Model Tested: 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited and Hybrid Plug-In Limited Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas, 193-hp (Hybrid), 2.0-L 202-hp gas & electric (Plug-In) Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: Hybrid Limited: 39/City—43/Highway—41/Combined Hybrid Limited Plug-In: 40 gas—99 electric & gas—27-mile range electric … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Honda CR-V 5-door AWD Touring Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 185 horsepower, 181 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 25/City—31/Highway—27/Combined Base Price: $33,245 As Tested: $34,145 Performance: Highly competent Real Time All-Wheel-Drive Good fuel economy; our best was … read more

Jan Bahr at Roadhouse Nursery on Central Valley Road in Poulsbo is the go-to person for advice on how to construct and maintain water features in home gardens and landscapes. She believes that the most important thing is to do your homework. Start … read more

     Model Tested: 2016 BMW X1 xDrive 28i Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas, 228 horsepower, 258 lb-ft torque Transmission: 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 22/City—32/Highway—26/Combined Base Price: $34,800 As Tested: $45,370 Performance: Powerful, turbocharged engine Gobs of torque Good acceleration Sport … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Toyota Corolla Special Edition Engine: 1.8-liter I-4 gas, 140 horsepower, 126 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 29/City—37/Highway—32/Combined Base Price: $20,635 As Tested: $22,320 Performance: Pleasant ride Fun to drive if not quite “sporty” Sport Drive mode … read more

When you need a few things done around the house, a handyman, handywoman or handyperson sounds like a great idea. Small jobs, done fairly quickly, don’t really require a general contractor, you may think. Or do they? The handyman field is largely unregulated, … read more

Warbler watching in West Sound country can’t compete with what the eastern portion of North America enjoys, but we do have several special warbler species. Not only do warblers move into the Northwest with spring’s arrival, some have been brightening the winter landscape. … read more

Fleshy, green and succulent, asparagus is the ultimate spring vegetable. Known for its cleansing diuretic properties for centuries and once only available in spring, it has become a year-round favorite on American tables. Early culinary records indicate asparagus, which is a native of … read more

Increase your harvest without increasing the size of your garden or workload. All you need is a bit of intensive planting, along with some low-maintenance techniques. Invest some time upfront to prepare the garden soil. This will save you time throughout the growing … read more