At the corner of Peacock Hill and Harborview in Gig Harbor, Morso’s bright, apricot-colored umbrellas on the balcony beckon diners and wine enthusiasts to come up and enjoy the view. Well-appointed planters surround the outdoor dining area, and a fire table warms diners … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Chevy Malibu 2LZ Engine: 2-liter, turbocharged, DOHC 4-cylinder Transmission: 8-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 22/city, 33/highway, 26/combined Base Price: $30,920 As Tested: $34,285 Overview: The 2016 Chevy Malibu, with its attractive new design and entirely new body structure, was a finalist … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Honda Civic 1.5T 4D Touring Engine: 1.5-liter, DOHC 16-valve direct injection, turbocharged 4-cylinder Transmission: Continuously variable transmission (CVT) EPA Ratings: 31/city, 42/highway, 35/combined Base Price: $26,500 As Tested: $27,335 Overview: The all-new, 10th generation 2016 Honda Civic is the comeback … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Volvo XC90 AWD R-Design Engine: 2-liter, supercharged, turbocharged, inline 4-cylinder Transmission: 8-speed Geartronic automatic EPA Ratings: 20/city, 28/highway, 23/combined Base Price: $49,800 As Tested: $67,155 Overview: The 2016 Volvo XC90 is the first redesign of the Chinese-owned Swedish automaker’s flagship … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Nissan Titan XD Pro-4X 4WD Engine: 5-liter V-8 Cummins turbo diesel Transmission: Aisin six-speed automatic EPA Ratings: Not required for this vehicle Base Price: $50,970 As Tested: $58,165 Overview: There’s been a lot of buzz about the all-new 2016 Nissan … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Honda Accord EX-L, two-door Engine: 3.5-liter SOHC, 24-valve iTech V-6 Transmission: Six-speed manual EPA Ratings: 18/city, 28/highway, 22/combined Base Price: $30,925 As Tested: $31,745 Overview: For 2016, the Accord gets minor styling revisions and additional safety features. The EX-L two-door … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Ford Explorer, 4WD Platinum Edition Engine: 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 Transmission: Six-speed automatic EPA Ratings: 16/city, 22/highway,18/combined Base Price: $52,970 As Tested: $54,760 Overview: Think time doesn’t fly? The 2016 Ford Explorer is the 25th anniversary model. This Explorer is 24 … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Engine: 5.2-liter, TI-VCT 8-cylinder Transmission: 6-speed manual EPA Ratings: 15/city, 25/highway, 19/combined Base Price: $36,395 As Tested: $42,275 Overview: After a major remake last year, 2016 is the second year of the sixth-generation Ford Mustang. Upgrades … read more

Model Tested: 2016 Nissan Altima SV Engine: 2.5-liter, DOHC 4-cylinder Transmission: Xtronic CVT EPA Ratings: 27/city, 39/highway, 31/combined Base Price: $25,460 As Tested: $28,425 Overview: The number of “midcycle” refreshes in the midsize sedan segment is an indicator how competitive this segment is. … read more