Toyota Yaris: More attitude, more fun

I drove it like my dad paid for the insurance and tires, but the Toyota Yaris SE wouldn't whimper or whine. I didn't set out to harm the little car, but it had a smirky attitude and wanted to run. So I obliged.

Port makes visit to San Diego even more appealing

SAN DIEGO - As if San Diego needed to give visitors any more reasons to visit what many people already consider paradise, the Port of San Diego has begun sprucing up portions of the waterfront that will make this part of the city look like one big bayside theme park.

Taking a test drive: Do it right

When shopping for a new or used car, the test drive is an essential part of the process. While the test drive may be exciting, experts advise car shoppers keep emotions in check and evaluate the car in its entirety to make a good purchase decision.

The Scion iQ: A small car that works

As small cars start to gain acceptance from American drivers, Scion has entered the market with a new one that ranks high on intelligence – the iQ. As the name implies, this little car has some smart features and is much more than simply small and economical.

Take Chevy out for a Cruze

After spending time in the Chevrolet Cruze locally, we thought it might be a good car for a road trip we planned from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach on the South Carolina coast. Often small cars are not comfortable for extended trips, but the Cruze is a nice comfortable size, very economical and has all the conveniences that make extended time in the car more pleasant.

Great lake getaways in California

There's plenty of warm summer weather ahead so it's the perfect time to look at lake destinations for your summer and fall getaways. California is blessed to have beautiful lakes in almost every region of the state, but we have chosen three lakes in particular that offer a special combination of clear, inviting water, spectacular scenery and lakefront charm.

Chevy's Sonic subcompact gives big returns

There's a little game I like to play when I first get into a test car. It's called "Guess the Price" - and it can help or hurt the first impression. It's the dollar number that I'd pay for the vehicle - and often I'm wrong, on the low side.

New & improved BMW 3 Series sedan

It must be tough being a BMW planner or engineer working on the 3 Series. The car has been considered the benchmark for the sport sedan category for umpteen years and a top pick on nearly every "best" list. In addition, every manufacturer building a sport sedan is out to take a chunk of the BMW sales -- they must be paranoid.

Buick Regal: High way with finesse, force

How many couples do we all know who gave up the fun car when the first kid came along?

Making plans for a California patriotic getaway

We're coming up on the most time of the year and it's not too late to make plans for a very special Fourth of July. Certain towns and places in California have better patriotic vibes than others and, if you're interested in a Mayberry USA Fourth of July – or some time paying homage to one of our nation's great military generals ...

Having fun like kids, without kids, at Disneyland

ANAHEIM (AP) - Disneyland is not just for sugar-soaked kids. Consider, all you grown-up women out there, going for a gals' day out.

Buick Regal: High way with finesse, force

How many couples do we all know who gave up the fun car when the first kid came along?

Call of Duty: Pure Jeep

For years, the Jeep Wrangler boasted the highest resale value in its segment.

Buick Enclave: Helping lead Buick renaissance

Not too many years ago, it was popular to brandish the famous advertising slogan, "It's not your father's Oldsmobile". However, buyers must have liked their father's Oldsmobile better, because they did not buy enough of the new ones and of course, a few years later the 107-year old brand was buried.

Fiat 500 Abarth: What’s not to love?

Automotive press introductions are a great place to listen to a bunch of self-proclaimed "auto experts" expound and argue the merits of the last new car they drove, or the fastest, or perhaps the short coming of the car we are currently driving .

Brothers part of Steves traditition

OAKDALE – Nick and Alan Berg are part of the dedicated staff at Steves Chevrolet Buick. Their connections go beyond the job. Nick and Alan are also closed-knit brothers. "We get along so well that if we didn't work together we probably would see each other," Nick Berg said Wednesday at the Oakdale dealership located at 1285 East F St. Alan Berg is the fleet manager there. He has 23 years experience on that very ...

Cruises get good buzz from new ships, overhauls

NEW YORK (AP) - The 2013 cruise season began with a nightmare: A Carnival ship adrift with no power. But in the last month or so, several cruise companies - including Carnival - have announced major overhauls to old ships and exciting innovations on new ships, from engineering upgrades to theme park-style rides.

DODGE CHARGER SRT8 SUPER BEE

Remember dog-dish hubcaps? Those "no-frills" nut covers were common on muscle cars of the '60s, including the Dodge Super Bee.

Hellmann’s whips up campaign for centennial

NEW YORK (AP) - A lot changes in 100 years, but the key to Hellmann's success may be that not much has changed for the mayonnaise.

Cruise ship fitness class designed by The Rockettes

ABOARD NORWEGIAN BREAKAWAY - I'd been at sea on Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship, Norwegian Breakaway, for more than 14 hours but I didn't feel the ship moving until I tried to do a dance move with the Rockettes.

RULES OF THE ROAD DMV answer drivers’ questions

Q: What are "buy-here-pay-here" dealers?

Chevy Spark: Mini-car is a city hustler

The Chevy Spark is rough but ready.

Does God really hear our prayers?

By Phil Waterford & Margarita Soto

Giving with no expectations

"I am not a hero. I'm a local business owner who is struggling like most business owners in one of the worst economies our nation has ever experience." I shared with the audience that God has put something heavy on my heart and that there is something special that I must do. I turned to two of our wounded warriors, Christopher Braley and Jose Jaurequi and presented them both envelopes. I informed them that ...

Sometimes wherever we are is where we’re supposed to be...

By PHIL WATERFORD

A Miracle was performed

Bob Gutierrez comes from a very musical family. He has an amazing voice and has always had a passion to sing. He was scheduled to appear on television's most popular "The Mike Douglas Show" in the early 70s to showcase his talents. Five days before he was to return home from Vietnam he suffered a bizarre injury when a rocket exploded in his face and severed his neck from ear-to-ear. His fellow soldiers had ...

Is this coincidental or just divine intervention?

Specialists from all over the world have no explanation of how his vocal cords have grown. Gutierrez, a Texas resident, drives all over the country sharing his amazing story. When he was invited back to Manteca for the Not Forgotten ceremony he was experiencing car trouble. He attended a church service asking the congregation for prayer that his car would get him home safely.

Crossover is almost a convertible

Rankin Ranch: Family favorite for generation

By CARY ORDWAY

Toyota’s hybrid vehicle sales pass 5 million

TOKYO (AP) - Toyota's global sales of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles have surpassed 5 million in a milestone for a technology that was initially greeted with skepticism.