Category Archives: Car Reviews

2014 Toyota Highlander Review

2014 Toyota Highlander: A Quiet and Powerful Family SUV

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MSRP: Starting at $27,650
ESTIMATED MPG: 19 City / 25 HWY

Family Car Review - Test Drive

You’ve probably seen the commercials for the new 2014 Toyota Highlander.  The one where the Muppets burst into a house of bored family members one of which is looking up Old Faithful on his tablet.  “If you wanna see Old Faithful don’t be such a couch potato” the Muppets say.  “Yea just go check out the thing for yourself. We ain’t got no room for boring.”, sing the Muppets.  The family and the Muppets visit Old Faithful. That’s the way to do it; why just look amazing places up on your tablet when you hop in the car and drive there?

The 2014 Toyota Highlander is the 3rd generation of Highlander and it has been redesigned with bold new exterior styling, family friendly features and the latest in advanced safety and audio technology.  All of this while still maintaining it’s Toyota DNA of quality, durability and reliability.  The Highlander is available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, with a choice of six trim levels: LE (FWD only), LE V6, LE Plus V6, XLE V6, Limited V6 and Limited Platinum V6. The LE is powered by a 185-hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, while all other trims get the 270-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine.  The Highlander ranges in price from $29,000 to about $47,000.

2014 Toyota Highlander Review

Before I go into detail about the 2014 Toyota Highlander, let me tell you about some of the features I look for in a vehicle and why.

  • I am a mother of two.  I have a 14 year old son and a 7 year old daughter.
  • My son plays Lacrosse which requires transporting his very large Lacrosse stick and other (smelly) equipment to and from practices and games therefore I need ample trunk/cargo storage space.
  • My 7-year-old likes to have playdates and I want to have enough seating for everyone to sit comfortably and safely in my vehicle so I look for ample (4+ seats) and easy access seating.
  • My kids and I drink a ton of water so I need at least one cup holder per passenger if not more.  During road trips I switch between water and Diet Coke.  You know how that is.   
  • I like to be cold but my kids and husband would be happy to stay in the desert for a few days so I appreciate dual and/or 3 zone climate control.
  • I have back issues from a car accident and use my heated seat 90% of the time I’m in the car, even in the summer so having heated seats is very important to me.
  • I drive a lot of short distances (to and from sports, etc) and don’t want to fill up my tank every few days which is where good city driving mileage comes in.
  • Back to having two kids…before I had a vehicle with a backup camera, it took about 10 minutes for me to back out of my driveway.  Not exactly 10 minutes but longer than now.  I  couldn’t help but wonder if one of the kids had run out to tell me goodbye again.  A backup camera is a must!
  • I am short; 5’1″ to be exact.  Being short makes it difficult for me to see further than the hood of some vehicles like my husband’s Ford Mustang (hello phonebook seating).   I look for highly adjustable seats and when the seats are programmable that is even better.
  • Last but not least, my kids are kids.  They enjoy watching a movie during road trips and I enjoy the peace and quiet I get when they watch a movie with their wireless headphones.  A DVD entertainment system is very nice and helpful to have.

Now that you know the story of my life and what I look for in a vehicle, let’s move on to my experience with the 2014 Toyota Highlander.

For purposes of this review I am going to focus on my favorite Highlander model, the Limited.  The Limited is just above the mid-range model, the XLE, priced at $36,040. For purposes of this review, I test-drove the Highlander Limited for one week which starts at $39,640 and is the only model below in cost to the Hybrid model.

2014 Toyota Highlander

If you have young children, they probably spend quite a bit of time in the car. Between appointments, playdates, daycare or school, and family outings, it may even seem like your family lives in the car sometimes. To make that time enjoyable, safe, and affordable, consider getting a vehicle like the 2014 Toyota Highlander.

Highlander Safety

There are a myriad of safety features on the Highlander, like the Star Safety System that has six different ways to keep you from crashing, ventilated disk brakes, backup camera, blind spot monitor, advanced airbag system, child safety seat restraints, and automatic tire pressure monitor. You’re less likely to crash driving a Highlander, but if you do crash, you’re more likely to remain uninjured.

