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 WestSound Magazine each issue — subscribe to the print version today to see all of what we have to offer!

Jag_F-type_01s

2014 Jaguar F-Type: The F Is For Fantastic

By Bruce Caldwell It took five decades for Jaguar to market a successor to the iconic sixties E-Type, but the all-new 2014 Jaguar F-Type is a noble heir. The new F-Type is a serious performance car that’s also gorgeous. The 2014 Jaguar F-Type … read more

2014 Dodge Durango Limited

2014 Dodge Durango: Muscular, But Refined SUV

By Bruce Caldwell The 2014 Dodge Durango Limited AWD is a great SUV that manages to be both muscular and refined. The model has been around since 1998 and gone through a couple iterations. The present version debuted in 2011 and has been … read more

2014 Jeep Cherokee

Jeep Cherokee All-New for 2014

This year marks the return of the classic Jeep Cherokee nameplate. Retired in 2001, the Cherokee was the dominant yuppie-soccer moms’ SUV of choice in the late 1980s and early ’90s. The all-new Cherokee is totally different. It boasts a pretty fair amount … read more

Mazda CX5_01

2014 Mazda CX-5: A Very Efficient SUV

By Bruce Caldwell The Mazda CX-5 was new for the model year 2013, so the early arriving 2014 CX-5 is more of an engine and technology update than a whole new vehicle. What Mazda has done is take an already excellent crossover SUV … read more

2014 Mazda3

2014 Mazda3: A big winner compact sedan

By Bruce Caldwell Mazda has really been on a hot streak. The CX-5 crossover SUV and the Mazda6 sedan have both fared very well in magazine comparison tests. Consumers have supported those wins at the showroom. The all-new Mazda3 compact sedan is another … read more

2014 Nissan Versa
Flash Drive

2014 Nissan Versa

Model Tested: 2014 Nissan Versa Note SV Engine: 1.6-liter DOHC I-4, 109-horsepower 107 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 31-mpg city/ 40-mpg highway Base Price: $15,990 As Tested: $17,320 Performance: Reasonable acceleration for small displacement engine Smooth transmission Acceptable braking Compact outer … read more

2014 Jeep Compass

2014 Jeep Compass: The mini Grand Cherokee

By Bruce Caldwell The Jeep brand is one of the most iconic in the history of American automobiles. The parent company, Chrysler, has done everything possible to maximize the brand’s value. They have expanded beyond the marquee models Wrangler, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee … read more

2014 Buick LaCrosse
Flash Drive

2014 Buick LaCrosse

Model Tested: 2014 Buick LaCrosse Premium Engine: 3.6-liter V-6, 304-horsepower 264 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 18-mpg city/ 28-mpg highway Base Price: $38,810 As Tested: $45,595 Performance: Powerful V-6 engine, good acceleration Smooth automatic transmission Very good highway fuel economy … read more

2014 Kia Cadenza
2014 Kia Cadenza

An All-New Full-Size Flagship Sedan

At the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s (NWAPA) Run To The Sun event last summer, the participating manufacturers pitched their vehicles to the journalists present, with a brief Q&A after each presentation. When Kia came up, I asked if, considering the success of Hyundai’s … read more

Pony Up Rescue for Equines
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