Model Tested: 2016 Scion iA 4-Door Sedan Engine: 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas, 106 horsepower, 103 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 31/City—41/Highway—35/Combined Base Price: $15,700 As Tested: $16,470 Performance: Acceptable acceleration if manual trans is used aggressively Very good fuel economy, … read more

It wasn’t just the bright-green Formica countertops that Tami Watts disliked about her kitchen. Watts and her husband, Brad, owner of Valley Nursery in Poulsbo, typically host holiday and birthday gatherings for their extended local family, now three generations. The long peninsula in … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Scion FR-S 2-door coupe Engine: 2.0-literflat four-cylinder gas, 200 horsepower, 151 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 22/City—30/Highway—25/Combined Base Price: $25,305 As Tested: $28,544 Performance: Great driving fun Tight, concise handling Responsive Agile Smooth 6-speed and clutch … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Subaru Impreza 2.0i Sport Engine: 2.0-literflat four-cylinder gas, 148 horsepower, 145 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 27/City—36/Highway—31/Combined Base Price: $23,295 As Tested: $26,885 Performance: Reasonable acceleration, but nothing like the WRX variant Smooth CVT transmission Seamless … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4×4 Engine: 3.2-liter V-6 gas, 271 horsepower, 239 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19/City—26/Highway—22/Combined Base Price: $30,395 As Tested: $36,869 Performance: Engine has start/stop feature for fuel economy Strong V-6 engine 9-speed automatic … read more

Making a New Year’s resolution? Don’t forget salt. Most Americans consume about a 1,000 milligrams of sodium over the amount recommended by nutrition and health experts. New research shows cooking with spices and herbs could help you ditch the saltshaker and meet sodium … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Honda Pilot AWD Elite Engine: 3.5 liter, SOHC direct-injection V6 Transmission: 9-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 19/city —26/highway — 22/combined Base Price: $46,420 As Tested: $47,300 Overview: The 2016 Honda Pilot is no longer that awkward-looking box. The all-new version is … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas turbocharged, 291 horsepower, 300 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed twin clutch automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 17/City—22/Highway—19/Combined Base Price: $38,995 As Tested: $41,805 Performance: A four-door go-kart Crazy acceleration Glues itself to corners … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Mazda CX-3 Touring AWD Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas, 146 horsepower, 146 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 27/City—32/Highway—29/Combined Base Price: $23,210 As Tested: $26,050 Performance: Peppy, Skyactiv four-cylinder engine 6-speed automatic with sport mode All Wheel Drive … read more