Automotive Recall Round-up

There have been a few automotive-related recalls in 2014. And by a few, I mean 4,843,405 vehicles, and 4,176,601 car or booster seats. Those numbers are crazy; they're too big. And now my head hurts. 

Annoying Features: Who Thought of That?

Every now and then I'll run across some feature of a car that really throws me. Why did the designers do that? What's that for? Who thought of that? Here are a few that are on my mind today. If you have some, please share in the comments.

2012 Honda Odyssey: A friend just bought a new Honda Odyssey and she's thrown by the way the radio displays the time and the station: It displays the current time, the radio band, and to the far right the station number. For example, "3:45 AM       680." It annoys her and gets confusing. Maybe if she didn't listen to AM stations...

Sienna cupholders

2011 Toyota Sienna: (This one comes from a friend who is a new Sienna owner.) Where are you supposed to put your iPhone/iPod once you plug it into the auxiliary port and/or charger? On the floor where you can't see it? Or in a cup holder (where you want to put your coffee cup)? Maybe get a little suction cup thing to attach to the cheapy plastic dash?

2011 Chevrolet Malibu: I had this as a rental car and it took me 20 minutes to figure out how to get the gas tank door open to fill up the tank. I would have just skipped this step if the gas at the rental place didn't cost $8/gallon. There wasn't a release lever or button in the car. There wasn't a finger hold on the gas tank door. How in the world was I supposed to know that you press on the door and it pops open? I even looked for the book in the glove compartment, but it wasn't there. A little sticker on the gas tank door would have been helpful. Especially for a rental car.

2001-2009 Lexus RX300: Cup holders. The cup holders in the older RX were ridiculously short and would only keep a kid-sized drink upright through any braking or turns. Super annoying. 



(c) Copyright 2010-2016. Erika JN Fish. Car Mama. All Rights Reserved.

July Road Trip Report

Last July six families (and their cars) descended on Lake Tahoe for a little family reunion. You discover a lot about how some people travel when you watch them unpack their minivan.

This List Goes to 11: Top 11 Family Sedans & Wagons

Here is my list of the top 11 family sedans and wagons you should drive if you're one who likes 4 manual doors (vs. the sliding doors of a minivan). I tried for the Top 5, then the Top 10, but had to add a Hybrid option. So now my list goes to 11.

2011: New Car for the New Year

Happy New Year from Car Mama! 

I love the look, ease and fun of writing 1-1-11. I hope 2011 is full of beauty, ease and fun for all of us.

Nissan Leaf

The new year is a great time to think of upgrading to a new car, and I have some suggestions of 2011 models to check out. Even if you're not in the market for a new car, it's always fun to look. 

Car Mama's Top 6 Minivans to Test Drive

If you're in the market for a minivan, my top 6 to test drive (in order) are:

1. Honda Odyssey (reviewed in October 2010)
2. Toyota Sienna (reviewed in November 2010)
3. Nissan Quest (review of 2011)
4. Kia Sedona 
5. Volkswagen Routan (reviewed in November 2010)
6. Dodge Grand Caravan 

2011 Toyota Sienna Limited AWD - Mutiny in The Backseat

The 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited is like an airplane: cockpit in the front, then First Class, and Economy Plus is in the back. If you have more than 2 kids, expect mutiny from those seated in the 3rd row of the Sienna Limited. Those 2 kids in the "Swagger Wagon" videos don't fight, but once Baby #3 comes along and takes one of those captains chairs, I'm sure we'll see some tantrums pop up on You Tube.

2011 Honda Odyssey EX-L - The Van Does Beckon

2011 Honda Oyssey

Yesterday my 10 year old son and I drove the newly re-designed Honda Odyssey in Petaluma, CA.  It was raining cats and dogs, but we got a great tour of the interior and drove on some bumpy country roads. The Odyssey handled very well, the bumps were barely noticeable, the seats were comfortable, and I have no doubt that this is a very well-made, reliable minivan.