surprises.  While I may know Mazda, the 2016 CX-9 offered plenty of surprises the minute I opened the driver's side door. On the Outside All new for 2016, the Mazda CX-9 is great to look at and offers families a lot in a 7-passenger vehicle. With 20-inch alloy wheels (standard in the Signature trim), heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and a power open/close rear lift-gate you find convenience and ease that is hard to beat. Features like rearview cameras,a lane-keep … [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...]

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 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 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...]