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

Model Tested: 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD Engine: 3.3-liter V-6 gas, 290 horsepower, 252 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 17/City—22/Highway—19/Combined Base Price: $36,000 As Tested: $41,695 Performance: Strong, efficient V-6 Good torque Economical on highway; we got a … read more

During the weeks after Thanksgiving, I saw numerous trees on top of cars and in pickup trucks — heading home for their two to four weeks of glory, decorated as the family or office Christmas tree. The sadder side of this story is … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club Engine: Skyactiv-G 2.0 liter 4-cylinder Transmission: Skyactiv 6-speed manual EPA Ratings: 27/city — 34/highway — 30/combined Base Price: $28,600 As Tested: $32,820 Overview: The all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata returns the Miata to its roots. Completely … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country T5 AWD Engine: 2.5 liter, turbocharged, inline 5-cylinder alloy Transmission: 6-speed Geartronic automatic EPA Ratings: 20/city — 28/highway — 23/combined Base Price: $43,500 As Tested: $48,390 Overview: The 2016 Volvo S60 Cross Country is the only … read more

Get Ready for Gardening Start looking for seed packets at local nurseries during the months of January and February. The sooner, the better for best selection. If you wait too long to pick up veggie seeds, you may not get the ones desired. … read more

The holidays are a time for resting a bit from gardening tasks and especially a time for friends and family. Since gardening and birds often go together, if you’re lucky, you may see a snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus) passing through this region. It’s … read more

Bring in the New Year with a little extra glam. These sequined 2016 numbers make a great centerpiece, mantel decoration or addition to your party decorations. Supplies: Papier-mâché 2016 numbers Silver spray paint Sequins in a variety of sizes and shapes Krazy Glue … read more