"Hey! Gimme a minivan!"

The pole has closed and the results are in for the, "do chicks dig minivans?" survey. Turns out, Moms are still the true saints of society as 45 percent of responders said they love minivans, but like most other things, they buy them for the kids. I too have been in the market for a minivan lately, primarily for the great deals available right now, but also because, well - appeasement works!

The problem I have found is those bells and whistles and up. If you long for auto-sliding doors, DVD-entertainment and comfy-leather chairs, be prepared to spike that monthly payment up.

Unfortunately for me, my budget still lingers in the bare-bones and slightly used territory so I doubt I will actually end up with a minivan to call my own, but I have developed a disgusting case of minivan envy. It's a really strong bout for sure because since I've been bitten I've learned apparently there is no antidote. No amount of vehicular-sexiness, horsepower or revved-up engine noise can tear the keys away from a person with minivan-itis!

Off to the clinic for me, antibiotics anyone???

The Mercury Isn't Rising Anymore

Reports from both the Detroit Free Press and Fox News of Detroit noted Ford's Mercury brand may be on the outs. As sales continue to decline for the brand, down 70 percent in fact, I have certainly been wondering why Ford has kept them around so long? I don't want one. I certainly want a few Ford's and Lincoln's but a Mercury? Nahhhh!

Ford and Lincoln seem to be doing just fine on their own with plenty of demand for their wide array of new, competitive products. Apparently, we will learn the fate of Mercury in October. I will not be holding my breath...

Guilt-free Green Cabs

I have been seeing these little hybrid cruisers all over Royal Oak, have you? Michigan Green Cabs provides hybrid rides and according to reviews on Yelp.com, they have a great reputation going for them so far. Comments like, "prompt," "Clean," "courteous," and "cheaper than other taxi providers," filled the reviews I saw.

Hmmm, I'm going to have to give them a whirl some time, perhaps on my next trip to the airport since they offer flat-fee airport transport and I can book my cab on-line- nice!

Check 'em out at www.migreencabs.com

Forget work, go for a drive!!!

Wow! What an awesome Monday in Detroit! Eighty-plus degrees and super-sunny! It's hard to work with such great weather tapping on your shoulder, so screw it! Grab your keys and get outside! Well, outside for a minute and then inside your car of course.

Even if you just go for a lunch-break cruise, it will be worth it. Roll down the windows , turn the phone off and the music up!!! See the sites. Grab some drive-through and a cool fountain Coke (Yum!). Some people lay out to soak up the sun, some head to the beach, I go for a drive - "Weeeeeeeeeeeee!"

;-)

Learning to let go...

Yeah, so I have been in the market to buy a new car since roughly 2006. See, my 2001 Saturn SL1 has literally had it at 155, 000 miles with scratches on every exterior surface and stains on every interior surface - even on the ceiling where a mascara swipe still lingers. She wobbles at slow speeds and shudders at higher speeds. The poor girl shakes so much I can no longer really see anything out of the rear-view mirror it vibrates so intensely (eh-eh, don't start making sly vibrator jokes here, this is serious business).

Today her frail-self could hardly gain traction on the wet pavement. I wonder how many more miles she can handle without a complete overhaul of every mechanical system she houses.

So sad though to think of giving her up. Yes, she is a "she", not because I'm sexist and think all cars are "she," but because she has proven herself to be. Her name is Bella and she was my first new car. Purchased right after I graduated from college, Bella symbolized freedom, independence and a sheer moving-on-up attitude.

She has survived two years of intense commuting at over 140 miles per day. She kept me safe when a pregnant-me spun out on an ice-covered I-69. Bella transported my husband and I to our honeymoon in Hog Island, MI (don't ask cuz I won't tell). Bottom line, this car has been through it and has NEVER left me stranded nor has she ever required pricey maintenance. I bet in the whole 9 years we've been hitting the road together she might have needed about $650 worth of work, other than regular oil changes and a new tire here and there.

