Model Tested: 2015 Mini Cooper S Hardtop 4-door Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas turbocharged, 189 horsepower, 207 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 24/City—34/Highway—27/Combined Base Price: $25,100 As Tested: $34,500 Performance: Small car with big driving fun Nimble and quick Shines … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Volvo V60 T5 AWD Cross Country Engine: 2.5-liter 5-cylinder gas turbocharged, 250 horsepower, 256 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 20/City—28/Highway—23/Combined Base Price: $41,000 As Tested: $49,350 Performance: Confidence inspiring safety features Blind spot monitoring Lane departure … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0T Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas turbocharged, 264 horsepower, 269 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 18/City—24/Highway—21/Combined Base Price: $33,000 As Tested: $38,350 Performance: Powerful turbocharged engine Locking center differential Confident off road … read more

In 2005, Hansville Master Gardeners Roland Malan, Susan Harrington and Sheri Kiley, along with landscape architects Mary Booth and Patrick Leuner, met with county parks staff and presented a plan to steward and beautify a very neglected, weed-infested, abandoned motocross dirt bike track … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas plus electric motor, 196 horsepower total, 122 lb-ft torque Transmission: CVT electronic automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 50/City—45/Highway—47/Combined Base Price: $35,055 As Tested: $35,845 Performance: Outstanding fuel economy We fell a little … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Kia Sedona Engine: 3.3-liter V-6 gas, 276 horsepower 248 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 17/City—22/Highway—19/Combined Base Price: $39,700 As Tested: $43,295 Performance: Smooth, refined V-6 Good power Efficient 6-speed automatic transmission Pleasant highway ride Two drive … read more

Want to get the most out of late summer’s fresh fruits and vegetables? Look to your blender and spice rack to puree seasonal produce into refreshing sips, chilled soups and savory sauces. “We’re in peak farmers market season with an abundance of juicy, … read more

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