Model Tested: 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 185 horsepower 178 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—35/Highway—28/Combined Base Price: $23,175 As Tested: $27,560 Performance: Pleasant highway ride Nice, comfy commuter car Adequate engine gets the job done … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring AWD Engine: 3.7-liter V-6 gas, 273 horsepower 270 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 16/City—22/Highway—18/Combined Base Price: $36.625 As Tested: $39,800 Performance: Very pleasant highway cruiser Good (not great) acceleration Smooth 6-speed automatic … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Acura RDX AWD Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 gas, 279 horsepower 252 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 19/City—28/Highway—22/Combined Base Price: $43,420 As Tested: $44,340 Performance: Strong, smooth engine with expected Acura precision 6-speed transmission has paddle shifters Sequential … read more

In response to the growing popularity of crossover utility vehicles (CUVs), it’s no secret that the minivan market has shrunk considerably the past few years, and there are now three fewer minivans available. Conversely, Kia has uncovered that almost as many empty nesters … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Honda Fit 5DR EX-L Engine: 1.5-liter I-4 gas, 130 horsepower 114 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 32/City—38/Highway—35/Combined Base Price: $20,800 As Tested: $21,590 Performance: Peppy performance for small engine CVT transmission worked fine Paddle shifters Eco … read more

This year, WestSound Magazine magazine received an abundance of creative tablescapes. The choices were all wonderful — but our tablescape judges, Linna Lawrence and Tami Blacknall, made the difficult decisions! Thank you to all who took the time to submit their tablescapes. And … read more

NOAA, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, part of the U. S. Department of Commerce, has deployed many distinctive, yellow data-gathering buoys globally. Six of them, all technically owned and managed by the University of Washington for NOAA, are located in Puget Sound. … read more

There are a wide variety of sparkling wines made throughout the world. Lets first establish the idea of champagne vs. sparkling wine. Sparkling wine can only be called champagne if it comes from the region of Champagne, which is just outside of Paris. … read more

The back-to-school season can be exciting, stressful and everything in between. A good start can influence children’s attitude, confidence and performance both socially and academically. Whether you have a kindergartener or a teen in high school, here is practical advice on how to … read more