A year ago, Hyundai introduced a new bolder designed Elantra that transformed an appealing-looking compact sedan to seemingly a larger car that resembled a midsize. Somehow, Hyundai managed this transformation despite making the Elantra only about an inch longer and wider. The redesign took away the vehicle’s somewhat bold curves and replaced them with a […]
Travel/Golf/Auto reviews
2018 Kia Niro includes EV model
Following a successful debut early last year, the folks at Kia added a plug-in electric hybrid vehicle (PHEV) to the 2018 Niro. A compact crossover sport utility vehicle, the Niro doesn’t have a huge range – 26 miles is the maximum mileage in EV mode. But that does extend the Niro’s overall range to around […]
2018 Mazda Miata fun, affordable convertible
One of the standard bearers in the convertible category for many years has been the Mazda MX-5 Miata. While certainly not the most practical purchase because it’s tiny, not extremely powerful, has virtually no trunk space, and can get rather noisy at high speeds, the Miata continues to be an appealing sports car. The primary […]
Annika Sorenstam golf weekend at Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Hall of Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam will be a major part of an exclusive golf weekend getaway on Aug. 10-12 at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. For the fourth straight year, Sorenstam will be at the Lake Tahoe hotel to offer members of The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Program an exclusive weekend that includes a two-night luxury stay, a […]
2018 Honda Fit remains standout subcompact
Subcompact cars are typically devoid of excitement. Yet they are still in demand. There’s a reason people buy subcompact cars, most notably affordability, strong gas mileage and maneuverability, which translates into a great commuter vehicle. The 2018 Honda Fit is a four-door hatchback that made its American debut in 2006. Pardon the pun, but it’s […]
2018 Toyota Highlander excellent midsize SUV
One of the most highly-rated midsize sport utility vehicles is the Toyota Highlander, a sensible, well designed crossover. The Highlander is a three-row, family-friendly SUV that’s offered in four trim models (LE, LE Plus, XLE, SE, Limited and Limited Platinum) and a hybrid version. The sport utility vehicle offerings by Toyota have always been a […]
Incline Village golf courses now open
The golf season has begun in Lake Tahoe. To the delight of local golfers and tourists, both the Championship Course and the Mountain Course are now open at the Incline Village golf complex. The Incline Village Championship Course opened last week and the Mountain Course began offering play Friday, May 18. The Mountain Course is […]
Considerable upside to 2018 Mini Countryman
The iconic Mini falls under the BMW flag. So, knowing that the German automaker is firmly embracing electric vehicles, it comes as no surprise that the 2018 Mini Countryman now includes a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. BMW is determined not to be left behind when it comes to electric vehicles (EV). By 2025, the BMW […]
2018 Buick Enclave: Smart redesign
If you have been enamored with the Buick Enclave for years, then changes were most likely unnecessary. Why mess with a good thing, right? But the engineers at GM finally did some “messing” with the original product. The Enclave that was introduced a decade ago finally received a makeover. Even hardcore fans will likely applaud […]
2018 Fiat Spider: Fun, affordable convertible
Four years ago, Fiat Chrysler and Mazda announced a joint venture to design a sports car that would essentially be shared as the Miata and the Fiat 124 Spider. The two convertibles share the same drive train, platform, have similar interiors, and are built in the same Mazda factory in Japan. The styling of the […]