Today on MotherProof: The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Reviewed

Emily Hansen had a chance to preview the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser a few months ago, and at the time she felt like it would be a decent family vehicle. After an extended test drive, though, she found her initial optimism fading. It's not just the Land Cruiser's $63,000 price tag or its hulking design, the massive SUV simply failed to impress her in any significant way. Read Emily's full review on MotherProof.

2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Review (MotherProof)

Today on MotherProof: 'Iron Man's' Audi and the 2009 Dodge Journey Reviewed

A car can embody the qualities of its driver, and Kristin Varela has found that the Audi R8 — with its sleek, futuristic styling — works perfectly as the car of choice for weapons-dealer-turned-superhero Tony Stark in the new film ‘Iron Man.’ Also, Kristin takes a spin in the Swiss Army knife of crossovers, the 2009 Dodge Journey.

2009 Dodge Journey Review (MotherProof)
Audi R8 is 'Iron Man's' Automotive Soul Mate (MotherProof)

Today on MotherProof: Roadside Assistance and Family-Friendly IndyCar

In the wrong set of circumstances, car trouble can quickly turn from an inconvenience into a full-fledged nightmare. With this in mind, Emily Hansen extols the usefulness of roadside assistance programs. Also, Kristin Varela took her youngest daughter to an Indy Car race and was pleasantly surprised to discover just how family-friendly the sport has become.

Roadside Assistance a Worthwhile Addition (MotherProof)
IndyCar Series is Shockingly Family-Friendly (MotherProof)

Today on MotherProof: Measuring Stopping Distance and the Injury-Proof Vehicle

Today on MotherProof, Emily Hansen is all about safety. First, she wants to teach her teenage son about safe stopping distance, but how does one impart such instinctive knowledge? She points to new taillight technology that might help. Then she writes about Volvo's quest to build the first injury-proof car. Is such a thing even possible?

Volvo Commits to Injury-Proof Car (MotherProof)
Solving the Stopping Distance Riddle (MotherProof)

Today on MotherProof: 2008 Mazda CX-7 Reviewed

The best way Courtney Messenbaugh can describe the Mazda CX-7 is to compare the crossover to her favorite pair of shoes: Versatility is the key. Through snow and sunshine, no matter the errand or task, the CX-7 handled Courtney's day-to-day needs effortlessly. Check out her full review today on MotherProof and find out why this Mazda crossover gets Courtney's nod.

2008 Mazda CX-7 Review (MotherProof)

Today on MotherProof: Clever Commentary on a Stop Sign?

We'll let you be the judge: Does the vandalized stop sign discovered by Sara Lacey count as sophomoric commentary, pure youthful hijinks or some deep existential comment on the inherently absurd nature of human existence? Our guess is the last one, but take a look for yourself in today's potty-related MotherProof post.

Stop It Indeed (MotherProof)

Today on MotherProof: 2008 Lexus LX 570 Reviewed

Emily Hansen climbs behind the wheel of Lexus's stocky, gargantuan LX 570 to find out if the SUV can possibly be worth the $80,000 price tag. Sure, she finds herself enamored with some of the more luxurious features, and certainly the interior space is cavernous, but can a pricey SUV that's also going to cost you at the pump possibly be worth the investment?

2008 Lexus LX 570 Reviewed (MotherProof)

Today on MotherProof: Stick Figure Decals

Emily Hansen doesn't want to go off on a tangent, but occasionally you just need to vent your frustrations. Specifically, she wants to call attention to a particularly obnoxious form of car decal that seems as if it's on its way to widespread popularity. Someone has to put their foot down when it comes to these stick-figure decals, and Emily's decided she's that crusader.

Banish Stick Figure Decals (MotherProof)

Today on MotherProof: 2009 Pontiac Vibe and 2008 Pontiac G8 Previewed

MotherProof.com has previews galore today, as Lori Hindman takes a look at the redesigned Pontiac Vibe and Courtney Messenbaugh throws in her two cents on Pontiac's G8. What did the ladies have to say? Let's just say that Pontiac had better get a couple of test vehicles over to MotherProof headquarters.

2008 Pontiac G8 Preview (MotherProof)
Positive Vibe Leaves Us Feelin' Groovy (MotherProof)

Today on MotherProof: My Pee Pee Bottle and the 2008 Mazda5 Reviewed

Courtney Messenbaugh takes a look at the My Pee Pee Bottle. Is it a groundbreaking new product that will revolutionize the way children go to the bathroom on long car trips, or is it simply a water bottle with some writing on the side? You be the judge. Also, Lori Hindman reviews the 2008 Mazda5, the sportier, cooler, slicker cousin of the minivan.

