We meet again Toyota Crown!

Is this a sign that I must hurry and review the Toyota Crown?

If you remember, I shared my first impressions about the 2024 Toyota Crown and how it returned to the US after a 51-year hiatus!

We reunited during a Toyota party at the Atlanta Botanical Garden I recently attended this week.

Also, while at the event, I was introduced to the first-ever 2025 Crown Signia, the crossover hybrid SUV.  

The first impression that caught my eye about the Signia was how stylish and sporty it was. It's definitely an eye-catcher! 

You know I'm all about legroom and space to store my belongings. With the Crown Signia, there is enough legroom for passengers, even tall ones, and the trunk has ample space; plus, you can fold the back seats for more room.  

The Crown Signia is perfect for families and road trips. It can handle all the towing we need. 

Another thing I noticed is the shift gears are similar to Lexus with the park push-button. I'm not a big fan of that, but you get used to it after a while.

And about the party! It was decorated beautifully with Alice in Wonderland topiary-like mosaiculture sculptures surrounding the vehicles, providing a perfect backdrop for my photos. 

There was a bloom cart to create floral crowns and bouquets, music from an award-winning violinist, tea party-inspired food, refreshments, and a dessert bar.

It was a fantastic event to preview both Crown vehicles and mingle with fellow Atlanta bloggers and influencers to usher in May!

If you're in the Atlanta area, visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden and see the Alice's Wonderland Returns exhibition to see the seven installations of 38 topiary-like mosaiculture pieces throughout the Garden. The exhibit will be there from May 11th – September 15th.

2023 had started off incredibly well for me. My blog was performing better than ever, achieving numbers I had never thought possible. I was confident that this was going to be my year.  

Unfortunately, my success was short-lived. The rise of AI technology significantly impacted my blog's performance, and Google's algorithm updates further added to my troubles. All the hard work I had put in over the years seemed to have gone to waste.

How AI can steal people's work should be a crime; it's plagiarism!

When AI came on the scene, everyone jumped on it, including Google, who brought me most of my traffic.  

If you have used Google search lately, you'll see that they have an AI overview search that gives you answers from people's websites. The good thing is that they cite where they get the answers, so I'm okay with that, but it means people do not need to go to the website to get the answers.

But, what makes it worse is "People Also Ask" at the top of searches, not allowing the person using Google to find what they need, Discussions and Forum Boards like Reddit and Quora took over search, and Spam websites are ranking at the top, which can give people's computers viruses, and so on.

Google is a hot mess right now, and so are my earnings since May this year.

Thank goodness I saved a lot of money throughout the years.  

But I won't let this bring me down; I'm passionate about this blog and will work on building traffic elsewhere. So be it if I need to pay to play for my blog to be seen, I'll pay for advertising on social media.

It's so sad seeing so many people's hard work going down the drain due to all that is happening with AI and search engines. I genuinely hope this is not the end for small online businesses.

Well, I've gotten the bad part out of the way. This year has also had some good moments.

Milestones and Health Back on the Right Track

This was the year of milestone birthdays! I turned 40, Lauren turned 18, and Michelle turned 16.

I can hardly believe that I have an adult child now! It's amazing! Michelle is also on the way to adulthood. For those following me for a long time, it feels like they have grown up with me through this blog. 

And it feels great turning 40 and being in better health than I was a couple of years back when I found out I had high blood pressure, and fibroids.

Throughout the year, I managed to maintain my blood pressure at a normal level without the use of medication. I am delighted with my progress and thankful for joining Pilates. The breathing exercises in Pilates have helped me lower my blood pressure, which I am grateful for.

I still go to the gym weekly to stay active and feel good. Without taking care of my health, I would suffer from poor mental health due to the blog business issues I mentioned above.

Product Review Mom Honorable Mentions

This year, I was interviewed in several publications, like Niche Pursuits, sharing about how I make six figures testing and reviewing products; I became a product testing expert on the Side Hustles website, and I was also a part of the Entrepreneur Spotlight Series on Step by Step Business.

Although my income may have decreased, I still made six figures with this blog this year, so I'm proud to still be able to make this amount of money.

My Top Favorite 2023 Car I Reviewed Go to...

This should be a no-brainer of my favorite car I reviewed this year because I went out and bought it.

I have been in the market for a new car for years, but I wanted to wait until my daughters started driving to buy a new car for myself and pass down my old car to them.

I have only driven Toyotas and Hondas this year, which are both outstanding car brands with reliable and stylish vehicles. Still, one caught my eye and had my daughters wanting me to buy it: the 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum.