Highlander Comfort

As far as seating goes, it’s always better to go with too many seats than too few. You never know when friends or extended family will want to take a road trip. This vehicle can seat up to eight people, and to add to the spacious comfort, the back seats recline for napping.  The Limited model seats 7, with the middle row being two captain chairs.

Highlander Engine and MPG

For an eight-passenger vehicle, it also gets good gas mileage. At 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway, it’s an affordable way to transport your kids or a whole group. It also has a pretty big engine – it can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Highlander Entertainment

One of the best things about the Highlander is that both kids and adults will be entertained. With the touch screen in the front, you can listen to music, buy movie tickets, and look at different dining options. There’s also an option to put a DVD system in for the kids.

Highlander Price

The 2014 Toyota Highlander is a top-notch vehicle and may seem expensive at first glance, but if you can swing it, it’s worth every penny.  If you add on many features, it could cost you over $40,000, but starting at just under $30,000, it can actually cost around the average price of a new vehicle.

2014 Toyota Highlander Interior

My favorite features of the 2014 Toyota Highlander include:

  • Seating for 7 to 8 passengers
  • In-dash shelf built into the dashboard – great for keys, phones, wallet
  • Oversized center console that is big enough to fit a purse or diaper bag
  • Backup camera (I can’t do without one of these since having one)
  • Second and third row air vents
  • Panoramic Moonroof
  • SiriusXM w/NavTraffic satellite radio
  • Entune Audio Systems which include hands-free Bluetooth streaming technology and advanced voice recognition
  • Lane Departure Alert (love this added safety feature!)
  • 6.1 inch standard touchscreen
  • Three zone climate control
  • Tilt and telescopic steering wheel – great for shorties like me!
  • Universal remote transmitter (for garage doors)
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • 8 inch ground clearance; great for people like me who like to feel higher up than I do in a sedan which has an average ground clearance of 5-6 inches. The ground clearance on the Highlander is about an higher than the average minivan.

I took the Highlander for a drive on some twisty and bumpy roads to see how it would perform and was impressed with the smooth handling and stable steering during those drives.  The 248 lbs.-feet of torque and 270 horsepower surely contributed to the Highlander’s speedy 0-60 acceleration of just under 8 seconds.  Just as impressive was the quiet cabin during any type of ride whether on the highway, bumpy roads or to soccer  practice on local roads.   This is something I appreciate as a parent. I appreciate being able to hear what my child sitting in the 3rd row is saying to me without having to use a walkie-talkie.

Choosing a vehicle is a big decision, perhaps only second to buying a house. This means you will want to thoroughly research any vehicle before making a decision. By choosing the 2014 Toyota Highlander, you can rest assure that you are driving your family in a vehicle that is safe, comfortable, and gets good gas mileage.

Find a Toyota dealership near you and take the Highlander for a spin with your family.  It just might be the perfect SUV for your family!

What do you think about the Toyota Highlander?

I was provided with a 2014 Toyota Highlander Limited for one week to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Chevrolet Traverse SUV – A Moving “Family Assistant”

Car Reviews,

I have had the opportunity to spend a few (not enough!) days with the Chevrolet Traverse LT and this vehicle makes it difficult to determine where to start!

The first thing to say is that there is hardly anything that I would change about the Traverse.  Keep in mind that this model has nearly everything you can put into a moving “family assistant”.  The total package contributes to the $42,000.00 price tag but I would be hard pressed to find objections to this purchase.

The Traverse offers an “entry level” version that starts around $32,000.00 however go for the LTZ!

Chevy Traverse Review

As you would expect, given the platform, the Traverse offers plenty of room for six (6) with easy accommodations for seven (7).  The six or seven passengers will be treated to a luxurious interior of leather-faced seats all around, with the driver and passenger side having total control of position.  This makes the traverse ideal for long trips as well as around town excursions.  The exterior dimensions of the Traverse are smaller than one would expect making around town not a scary proposition.