When They Gotta Go, Give Them This (MotherProof)
2008 Mazda5 Review (MotherProof)

Today on MotherProof: Keeping an Eye on Young Drivers, and the 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Reviewed

Courtney Messenbaugh recently discovered a way to keep an eye on young drivers that doesn’t involve a full-time mole embedded within their group of friends. It's called InSight, and it's a camera mounted in a vehicle that lets you know exactly what your good-for-nothing kids are up to. Also today, Sara Lacey knows the 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata isn’t a family car, and you know what? Tough. She's going to go right ahead and drive it anyway.

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Review (MotherProof)
Keep an Eye on Young Drivers (MotherProof)

Today on MotherProof: Holograms and the 2008 VW Jetta Reviewed

Emily Hansen wants to know when she's going to get a hologram readout in her car. That's right. She's sick of looking at digital displays and stupid needles that tell you what things are doing. She wants cool 3-D 'grams telling her that her engine needs maintenance or her door is open. Also, Lori Hindman takes a drive in the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 SE, and finds herself pleasantly surprised with VW's sedan.

2008 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 SE (MotherProof)
Holy Yoda! Holograms in My Car (MotherProof)

Today on MotherProof: Danica Patrick Wins at Last

Sunday, Danica Patrick became the first female driver to win an IndyCar race, and Sara Lacey is in a mood to celebrate. Patrick made her historic win near Tokyo in the Japan 300, and Sara points out that now that the monkey is off her back, Danica is in a position to have a long career as one of IndyCar's most famous drivers.

Danica Patrick Takes Checkered Flag (MotherProof)

Today on MotherProof: The Re-Birth of the Glass Hatch

Sara Lacey used to love glass hatches—you know, when the rear window pane opens up? Then they seemed to just go out of vogue, and you couldn't find them anywhere. Now glass hatches are making a comeback. Sara noticed them first in the new Honda Pilot and then the Toyota Highlander. Check out her thoughts on the glass hatch today on MotherProof.

The Re-Birth of the Glass Hatch (MotherProof)

Today on MotherProof: Changing a Flat Tire

Emily Hansen could have called roadside assistance when she realized she had a flat tire the other morning, but where would the educational opportunity be in that? Instead, she put together the full package: Detailed instructions on how to handle that minor vehicular emergency, not to mention a beautiful slate of photographs outlining each step. Check out this practical post from Emily on MotherProof.

How to Lose a Morning to a Flat Tire (MotherProof)

Today on Mother Proof: 2009 Honda Pilot Preview

After gathering an initial impression of the 2009 Honda Pilot at the Dallas Auto Show, Sara Lacey finally had a chance to get behind the wheel and see what the redesigned Pilot was all about. While she was admittedly cool on the Pilot the first time she saw it, the Honda SUV managed to win her over the moment she stepped inside. Read her impressions on Mother Proof.

2009 Honda Pilot Preview (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: In-Car Wi-Fi and the 2008 Saturn Astra Reviewed

Emily Hansen has a few questions: Do we actually need Wi-Fi service in our cars? Won't that just make for another dangerous driver distraction? Rather than having your own KITT, wouldn't it be better to have your own David Hasselhoff? Also, Courtney Messenbaugh takes the 2008 Saturn Astra XR for a drive and sees a distinct Volkswagen influence on the new design, and all the many different ways you can spend this year's tax refund.

2008 Saturn Astra XR Review (Mother Proof)
Do We Need In-Car WiFi? (Mother Proof)
Hooray for Tax Day! (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Victory for a Driver's Edge Instructor and Dealing with Automotive Stress

Kristin Varela highlights Rafael Mato, whom the women of Mother Proof know and love for his work as an instructor at the Driver's Edge school. Mato also just won the Firestone Indy Lights St. Pete Race. Also at Mother Proof: Did you know that it's Stress Awareness Month? Lori Hindman sure does, and she's got a few tips on how to ease that stress while in the car.

It's Stress Awareness Month?! #@$! (Mother Proof)
Driver's Edge Instructor Wins Races (Mother Proof)

Today on MotherProof: 2008 Toyota Sienna Reviewed

Today MotherProof posts its review of the 2008 Toyota Sienna, a prominent player in the minivan game. Lori Hindman notes that expensive optional equipment can make or break a minivan as a successful kid-hauler, including power sliding doors and rearview cameras. Also, a 5-year-old guest columnist interviews IndyCar driver Sarah Fisher and tackles hard-pressing issues like racecar safety and cursive lessons.