It has been the perfect choice to get the Highlander, making it an excellent car for me and my family. We loved it doing our annual year-end road trip in it recently.  

Now, I've been the mom chauffeuring Michelle's friends around town and even getting stopped by strangers asking me questions about my car.

Toyota Highlander is the perfect choice if you're in the market for a family vehicle.

What I Look Forward to in 2024

In 2023, I spent more time updating posts and resharing them. I'll still be doing the same while bringing in new content.

I spoke to my web developer, and he told me I should post about stuff I don't recommend to bring balance to this blog so I will sound unbiased.  

I used to talk about products I disliked and to be honest, I thought I was coming off as a complainer. But, I will share the pros and cons of the products I review.

Also, I'll be sharing more of the everyday products I buy. I feel I can give a better more through reviewing products I use daily.

Not only will I review products, but I'll share more informational posts as well.

I Appreciate Your Support!

Thank you for the love and support you've shown me. I can't believe Product Review Mom is 11 years old and still going strong, and it's because of you I keep going.

And it's time to celebrate! Lauren will graduate high school in 2024, and she is off to England and Paris the first week of January! Please pray for her safe travels there and back.

I'll be having such proud mom moments in 2024!

May the new year bless you with health, wealth, and all the happiness your heart desires. Happy New Year to you and your family!

Make sure to check out my previous years of reflecting back. 

The Toyota Crown has made a triumphant return with all its glory intact! 

After leaving the US market in 1972, the new Crown was reintroduced in 2023, boasting a sleek and modern design, advanced technology, and cutting-edge safety features that make it one of the most desirable cars available. In addition, the Toyota Crown is a midsize luxury vehicle that features a hybrid drivetrain. (Starting price is $40,000)

The reason behind Toyota Crown's departure was the lack of demand for luxury cars at that time. And now, it's replacing the Toyota Avalon as the new leader of Toyota's luxury lineup.

During Toyota's End of the Year Luncheon hosted at 5Church Buckhead restaurant, I had the opportunity to take a first look at the 2024 Toyota Crown.  

My First Impression of the 2024 Toyota Crown

I must say, it's a sharp-looking crossover. Although I still require the space of a Highlander, I could see myself driving this vehicle once I become an empty nester.

Based on its appearance, I can tell this car would be enjoyable to drive around town and on road trips. Additionally, I appreciate the large moonroof that allows all passengers to enjoy the breeze and sunshine.

I noticed that there is ample legroom available for everyone in the car. However, I still need to check the cargo space. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to see the trunk and take the car for a test drive soon. This will allow me to get a better understanding of the vehicle.

I love seeing the evolution of Toyota's lineup of cars. Some of the Toyota vehicles come and go, but when they return, they return better than ever!

And I also like the fact that Toyota gives consumers options, like choices of Hybrids, EVs, and Gas powered vehicles. They have vehicles to fit everyone's lifestyle.

During lunch, I learned about Toyota's new Beyond Zero. Producing a diverse range of electrified vehicles moves them closer to this vision because it helps them maximize their use of limited battery resources while reducing carbon emissions.

Toyota's Beyond Zero Vision

"Beyond Zero" is Toyota's ambitious goal to go beyond carbon neutrality through its products, services, and operations and discover innovative ways to positively impact our planet and society. Currently, they offer more low and zero-emission vehicles combined than any other automaker. This gives customers a variety of choices to reduce their carbon footprint.

My Thoughts on 5Church Buckhead Restaurant

5Church Buckhead is a restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. The restaurant is known for its innovative cuisine, artistic decor, and outstanding service.

The restaurant offers modern American cuisine with global influences in an upscale atmosphere. The menu features locally sourced ingredients and serves both lunch and dinner.

Also, 5Church Buckhead offers a brunch menu on weekends and a happy hour menu from Monday to Friday.  

The restaurant's interior is also notable, featuring a stunning stained-glass window sunroom, floral garden displays, with a beautiful skyline view of Atlanta.

Our lunch was served family-style. It started with a mixed green salad, followed by two entrees, including seared salmon and grilled hanger steak, two sides of whipped potatoes, and broccolini, and ended with Chef's Choice of Petite Fors.

Although the restaurant is aesthetically pleasing, I thought the food was okay, as if I could get a meal like this from any other upscale American restaurant.   

One of the dishes I didn't care for was the broccolini; it had a weird, bitter taste.

Since I wasn't impressed with the food, I didn't stay for dessert.

I have noticed that certain restaurants prioritize the establishment's appearance over the quality of their food. Besides, 5Church, located in the heart of Buckhead, is bound to receive a lot of foot traffic regardless of how the food tastes.  

