Live It. Drive It. | Hood Northlake Chevrolet

Tales from the Traverse

2011-10-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

My life in my Traverse...

We made a quick trip to the "Pumpkin Patch" to pick up a few Halloween goodies. Can someone please explain to me when Halloween become such a decorating ordeal? The kids start begging to get the decorations out earlier every season.

Now I'm climbing in the attic 2x's a year to spread seasonal cheer! Maybe I could simply store all the Christmas, Halloween, Easter, etc, etc, decorations right in the back of my Traverse. Goodness knows I have enough room.

And my kids still love this ride!

Stay tuned for more Tales from the Traverse...

No Mom Jeans! - 2011 Chevy Traverse

2011-08-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

The kids are back in school, the car is loaded down with books, lunches, and sports equipment, not to mention the intense volume emitted by my darling angels.

Where did all my room go? Why is it so very loud in the car?

Please, someone give me more space for all the things I have to drive around each day! And no...I am not driving a minivan, no matter how cool the import commercials say they are.

My answer is the Chevy Traverse. They call it a Crossover and it's packed with room for all. This is one great looking vehicle that doesn't come with the stigma of a minivan. I can get three rows of seating with the second and third row able to fold down when needed. Moving around in the Traverse is so easy with no more contorting my body just to put my 3yr old in her car seat. But possibly the best part of the Chevy Traverse is the seal of approval from my 15yr old son. "That one is cool, yeah, you can drive that, " he has said. And think about it, isn't the approval of our children the most important consideration when purchasing a vehicle. No mom jeans here! :)

Final Friday! The Columbia Street Block Party in Covington, LA

2011-06-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

Like most people, I live for the weekends. This past weekend kicked off with a bang when I attended the Final Friday Columbia Street Block Party, an event sponsored by Hood Northlake Chevrolet. Truthfully, I looked forward to it all week.

Picture it: The streets are closed off, live music floats out of every building, and people line the streets to see fabulous hot rods. Needless to say, they didn't have to twist my arm to attend!

Being a sponsor, Hood Northlake Chevrolet gets to park vehicles in the middle of the highway. The Equinox was parked first with magnets on to advertise what you are reading here! Did you see the Equinox at Final Friday? This particular model had black leather interior with tons of bells and whistles.

I also spotted the brand new Camaro Convertible. Talk about a beauty! I was ~~starstruck~~ carstruck. With an incredible engine, leather interior, and top down, it was hard not to notice! I would highly suggest going to test drive one immediately. (I would even love to test drive one. Hint! Hint!)

The next few shots are by far my favorite. I love classic cars! Just more evidence that buying a Chevrolet is an amazing investment... I mean, look how long these beauties have been around!

A favorite local event, Final Friday Columbia Street Block Party will continue on the last Friday of every month through the summer. I highly suggest you bring the family and some friends for food, music, antique cars, and a whole lot of fun! All restaurants and local businesses are open with live music at both ends of historical Columbia Street. Held from 6 - 9:30 pm. I'll be there July 1 - will you?

Win an iPad 2!

2011-05-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

I was asked to blog about an amazing opportunity Hood Northlake Chevrolet is presenting. For the month of May, there will be a Facebook fan chosen to WIN a brand new iPAD 2! Yeah I said it... a BRAND NEW iPAD 2! All for just liking the dealership!!

If you haven't already, become a fan of of Hood Northlake Chevrolet on Facebook by clicking here.

Follow the instructions on the page under the Exclusive Tab on the left and enter yourself to win. A winner will be chosen on June 1.

Good Luck!

Coming Soon...

2011-05-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

An entry will be coming soon about my recent driving experience with the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox! I've taken lots of photos this time.... feel free to take a look at these teaser photos! More to come soon!

Lost

2011-05-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

In my car I've lost...

Socks
Driver's License
Ink pens
Napkins
Kleenex
French Fries
Earrings
Current Proof of Insurance
Deposit Slips
Hair Ties
Burnt CDs
A Floor Mat
Sunglasses

I've lost

My Booksack
Homework
Textbooks
Shoes
Workout Shorts
Baseball Hats
Water Bottles
Nutrigrain Bars
Brand New Packs of Gum
Receipts
A Fender
A Sunroof Cover
Umbrellas

I've lost

My Mind
My Purse
My Keys
My Cell phone
My iPod
My Purse. Again.

I've lost

Patience
Money
Trust for Others

If you're like me, your car is an abyss. There are so many things that disappear, only to reappear months later under the seat. Which begs the question... What have you lost on the road?

The Equinox Goes To Prom!

2011-05-04T14:33:00.000-07:00

I arrived to my senior prom in a ride that was a little less than glamorous. It was large and yellow. A school bus to be exact. Needless to say whenever my best friend Natasha had a Prom-themed 30th birthday party, I knew showing up in style would not be an option. Thankfully, Hood Northlake Chevrolet let me take the 2011 Equinox for another spin. Yes, a significant upgrade from riding the cheese wagon!

Being that I was throwing this glamorous event, I was thrilled to have a vehicle that would accommodate plenty of helium balloons! I hypothesized I could squeeze in 12 balloons. The Equinox exceeded my expectations - a whopping 17 oversized balloons fit in the vehicle. I was never very good at science. Let your party-planner and clown friends know this may be an exceptional vehicle for their needs.

Photo Source: Party City

I arrived early to downtown Ponchatoula to decorate the Ponchatoula Pub, a local business owned by a good friend of mine Andy Zeringue. They generously donated the space to allow us to properly celebrate a 30th birthday. Streamers and Christmas lights hung from the ceiling, tea lights and diamonds were placed on every table, and balloons were hung from chairs and walls. It was truly a sight to behold.

Arriving Downtown! Photo Source: Brandi

The night was a success. I'll even go as far as to say it was better than my high school prom. I've included a few of the best shots I snapped for you all to see!

