Model Tested: 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring MT Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 155 horsepower 148 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway Base Price: $30,065 As Tested: $31,325 Performance: Lively engine; revs quickly Smooth 6-speed manual … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Engine: 1.5-liter I-4, 180 horsepower 177 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 30 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined Base Price: $21,300 As Tested: $22,135 Performance: Strong, easy revving turbocharged engine Butter-smooth 6-speed … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Mazda3 Grand Touring 4-Door Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 184 horsepower, 185 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway/30 mpg combined Base Price: $24,195 As Tested: $27,930 Performance: Sport mode noticeably improves performance Paddle shifters Heads … read more

I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host of golden daffodils; Beside the lake beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. ~ William Wordsworth In the last … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Kia Soul! Exclaim Turbo with Tech Package Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4, 201 horsepower, 195 lb-ft torque Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 26 mpg city/31 mpg highway/28 mpg combined Base Price: $22,650 As Tested: $27,620 Performance: Strong, turbocharged engine … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition Engine: 3.5-liter V-6, 280 horsepower, 262 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined Base Price: $42,870 As Tested: $43,770 Performance: Smooth, powerful V-6 engine 5,000 pound towing capacity … read more

Webster’s Dictionary defines the term “estuary” as “what is commonly called a ‘wetland,’ as an inlet or arm of the sea; especially the lower portion or wide mouth of a river, where the salty tide meets the freshwater current.” Wetland is a popular … read more

Model Tested: 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid EX Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 hybrid engine (50 hp electric), 192 horsepower (combined) 271 lb-ft torque (combined) Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive EPA Rating: 39 mpg city/46 mpg highway/42 mpg combined Base Price: $30,990 As Tested: $37,235 Performance: Smooth … read more

In the historic community of Grapeview, it can be hard to find your way around the first time you visit. Lots of tiny dirt roads finger off from the main road, featuring funny names that are often nearly identical. It nods to the … read more