The restaurant would be suitable for lunch meetings and events, but not much else.

Rolling Out Magazine and Lexus invited Mr. M and I for an evening of luxury and technology with an exclusive event showcasing the first-ever 2024 Lexus TX 350. 

Also, Rolling Out featured their AI Music Lab. This new generative AI platform enables users to create royalty-free samples and tracks. Perfect for content creators.

I heard samples of the custom AI playlist, which was pretty cool, with a genre of different beats to suit all tastes. And with the music you create, you can play it in the Lexus.

During the event, Mr. M shared his thoughts about Rolling Out's AI Music Lab. According to him, he believes that it may not become popular. I agree with him. While it may be useful for those who create video content, I don't think it will be widely adopted by everyday users.

My First Thoughts about the 2024 Lexus TX 350

Now, about my impressions of the 2024 Lexus TX 350. My first thought is that the exterior resembles the Toyota Grand Highlander. Now, that's not a bad thing, but it doesn't give that luxury look, more sporty, for the casual drivers.

The car's interior resembles the Grand Highlander, as well, but is enhanced with suede accents. The cabin is spacious, and the seats are comfortable. One of the best features is the power-folding third-row seats; I wish I had that in my car. And the infotainment display screen is 12.3, making it larger than other Lexus vehicles I've seen.

If you remember, I was shopping for a new vehicle a few months back, and a Lexus was in the front running. I was in the market for the Lexus RX but was shocked to see how small the 2023 Lexus RX has gotten.

The salesman told me that because the 2024 Lexus TX is coming soon, it will replace RX's original size, and RX will downsize.

That is one of the reasons why I no longer wanted the Lexus RX and instead opted for the 2023 Toyota Highlander.

If you're interested in purchasing the 2024 Lexus TX 350, the starting price is $55K, and the SUV showcased at the event is $70K.

It's so impressive how far along technology has gone, especially when it comes to AI.

Technology has simplified the world and increased connectivity. However, it has also led to job losses and content theft by AI. Despite this, technology has its pros and cons.

I look forward to seeing where technology will take us next.

Rivian has opened its ninth space at Ponce City Market in Atlanta!  I had the opportunity to tour this new space during the media preview, and it is very welcoming for everyone to enjoy and learn more about these electric vehicles that were founded in 2009.

About Rivian

Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer that specializes in producing adventure vehicles.  The R1 vehicles, which include trucks (R1T) and SUVs (R1S), have been highly acclaimed for their stylish design and roomy interiors.  These electric vehicles are specifically designed to cater to the needs of adventure and outdoor enthusiasts.  Rivian cars are gaining popularity due to their unique blend of style, performance, and sustainability.

If you want to know more about Rivian, you can visit the 5,000-square-foot space in Ponce City Market and talk to an experienced specialist.  You can also shop for Rivian gear, learn about electric vehicle trip planning, and even schedule a test drive!

While in the showroom and outside the Rivian space, I saw the vehicles in person, even getting inside and touching around.

From what I saw, I'm very impressed with the styling, comfortability, and space, especially the storage space in the front, back, and even on the side of the vehicles.

I was surprised to find the gear shift on the steering wheel instead of on the right side of the driver's seat.  As someone used to gas-powered cars, I must familiarize myself with all-electric vehicles.  So far, I have only driven one all-electric vehicle, the Chevy Bolt.  It was similar to gas-powered cars, except for the charging process.

I've seen many of these vehicles on the roads since they became popular in my area.  Every time I see them, I point out how much I would love to drive a Rivian and see if they are worth the high price tag.

As you may know, I enjoy reviewing cars and providing insight into the latest models suitable for families and individuals in the market.  

Alongside these reviews, I've been contemplating my next car purchase, as my daughters are now driving and require a vehicle for school transportation.  So, I will be passing down my old car to them.

For my 40th birthday gift, I wanted to get myself a new car, so I narrowed it down to two choices: a 2023 Lexus RX and a 2023 Toyota Highlander.

I've wanted a Lexus for years, so I went to my local Lexus dealer for a quick test drive to decide if it would be the right car for me.

I expressed interest in purchasing the 2023 Lexus RX Luxury during my visit to Hennessey Lexus Duluth.  I asked the salesperson if Greater Atlanta Automotive Association members like myself receive discounts on new vehicle purchases.  The salesperson was unsure and asked their manager for clarification.  The manager promised to look into it and get back to me, but unfortunately, neither the salesperson nor the manager followed up with me. 

My inquiry about the media discount was being ignored, and they knowingly wouldn't give me the money off the price anyway, which they should have told me they couldn't from the beginning.  All they had to do was be honest with me.  