2008 Toyota Sienna LE Review (MotherProof)
Sarah Fisher Gets Grilled (MotherProof)

Today on Mother Proof: Hydrogen Cars and the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Reviewed

Emily Hansen wants to know where her hydrogen car is. It seems to her that years and years ago, everyone started talking about how we'd all soon be driving around in zero-emission hydrogen cars. Yet these days, she still doesn't see a single hydrogen car on the horizon. Also, Sara Lacey has some choice words for the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan in her review. Check it all out at Mother Proof.

Where's My Hydrogen Car? (Mother Proof)
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Review (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Slug Bug

If you have a sibling, you know this game: You're driving along and suddenly feel the sharp sting of a fist on your shoulder. You recoil in horror at what your brother or sister has done — that is, until you see the Volkswagen Beetle pass by in another lane. "Ah," you say. "Fair enough." Today, Sara Lacey explores all the particulars of the game known as slug bug.

Site Helps Slug-Bug Referees (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Women Driving in Saudi Arabia and the 2008 Toyota Highlander Reviewed

After reading a thought-provoking piece on women in Saudi Arabia finally claiming for themselves the right to drive, Sara Lacey’s done some thinking on the matter, and she has a few questions. Also, Sara reviews an old Mother Proof favorite, the 2008 Toyota Highlander, and finds that an old tag line really is true: "There can only be one."

2008 Toyota Highlander Review (Mother Proof)
Saudi Arabian Women Driving Toward Equality (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: The New Toyota Sienna Ad and Anti-Scootch Booster Seats

Sara Lacey wants to turn you on to a couple different things today on Mother Proof. First, she wants to make sure you've seen the new ad for Toyota's Sienna minivan that spoofs Calvin Klein commercials. Then, she's also discovered a new booster seat that resists that awkward scootching around. The Clek Olli booster seat therefore gets her seal of approval.

Anti-Scootch Booster Seat a Hit (Mother Proof)
Toyota Gets High Marks for Sienna Ad (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Rules to Keep Kids Safe

Mother Proof has covered a lot of trends revolving around teen driving, as well as teens riding with friends — an even scarier thought. Sara Lacey reports on a growing trend for parents and teens that gives kids an “out” if they’re in an uncomfortable situation (drinking, speeding or reckless behavior) while riding with their friends: All you need is a phone, a code word and a parent who’s willing to take the blame.

Set Rules to Keep Kids Safe (MotherProof)

Today on Mother Proof: A Motorsports First and the 2008 Toyota Avalon Reviewed

Sara Lacey celebrates Women's History Month belatedly (it's actually in March) by drawing attention to the women who broke ground in the traditional boys' club of motorsports. Also, Lori Hindman test drives the 2008 Toyota Avalon and decides that while it may be a fine car, Toyota has made no effort to make it appeal to her demographic. Check out both posts on Mother Proof.

2008 Toyota Avalon Review (Mother Proof)
Have Your Own First Moment in Motorsports (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Travel Wear and the Denver Auto Show

Sara Lacey spent her April Fools Day checking out some auto-racing-inspired outfits, appropriate for any occasion when a sweatsuit isn’t quite dressy enough. Meanwhile, Courtney Messenbaugh swung by the Denver International Auto Show to file this report on how it brought out the cowgirl in her.

Even Cowgirls Like Cars (Mother Proof)
Track-Inspired Travel Wear a Must-Have (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Teens Waiting to Get Their License

It turns out teenagers are becoming more likely to wait well past their 16th birthday to get their driver's license. Sara Lacey explores the safety benefits of putting fewer teen drivers on the road. Then Courtney Messenbaugh voices her strong distaste for bumper stickers and explores the gender battles waged via the snarky stickers.

Rites of Passage Changing for New Generation (Mother Proof)
Say it With a Bumper Sticker (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Consumer Reports and CarShield

Courtney Messenbaugh is pumped about the debut of CarShield, an OnStar-esque system that works in all cars. Also, Sara Lacey admits her nerd-tastic love affair with the Rolling Stone of consumer magazines, otherwise known as Consumer Reports. Check out both of the ladies' new obsessions today on Mother Proof.

