The 2012 Kia Optima is an excellent car and an outstanding value that’s available in three four-cylinder iterations. The Optima is by design very versatile and the three distinct engines help broaden its appeal. There’s a powerplant for every driving style and budget.

The Optima was redesigned for 2011. The base 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine was first augmented by the lively 2.0-liter 274 horsepower I-4, which was followed by the introduction of the 2.4-liter gas/electric hybrid engine. read more »

The C-Class is the least expensive Mercedes-Benz in the showroom — but offers nothing less than you’d expect from Mercedes. The 2012 C-Class includes a new coupe, while the sedans underwent a major mid-cycle update. Our test vehicle was the C350 coupe, so this review will be confined primarily to that vehicle. read more »

I was appointed by Governor Gregoire to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) in 2010, and would like to offer some insight as a committee member.

Fact: We need to find an additional $25 million in toll revenues for Fiscal 2013 (July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013). 40 percent of this increase is due to bonds coming due. This is one of ten bonds that were taken to construct the bridge because of the “just in time” construction and bond schedule, which saved taxpayers millions of dollars in interest. Also, the first installment of deferred sales tax is due next year (the agreement was to start paying the $57 million in sales tax over a span of 10 years working out to about $5.7 million per year). read more »

Ridge Motorsports Park, located in Mason County, recently hosted its inaugural event. The two-day event featured motorcycles and road racing cars. The event was well attended by riders and drivers coming from as far away as Northern British Columbia, Idaho, and San Francisco to attend the event. There were over 80 motorcycle riders that participated and 85 of car drivers. read more »

No other car’s boldly aggressive styling says, “Don’t mess with me” with such eloquent menace as the Dodge Charger. From the belligerent, forward-leaning crosshair grille, and scowling headlights, to the shoebox-sized side windows, the Charger is the perfect police cruiser. Cops love it because its simple presence has drivers pulling over read more »

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is a truly unique vehicle. As such it’s not for everyone, but people that understand and love Jeeps are crazy about the Wrangler. The 2012 Wrangler Unlimited does an excellent job of blending traditional super tough, go-anywhere Jeep attributes with modern technologies and conveniences. The Wrangler doesn’t have the level of luxury found in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but it’s a million miles ahead of its 1941 progenitor — the flat fender military Jeep. It’s a true multi-purpose vehicle. read more »

Advantage Autoworks, located in the Bremerton Auto Center, at 5012 Auto Center Blvd in Bremerton, recently welcomed Sean Green, along with his philosophy of “expect the best and get it,” to its leadership team.

With many cars in stock, and a free automotive locating service, Green can help find the “grille of your dreams.” Contact the Bremerton Auto Center at (360) 373-1448.

The “S” in SUV supposedly stands for sport, but given the lumbering size and weight of most full-size SUVs the sporting component can be in short supply. The growing compact SUV segment provides more maneuverability, but often at the expense of horsepower. Passenger/cargo capacity is obviously less in the smaller vehicles, but how often do big rig owners really utilize all that available space? read more »

The high-performance Lexus IS lineup of sport sedans, coupes and convertibles was expanded in 2011 with more all-wheel drive and performance choices. The Lexus IS offers style and performance in three body styles that’s comparable to the BMW 3 Series — for less money.

The Lexus IS 350 now offers all-wheel drive read more »