Rocking a school photo pose with Natasha Johnson, the birthday girl!

Me and my date, my buddy Casey Hebert. The gentleman wore a baby blue leisure suit; The lady wore a black maxi dress. Hideous orange corsage, boutonniere, and large peacock adorning the head completed the tacky ensemble.

My co-worker, social media guru, and sorority sister Ashley 'Durnin' Banks!

Country boys can survive! A few of Ponchatoula's finest!

The sweetest college friends - Love them all!

The birthday girl gets a hug from Dusty!

Daniel and Brandi having a cheesy photo op.

My wonderful and beautiful sorority sisters! Sigma Sigma Sigma for life!

Everyone had an amazing time. Gotta love Casey's three piece suit, gold chain, and wig. So cheese!

The peacock feathers were a hit!

The birthday girl complete with Prom Queen sash!

We ran into my cousin Daniel - pleasant surprise!

Thanks again to Hood Northlake Chevrolet for giving me the opportunity to relive prom in serious style!

Steering Wheels: Dirtier Than Public Toilet Seats?

2011-04-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

Source: Chevrolet

Have you ever driven a vehicle that had a sticky steering wheel? It's probably one of the most disgusting feelings there is, and a report in IBN Live shows that the adhesive can be more than just grape jelly. Researchers at Queen Mary University in London claim that there are, on average, 700 different kinds of bacteria per square inch of steering wheel. That compares to 80 distinct bacteria types on a public toilet seat. Even worse, the trunk has 1,000 bacteria types per square inch. The most common form of bacteria was bacillus cereus, which can cause food poisoning.

Why so dirty? The study concluded that 42 percent of motorists regularly eat while driving. A third of which claim to clean their car once a year, while another 10 percent have never wiped the surfaces of their vehicle or vacuumed.

Photo Source: Esquire Magazine

The reason cars are filthy is simple; we simply don't clean them. While we vacuum, dust and disinfect our home on a semi-regular basis, only one third of study participants cleaned their vehicle once a year or more. That sounds pretty crazy (and a bit lazy), but think about it. You take out the trash and vacuum the carpet in your home on a regular basis, but how often do you wipe down that nasty steering wheel? And when you think about how many Americans regularly eat in their vehicles, our cars could be a solid reason why we are sick as often as we are. Now we know why valet parking attendants tend to wear white gloves.

Beyond cleanliness, the study also shows that many drivers know next to nothing about their vehicles. For example, two-thirds of us don't know how to change a tire, while one third of those surveyed don't even know how to put air in the tires. More than half couldn't replace a windshield wiper. It's a sad, sad world for our vehicles!

So I pose the question to you... how often do you clean your vehicle?

[Article Source: IBN Live ]

New Orleans Hornets in the Chevrolet Equinox

2011-04-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, the folks at Hood Northlake Chevrolet allowed me to test drive the 2011 Equinox. The SUV provided more room than the Cruze I previously test drove. Seeing all this newfound space inspired me - I decided I would pack in a few friends and take it to New Orleans. More specifically to a New Orleans Hornets game. Needless to say, they were all in!

Source: New Orleans Hornets

I've never owned an SUV and never really seriously considered it for my next vehicle. However, this trip completely changed my mind.

My past experience with SUVs involves riding in and driving a Ford Explorer. From what I remember, the ride was rough, the gas mileage decent at best, and after 3 years, it just fell apart. I swore I'd never have an SUV if that was what I had to look forward to. Needless to say, the Equinox had a lot to prove to this hard-headed driver.

I got to the dealership Friday afternoon, stuck my magnets on and did the walk-around. I was impressed with the Equinox's sleek exterior. I'm not a big fan of "boxy" vehicles. The smooth lines of the vehicle won me over immediately. The color was nice also - the Gold Mist Metallic was something I could seriously consider driving. I test drove the LTZ model, so it had all of the top of the line perks. The chrome door handles and chrome rims would be sure to get me noticed on the road! Alright Equinox, I like you so far.

Source: Chevrolet

Ever since learning to dress myself, I remember my mother's cardinal rule: NEVER wear black with brown. It's been a serious fashion "no-no" engraved in my head since I can remember. So naturally it came as a shock when I found myself digging the brown and black interior. (To be proper, you should request Brownstone/Jet Black Perforated Leather when you order your next vehicle!) When comparing it to the Jet Black leather interior also offered, I really believe the two-tone offers more dimension. Another point for the Equinox.

Source: Chevrolet

Starting up the vehicle, I was impressed by all the bells and whistles. The rearview camera took a little getting used to, but it's a pretty helpful feature to have. The speakers were powerful and the sound quality was great. Along with the standard AM/FM radio, XM radio was included, always a plus! Auxiliary audio input was also included which meant my 1,000+ iTune downloads would have a home as well. The radio display was easy to read and all digital. This particular vehicle did not include navigation, but given my previous post, I would definitely want it included in my next vehicle!

Source: Chevrolet

Then it came time for the drive. I must say, I was completely impressed. The ride was smooth. Old grandma huge whale car smooth. Hit a pothole and not feel it smooth. Needless to say, my opinion of the bumpy SUV has been forever changed. The 2011 Equinox is something Chevrolet did right! The gas mileage wasn't shabby either! The Equinox averages about 22 City / 32 Hwy.

Needless to say, we enjoyed the weekend ride in the Equinox. The Hornets game was amazing (they won!) and I think Hood Northlake Chevrolet may have a couple of Equinox buyers very soon!

Here are some shots I took of the vehicle around the stadium and at the game! Dying to see more of the Equinox? Take a look at the Hood Northlake Chevrolet inventory!

Equinox meet the Hornets!

Thanks for Living It and Driving It with me!

Even as nice as the car was, we still couldn't park here!