In future posts I will relate the troubles I've had searching for a new car, the frustration over learning there aren't any auto-Brokers in Michigan to wheel and deal for me, and that the prices in the ads are NEVER, ever, ever true. The wealth of vehicle choices out there does not make the decision any easier either. Who knows, maybe eventually I will even write about getting to know my new car. Maybe the next one will be a boy. Anybody have that Chinese gender calendar handy? LOL!

While I am searching though, I want to hear your first car story too. Go ahead, I am listening...

Miss Michigan Wins!!! Ford, can ya' help a girl out?

Miss Michigan, Rima Fakih of Dearborn, won the the Miss USA pageant last night!!! Congrats girl and I hope you got the pizza you so deserved!

During the program, it was divulged that Rima was forced to sell her Ford in order to cover the expense of the Miss USA competition. Despite losing her beloved car, she still took the time to encourage viewers to buy American.

Now, I know a lot of super-cool folks over at Ford and I am wondering, "Hey Ford, how about showing some love for our local girl?" With the showroom launch of Ford's new Fiesta fast approaching, this Motor City gal thinks the newly crowned Miss USA would look lovely touring our fine country in Fiesta-style this year, don't you?

GM - time to put down the shovel?

Looks like GM can stop, or at least take a rest from digging out of their dreadful despair. First quarter earnings show the first profit for GM in three years according to a recent news update on WDIV, Local 4 news in Detroit.

Go Detroit!!!! If any of you out there own an Equinox, LaCrosse, or Terrain, GM is saying your purchases have saved the day... or the quarter...whatever.

The Ride: Lincoln MKT Elite, 3.7 liter

The Price: $52,180

The Pics - with video on how to access the third row!

Lincoln MKT is a tall (or long) glass o' water! It's so long, you almost wonder if you should stop after a turn to let the rear end catch up! No really, for the most part, the MKT's size was really convenient, allowing me the same seating capacity as a minivan with a load of extra luxury features you aren't likely to see in a minivan like heated AND cooled second row seating (optional).

That long-toothed grille will either impress or frighten you - at least that's what I got from my friends and family. The height of MKT confused me as it was easy to slip in and out of the drivers seat, but from said perch I felt elevated with a great view of the road.

Comfy seats and beautiful finishes fill the interior where brilliant shimmers caught my eye with every glance. I would actually look forward to getting into this car...it took care of me. A pretty important statement coming from an admittedly frazzled mom. Yep, MKT made me feel comfy, pampered, safe and sassy all at once.

Despite it's size, my MKT was fast!!! I caught myself squawking the tires doing a Michigan left onto Woodward Ave. - in front of a bunch of construction workers who looked at me as if they thought I was 'bout to run 'em over. "Sorry guys! It's the car, she's got spunk!"

Our absolute favorite feature of the MKT was the freezer/fridge in the second row center console. This thing was awesome and it really worked. My son loved putting his drinks in there and I daydreamed about all the options; family picnics, baby bottles, ice packs for soccer games, etc... it really opened the vehicle up to a variety of useful possibilities.

Hey Mamas!!! Weigh in on this one, share your opinion!

Link to: What was the worst car you have ever driven?

On Deck: Full reviews of the 2011 Toyota Sienna and Lincoln MKT are coming soon as part of my ode to Moms for the month of May.

Does news media coverage accurately portray reality? I'm betting most people will chuckle at this question and may even shake their head with some measure of disgust. I know, I hear you.

As metro-Detroiters, we are barraged on a daily basis with stories of shootings, hit and runs and arson fires (yep, all of these were just from today's news alone). I have often wondered what the news would look and feel like if news were not a business but strictly a municipal service in which coverage was limited by true community statistics; i.e. - if only three percent of the crimes committed in your community were murders, than only three percent of the news reported could cover murder. Make sense?

