Kia Optima Hybrid: Quietly Turning Heads

(c) Hyundai Motor Co

I had fun driving a 2013 Kia Optima Premium for a day. I had even more fun driving a Kia Optima Hybrid Premium for a week. My challenge was to empty the gas tank, but I couldn't do it. I drove around town, I went shopping in various towns, I went to Sonoma and sipped wine, but I didn't drain the tank, and therefore my gasoline costs for the week were low. Looks like I flunked my assignment, but the Optima Hybrid seems to have done well on it's assignment.

2012 Dodge Avenger: 1100 Miles, Iron Man & One Big Bass

I put more than 1100 miles on the Dodge Avenger SXT Plus I rented two weeks ago. All of those miles were logged in the State of Minnesota with 14 days of driving between Bemidji and Stillwater, with many stops in between. I feel confident that I got to know this Avenger and its ability to handle rain, wind and clouds of bugs. 

2012 Volkswagen Touareg: Now They're Cookin' with Gas AND Diesel

The 2012 VW Touareg is a fun, powerful SUV with none of the quirkiness of associated with the brand. I took a tour of Marin County in a TDI Clean Diesel and truly forgot that I was driving a Volkswagen. It's nicely appointed inside and out, and has those cool LED daytime running lights in the front that I love. It's time for luxury SUV drivers to consider a stop at the VW dealer to check out the latest Touareg. Plus you get to choose your fuel fav: gasoline, diesel, or a supercharged hybrid.

2012 Prius v: Trust Me, It's "vee," As In "Wagon"

The new Prius v is the wagon alternative to the original Prius hatchback, and it's a very good alternative if you need the space a wagon offers. It's also a Prius with great city and highway mileage and the quirky alien-hand shifter.

2011 Toyota Prius: Even This Car Snob Gets It

I still feel a bit like George Jetson when I take off down the street in our new 2011 Prius. It's quiet and has a little high-pitched hum. If only I had a robot maid at home to keep things running smoothly while I'm out silently driving around town... 

Highlights:

• Combined Mileage of 50 MPG with 47 MPG in town and 52 MPG on the highway (my real-world numbers from real-world driving)
• Easy-to-Understand Options Packages (but those are pricey)
• Fits in Small Parking Spaces
• Great Turning Radius
• Takes 87 Octane in it's 11.9 Gallon Tank
• Useful Cargo-area Underfloor Storage
• Push-button Start & Smart Key
• 60/40 Rear Seat

2012 Audi A3 TDI: Cute, Comfortable & Beyond Competent

The new Audi A3 TDI Premium is a great option for anyone who wants a competent wagon with a turbo diesel engine. The diesel gets you great mileage, some eco street cred, and a few talking points at dinner parties, PTA meetings and lacrosse practices. Add the soundbite "My Audi's B5 approved," and you may get an invitation to see the local biodiesel factory.  But hurry -- more and more people are now driving the 2010 Green Car of the Year.

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.

2011 Ford Edge - My Second Look

If you read my first review of the 2011 Ford Edge, you know that I really, really liked it. I like the looks, the drive, and especially the technology. I know the front grill isn't popular with everyone, but it does demand attention and Ford deserves a nod for going bold. If you've read all my reviews, then you know that I'm impressed with how Ford has designed and developed their brand in the last 2 years. I think the partnership with Microsoft on the Sync(R) system was brilliant.

2011 Chevy Equinox LTZ: Nice Brochure

I drove the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse in October 2010 and thought it was OK. It paled in comparison to the tricked out 2011 Ford Flex, but I could see it's place for Chevy-lovers. I feel the same way about the Equinox. On paper, this is a nice Crossover: good gas mileage, great cargo space, On*Star, etc. But behind the wheel it's just ho-hum. There are too many buttons on the dash and poor visibility. This is not a vehicle that will convert me from a luxury buyer to a Chevy buyer.

2010 Lexus RX 450h AWD - Safe Luxury for the Family

2010 Lexus RX 450h

There is one benefit of having your car die: you get to drive a new car. Well, not always, but I was lucky this time. When my 2001 Lexus RX 300 AWD needed a new transmission I took it to the local dealer to be fixed and they loaned me a 2010 RX 450h AWD for 2 weeks. This loaner sure beat the 1998 Toyota Camry I got as a loaner from the tire place last year -- I actually had to roll the windows up and down manually!

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.

2011 Chevy Traverse 2LT - Good Option for Active Families

Most of the Moms I talk to about cars are looking for the option of hauling more kids. To haul more people, you need more space and the third row is the way to go. This week I drove the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, a larger crossover with a third row and seating for 7 or 8.

2010 Ford Flex SEL - Not the Minivan Type? Try The Flex.

I'm the first to admit that I've never wanted to own a minivan. I like the creature comforts and space of a minivan, but I don't want something that screams "Mom Car" just like I don't want someone pointing at me and yelling, "Mom Jeans!" Yes, I know it's silly and sounds snobby, but I'm a car nut and my car desires are not always practical.

2011 Ford Edge Limited AWD - Sweet Technology

Last weekend I took advantage of having my husband home to watch the kids and the new puppy, and I went to Novato Ford to check out the new 2011 Edge. It was a great visit and I now have serious tech envy.