My fiance and I enjoying the game.

Tony and Erica had a blast too!

Directionally Challenged

2011-03-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

I was recently called out by friends on my GPS obsession. Given further consideration to the matter, I have determined that my need for turn by turn navigation has made me directionally dependent upon my GPS. (Yes, even to the point my Garmin has a nickname - C.C. - short for 'Come Correct'). My friends know I won't be able to find their homes, restaurants, or really anywhere without a pink arrow guiding the way.

Image Source: cnet.com

My lifestyle consists of being right on time, if not 5 minutes late. I find the feature of knowing the exact time of destination arrival invaluable. Commuting on I-12 also makes the detour feature invaluable. It seems that accidents that "shut down" the interstate near Baton Rouge are inevitable, and it's a perfect way to find an alternate route.

When it comes to navigation in this modern age, I feel that there are a few categories people fall into.

GPS Obsessed : This individual relies on GPS for day to day functions and probably turns on their GPS just to head down to the corner grocery store. You may mock this person and laugh at them for saving every recent location, but while you fumble around unfamiliar (and sometimes familiar) back roads, you'll think of them. They will never EVER be lost.

The "I Got It" Guru : This person will never ask for directions... not from a human, not from a passenger, and certainly not from a useless piece of technology. This is the individual that will tell you the GPS takes the worst possible route anyway followed quickly by, "Don't worry. I got it."

The Modern Day Magellan: In this day, it is few and far in between that you run into a person of tradition. In their glove box, an impressive array of maps. Back seat pouches? Atlases that date back ten years and at least ten different state maps.

So this brings me to the question of how GPS obsessed are you? If so, what type of technology are you using? Garmin, TomTom, OnStar? Can't wait to hear your responses!

The Purse Debacle

2010-12-09T09:24:00.000-08:00

Test driving the Chevrolet Cruze has been a blast, but much like the unlit mirror debacle, we have hit another snag in an otherwise beautiful relationship... My purse has no place.

How a car manufacturer couldn't think to design around this is beyond me.

Photo Source: Coach Handbags.

How do I know a man designed this car (and most cars for that matter)? My purse is a nomad, set to roam through the interior of the Cruze with no place to call home. I set it on the dashboard, it slides off. I set it on the passenger seat, invariably someone sits on it. Many men have responded to this common female rant with a variety of eloquent responses such as "Just put it on the floor," "Throw it in the trunk," and my boyfriend's personal favorite, "If it wasn't so big you wouldn't have that problem." Let me take a moment to break down those various male responses:

A - "Just put it on the floor" : Having spent more years in college than I care to recall taking more English classes than I care to remember, I do have this one grammar concept down to an art: Personification. To me, a purse IS a person! If you have a purse like mine, you know it has character, flamboyancy, and carries it’s own weight. I dare not hurt my purses feelings by shunning it to a place laden with the dirt from the soles of my shoes. You wouldn't throw your baby on the floor, now would you?

B - "Throw it in the trunk" : This same concept applies to those who also feel that 'throwing it on the backseat' will solve the problem. These uncompassionate individuals clearly have never had the need for some Extra Dessert Delights gum after smelling their own breath on the highway, caught a glimpse of a hideous hair day in the rear view mirror while sitting at a red light, or felt the pang of a chapped lip in need of gloss on the interstate. The truth is, a woman’s purse has more in it than they could ever imagine. It’s her bag of tricks, and it simply needs to be within reach.

C - "If it wasn't so big you wouldn't have that problem" : To this man I say - Don't ever ask me to hold your wallet, keys, and cell phone when you got tired of stuffing them in your pockets! Don't ask if I have a stick of gum, cell phone, wallet, coupon, bandaid, etc. Thinking one step ahead of you is exactly why a woman has to carry a large purse!

Admit it. The first person to come up with a female-centered interior is going to make the big bucks. I’ll open my purse, as I’m sure other women will, when someone makes a place for it. Not to mention, things like this certainly wouldn't happen:

Exhibit A: I present into evidence the kind of forgetfulness a lack of purse space can cause.

Photo Source: Carsbob.com

Ladies, or men who have to deal with their women’s purses, what’s your secret?

Women, share your purse woes. Leave your comments / suggestions below.

Making a list... Checking it twice...

2010-12-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas is right around the corner... what is on your wish list? If a new car is on the list, consider checking out the full line-up of Chevrolet vehicles at Hood Northlake Chevrolet in Covington, LA. Read more below to learn about the variety of Chevrolet vehicles.

Image Source: Chevrolet

Aveo Cheap price? Check. High fuel economy? Got that. Respectable handling. Yep. The Aveo does have its share of attractive qualities that include OnStar (with six months of free access to the Directions and Connections plan) and available upscale features such as Bluetooth connectivity and a sunroof. Chevy also gives you a few ways to spiff up this little car with vibrant color choices and available faux carbon-fiber interior accents.

Image Source: Chevrolet

Camaro While it may officially be a muscle car, but in so many ways it seems more like an exotic sports car, at a very un-exotic price. Just like an exotic, the Camaro looks spectacular, with the sort of with beautiful proportions and sleek lines. There's plenty of go to match the show, with potent acceleration and an inherent carefree attitude that'll make your fellow motorists envious. Strong acceleration with V8 or V6; head-turning looks; good V6 fuel economy; excellent value; capable handling.

Image Source: Chevrolet

Corvette When it comes to performance, the base model of the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is one of the world's best bargains. The Corvette Z06 has one of the world's best engines, while the ZR1 is one of the world's best sports cars, period. Features include tremendous acceleration, glorious mechanical soundtrack, handles like a sports car yet comfortable, and the almighty large trunk for all your junk.