Blah, blah, blah, what does this have to do with cars? Well, with all of the good press our domestic OEMs have been receiving lately, I'll admit I was SHOCKED last night when I found myself drowning in the HUGE divide that still remains between Ford and Toyota stock prices.

At todays' close Ford had nearly reached $13 per share while Toyota, who according to the media coverage over the past several months has been completely immersed in a speedy downward spiral, still trades at nearly $80 per share. Huh???

So, lesson learned. Listen to, watch and read any kind of news you like. Really, have at it. Just remember to always keep the ol' money trail in your periphery because those damn numbers (I hate math) are stubborn! They can't be bias, are immune to spin and are void of any emotion.

How can anyone resist the "swagger-wagon?"

Once I saw this I had to share it with the Moms of metro Detroit!

Enjoy!

Technology Rocks!

The Ride: 2010 Lincoln MKS w/ EcoBoost
The Price: $53, 930
The Pics - (click here for Photos)

Wow! Check out the auto park feature on that Lincoln - hot!

The 2010 Lincoln MKT was not only strikingly beautiful, but also one of the most autonomous cars I have tested to date. Heaven forbid I should get withing 15 feet of the car ahead of me, or worse - should another car attempt to slip into my blindspot (naughty!), MKS was having none of these shenanigans! Chimes would sound, lights would flash and I am pretty sure had I ignored these alerts, an old polish lady with an apron might have appeared ready to slap me or the other drivers up-side the head in disgust!

I am a fan of these warning signals. With two boys and occasionally even more children forever residing in my second row, I am a distracted driver - all Moms are really. My favorite Mommy's aide was the huge DVD screen featuring the back-up camera. Yes, chimes would sound if an object was in your way while backing up too, but the picture is so much more helpful, especially in school parking lots where chaos abounds and where children and parents alike forget how to be cautious.

Stressful situations like trying to evacuate the school parking lot safely, provided perfect opportunities to try out MKS' heated seats and dual-pane sun roof to just relax and enjoy the view for a second. "Mooooo-oooommmm, what's taking sooo LONG !?!" One swift kick to the back of my seat and I was back to reality and wondering why my sons legs were able to reach my seat.

Later, I hopped back there myself to find despite this Lincoln's hefty size, the backseat was definitely slim. Even at five foot four, my legs were scrunched. Bummer. What with all the leather upholstery and pretty finishes, I guess I expected more. Lincoln peeps are smart though. They've thrown in some luxurious distractions to remove your focus from your aching knees. Heated and cooled second row seats were a thrill, although not for the kids who were propped up in boosters. The drop-down arm rest included cup holders AND storage cubbies to hold snacks, crayons, Bakugans and Go-Gos. Convenient.

Not-so-convenient were the LATCH connectors that straddled the buckle receptors (see pics link at top). This didn't make sense because child safety seats cannot straddle the receptors, so this arrangement cannot be effective.

Overall Impression: The Lincoln MKS was a nice treat. It wrapped me in luxury and provided features that helped me through my daily life. Although it won't earn you cost-saving bonus points, it will make you feel like everyday is a spa day. For that, MKS earns an MCM-seal of approval!

Lincoln MKT Pays Respects to Ernie Harwell

Woke up to the sad news of Ernie Harwell's passing...could not think of a better place to photograph the MKT than in front of Tigers' Stadium/Comerica Park in his honor...

Played hookey...the Sienna made me do it...

Guilty! I couldn't resist. The powers that be tempted me with great weather, hubby home for the day AND a new Toyota Sienna in my driveway with only about 50 miles on it. Sorry folks, that's just too many carrots a-dangling for me power through. So, yeah, we totally played hookey today and instead of gearing up for work and school we headed Kensington Metro Park instead. Jealous? You will be...

Sienna made the 30 minute trip even more amazing with the dual-DVD entertainment system in the second row. My boys were able to watch different movies at the same time! Amazing - and headphones allowed them to hear their movies while I could still hear the radio, just WOW!

