Car News: It's Super Bowl Commercial Time!

It's Super Bowl time in the US and that's about all we're hearing about in our local San Francisco Bay Area news this week. This is the time of year when many of us are planning to overeat, wear elastic-waist warm-up pants all day, and shop for our next vehicle. 

(Continue reading to view commercials.)

Are Quattros Taking Over Minnesota?

(c) MN Audi Clubs

Today I made the following observation: There were more German-engineered cars in the parking lot of my health club this morning than I saw after driving 1100 miles in Minnesota last month. With one exception: Audi.

I was surprised by the number of Audis I saw in Minnesota when compared with seeing only five Mercedes-Benz (two SUVs, two sedans, one SLK driven by a 19-year-old show off) and two BMWs (one of which was in the garage of my cousin). It was like being on car Safari and watching for the elusive GLK and 528i. 

It's not surprising that Audi vehicles with Quattro sell well in snowy territories, but the ratio was so heavily weighted with Quattros, there must be something else to this. Does Audi advertise more than other luxury brands in Minnesota? Are the dealerships more plentiful? Does any of this have to do with Vikings?


I didn't watch enough TV during my two weeks in the state to notice advertising trends. And in a web search I find only three Audi dealers in the entire state, and I don't think any of them were started by former Vikings football stars.


What do you think? Is it the Quattro? Or the cool headlights?



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

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.

Q & A with Car Mama: Three Rows of Luxury

Car Mama answers your questions! A reader recently sent this: 

Infiniti QX56

Q. Dear Car Mama: I live on Long Island with my three kids, husband, and our nanny. My husband and I both work full-time and like to fill our weekends with adventure, as well as soccer games and trips to the park. I would like a luxury SUV with All Wheel Drive (or 4 Wheel Drive) that has captains chairs in the 2nd row and an easy-to-access 3rd row. My husband already has a GMC Denali, so I don't want another one of those. And I really don't want a minivan. Suggestions?

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 2010 Gift Guide, Part I

Car Mama's 2010 Gift Guide is here to help you find the right gift for those people in your life who drive. Prices range from $4.99 to $64,000. See Part II and Part III for other great ideas.

My Cars

I love cars; I have always loved cars. I don't think in terms of stats like horsepower or torque, I think about the design, the feel, and the sound of a well-engineered car. I'm delighted with a thoughtful interior, or a breathtaking grill. Since I first saw one in 1982, my very favorite car is the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing from the 1950's.