Image Source: Chevrolet

Cruze Breaking with the small Chevy tradition of offering a larger-than-average engine in a small car, the Cruze offers a pair of fuel-efficient yet peppy small power plants. Whether you get the 1.8-liter non-turbocharged inline-4 or the 1.4-liter turbo mill, you'll get class-competitive performance along with the promise of high fuel economy. Peppy yet efficient turbocharged engine, sharp steering and handling, upscale interior design, giant trunk.... what more could you ask for?

Image Source: Chevrolet

Impala The 2011 Impala is a 4-door, up to 6-passenger family sedan, available in 3 trims, ranging from the LS to the LTZ. Upon introduction, the LS is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 211-horsepower, flexible fuel engine that achieves 19-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. The LTZ is equipped with a standard 3.9-liter, V6, 230-horsepower, flexible fuel engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims. No matter which option you choose, you can feel great knowing you got a fuel-efficient, sleek sedan at a great price.

Image Source: Chevrolet

Malibu With its crisp, tailored lines, the Chevrolet Malibu looks the part of an expensive, luxury sedan. The styling is upscaled and with an elite look to the cabin in terms of materials and build quality. Two-tone interior schemes, even on base models, further the effect. Traits such as comfortable and quiet ride, a roomy cabin, satisfying performance, handsome styling, and value pricing make Chevrolet's latest Malibu a strong choice.

Image Source: Chevrolet

Avalanche Like peanut butter and chocolate, sometimes combining two seemingly unrelated things results in something that's a pleasant surprise. In the 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche's case, it's the combination of both pickup and SUV attributes that proves to be so appealing. The Avalanche is based on GM's full-size truck architecture and comes in a four-door crew-cab body style. Unlike a truck, however, the Avalanche's cab and bed aren't separate; instead, the Avalanche features an SUV's one-piece body. With it in place you have a quiet, comfortable SUV-like interior; fold it down and you get an extended cargo area that stretches all the way from the lockable tailgate to the back of the front seats.

Image Source: Chevrolet

Colorado It's an affordable and handsome truck that's offered in many different permutations, including three body styles, three different engines and several trim levels. Fuel economy on this vehicle is impressive, beating out other vehicles in its class such as the Dodge Dakota, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma. 2WD and 4WD models are available.

Image Source: Chevrolet

Silverado Worthy choice for a full-size pickup thanks to its wide range of body styles, capable performance and comfortable ride. Smooth and quiet ride; comfortable seats; powerful V8 options; comprehensive standard safety equipment. It ranks right up there with its competition in terms of towing capacities, body style choices and option choices. The Silverado outranks the competition in its smooth ride and low wind and road noise levels. Factor in comfortable seats -- at least in the upper trim levels -- and you have a truck worthly of a long road trip!

Image Source: Chevrolet

Equinox Chevrolet's crossover SUV offers a price competitive with compact SUVs. Value? Check. Fuel Efficient? Check. The Equinox is known for its excellent gas mileage rivaling many mid-size sedans, as well as the Ford Escape Hybrid. Meticulous craftsmanship and upscale styling combined with a flexible interior sets this vehicle apart from the rest. Inside there is comfort for five with the most rear-seating legroom in its class. Advanced safety and security features offer that added peace of mind.

Image Source: Chevrolet

HHR Combine modern versatility with old-school styling and you get the eclectic ride that is the Chevrolet HHR. The vehicle is available as a comfortable passenger wagon or a versatile panel van. Whether hauling friends to the beach or ladders to a job, there's an HHR ready to take on the task.

Image Source: Chevrolet

Suburban Perfect choice for those who need a traditional full-size SUV with massive passenger, cargo, and towing capacities. The SUV includes space for up to nine passengers, ample storage, and the ability to tow heavy loads. An extremely versatile vehicle.

Image Source: Chevrolet

Tahoe Offers space for up to nine passengers, good towing abilities, and a fuel economy that makes other large truck-based SUVs envious. The vehicle is surprisingly light making it much easier to drive than its size would suggest. Perfect for the carpool and towing the boat to the river.

Image Source: Chevrolet

Traverse Stylish and fuel-efficient, the Chevrolet Traverse helps protect you and your loved ones while adapting to your needs. With a 24 MPG highway, the Traverse FWD offers better fuel economy than most 8 passenger crossovers. When it comes to room, the Traverse delivers there too, offering more cargo space than any vehicle in its class.

Image Source: Chevrolet

Volt The Volt is neither a hybrid car nor an electric car. Chevrolet calls it an extended range electric vehicle. What makes the Chevy Volt so unique is its powertrain: it has an electric motor that powers the car for the first 25 to 50 miles of driving. Then, with its batteries depleted, the Volt switches on a gasoline engine that acts as a generator, providing more electric power for the motor. With most Americans driving less than 50 miles a day, it’s possible that the majority of Volt owners will rarely hit the electric motor’s mileage cap. Test drivers report that the Volt is easy to live with, cheap to charge (about 80 cents worth of electricity is all it take to get a full charge and about 50 miles of travel) and, unlike electric cars, worry-free when it comes to its range. Even better, the Volt, unlike most hybrids, is actually fun to drive, with ample power and sporty handling.

Chevrolet Goes Mobile!

2010-11-30T14:05:00.000-08:00

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can often make us lose our minds, as well as our vehicle, in those crowded mall parking lots. Keys locked in cars, dead batteries, and flat tires are all consequences of this absent-minded state of non-stop shopping. Chevrolet has created two apps for smart phones to restore sanity to a hectic lifestyle.

Source: Chevrolet

The myChevrolet App gives the user practical maintenance features with the touch of a button. Parking Reminder feature allows you to easily locate your vehicle in crowded parking lots. Ever wonder what those warning lots on your dash were trying to tell you? The Lights and Indicators guide will tell you. Your vehicle's owners manual will also be at the touch of your finger. Access detailed vehicle information using the OnStar feature. Get information on car operations, battery levels, and remotely unlock doors. Easily schedule routine vehicle maintenance or get roadside assistance when you need it, fast.