Not to mention my husband and I were in complete agreement, "This minivan looks cool, I'd totally drive it!"

For sure! More Sienna tidbits to come, today was just a sneak peek ;-)

Um, does it get any better than this?

I was just introduced to www.sweetandsassy.com, a spa/salon specializing in parties for the youngest of young ladies. Book a birthday party for your daughter or just share a special mother/daughter spa day - either way be sure to request a ride in their PINK STRETCH LIMO!!! Ahh, what I wouldn't give to be 5 again or to have a lil' girl of my own. "Boys! Hey, boys! Anybody wanna hit the spa with Mom for a mani and pedi? There's a pink limo!"

The ride: 2010 Ford Flex w/ EcoBoost
The Price: $39,940
The Pics
My favorite Mommy super-hero is Elastigirl from the Pixar Studios favorite The Incredibles. A phenomenally loving wife and mother, this super-mom could stretch her arms to reach two kids running in opposite directions (wow!) or turn herself into a parachute to secure a soft landing after leaping from a tumbling airplane. Despite Flex’s sturdy-steel frame, it too quickly adapted to whatever I threw at it.
Three rows of comfort cradled my family on our daily commutes. The kids were able to buckle easily and could manipulate that second row to gain access to the third row (they always opt to be as far away from the parents as possible) just as effortlessly. I didn’t have to help at all. Mama appreciated leather upholstery, heated seats and surprisingly good visibility from all angles plus the ability to carry seven passengers with LATCH connectors enough for three car seats!
My husband felt right at home in Flex and noted it one of the most comfortable and roomy cars I have ever tested.
Flex joined our family on a journey to Great Lakes Crossing for our annual OshKosh adventure. The cruise up I-75 was a breeze as the four of us plus grandma likened the ride to being in a living-room on wheels. Despite its size and boxy shape, Flex was able to pick up speed easily and maneuver through traffic just as I imagine Elastigirl would.
As I ran through my daily errands in Flex, I asked people what they thought of it. Many were not sure about the retro exterior styling. To them I said, “You should drive one.” Unfortunately, Flex is one whose most venerable attributes may never be realized because people are so used to making snap judgments based on surface features.

Must See Ford Raptor Video!!!

You will thank me for this!

The ride: 2010 Cadillac CTS Wagon V6 Premium Collection
The price: $51,215.00
The Pics
As much as I wanted to make paddy-wagon/Caddy-wagon references with this car – it just wasn’t happening. There was nothing prison-like about the CTS wagon – although, the combination of A and B pillars with the intermingling rear-view mirrors did make for an obstructed view possibly comparable to looking out from behind bars. Other than that, the ride in the CTS was immaculate. Comfortable and pretty and fun to be seen in because, despite the reputation of Cady’s being for older folks, the CTS wagon had a certain menacing look that oozed youthful appeal.
As I drove along curvy suburban streets with manicured boulevards, CTS felt right at home. The CTS also looked extremely fitting in front of the beautiful Shrine church on Woodward Ave., in Royal Oak. I was tempted to take CTS out of its comfort zone to pose artfully amongst run-down buildings, but she wasn’t having it.
CTS met the needs of my family; comfort, convenience and cargo-space for Mom, lots of leg-room and technology for Dad (my kids LOVED the DVD screen that rose and fell automatically when needed) and a mostly usable second row for the kids - albeit the lumpy bolsters were not necessary for my booster-bound boys. Those of you with infants in bulky car-seats are likely to struggle with the close-quarters and bolsters (not to mention the awkwardly placed LATCH connectors – you actually need to zip open the seating to reveal the LATCH hooks) in CTS…a fact that made me want to place CTS back in the older-crowd category.
In truth, I don’t know many people in their late 20’s or early 30’s that are ready to drop this kind of coin on a car anyways. Perhaps CTS prefers a more mature following…perhaps.
For more detailed info on the CTS, send me your comments, I’d be happy to chat!