However, my decision to no longer purchase the Lexus RX was also influenced by the fact that the SUV had gotten smaller and no longer provided enough space to comfortably accommodate my family of four.  As a result, I decided not to proceed with the purchase.

I prayed for guidance and gave myself a day to decide on going with my second choice, the Toyota Highlander.  

I headed to AutoNation Toyota Mall of Georgia the next day to buy the Toyota Highlander.  I had already reviewed this mid-size SUV and was convinced it was the best option for my family.  Everything about the car impressed me, and I was eager to make it mine.

The buying process was a breeze!  There was no hassle or hidden fees; what you see is what you get!  At the dealership, I filled out the application on a tablet with Toyota's SmartPath program, which instantly gave me all the details about the car I wanted.

And no, I didn't ask about media discounts because I contacted Toyota's Corporate Communications the night before, who said they do not offer them.

However, Toyota already had a big sales event with over a $ 3,000 price reduction on Highlanders.

When you buy cars at the end of the year, you can get the best deals because dealers are looking to push out the current models to make room for new car models.

But do know due to the chip shortage and the recent pandemic, there are few cars on the lots, so you have to order some new vehicles.

Buying a car is now easier than ever as you can purchase it online and have it shipped to your house or local dealership.

I made my purchase the traditional way by going to the dealership.

My car was unavailable at the dealership and had an almost 2-month wait time for delivery.

When it was time to seek financing, I noticed high-interest rates for people with low credit scores.  It's crucial to avoid getting into deep debt and pay your bills on time to get the best deals if you're in the market to buy a car.

My credit score is in the 800s, and my only debt is my mortgage.  As a result, I was considered a well-qualified buyer and received the lowest interest rate.  I didn't have to put any money down, but I decided to do it anyway to keep my monthly payments down.

As a long-time AutoNation Toyota Mall of Georgia customer, I received a 150,000-mile warranty (usually 50,000) and free accessories, including roof racks and rubber mats.

The car was delivered to the dealership within the promised timeframe.  Now, I am a proud owner of a 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum!

I want to thank AutoNation Toyota Mall of Georgia for their outstanding service throughout the years and for quickly jumping into action with my other car; that transmission went out the day before my new car arrived.  They gave me a free car rental, plus a great price on a new transmission.  So, I'll be at ease when my daughters start driving it.

If you're in Georgia and searching for a new vehicle, AutoNation Toyota Mall of Georgia has a fantastic team of associates who will ensure you have an exceptional experience.

AutoNation Toyota Mall of Georgia

3505 Buford Dr. 

Buford, GA 30519

After a few years past, I finally reunited with the Toyota Highlander.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum, the top-of-the-line trim level for the Highlander Hybrid SUV, had increased in size and added more space and features.

This heavy-duty 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum is excellent for large families needing a reliable vehicle to fit their everyday needs.  

Its sleek design and advanced technology make it a top contender in the hybrid SUV market. The Platinum trim level offers many luxurious features, including a panoramic moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a JBL premium audio system.

I tested the Toyota Highlander for a week, using it for my daily driving routine around town, and it exceeded my expectations.  While driving the Highlander, I felt the same power as driving a Sequoia and 4Runner, just that the Highlander has faster acceleration.

Check out the Pros and Cons of the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum:

Pros

1. 12.3-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System: The infotainment system is more prominent in the higher-trim model.  It has a cleaner, minimalistic design that makes navigating apps and features more accessible.

2. Stylish, Unique Design: The 2023 Highlander Hybrid Platinum features a more muscular appearance than the 2020 model, with a sleeker, modern design that exudes strength and power.  The exterior boasts a bolder grille, sharper lines, and accent chrome, giving the SUV a premium look.

3. Fuel Efficiency:  You know me, I'm always about saving money at the pump and also spending less time at the gas station.  The hybrid powertrain allows you to achieve an impressive fuel economy of up to 36 mpg combined, saving you money on gas in the long run.

4. Advanced Safety Features: Toyota offers a range of advanced safety features to keep drivers safe and passengers, including blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking assist, panoramic view monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

5. Comfortable Interior: The Highlander Hybrid Platinum can comfortably accommodate up to 7 passengers.  The leather-trimmed seating can be heated or cooled for added comfort on hot or cold days.  The captain's chair in the second row is perfect for stretching out and relaxing.

Cons

1. Price: The Highlander Hybrid Platinum is the high-end model, with a starting price of $50,000, which may be too expensive for some buyers.  However, the base model starting at $36,000, is just as good as the Platinum trim.

