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.

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 

2010 Volkswagen Routan - Is "German Minivan" an Oxymoron?

I drove the 2010 Volkswagen Routan last week on a sunny, warm November day. I don't see many Routan's around Marin County, but was curious about a minivan that touts "German engineering." It really did drive with more pep and response than the other minivans I've tested, but I wasn't impressed at all with the looks.  Both outside and in the Routan was very American. It all depends on your minivan priorities...