Model Tested: 2017 Honda Ridgeline AWD Black Edition Engine: 3.5-liter I-VTEC V-6 Horsepower: 280 Torque: 262 pound-feet Transmission: 6-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 18/city, 25/highway, 21/combined Base Price: $42,870 As Tested: $43,770 Overview: “Is it a car or a truck?” That’s the most frequently … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Lexus NX 200t F-Sport Engine: 2-liter turbo, 16-valve, DOHC, dual VVT-IW — 235 HP; 258 lb.-ft. of torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, w/dynamic torque control AWD EPA Ratings: 22/city, 27/highway, 24/combined Base Price: $38,585 As Tested: $46,439 Overview: The 2017 Lexus … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 AWD LTZ Crew Cab Engine: 6.2-liter V-8 Ecotec3 Transmission: 8-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 15/city, 20/highway, 17/combined Base Price: $47,175 As Tested: $60,020 Overview: The full-size 2017 Chevy Silverado holds its own in a power and styling battle … read more

Model Tested: Range Rover HSE Td6 Engine: 3-liter turbocharged V6 diesel Horsepower: 254 Torque: 443 pound-feet Transmission: 8-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 22/city, 29/highway, 25/combined Base Price: $93,950 As Tested: $107,311 Overview: Everyone knows there’s arguably no more capable off-road vehicle on the planet … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring RF Engine: Skyactiv-G 2-liter, DOHC 4-cylinder — 155 HP; 148 lb.-ft. of torque Transmission: Skyactiv 6-speed manual EPA Ratings: 26/city, 33/highway, 29/combined Base Price: $32,620 As Tested: $33,885 Overview: The Mazda MX-5 Miata was completely … read more

Model Tested: Jeep Renegade Deserthawk 4×4 Engine: 2.4-Liter Multi-Air I-4 Transmission: 9-Speed 948TE Automatic EPA Ratings: 21/City/29/Highway/24/Combined Base Price: $26,895 As Tested: $33,665 Overview: The Jeep Renegade is the most compact Jeep wagon since the original 1941 Willys — and the smallest crossover … read more

Brightly colored Adirondack chairs placed on the sidewalk outside raise the curiosity and beckon passersby to step inside The Garden Room, a seasonal home-décor shop nestled in Gig Harbor’s “Uptown” shopping village. Window displays and inside vignettes offer breathtaking possibilities for dressing one’s … read more

Are you still hoping to get a peek at the “Great American Eclipse” on Aug. 21? Millions of Americans will only have to drive 60 or 70 miles to see the total eclipse, according to the GreatAmericanEclipse.com website. NASA says that the totality … read more

Around Belfair, it’s still called Hippie Hill Community. Some old friends and the price of the land drew glass artist Randy Calm and his wife, Cathy, from Chicago to Hippie Hill nearly 47 years ago. Then, there were 13 homesteading families and no … read more