The wonderful tan/brown/brushed aluminum interior with perfect stitching makes time spent in the Traverse a relaxing experience.  I might have even bored the daylights out of my family when I topped our relaxing driving experience through Florida, off with the Spa station on Sirius XM Satellite radio.  As we drove the Traverse through Blue Springs State Park in Florida, it really felt like we were driving through a jungle with the waterfall sounds playing through the Bose® speakers.  The heated steering wheel was fabulous!  Yes, we were in Florida during most of my time with the Chevy Traverse but we experienced lower temps during our trip to Florida than I had there in years.  The steering wheel warmed my hands up instantly after getting in the car on chilly mornings.  Of course the front seats are heated (and cooled) as well.

On the road the Traverse offers the driver and passengers all the infotainment options you could want, and, the heads up display and side aware mirrors keep the driver well informed.  Driving the Traverse is a pleasure and the more I dove it the more pleasurable it became.  That is something that can not be said about all vehicles.

When you’re looking for a roomy, comfortable and safe family friendly vehicle, there’s no doubt you’ll probably come across the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse mid-size SUV. It makes an impression like few other vehicles can, especially when you open the door and see how roomy it is!

Spaciousness comes standard with seating for up to eight people. There is space galore for passengers and all the things you need. Traveling anywhere with groups, those things quickly add up.

Chevy Traverse Review

Excellent Safety Ratings

The 2014 Chevrolet Traverse received a coveted five-star safety rating, partly due to the StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System.  This helps drivers keep the SUV stable in the roughest weather or road conditions. Other safety features include:

  • Rear vision camera – for seeing everything behind you when backing up and maneuvering
  • Side Blind Zone Alert – Helps the driver to always have good visibility on all sides
  • Six air bags – including front seat mounted middle airbag to protect the driver and front seat passenger, curtain airbags for side impact protection and dual-stage air bags for extra security in a crash
  • Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning

Another helpful option for owners of the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse is On-Star Auto Crash Response. This helps enhance safety. Even if you’re rendered unable to call for help, emergency aid is requested automatically on impact. It gives Traverse drivers a good feeling knowing this extra security travels everywhere they go!

First-Rate Styling

The 2014 Chevrolet Traverse features the latest in sophistication and elegance in its options. Prospective owners choose from optional amenities like heated and cooled leather seating, in an attractively designed ride. Standard creature comforts in the Traverse include:

  • Large door handles, making opening and closing easier for everyone
  • 12 cup holders so everyone has their own.. and then some!
  • DVD screens for rear passengers to help calm the fidgets
  • Smart-sliding second row seating with split-folding rear seats included
  • All the latest technology including USB ports and Bluetooth ability, appealing to all technology-savvy occupants
  • Key fob with remote link that lets you start the car from a distance so it’s the perfect temperature for passengers
  • Athletic inspired look gives the Traverse a menacing look with a softly purring engine

This SUV Is Energy-Efficient And Sustainable 

The MPG most owners experience is about 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.  During my trip to Florida in the Traverse, I got an average of 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.   FWD models give owners about 520 highway miles between fill-ups.   Drivers who opt for the LS and LT versions find a 3.6 liter V6 engine for extra power. LTZ models deliver up to 288 horsepower, for those with a thirst for power.  Raising my hand!

The 2014 Chevrolet Traverse is built with green, Eco-friendly goals in mind. It’s also created to be about 85 percent recyclable once owners decide it’s time to part with their Traverse. The 2014 Chevrolet Traverse is an excellent family vehicle.

In summary, if you are in the market for a vehicle of this type you really must test drive the Traverse.

Find a Chevy dealer near you and test drive a Chevrolet Traverse!  You’ll love it!

Don’t forget to try out the  Sirius XM Spa station. 😉

– Alicia

 

Some photos in this post courtesy of Chevrolet.

Car Review: 2014 GMC Acadia Crossover SUV – Denali Trim

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For a superior luxury crossover, the 2014 GMC Acadia Denali is well defined crossover SUV that carries all the creature features you look for and more.  With impressive styling, solid performance and handling, as well as incredible safety innovations, the 2014 Acadia Denali will easily win over your heart and the hearts of your husband and kids too.

