A vehicle communication system mounted in the vehicle and a portable fob for carrying by a user are provided. The vehicle communication system comprises a trigger generator, an LF transmitter for broadcasting an LF wakeup signal, and an RF transmitter for broadcasting a UHF status message including vehicle status data. The vehicle communication system broadcasts a challenge signal after the LF wakeup signal. The portable fob comprises an LF receiver responsive to the LF wakeup signal, a fob controller for determining response data, and an RF transmitter for broadcasting a UHF response signal incorporating the response data. The portable fob further comprises an RF receiver for receiving the vehicle status data, a visual display for visually reproducing the vehicle status data, and a manual input key for activating the fob controller to generate a remote control message. The RF transmitter in the portable fob broadcasts a UHF control signal incorporating the remote control message. The vehicle communication system further comprises an RF receiver responsive to the UHF control signal and a base controller for initiating a corresponding remote control function in response to the UHF control signal.