Source: iTunes App Store Website

Not a Chevrolet owner yet? You could be! Download the Chevrolet Showroom app to your smart phone.

The application showcases the entire line-up of cars, trucks, and crossover vehicles. The app allows users to mix and match various interior and exterior colors, as well as search local dealer inventory. Once a vehicle has been located, users can save it to their device and show it off to friends and family vis e-mail or Facebook.

Source: iTunes App Store Website

So, what are you waiting for? Get your phone out and get into a brand new Chevrolet! Be sure to check out my dealership of choice... Hood Northlake Chevrolet!

Pack the Cruze!

2010-11-16T15:03:00.000-08:00

Space is an important feature in any vehicle, particularly when the vehicle in question is a compact car. I brought the Chevrolet Cruze LT over to my show my sorority sisters and they were quite impressed. So impressed they decided to all get in at once to check it out. That's right... SIXTEEN sisters fit into one Chevrolet Cruze (some more comfortably than others).

Though you may only be able to count 10 heads, I assure you 6 more Tri Sigmas were buried underneath!

Cheese!

In the video below, you can see why Farrah, a luxury car lover with a need for more space, chose the Chevrolet Cruze.

Video Source: YouTube

In the market for a new car? Visit Hood Northlake Chevrolet in Covington, LA this weekend to take one for a test drive. You will be impressed!

Go Green!

2010-11-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

There are many reasons to buy a Chevrolet Cruze. The smooth ride, low price, spacious interior.... the list goes on. By far one of the less talked about reasons anyone buys a car is the "look at me" factor. It's the way the car makes you feel and how it makes others feel on the road. The "look at me" factor could not be more apparent than it is in the Eco model of the Cruze. For example, It's hard for that huge SUV to be angry when the 42 MPG vehicle cuts you off in traffic. You've got places to go and an environment to save! Another example: A Honda Civic pulls up to the line at a red light... yeah you'll race... but let's see who has to race to a gas station first [hint: it's not the Cruze]. Yet another example: You pull up [insert anywhere here], you get out the car. Men: You are walking crooked because your wallet is so fat. Women: You notice your facebook friend count has doubled since buying the Cruze Eco and long-lost friends are calling you again. All the money you have saved on gas is obviously adding up. I'm not saying for sure that either one of those things will for sure happen upon purchase... but I'm saying it's possible. And it can't hurt to try.

The official fuel economy numbers for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco are in and they’re good. Segment-leading good. It delivers an EPA-estimated 42 mpg on the highway (manual transmission models), with equally impressive city fuel economy of 28 mpg.

Cruze Eco's highway fuel economy beats non-hybrid segment competitors – including 23 percent greater highway fuel economy than the Honda Civic – as well as the Ford Fiesta subcompact and many hybrid models. In fact, it’s better than Ford Fusion Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

“Chevrolet Cruze continues to redefine the compact segment, offering class-leading standard safety features, upscale amenities – as well as hybrid-like fuel economy without the price,” said Chuck Russell, vehicle line director. “The Cruze Eco is in a league of its own and will challenge perceptions of the efficiency available in a more affordable non-hybrid.”

To achieve its segment-leading fuel economy, Cruze’s engineers focused on aerodynamic performance, mass optimization and powertrain enhancements. The refinements in each area paid big dividends towards the car’s overall efficiency, while providing engineers with valuable information to help enhance the efficiency of future Chevrolet models. “We left no stone unturned or piece of sheet metal un-weighed,” said Russell. “Our engineers were comprehensive and thorough when it came to evaluating and modifying the aspects of the car’s performance that contribute to fuel economy.”

The Cruze Eco carries an MSRP of $18,895 (including destination charge). It goes on sale in January. Will you be one of the first to have that "look at me" factor and be the envy of the road? I know I'll be!

[For even more info, head to http://bit.ly/b8o7RY]

Cruzin' Covington!

2010-11-09T13:47:00.000-08:00

I took out the Chevrolet Cruze LT again today! Downtown Covington was the destination, and I must say it made a picturesque background for the beautiful car! Take a look at my photos from the day!

Stopped off at the end of Columbia Street for a quick snapshot. We (myself and co-workers) walked through the gazebo in the backdrop down to the creek. A picnic was in order! Not in the car of course... A. I'm just test driving B. It just seems wrong to taint that "new car" smell.

Whenever lunch was over, we ran up the street for some afternoon shopping! The car was easily parallel parked. Don't just take it from me... even one of my co-workers who possesses the inability to parallel park was able to maneuver the car into multiple spots.

For being a compact car. the trunk was quite spacious! Shopping bags from Columbia Street Mercantile, Mo's Art Supply, and Shoeffle fit nicely inside - with a lot of room to spare!

On the way back to the office, we hit a couple of spots on the way. Hello Lola Restaurant and Delgado Community College!

To take full advantage of our one hour office break, we made a run to Starbucks during the last 15 minutes. Oh how I love you vanilla bean frappucino!

The End!

Great Weekend, Great Cause!

2010-11-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

The Drive It Forward Reception at Hood Northlake Chevrolet was a memorable event! It was nice getting to meet those who donate their time to these incredibly special organizations. Have a look at some of my snapshots. Thanks for this opportunity Hood Northlake Chevrolet!

The Drive It Forward Event was on!

Representatives from local charities set up informational tables at the event.

New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center is shown above. This organization promotes the physical, emotional, and cognitive health of people with disabilities in an equestrian environment. NHTRC helps those with disabilities reach new heights.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars had a very patriotic display! For more than a century, this organization has led the charge to protect our Veterans and serve our troops and their families. With our country at war and thousands of new Veterans returning home from the battlefield, this mission is more important than ever.

Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West is dedicated to eliminating poverty housing by building simple, decent, and affordable housing. Since its foundation in 1981, over 189 new homes were constructed and sold to partner families with no-profit, zero-interest mortgages.

Special Olympics Louisiana offers 100 competitions yearly to over 13,000 people with intellectual disabilities, beginning at age two, throughout Louisiana. The contribution by Hood Northlake Chevrolet helps to provide health, education, leadership, and sports programs at no cost to the athletes.

The St. Tammany Humane Society brought out some really sweet pups. Who could resist that face??

The organization has been serving St. Tammany Parish as the only non-profit, non-governmental animal shelter and welfare organization for over 55 years. With the support of the community, they give animals a new leash on life!

CASA had a very informative display set up!

The Court Appointed Special Advocacy Service works to train and supervise community volunteers from all walks of life to be advocates and the voice in court for abused and neglected children, helping judges find them safe and permanent homes.

Dealership owners, GM executives, and Hood Northlake Chevrolet staff met the charities.

Umbrellas featuring the dealership's logo were handed out to help beat the heat!

Vaughn Maurice is featured with a lab mix named Drew Brees. He's looking for a home if you are interested!

Community Involvement booklets lined the chairs of the event. The programs detailed the dealership's involvement in the community over the past year, highlighting the Drive It Forward Movement.

General Sales Manager Daniel Regueira took the floor to thank the attendees and reiterate how much their work helps the community, and how much they are appreciated by all.

Special Olympics Louisiana received $2,350.00

St. Tammany Humane Society received $2,100.00

Veterans of Foreign Wars received $1,950.00

New Heights Therapeutic Riding Center received $1,800.00

Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West received $1,550.00

CASA received $1,450.00

A view of the festivities from the dealership.

An amazing $11,400 was collected in three months and donated to the charities. The movement doesn't stop there. The dealership will continue to donate $50 from the purchase of every new vehicle to a deserving local charity of the customer's choice. Buy your next vehicle from a dealership that's giving back - Hood Northlake Chevrolet!

Drive It Forward Reception

2010-10-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

It feels good to do something nice for someone.

Likewise, it feels good when someone does something kind for us.

Hood Northlake Chevrolet has done something really nice for charities across the Northshore. Since July, the dealership has set aside $50 from the purchase of every new vehicle to donate to a charity of the customer's choice. Nearly $12,000 later, the dealership is ready to present these donations to the local charities. Come out tomorrow to the dealership between 10 am - 2 pm (Donations will be presented at noon). Enjoy the food, test drive a car or two, and learn about local charities and how you can be involved in the community.

Look at the invite for more details!

For more details on the Drive It Forward movement, click the banner on the right-hand side of the page.

Look forward to seeing you at the event!

I like to move it, move it!

2010-10-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

I would be remiss if I failed to mention the Chevrolet Cruze has some get up! In addition to a very smooth ride, the car has the ability to really move it!

The Chevrolet Cruze comes powered by either a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder or a 1.4 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder, both offering the option of manual or six-speed transmission. The turbocharged engine boasts 138 horsepower, whereas the 1.8 liter engine puts out 136 horsepower (In simpler terms, that's the "get up and go" factor). The LS, LT, and LTZ models all offer up to 36 MPG on the highway. Arriving in late 2010, the Cruze ECO is anticipated to offer up to 40 MPG on the highway. Saving money on gas equals extra spending money... sounds like a win-win to me!

Speaking of models, this little slice of heaven is offered in four standard trim levels: Cruze LS, LT, LTZ, and ECO. A specialty package is available for the car (known as the RS appearance) which includes rocker moldings, unique front and rear fascias, front fog lights, and a rear spoiler. All worth the money to really set your car apart from the crowd!

RS Appearance: Rear Spoiler

RS Appearance: Rocker Moldings

RS Appearance: Unique Fascia and Fog Lamps

The basic breakdown between models is as follows:

[ I would recommend doing further research on the Chevrolet Cruze site or test driving the various models yourself at Hood Northlake Chevrolet, as this is just a simple overview]

Cruze LS: This is the base model of the vehicle and comes standard with the 1.8 liter engine and manual transmission standard. Also standard on this model are A/C, power locks & windows, and remote keyless entry. The base truly doesn't have that "basic" feel at all.
Cruze LT: This is the vehicle I have been in for the past week. The car comes standard with the 1.4 liter turbocharged engine, swapping the six-speed manual for an automatic with an equal number of gears. Also, the rims get an upgrade to 16 inches. Bling bling!
Cruze LTZ: Jumping up to the range-topping LTZ will result in the same 1.4 liter turbocharged engine, but with the availability of six-speed automatic transmission. I can't wait to drive this model and explore the fully-loaded lifestyle! The car comes standard with Bluetooth, USB connectivity, steering wheel controls, automatic climate control, ultrasonic rear-parking assist, 18 inch wheels, and a remote start. Cha-ching!
Cruze ECO: This model will be available in late 2010 with the 1.4 liter turbocharged engine & six-speed manual, helping it to achieve a 40 MPG fuel economy. 17 inch alloy wheels complete with ultra low-rolling resistance tired help to improve its aerodynamics.

Furthermore, several models of the Cruze feature high-tech options such as built-in navigation, XM satellite radio, a premium Pioneer 9-speaker stereo system featuring a 250-watt amplifier, heated leather seats, and OnStar.

Uplevel Instrument Cluster - Navigation!

I'm enjoying test driving the Cruze and think Hood Northlake Chevrolet in Covington, LA to do the same! Explore the options.. Live it. Drive it. I am loving the smooth ride and the available features and know you will too!

