Model Tested: 2016 Honda Civic 1.5T 4D Touring Engine: 1.5-liter, DOHC 16-valve direct injection, turbocharged 4-cylinder Transmission: Continuously variable transmission (CVT) EPA Ratings: 31/city, 42/highway, 35/combined Base Price: $26,500 As Tested: $27,335 Overview: The all-new, 10th generation 2016 Honda Civic is the comeback player of the year after years of careening deep into the abyss […]
Behind The Wheel
Each issue we feature automotive reviews of some of the latest vehicles available — see the newest cars and trucks in the West Sound. These reviews are only a sample of what we have in West Sound Magazine each issue — subscribe to the print version today to see all of what we have to offer!
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Volvo XC90 — Volvo’s Second-Generation AWD Luxury SUV
Model Tested: 2016 Volvo XC90 AWD R-Design Engine: 2-liter, supercharged, turbocharged, inline 4-cylinder Transmission: 8-speed Geartronic automatic EPA Ratings: 20/city, 28/highway, 23/combined Base Price: $49,800 As Tested: $67,155 Overview: The 2016 Volvo XC90 is the first redesign of the Chinese-owned Swedish automaker’s flagship SUV since it debuted to numerous accolades in 2003. Having owned a […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2017 Kia Sportage
Model Tested: 2017 Sportage SX AWD Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas turbo, 237 horsepower 260 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 23-mpg highway, 21-mpg combined Base Price: $34,000 As Tested: $34,895 Performance: Regular, Sport, and Eco driving modes Brisk acceleration in Sport mode Good six-speed automatic transmission Console buttons for Hill Descent […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
Model Tested: 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.4 SEL AWC Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 168 horsepower 167 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 23-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 26-mpg combined Base Price: $21,995 As Tested: $22,805 Performance: Athletic all-wheel-drive at a budget price Excellent handling Nimble Reasonable highway ride quality Minimal fuel economy differences between AWD […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Honda Odyssey
Model Tested: 2016 Honda Odyssey 5DR SE Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 248 horsepower 250 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 19-mpg city, 28-mpg highway, 22-mpg combined Base Price: $34,425 As Tested: $34,255 ($1,050 SE discount) Performance: Smooth, powerful V-6 engine Nice 6-speed automatic Reasonable size for city driving Good outward visibility Four-wheel disc […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Honda Accord Coupe
Model Tested: 2016 Honda Accord 2D EX-L V6 Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 278 horsepower 252 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 18-mpg city, 28-mpg highway, 22-mpg combined Base Price: $30,925 As Tested: $31,745 Performance: Smooth, powerful V-6 engine Very smooth 6-speed manual transmission and clutch Hill hold Great acceleration in regular mode Excellent […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Nissan Murano
Model Tested: 2016 Nissan Murano Platinum AWD Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 260 horsepower 240 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 28-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined Base Price: $40,700 As Tested: $44,070 Performance: Good power, acceleration Classically smooth Nissan V-6 Car-like highway ride No 4×4 specific controls Good fuel economy for its size—our […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 Fiat 500X
Model Tested: 2016 Fiat 500X EASY AWD Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 180 horsepower 175 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined Base Price: $24,510 As Tested: $27,005 Performance: Platform twin to Jeep Renegade and equally capable Console dial for traction modes: regular, sport, snow Great approach/departure angles Good […]
Posted inBehind The Wheel
2016 BMW 330e
Model Tested: 2016 BMW 330e Sedan Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 turbocharged gas + electric motor, 250 horsepower 310 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 31 mpg gasoline only, 72 mpg electricity + gasoline Base Price: $43,700 As Tested: $60,245 Performance: Smooth hybrid functions Sport, Sport+, Comfort, Eco Pro, and E Drive modes Paddle shifters […]