2. Limited Space for Third Row and Cargo:  Although the SUV is spacious, the third-row seats may be tight for adults but work perfectly for children.  When the third-row seats are up, the cargo area is limited, making it hard to haul a lot of cargo.

3. Wait Times: Due to its popularity, purchasing a 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum can take over a month due to a shortage.

Overall the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum is a versatile and reliable SUV that perfect for anyone's lifestyle.  

This top-notch vehicle impressed me so much that I went to my local dealership and reserved this model for myself!  I am now the proud owner of a 2023 Toyota Highlander Platinum, minus the Hybrid powertrain.  Since I work from home and don't drive a lot, I didn't need a hybrid.

It's best to reserve the vehicle now due to the wait time. The wait time is longer if you're interested in the 2024 Grand Highlander.

Visit your nearby dealership to test drive the 2023 Highlander and 2024 Grand Highlander.

Make sure to check out these other Toyota vehicles I reviewed and recommend.

Wow, what fun I had in the best-selling crossover in America for over a quarter century, the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD Sport!

This sporty SUV has been completely redesigned with bold styling, increased space, comfort, and performance. And this hybrid model has a more advanced and powerful two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain!

Despite being smaller than the Pilot and Passport, it still has all the necessary features, ample space, and impressive fuel efficiency. I see why it's the #1 brand with 1st-time buyers and Generation Z. 

About the Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV that debuted in 1997. It is one of the best-selling SUVs in the world, and it is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior.  

Honda SUVs have maintained their position as leading retail vehicles in 2022. The CR-V ranks as the second-best-selling CUV in the industry's biggest segment.

During the seven days that I had the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid, I put it to the test by running my usual errands, driving my daughters and their friends around town, and even taking it on an off-road safari adventure. I was thoroughly impressed with its performance and capabilities. This SUV handled everything with ease and made me seriously consider purchasing one for myself.

Check out the Pros and Cons of the 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD Sport:

Pros

Bolder Styling: The Honda vehicle line-up has embraced a sportier styling direction, resulting in a rugged and masculine appearance. Personally, I adore the sharp and clean straight lines of the exterior, as well as the bold and attention-grabbing front grille that serves as the centerpiece of the Honda CR-V.

The sporty appearance extends to the interior design as well.

Comfortability: When it comes to reviewing vehicles, it usually takes some time for me to get used to them. However, with the 2023 Honda CR-V, I felt at ease driving it right away, almost as if I had been driving it for years.  

The smooth leather-trimmed seating is so comfortable that you melt into your seat. I could tell it was also comfortable for my daughters when they kicked off their shoes and stretched out. I even caught my youngest daughter sleeping in the passenger seat, curled up with the seat warmers on, even though it was over 90 degrees outside.

Space: One of the most commonly asked questions I receive is whether the Honda CR-V has sufficient space. Admittedly, I even had to ponder this myself before taking it for a test drive.

The Honda CR-V was smaller and only suitable for singles or small families with previous generations. However, it now has a spacious interior with plenty of legroom and cargo space. As a result, it can easily accommodate a family of four.

Advanced Safety Features: The Honda CR-V boasts impressive features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and object alerts. One unique aspect that caught my attention during my review was the lane departure warning system. It subtly nudges the steering wheel to alert you when you start drifting off your lane, providing an extra layer of safety. This feature is not commonly found in other vehicles I have reviewed.

Fuel Economy: This CR-V boasts excellent fuel efficiency! I have been able to drive in several different cities and only had to refuel once, thanks to the impressive fuel economy of 40 in the city and 34 on the highway. This combination of city and highway driving has allowed me to spend more time on the road without wasting money at gas stations.

Performance: I had an enjoyable ride thanks to the all-wheel-drive system and sport-tuned suspension. The handling was excellent, and the braking was smooth. I was also impressed with the CR-V's off-road capabilities while still maintaining its comfortable ride.

Cons

Hybrid Powertrain Noise: When I start the CR-V, I hear nothing, which is good; however, when I power the car off, the Hybrid Powertrain makes a loud shutting-down, mechanical sound. 

No Cooling Seats: I'm disappointed that this car doesn't have cooling seats like the Honda Pilot. Only the driver and front passenger have access to heated seats, leaving the back passengers without both options.

Rearview Camera: The quality of the rearview camera is low, resulting in a pixelated screen.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid comes in three trims: Sport Hybrid, Sport-L Hybrid, and Sport Touring Hybrid, with starting price of $33,350. The trim featured on this post price is $40,395.

The 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD Sport is an excellent choice for those looking for a fuel-efficient and spacious SUV with a long list of standard features.