Dating and Test Driving

2010-10-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

I have learned that shopping for and selecting a new vehicle is a lot like dating. You see the object of possible affection and admire it from afar. Then one day you get the courage to approach it. You date for awhile, enjoying the process of getting to know one another. You learn their likes, which hopefully are abundant, and their dislikes. If the likes are amazingly compatible, you get that fuzzy feeling called love. Eventually, if you play your cards right, a happy marriage. If the dislikes are just too much, you do that rough thing called a break-up.

I'm at that point in life where I'm tired of "dating" mundane vehicles. I'm ready for something I can drive for years, that has all the "likes" I'm looking for, without having to put up with 'dislikes".

Which brings me back to test driving the Cruze. I was offered the task of driving and blogging about the vehicle well over a month ago. This gave me plenty of time to admire it on Chevrolet's website. I admired its frame and sweated its features. Eventually the day came when Hood Northlake Chevrolet called to say those four sweet words : "your car is ready". As I sat in the vehicle for the first time, I knew we had a lot in common. We both believed in comfort, convenient features, and a smooth ride. Like anyone in the beginning of a relationship, you eventually learn something about the person that throws you for a small loop. Today I discovered such a feature in the Cruze.

As I pulled down the visor to examine my eye make-up situation, I was startled to learn that the Cruze did not come complete with low-watt lightbulbs on either side of the mirror, a feature I was well-accustomed to. Right then and there we had our first fight.

I went through the motions. How am I to check my eye make-up in night-time scenarios? Do I have to turn on the overhead lights everytime my eyeliner smears? At that moment the Chevrolet Cruze and I were at a complete crossroad.

Like most silly arguments, one party realizes they are being insensible and an inevitable apology is issued. Being that a car does not have the ability to talk, unless you are test driving KITT, I was the one who emitted the apology.

The Cruze and I had come to the point in our test drive where we were accepting one another's faults. The car doesn't complain when I blast Lady Gaga, and I shouldn't let a little thing like light bulbs on a mirror make or break my decision to buy the vehicle. We overcame a small hurdle today, and the Chevrolet Cruze still remains the object of my affection.

Rainy Day

2010-10-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Sally Ann Roberts, Bob Breck, Bruce Katz, and other Louisiana news reporters and meteorologists that I believe have their pins directly in the VooDoo doll that is our daily forecast: Make the rain go away.

I guess it goes without saying I hate driving in the rain. I will say it was lucky I had my new found love, the Chevrolet Cruze this morning.

The first cardinal rule of driving in the rain is turning on your lights. Chevrolet made that one easy for me by having an auto control. The automaker is truly one step ahead of me.

The next task was to turn on the windshield wipers. There really is something fabulous about a new pair of blades. I would know. The blades on my current vehicle are about as useless as screen doors on a submarine. The speed of the wipers ranged from slow to moderate to full-on turbo. On the ride to work, I easily wiped away the monsoon coming down on the windshield. They also came in handy whenever I was stuck behind an 18 wheeler, whom I assume had no tire traction, as copious amounts of water was splashed upon my windshield. I would also be remiss if I failed to mention the massive amount of bird excrement the wipers seamlessly wiped away after lunch. It's fair to say this feature works, and works well.

Possibly the greatest feature of all was the tire traction. On slick roads, this is a must. I experimented by turning off the traction and noticed a big difference in the way the car seemed to "grip" the roadway. More points for you Chevrolet.

In conclusion, I would like to say bring it on Sally Ann. Have at it Bob. Take that Bruce. I may hate driving in the rain, but I have the Chevrolet Cruze this week... a little thing like a torrential downpour won't be stopping me!

Hello Honey!

2010-10-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

I am in love. The object of my affection is the Chevrolet Cruze.

Yesterday the dealership let me take the beauty for a week. This came at perfect timing considering when I got back to the office and went to move my clunker, it wouldn't start. It was as if fate was saying "Brandi: Buy the Cruze!" I'm listening fate.... and I'm onto you.

The dealership provided me with car magnets to promote the blog. If you see me on the road, give me a honk!

The first trip of the day was to Target for office supplies. Anyone who knows me knows this "back of the parking lot" parking job is completely out of character. If anything, I will circle a lot like a buzzard for a solid ten minutes to find the parking space in the closest proximity to the door. Seeing as how this parking lot was filled with buggies, small children, and SUVs, I opted to park in Egypt. As I said before, I am in love with this car and I refuse to let a little thing like a ding in the door get in the way. I must also mention the car parks like a dream. I parallel parked it at my office with ease (a feat I normally struggle with) and it fit into this parking space with room to spare.

When they say the controls are in fingertip range, they mean it. I present to the court Exhibit A: The photograph below captures my fingertips within centimeters of all major necessities: cruise control, radio, and hands-free calling.

Reason #12 I love the Cruze: XM Radio. I have listened to hits from the 90s, 20 on 20 (current favorite), Comedy, Country, and more. All with crystal clear clarity. Did I mention I was in love?

The car is mine for the rest of the week. Which is nice considering AAA is on the way to figure out what's wrong with my car. Did I mention I love you Cruze?

The Cruze is HERE!

2010-10-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

The Cruze is at Hood Northlake Chevrolet and I could not be more excited!
The test driving will commence on Monday, but until then here are some sneak peek photos!

Check back Monday to watch me drive!

Buttons and features and gadgets... OH MY!

2010-10-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

Waiting for the 2011 Cruze to arrive at the dealership has given me plenty of time to sweat all the technology it boasts. With so many gadgets in fingertip range, this car is bound to make my commuter lifestyle a lot more enjoyable! Let's break them down:

[USB PORT | SPEAKERS] A little about me... I have always loved singing but have absolutely no vocal talent. And by no vocal talent, I mean that friends and family have adamantly requested I cease trying to carry a tune. Thus, my car has long served as my musical sanctuary. It's just me, my voice, and the open road... windows rolled up (a courtesy to other motorists). This little USB feature is exciting to me in that it will allow me to become a DJ (a career path my parents deemed unacceptable) in this rolling music machine more popularly known as a car. My mp3 player is full of karaoke-worthy tunes that can be accessed in seconds. It's also good to know that should my mp3 player reach capacity, I can just as easily use a flash drive in the port to access my entire music library. It is also worth noting that this little car will pack a powerful punch in the form of a Pioneer Premium audio system. On select models, NINE speakers are available which includes tweeters and a subwoofer. My expansive musical collection has probably never sounded so good! I will be sure to test my vocal limits in the Cruze, but as a courtesy to my readers, I will spare you from witnessing a video of this.

