Activity Toy Reviews

My son who is 4 had just had his tonsils and adenoids out and was really not feeling well, when we got this toy for him. He had played with another micro rescue hero's toy at preschool that he loved that, along with "reading" the toy pamphlet in with another toy, he saw the micro rescue hero's sets and he kept telling me that they where his very favorite toys. Getting this toy has really helped him play quietly on the couch. It is small enought that you can take it almost anywhere, it actually fit nicely in his "bookshelf" headboard on his bed. I love this toy and so does he. Not to fancy no sounds or lights, but enough small places to hide the men and a "secret" compartment to store the men in. Worth the $[...] paid.

There are so many toy cars for toddlers on the market that there's no reason to buy one that's less than perfect. This particular model is definitely far from perfect.

The problem with this model (and there are a few variations like it, so look out for those) is that it's just not easy to use for a toddler. Toddlers like to push and pull on things wontonly, and they expect results when they do. If something gets stuck, that's bad.

In the case of this car, there are a few problems:

1) The center seat will only lift if the steering wheel is perfectly centered. Even a slight turn to the left or right will cause the steering wheel to block the seat. Needless to say, my 18-month-old does not understand that.

2) Once you get the center seat open, it detaches too easily. The only way to re-attach is to use two hands to push in the retracting hinges and carefully position it back. Again, not something that a toddler can do.

3) The rear door is hard to open. It acts like those airplane trays with the knob that turns. And like the steering wheel, it needs to be in an exact position for the door to be unlocked. No toddler toy should ever have a locking mechanism of any kind. The door should just have a handle, and a good tug should open it.

I gave this car two stars because the overall idea is good, it's just that it needs to be redesigned.

Our son recieved this for his first birthday and he loves it. He is now almost 14 months and still loves it. The hatch on the back that turns into a slide is his favorite. THE DOWNFALL: This toy is loud and and screechy with no volume controll. My solution: Putting a piece of packaging tape over the speaker.

Our son received this as a gift for his second birthday and he loves it. He loves to ride on it, lean back against the high back, and push it around at times. The only thing that is a little questionable is the seat flap that opens to reveal all sorts of fun, neat toys. Opening it is not that big a deal, but to put it back on, the steering wheel has to be just so, and two little tabs have to be pushed in from one side for it to click. My two year-old can't do this, so all I hear is "mommy! put on!".