2014 Toyota Tacoma: Works Hard, Plays Hard

The 2014 Toyota Tacoma is a versatile, rugged truck that lets you work and play in style.

This midsize pickup is perfect for those who want the utility of a truck, but also want something a little smaller and more fuel efficient than full-size models

The Tacoma comes in three cab styles: regular, Access and Double. With the regular and Access models, you get a six-foot bed, and the Double comes with a five- or six-foot bed.

The truck is powered by a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 159 horsepower. Optional is 4.0-liter V-6 that makes 236 horsepower. The four-cylinder models come with a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, and the V-6 models have a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

In all models, automatic limited-slip differential is included.

Fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg city, 19 highway on the V-6 and 21 and 25 on the four-cylinder.

Safety features on the Tacoma include traction control, electronic stability system and side curtain airbags, all standard. A backup camera is optional.

For added functionality and convenience, the TRD models have a 115-volt power outlet in the cargo bed.

The interior is comfortable, with seating for up to five and optional heated front seats.

The Tacoma starts at around $19,000 and ranges to about $30,000.

For a fun, versatile, reliable midsize pickup, you won’t find many choices better than the Tacoma.

Lexus IS 250c is a Fun Convertible

It’s hard to beat getting out on the open road and taking the top down. With the Lexus IS 250c or 350c, you can do just that, in style.

This convertible seats four and has a hardtop roof that opens or closes in 21 seconds.

Its styling is a bit different from its sedan sibling, with coupe-like looks when the top is up and a more snug interior.

Both the sedan and the convertible have a 2.5-liter V-6 that makes 204 horsepower. But the convertible’s gas mileage is a little lower, at 21 mpg city, 30 highway, because of the added weight of the convertible mechanism.

The IS 350c has a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 306 horsepower, with fuel economy of 19 and 27.

The interior is pleasantly appointed with features like dual-zone climate control, leather seating and USB/iPod connection. Add some options such as the Enform telematics system, voice-activated navigation system and Mark Levinson 14-speaker sound system  and you’ll really be riding in style.

However, unless you’re very tiny, make sure you’re riding up front; the back seats have almost no room.

One neat feature about the IS 250c is the anti-glare gauges that still allow you to see their information displays even when the top is down and direct sunlight is beaming down.

Also, the climate and audio systems adjust automatically when the top is down.

The IS 250c is priced at around $44,000.

For an enjoyable, top-down ride with nice luxury touches, the IS 250c is a fine choice.

Buick Announces Technology Features

Buick has announced that most of its 2015 models will come standard with a built in Wi-Fi hotspot, powered by its OnStar telematics system, with 4G LTE. The move is a nod to the increasing levels of technology and connectivity found in automobiles today.  Buick also said that each 2015 model will come standard with Apple Siri Eyes Free and text message alerts.

2014 Lexus LS 460: Big Time Elegance, Power and Technology

Large luxury sedans today usually deliver some impressive combination of elegance, power and technology. This is certainly true of the 2014 Lexus LS 460.

While there are a lot of great cars on the market today at all price points, the rich experience of getting behind the wheel of something like the LS is hard to match.

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Three Great Summer Road Trip Vehicles

There's a summer holiday weekend coming up, so why not take a road trip? We selected three great vehicles that we recently tested that would do well in taking you, your crew and everyone's gear on the highway. We like these vehicles for their roominess, comfort and fuel economy.
Happy and safe travels.

TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

With seating for up to eight passengers, you can take your whole crew. The 2014 model was redesigned and now offers passenger and cargo room. Fuel economy is not bad for a vehicle of this size, at 18 mpg city, 24 highway.

KIA SORENTO

Last year, this model got a significant makeover, with the new style carrying forth this year. This crossover seats up to seven, and offers better comfort and steering than the previous model. It gets good gas mileage.

CHEVROLET EQUINOX

You can get this model with a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine, and if you take the four banger, you can get up to 32 mpg on the highway. It seats five, and is a top safety pick of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.