[XM RADIO] Three months free. Ok, I'm in. I'm a magnet to the word, in a moth to a flame kind of way. Infomercials get me everytime. You buy one and but wait!... The second one is free! Hooked. This XM radio seems like the best kind of free. For one, its completely commercial free! No annoying ads, just straight to the music! And the fun doesn't stop there – there's a plethora of channels to choose from. Being that decisions are sometimes difficult for me, its good to know that there are literally hundreds of options. Comedy, talk radio, news, weather, and more. For free. Sold!

[REMOTE VEHICLE STARTER SYSTEM] The remote vehicle starter system is a feature I feel any Louisianian would get plenty of use out of. If anyone knows the misery of getting into a steaming hot car, it's a Southern girl! Your makeup runs, your back starts to sweat, the leather seats super glue themselves to your thighs, and before you can strap in, your deodorant has already called it quits. Insert this little miracle Chevrolet refers to as a remote starter. Before you even walk out the door, you press a button on your keychain and BAM! The car starts with the air running ice cold! Thus, the Chevy has performed a major feat: you arrive at your destination – make-up perfect, sweat-stain free, smelling like a rose, and with the skin on the back of your legs intact. The same can be said for the three months of “cold” we call a winter. The remote start can be used to defrost your windows and have the heater running before your nose can even think about running!

[BLUETOOTH] Laws are changing all over the country virtually making cell phones in cars contraband. Bluetooth technology is the wave of the future, allowing you to answer and make phone calls without diverting your attention from the road. What's even more convenient is that bluetooth controls come mounted in the steering wheel!

[ULTRASONIC REAR PARK ASSIST] I'm what some in my neighborhood might call a terrorist. When the car goes in reverse, no one is safe. I've hit basketball goals, knocked over flower pots, bumped into mailboxes, rutted up a ditch (Sorry Mrs. Anderson!), run over a bicycle, and even sent a couple one pet in the subdivision to heaven (I feel fully confident Fluffy is in a better place). Rear park assist is something the Neighborhood Watch Committee might feel would be a worthwhile investment for me. This feature detects stationary objects behind you when the car is in reverse. Finally, I will be able to avoid the things that go bump in the driveway!

[ON-STAR] The perks of having OnStar installed in your vehicle are enormous. It gives you the ability to check tire pressure, fuel levels, and oil levels from anywhere! When accidents happen, OnStar is there. The service can unlock your doors when you make that minor accident of leaving your keys locked in the car, as well as alert paramedics that you have been in an accident with the automatic crash response feature. If you are as directionally challenged as me, you will likely enjoy the turn by turn navigation OnStar provides. An automated voice and directional system can tell you exactly where you are and where you're going. The service is convenient on so many levels!

Needless to say, I can't wait to drive the car and explore all these features for myself!

The Designated Driver Has Arrived!

2010-09-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

So, I finally did it. After seven years and multiple changed majors, I graduated college. This fantastic thing called "the real world" hit pretty quickly. Student loan repayments have started and the bills are flowing in. I am really starting to miss the days when my major concerns were projects and papers. Recently, the real world delivered another blow in the form of my clunker car getting even "clunkier". The question then arose... Do I pay for repairs, body work, etc. or do I suck it up, take a nose dive straight into my savings, and fork up the funds for a new car. The choice to me is an obvious one. I will pony up the funds and enhance my street cred (which has been lackluster to say the least) with a new ride.

Here enters the 'fun' part. Where do you even begin looking for one of these new fangled automobiles? I started hitting the trail on my lunch breaks to local Covington dealers. Cheesy car dealer after cheesy car dealer tried to swindle me into buying their "very clean" used cars and overpriced new cars. I walked away from each dealership feeling disappointed and even more lost.

After two weeks worth of going back to the office hungry and disappointed, I found myself at a Chevrolet dealership called Hood Northlake Chevrolet.

My first impression was that it was new, contemporary, clean, and just plain nice. It was like nowhere else I had been in Covington thus far. My second impression came shortly after when I was immediately greeted by Daniel, a General Sales Manager at the dealership. He listened to my concerns as I vented two week's worth of frustration about being a woman and trying to buy a car. This was enough to scare most away, but he was attentive and genuinely listened to my laundry list of concerns. We toured the lot (which is quite expansive and made my evening walk completely unnecessary) and looked at both new and used vehicles.

By the end of our tour, I had my mind made up that I wanted a brand new car. However, I was completely torn and had plenty of questions for myself. Am I a compact car girl? Perhaps I was a sedan kind of gal? Or was I really an SUV woman?

Daniel had a rather odd and very fun proposal. He mentioned that the dealership was creating a blog and was currently looking for guest bloggers to write reviews about real world test-driving experiences. He noted my indecisive nature and thought the experience would be a good way for me to figure out which model best fit my lifestyle. Would I be willing to participate... no strings attached, no obligation to buy?

The decision was simple. Drive my no AC car around or drive brand new fully air-conditioned vehicles. Hm, let me think.... DUH! You know what my decision was because you are reading this.

Needless to say I am very excited. The 2011 Chevy Cruze should be in any day now. It will be my first car to drive for the blog and it will be the first model the dealership has ever gotten. The hype for the vehicle has been incredible and I am very anxious to see if it lives up to my expectations!