Toyota and its luxury division (Lexus) have manufactured a lot of sport utility vehicles, a sizable list that features SUVs large and small. To Toyota’s credit, most of them are well regarded. And most importantly to the Japanese automaker, the fleet of SUVs does well in terms of sales in the U.S. market. The smallest […]
Travel/Golf/Auto reviews
Serene setting at Lake Almanor Country Club course
When vacationing in scenic Lake Almanor, the focus naturally centers around what can be enjoyed on the eighth largest lake in California (28,257 acres). The list of water activities is immense, and includes boating, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, jet skiing, wake boarding, tubing, sailing, fishing, and swimming. If looking for something to do on land, […]
Refreshed Ford F-250 truck
This is one heavy-duty pickup. And to make it a little more appealing for truck lovers, Ford has updated the popular F-250 this year. The 2020 Ford F-250 arrived this year with an updated front and rear styling, plus has a new optional off-road package. Oh, we buried the lede – it also offers a […]
Buick Encore GX debuts
In our humble opinion, this isn’t good marketing. Buick came out with a very different version of the Encore this year, so why not give the all-new sport utility vehicle its own unique name? Instead, General Motors decided to incorporate the existing name, hence the 2020 Buick Encore GX. It’s a confusing naming strategy because […]
BMW X3 adds new plug-in hybrid
There’s no guessing game regarding what the next decade will look like for BMW. The esteemed German automaker has made it perfectly clear the focus will be on going electric. Its ambitious plan starts with launching 25 new electrified models by 2023. BMW announced it will invest $563 million, taking a huge step to bolster […]
Kia Niro an appealing plug-in hybrid
Subcompact crossover sport utility vehicles continue to grow in numbers. Why? Two big reasons are car buyers love their fuel efficiency and the sticker price meets their budget. Introduced in 2017, the five-passenger Kia Niro has managed to wedge its way into a crowded field of subcompacts (note that some auto folks classify the Niro […]
Major improvements to 2020 Ford Expedition
Prior to delivery we were prepared to be unimpressed by the 2020 Ford Expedition. Were we excited at the prospect of testing the new model – the answer was an emphatic no. Our previous encounters with the Expedition were more than a decade ago. Etched in our memory was the image of a large, lumbering […]
Mercedes GLC delivers big time
Compact luxury sport utility vehicles must deliver in a variety of areas to warrant sizable sales numbers. Interior room and comfort, performance, attractive exterior, high-tech features, and reasonable pricing are among the criteria valued in this class. Built in Finland and Germany, the Mercedes GLC 300 is one of the finest compact luxury SUVs. It […]
No Fourth of July fireworks in Tahoe
The Fourth of July holiday will look dramatically different this year in Lake Tahoe. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no fireworks in the Tahoe basin. Although many people will still be heading to Tahoe for the Fourth of July weekend, the emphasis will be on practicing social distancing on beaches, campgrounds and […]
Plan Fourth of July Tahoe getaway
If planning a Fourth of July trip to Lake Tahoe this week, there are a few things to know that should help keep you safe during the stressful COVID-19 pandemic. Lake Tahoe and Truckee are asking visitors planning travel to the region to adhere to mandates from the governors of California and Nevada to wear […]