2014 GMC Acadia Denali review

The 2014 Acadia’s Superb Body Styling

Sporting a bold, sleek exterior and eye-catching curves and lines, the 2014 GMC Acadia Denali will definitely turn heads. Plus, she’s looking even better with some great updates such as a newly designed front chrome grille, 20” aluminum wheels and stylish front and back lighting featuring HED xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps and projector halogen fog lamps.    Brilliant chrome accents, bold front and rear fascias and nicely-designed exhaust outlets add contemporary touches, creating a distinct and classic crossover.
You’ll really appreciate the dual heated mirrors that tilt and reverse to give you excellent curb view when backing up.   During our recent trip to Tybee Island and Savannah, we had to squeeze into some tight parallel parking spaces and the finely adjustable side mirrors came in very handy.
The 2014 Acadia Denali SUV also comes with a tilt-sliding dual SkyScape 2-panel power sunroof for an inspiring view of the sky while you drive and privacy glass to keep your little world private.  The kids loved looking out the sunroofs during our road trip whether it was daylight or dark.
2014 GMC Acadia Denali review

The Well-Designed Cabin

Along with the newest technologies, such as the smart slide seating system and Color Touch radio, there are so many goodies that make every driving experience so pleasurable. I particularly enjoyed the stunning leather-wrapped steering wheel with Mahogany wood trim along with remote keyless entry and climate control.   The kids kept comfortable at their desired temperature in the middle row while my husband kept his side of the front around 77 degrees and I, at a cool 68 degrees.
The cabin of the 2014 GMC Acadia Denali SUV is, needless to say, comfortable, quiet and filled with so many conveniences. Better than ever, you’ll love the beautiful leather seating that easily allows you to stretch your legs. Enjoy the multi-power front seats that are heated or cooled to your liking. I kept my seat heated for the majority of our drive to and from Tybee Island while my husband kept his seat cooled.  The heated seat helps tense muscles on long drives, especially those during which children are involved.  🙂
With a total of three rows of seats, you can still fit your cargo with 24 cu. feet left over, or use the handy rear cargo area storage system to keep organized. For those times when you need even more room for your stuff, GMC already figured that out: just fold down both rear seats and, presto, you have an incredible 116 cu. feet of storage room.

Color Touch Radio and IntelliLink

The Acadia Denali carries an impressive high resolution, customizable color touchscreen with responsive touch controls and features infotainment and the optional IntelliLink. With IntelliLink, you can enjoy Bluetooth connectivity, SmartPhone integration, Stream Pandora, Stitcher Internet Radio and HD Radio. You also get a 3 month, free trial of SiriusXM 7 satellite radio that features voice command, navigation with multiple map views, complete traffic updates and more. Enjoy the premium Bose 10-speaker audio system that will keep everyone entertained for hours.

2014 GMC Acadia Denali safety features

Safety Features

The 2014 GMC Acadia has an incredible amount of safety features to give and everyone with you the peace of mind you need in any weather condition. With high crash test scores by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2014 Acadia Denali will keep you and your loved ones safe and sound. Plenty of safety features you’ll appreciate include a rear vision camera to give you a clear view of what’s behind you. There’s also stabilitrak, which works alongside the vehicle’s braking system and traction control for safe driving in all weather conditions. Side Blind Zone Alert and Cross-Traffic Technology are intelligent engineering features that employ a radar to detect unseen cars or a possible collision and sound a warning.
Head-Up Display is another an exciting innovation included in the GMC Acadia Denali. This feature known as HUD projects information you select right up onto your windshield so you can keep a close eye on the road and stay informed while you drive. For road trips, this in an invaluable innovation you’ll really prize.   At first I was concerned that the head-up display would be distracting but after being on the highway for an hour I depended on it and found it to be invaluable.  I loved not having to take my eyes off the road to see how fast I was driving or what my next navigation step was.

Explore, Build, or Test Drive a GMC Acadia Today!

Alicia, The Mommy Insider blog author

The Newly Redesigned 2014 Toyota Corolla, A Car With Wow Power!

