Liberty Bay Auto Center has undergone many small changes and corrections over the years, yet its integrity remains steadfast and true. Back in 1989 Sandy and Dean Church said that we would “take care of our customers and they will take care of us.” This same culture is alive and well at Liberty Bay Auto Center today. Dean Church has purchased his dad’s remaining interest in the company and will continue to foster the same values as they had in the beginning with unwavering dedication to his employees and valued customers. read more »

Volvo has always had an excellent grasp of what western Washington residents really need in a crossover SUV. That may not be exactly what people think they need, but short of an imposing, macho image the Volvo XC models suit our environment and everyday driving needs. The 2011 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD R-Design is our idea of the best Volvo XC so far. read more »

Eagle Harbor Holdings, LLC (EHH), located on Bainbridge Island, announced that it has formed VehicleTalk, LLC as a subsidiary. VehicleTalk will focus on developing and licensing intellectual property related to next generation Bluetooth enabled vehicle data, Bluetooth enabled e-911, vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications.

EHH has tapped David Marsing to focus on corporate development and strategic planning and staffing for the new subsidiary. Marsing is a retired executive of Intel Corp where he had multiple roles including vice president of Technology and Manufacturing Group and COO of Intel’s Network Communications Group. read more »

If you regularly do business in Spokane, but want to patronize your local filling station the 2011 Mercedes GL350 is the SUV for you. The GL350 Blue TEC turbo diesel V-6 has a 600-mile cruising range and tons of torque to let you breeze over Snoqualmie Pass. If you want to take family and friends skiing the GL350 will carry seven passengers. It’s sure-footed and very safe in the snow. read more »

Jeep wrote the book on off road fun and they’ve continued that incredible 70-year tradition with the 2011 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. This is the most sophisticated short wheelbase, two-door Jeep ever, but it’s still plenty rugged for off-road adventures.

Walkaround: Our test Jeep Wrangler Rubicon had the Flame Red clear coat paint, which was a big plus read more »

After outstanding customer response to the concept car first shown at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Porsche has announced that dealers around the world will begin taking 918 Spyder customer orders. This is a significant step toward actual production of the company’s next super sports car, a Porsche that marries unique plug-in hybrid technology and outstanding performance in a visually stunning and purely Porsche package. read more »

The Kia Optima is surprisingly one of the best-looking sedans of the 2011 model year. Kia is on a roll, as witnessed by the redesigned Sportage, popular Soul, the Forte sedan and its 2-door version, the Koup. All offer technology not found on a lot of vehicles at any price, and exterior design that manages to be edgy for this segment, while not coloring far enough outside of the lines to risk buyer polarization. read more »

The popular Chrysler 300 has been redesigned for 2011, delivering improved ride and handling, and adding a smooth, powerful new V6. The result is a true American luxury car with room, comfort, power and presence.

The flagship Chrysler 300 was an enormously successful, large, rear-wheel drive sedan — and the most recognized read more »

The Pacific Northwest has long been a Subaru stronghold. This region was quick to embrace all the positive attributes the little all-wheel-drive wagons exhibited when they were first imported. Even oddities like the original Baja pickup with its rear-facing auxiliary seats in the bed, the little Justy sedan, and luxury/sports car SVX with its aircraft style windows read more »