Western Automotive Journalists, a diverse group of broadcasters, writers, editors, photographers and videographers, started about 30 years ago. Members meet throughout the year to discuss the always-changing industry. An annual gathering to assess new vehicles is an automotive equivalent of speed dating.

The occasion was rebranded in 2023 as Best of the Bay. The recent third edition, hosted by the Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country Petaluma, included 12 brands, 13 judges and 14 vehicles.

During a two-day itinerary, reporters drove each of the vehicles in 40-minute sessions on a loop course that encompassed a section of highway as well as urban and rural roads. Weather conditions included sunny blue skies, overcast gloom and light rain. Mud reigned during some mild off-road photo shoots.

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