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Is looking for a new car something you’ve had on your mind for a while but haven’t decided on which vehicle you want to look at and learn more about first?  While finding the right vehicle can sometimes be a challenge, when you take time to check out the newly redesigned 2014 Toyota Corolla, you’ll be amazed at this car’s “Wow Power”! Wow Power is when a car impresses you on more than just looks alone and the Toyota Corolla has great looks and much more! Cool new features for the tech-savvy driver, a sleek, restyled design that appeals to the eye and the same Toyota reliability that’s been a favorite among buyers for many years adds to the allure of this contemporary and affordable car.

2014 Corolla Safety with 8 Airbags

My review of the new Corolla found the addition of several great safety features, including 8 airbags that come standard on all 2014 Corolla models which include:

  • driver and front passenger airbags
  • driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags
  • driver knee airbag
  • passenger seat-cushion airbags
  • and front and rear side curtain airbags.

These, along with the three-point seat belts for every passenger make the 2014 Corolla one of the safest vehicles around. Sure, no one plans to be in an accident, but even the most seasoned driver on a familiar commute may still contend with the traffic becoming faster and heavier. Even with the convenient 60/40 rear seat split, no matter which seat you’re occupying, you can be reassured that you will be as protected as possible.

2014 Toyota Corolla review

The Corolla has a beautiful interior as well and you’ll be sure to notice the aerodynamic dashboard with sleek, fluid lines.   I can almost guarantee that when you get in the Corolla for the first time, your hand will involuntarily caress the dashboard as if you are touching a $1500 handbag you’ve saved for for years.

2014 Corolla Backup Camera

The addition of the backup camera which comes standard on all 2014 Corolla models with the exception of the Corolla L, is a superb touch. How is this a benefit to you? The touch-screen on the control panel gives you not only a view of the area behind your car, but also peace of mind that when backing up there is nothing in your path.   You never know what prompts a child to run behind a car and the addition of backup cameras in a vehicle can be a life saver.  Additionally, the camera also assists in parallel parking, making it easier to see the curb and vehicles in front or behind you. Tight spot to park? No problem now.

Inside the 2014 Toyota Corolla

Now, let’s take a tour of the other features inside the Corolla that make driving this car an immensely satisfying experience. Available only on the LE, LE Eco, and S Models, the ENTUNE Multimedia Bundle combines everything you love about technology and takes it on the road with you. The touch-screen features a 6-inch display and the AM/FM CD player and six speakers gives you an excellent surround-sound quality. There’s also an auxiliary audio jack for headphones, a USB port, and iPod® connectivity. With the advanced voice recognition and hands-free phone capability, you can dial, talk and control your phone effortlessly. The music streaming via Bluetooth® technology adds to the appeal of this intriguing and sporty vehicle.

2014 Toyota Corolla review

Under the Hood

Under the hood, the Toyota Corolla offers two engine options and three transmission choices in the four differing models ranging from a six-speed manual shift to the classic four-speed automatic. I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention the impressive gas mileage this car can get with an EPA estimated 42 miles per gallon on the highway. In short, the newly redesigned 2014 Toyota Corolla has everything you could want and more. It’s the ideal vehicle for everyone from long-distance commuters to budget-minded college students. It definitely has Wow-Power!

Cost:

MSRP 

  • L  – $16,800
  • LE – $18,300
  • LE Eco –  $18,700
  • S – $19,000

Explore, Build, or Test Drive a Toyota Corolla Today!

Thank you to photographer Ernesto Roman for providing a few of the photographs above.

Toyota flew me to Miami Florida to learn about and test drive the 2014 Toyota Corolla.  They provided accommodations at the gorgeous Viceroy Miami hotel which I will tell you about in another post so stay tuned.  All opinions are my own.

Want to read more about the 2014 Toyota Corolla?

I had a blast hanging out with Zippy from Champagne Living during this trip, who also provided a review of the Corolla on her blog.

