Labeling the Ford Escape an energetic sport utility vehicle with some very pleasing performance may come as a surprise to many. The Escape went through a redesign in 2013 that made it a much improved compact crossover SUV. One of the reasons for the improvement was the emergence of an energetic turbocharged engine. The turbocharged […]
Travel/Golf/Auto reviews
Lexus RC 350 coupe a real gem
Lexus is reaching back in the company playbook for this choice, introducing its first hard-top coup since we hit the new millennial age in 2000. Indeed, 15 years seems like a long time before developing another two-door vehicle. But the long wait between the SC 400 and the 2015 RC 350 makes sense because it […]
Scion FR-S: affordable sports car
There’s nothing too fancy about the 2016 Scion FR-S. It’s essentially the type of back-to-basics sports car that people have loved for decades. There’s plenty to admire about this light weight, attractive sports car that has surprisingly good performance, delivers admirable gas mileage (22-34 mpg), and is priced very reasonably at $24,300. By the way, […]
Toyota Highlander continues success as 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 midsize crossover that’s offered in four trim models (LE, LE Plus, XLE, Limited) and a hybrid version. 2015 Toyota Highlander Performance: 2.7-liter, four-cylinder, 185 horsepower; 3.5-liter, V6, 270 horsepower Mileage estimate: […]
Mitsubishi Outlander rising in status
Are you confined to a strict budget, yet still in need of a vehicle that can transport seven people? One solution is the Mitsubishi Outlander, a sport utility vehicle with three rows of seating that can be driven off the dealer lot for a reasonable price. The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander starts at $22,995 and even […]
Spectacular meteor shower event Friday at Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
The Perseids is a prolific meteor shower associated with the comet Swift-Tuttle. The meteors can typically be seen around mid-July each year, with the peak in activity happening between Aug. 9-14. During the peak, the rate of meteors reaches an astonishing 60 or more miles per hour. Lovers of the stars will receive an extra treat this week […]
Greenhorn Creek Resort hosting Calaveras Junior Open
Some of Northern California’s finest young golfers will be seeing how their game holds up against a talented field of juniors at Greenhorn Creek Resort in Angels Camp. The inaugural Calaveras Junior Open is set to make its debut at Greenhorn Creek Resort, with the first round to be competed on Monday, August 10. The […]
Willys Jeep 6-226 Wagon for sale at charity auction
Hot August Nights will give attendees not only the chance to view vintage automobiles, but the opportunity to purchase one as well. Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows and the High Fives Foundation announce the sale of Shirley, a custom-restored 1957 Willys Jeep 6-226 Wagon, at this year’s Hot August Nights classic car convention on Friday, August […]
2015 Volvo S60 features stylish appeal
For several decades Volvo had at least two primary characteristics that never seemed to vary. The first one – safety. It was difficult to top the Swedish automaker when it came to that. The other characteristic was exterior style – Volvos typically had none. While Volvo is still known for its great attention to detail […]
Redesigned Chrysler 200 climbing in sales
A replacement in 2011 for the much-maligned Chrysler Sebring, the Chrysler 200 has been able to fill a void that the American auto manufacturer hoped would be the end result. Like the Sebring, the Chrysler 200 was first offered as a midsize sedan or convertible, and car shoppers had their pick of several trim levels. […]