Dorking Out Over Consumer Reports (Mother Proof)
A New Car Star is Born (Mother Proof)

 

Today on Mother Proof: YES Put to the Test and the Volvo XC60 Video

YES Essentials fabric claims to be stain-resistant, odor-resistant and anti-static, but Sara Lacey has one simple request of the product: Prove it. Then, Kristin Varela takes a look at the new Volvo XC60 in this brand-new video. New safety features and plenty of family-friendly additions make it worth a look.

Mad Scientist Puts YES Essentials to the Test (Mother Proof)
Video: 2008 Volvo XC60 (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: The Toyota Corolla on YouTube

Toyota knows the target audience for its Corolla includes young people looking to buy that first new car. The Japanese automaker was savvy enough to devise a marketing campaign that includes videos on the popular video-sharing site, YouTube. Courtney Messenbaugh takes a look at the campaign and offers her humble analysis.

Toyota Takes Corolla Campaign to YouTube (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Mercedes-Benz R-Class Video

Mercedes is shattering myths about diesel engines with its new R-Class, a clean-diesel crossover that not only meets emissions standards in all 50 states but also gets 20-40% better fuel economy than other cars in its class. Kristin Varela got a closer look at the R-Class at the 2008 New York International Auto Show and found a lot that she liked besides the mileage. Take a look at today's video to get Kristin's full impression of the new R-Class.

Video: The Mercedes-Benz R-Class (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Automotive Girl Power

After Emily Hansen met two female designers from Mitsubishi at an auto show, she found herself impressed that the world of cars and trucks is no longer a "boys-only" club. Contrary to stereotype, Emily found women making immense contributions to automakers in every aspect of production. In her Mother Proof post today, Emily salutes the girls now in charge of the old boys' club.

Girl Power Alive and Well in Automotive Industry (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Diesel Engines and Pink Mustangs

It's Day 2 at the 2008 New York auto show, and Chief Mom Kristin Varela remains on the scene scoping out some of the most interesting stories. Today, she takes a look at the new line of Mercedes-Benz Bluetec vehicles, which trade conventional gasoline engines for more fuel-efficient clean-diesel engines. Then she reports on Ford's campaign to fight breast cancer with a new line of Mustangs. Check out the Bluetec engines and the pink racing stripes on Mother Proof.

Live from New York: Day 2 (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Day 1 of the 2008 New York Auto Show

Chief Mom Kristin Varela heads to New York to scope out the 2008 New York auto show. Today she reports back on Volvo's "sensual" XC60 and decides that it lives up to the adjective. She also explores the merits of Mitsubishi's i MiEV, an electric city car that can travel from 80 to 100 miles on a single charge.

Mother Proof Live at the New York Auto Show: Day 1 (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: 2008 Audi A8 Reviewed

Kristin Varela may not have $90K to spare, but she's delighted she had the opportunity to test drive and review the 2008 Audi A8. Sure, she's impressed with the engine, the features … blah, blah, blah. But here's the real kicker: Front seat ventilation and massage. Does that mean the car will really give you a massage? Check out Kristin's review to get the full scoop.

2008 Audi A8 Review (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Green Cars Versus, Well, Green Cars

As part of Mother Proof's series in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, "Seeing Green," the ladies celebrate the day with two posts about green cars. First, Lori Hindman takes on the literal green cars, from emerald to forest, then Courtney Messenbaugh compiles Mother Proof’s list of the best hybrid vehicles on the market.

Seeing Green: Moms Love Green Machines (Mother Proof)
Seeing Green: Color of the Irish Not Bad on Cars (Mother Proof)

Question of the Day: What All-Wheel-Drive Hybrid Should I Buy?

Your options are somewhat limited if you want an AWD hybrid, so when Ask.cars.com recommends a few, keep in mind the field is a small one. Having said that, we put together a short list of what's out there and stacked them side by side in terms of mileage and price. For your final decision, however, you'll probably have to get up close with your finalists in a test drive.

What all-wheel-drive hybrid should I buy? (Ask.cars.com)

Today on Mother Proof: Rental Car Seats and Return of the Meanest Mom

Today Kristin Varela discusses the difficulties of needing a child-safety seat when traveling, then Emily Hansen has an update on a previous story. If you don't remember the world's Meanest Mom, she's the one who put her son's car up for sale when she found alcohol inside it. Well, guess what? The car has sold. Read what Emily has to say about it on Mother Proof.

Traveling With Kids Raises Booster Seat Questions (Mother Proof)
Don't Bend Rules When it Comes to Cars (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Crossover Clarification and the 2008 Audi Q7 Reviewed

In her post today, Sara Lacey offers you enlightenment: You've heard the term "crossover" again and again, but what exactly does that term describe? What makes a crossover a crossover? While Sara clears things up, Lori Hindman test-drives the 2008 Audi Q7 and develops a severe crush on the lush luxury SUV. Read her review and more on Mother Proof.