 

Alicia, The Mommy Insider blog author

2013 Toyota Sienna Minivan Review with Video

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I was given the opportunity by Toyota to test drive a 2013 Toyota Sienna for a few days, during Reviewers Retreat conference at Callaway Gardens in Georgia.  The roads at Callaway Gardens are what I consider to be some of the best roads for test driving a vehicle, at legal speeds, of course. 🙂

2013 Toyota Sienna review

 

Anytime I test drive a vehicle for review, the following 5 things are on the top of my list to check out:

  • Exterior (aesthetics)
  • Comfort
  • Handling
  • Technology & Entertainment
  • Safety features

Here is an overview of those 5 aspects of the Toyota Sienna, as well as a couple of extra bits of information about the popular minivan.

The 2013 Toyota Sienna is stylishly designed and strongly built. In addition, it is an incredibly spacious seven or eight-passenger vehicle that features a long list of appealing standard and safety features. Plus, there are many optional features that car buyers will find attractive. Toyota gave the exterior distinct modern styling that is not chunky like many other minivans in its class. Plus, the body of the Sienna is reinforced with side impact beams as well as front and rear impact absorbing crumple zones.

 

Under the Hood

Under the hood, Toyota equipped the Sienna with a powerful 3.5 liter V6 engine that churns out 266 horsepower with 245 pound feet of torque. Front wheel drive and an automatic six-speed transmission come standard on all trim levels. On upper trim levels, all-wheel drive is optional. The gas mileage is pretty good for a vehicle this size, which is estimated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

2013 Toyota Sienna minivan

What We Love

What I love:

– Triple-zone air conditioning so everyone stays cool or warm
– Heated front seats – great for my back!
– Easy steering and great handling on windy roads
– Satellite radio and easy connection with iPhone
– Natural sounding GPS voice!
– USB port and A/C charger in the front cabin
– The large empty space in front of the front center console where my purse fits perfectly! 🙂

What my 7-year-old loves:
– Lots of leg room in the middle row
– Comfortable, adjustable arm rests
– “You can pack more stuff in the Sienna than in our car”
– The DVD/entertainment system

What my 13-year-old loves:
– Finding new places using the GPS/navigation
– The 12 cup holders. There’s apparently never enough cup holders!
– The sunroof
– The USB port and A/C chargers so all iPhones and iPads stay charged

What dad loves:
– Ample head & leg room – he’s tall
– Fluid design of the front cabin area
– Additional storage space above the glove compartment

There are five available trims of the 2013 Toyota Sienna, which are base, LE, SE, XLE and Limited. The base and Limited models seats seven passengers. The LE, SE and XLE seats 8 passengers.

Interior

Inside the Sienna, the driver and passengers will enjoy plenty of leg and head room and a large amount of cargo space. If more space is desired, the second and third row seats easily fold down. Some of the most impressive interior features include the available rear entertainment center and optional elegant wood-grain trim. Other interior features include 12 cupholders, a GPS system and an available touchscreen navigation system with phone and streaming audio connectivity.

Standard & Upgrade Features

Standard features include a telescoping steering wheel, a CD player, 17-inch alloy wheels, triple-zone air conditioning, cruise control and power windows, locks and doors. Upgrade features include 18 or 19-inch wheels, leather seats, heated seats, Bluetooth, a DVD player, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, foglights, a power liftgate, keyless ignition, satellite radio, privacy glass and an iPod/USB interface.

Safety

An eight-way power driver seat and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are also offered as upgrade options. Toyota builds some of the safest cars on the road today, and the Sienna comes outfitted with many safety features such as various airbags, active front head restraints, anti-lock disc brakes, child safety locks, brake assist, a tire pressure monitor, daytime running lights and stability and traction control.

Optional safety features include hill assist, front and rear parking sensors and a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. Toyota also offers an available Safety Connect system. In addition, the 2013 Toyota Sienna received five out of five stars during side collision testing as well four out of five stars for overall crash protection.

 

 

The 2013 Toyota Sienna is a safe, spacious and family friendly minivan that has lots to offer for everyone in the family. I think you’ll love it!

Learn more about the 2013 Toyota Sienna minivan on the Toyota website and find a Toyota dealer near you.

I was provided with a 2013 Toyota Sienna to drive for several days for purposes of this review.