What's a Crossover? (Mother Proof)
2008 Audi Q7 Review (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Car-Seat Covers and the 2008 Dodge Durango Reviewed

Colette Fischer has discovered a genius new product that can keep your child's car seat from becoming a sticky, disgusting mess — at least for a little while. Also, Sara Lacey test drives the 2008 Dodge Durango, and while she admits that someone out there must like it, the Durango leaves her thoroughly uninspired.

SOA: Car Seat Cover a Little Piece of Magic (Mother Proof)
2008 Dodge Durango Review (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Tween Driving and an Eco-Friendly Car Wash

Emily Hansen takes a look at a new study that suggests some disturbing statistics about young people in cars. Then, in the first part of a special Mother Proof series, "Seeing Green," Emily looks at ways we can be friendlier to the environment when we wash our cars.

Seeing Green: Can a Car Wash Be Earth-Friendly? (Mother Proof)
Kids at Risk in Cars Even Before They Drive (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Carpooling and the 2008 Buick Enclave Reviewed

Carpooling is a great way to lower your carbon footprint and divvy up a few of the multiple responsibilities of parenthood. Today, Colette Fischer points you to a website that can help you get that carpool off the ground. Also, Sara Lacey reviews the 2008 Buick Enclave and finds herself pleasantly surprised.

Divide the Ride Helps You Carpool (Mother Proof)
2008 Buick Enclave Reviewed (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Driving Manners and the Volvo V70 Reviewed

Maybe Courtney Messenbaugh had a bad experience when she was working on her review of the 2008 Volvo V70. Today on Mother Proof, she explains why Volvo still knows how to get the job done when it comes to wagons, and also laments the erosion of good driving manners. “Where's the friendly wave when I let you into my lane?” she asks. 

2008 Volvo V70 Review (Mother Proof)
Whatever Happened to Road Manners? (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Carbon-Copy Cars and Cadillac Cupholders

No, it's not National Alliteration Day, but Mother Proof does have a few bones to pick. First, Emily Hansen takes automakers to task for essentially releasing the same cars under different names, then Sara Lacey admonishes Cadillac for disparaging a woman’s love for cupholders.

I'm Bored With Carbon-Copy Cars (Mother Proof)
What's Wrong With Loving a Cupholder? (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Recalls, Video and the 2008 Audi RS 4 Reviewed

It's a full slate today on Mother Proof. Lori Hindman reviews the slick Audi RS 4 and finds herself with an unhealthy infatuation, while Sara Lacey interviews the founder of Kids and Cars, an organization that focuses on preventing non-moving auto accidents involving children. Finally, Sara rounds out the day with a report on several important recalls that may very well affect you and your family.

2008 Audi RS 4 Review (Mother Proof)
Watch Out: Recalls Issued for Seats, Fords, Acuras (Mother Proof)
Video: Kids and Cars Interview (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Hot Car Colors and the 2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport Reviewed

“2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport” is a mouthful, even for a car name, but Emily Hansen wants to add another title to the flexible hatchback: Official state car of Colorado. Also, Sara Lacey has been to enough auto shows this year that she can make a strong recommendation to carmakers: Choose your colors carefully.

2008 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport Review (Mother Proof)
Car Shows Mostly Dream in Technicolor (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Car Dealership Tips, Suzuki Grand Vitara Review

Courtney Messenbaugh talked with a woman who can help you navigate the ins and outs of buying a car at the dealership and offers a few helpful tips for keeping your cool and coming out with the best deal. Also, Colette Fischer took a ride in the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara and gives a full report in today’s review.

Woman Unlocks Secrets of Car Dealerships (Mother Proof)
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Previewed

Mother Proof reviewer Courtney Messenbaugh took the new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution for a test drive and found the car entertaining and its ride exhilarating. Sure, we could guess that the Lancer would be fun – the real question is how does this high-performance vehicle fare for the driver with a family?

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Preview (Mother Proof)

Today on Mother Proof: Presidential Driving

With campaign season well under way, the men and women running for the highest office in the land face all the scrutiny of a media looking for any slip up or contradiction they can. No one’s handing out free passes, least of all Courtney Messenbaugh, who wants to know what kind of wheels the candidates are driving and if their rides live up to their rhetoric.

Are Presidential Candidates as Green as They Say? (Mother Proof)