Warren Brown has covered the car industry for The Washington Post since 1982.

Brown test drives all types of cars, from luxury sedans to the newest minivans and hybrids. His On Wheels auto reviews are lively, detailed accounts of cars' good and bad qualities.

Brown's Car Culture column addresses the social, political and economic trends of the industry.

Brown comes online Fridays at 11 a.m. ET to answer your questions on every aspect of the automotive industry -- from buying your dream car to the future of the internal combustion engine.

The transcript follows below.

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Washington, D.C.: Warren, I was just hoping to get your thoughts on the Nissan Murano. Looking at a lot of different cross-overs and the Nissan seems to have the most features. But you do think they are worth the price?

Warren Brown: Hello, Washington:

I'd also look at the Mazda CX-9, Buick Enclave. If you still want the Murano after checking those, go ahead. Worth the price? Comparison shop and decide.

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Alexandria, Va.: Good morning, and thanks for your help! My husband and I, just getting our first real jobs after being in grad school forever, are looking to buy our first new (or newish) car. We hope to keep this car until it disintegrates, so reliability and good gas mileage are important. And, we have big school loans to pay back, so money is very much an object. Anyhow, we're interested in the Mazda Mazda3 in particular. The Toyota Matrix was also originally in the running, but a test drive left us unimpressed -- it had a serious lack of pep. And, compared to the Mazda, the Matrix seemed very "bare bones" (manual everything) but was more expensive. What do you think of the Mazda3? Are there other similar cars in the same price bracket that we're overlooking? Thanks again -- we're clueless.

Warren Brown: Hello, Alexandria:

The Mazda3 would be my first choice--attractive, affordable, fun with some degree of utility. The Matrix/Pontiac Vibe. Worth the look. With those two, shop for the best deal.

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Baltimore: I like both the new Honda CRV and Hyundai Santa Fe. Is the CRV worth the extra money?

Warren Brown: If you bought the Santa Fe, you'd be congatulating yourself several months later for being a smart shopper.

If you bough the CRV, you'd be convinced several months later that it was worth the extra money.

I'd rather congratulate myself for being a smart shopper.

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Florida: I couple days ago, I paid $3.899 for premium. You can chill the champagne; It won't be long before you can start celebrating.

Warren Brown: Global demand up. Global production not keeping up with demand trajectory. Oil. I guess you'd better chill that champagne.

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Reston, Va.: Good morning Warren, I'm trying to decide between two SUV's, the Mercedes M-320 CDI or the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. Prices are not much different between the two. What is your opinion on these choices?

Warren Brown: The Chevy Tahoe dual-mode hybrid is a technical wonder to behold. It really does save fuel without sacriicing muscle. But my bias favors diesel. I'd go with the M-320 CDI.

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Springfield, Va.: Any thoughts on the Nissan Versa? We're shopping for compact hatchbacks and the Mazda 3 and Nissan Versa are at the top of the list so far. We didn't like the Matrix because it seemed over priced and the interior was very cheap looking compared to the Mazda and Nissan.

Warren Brown: Hello, Springfield:

The Mazda3 and Nissan Versa are not quite the same. The Mazda3 is more of a compact. The Versa's more of a micro. Compare the Versa with the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Chevrolet Aveo.

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Reston, Va,: Good morning Warren (and your loyal minions.) I've been on a slow research trip to buying my new car (I last did this 12 years ago, and that panned out well.) My three previous cars have been Toyotas, though I've liked them I'm too analytical to just blindly go buy another. But I've noticed that in the last several months, their prices seemed to have nudged down a notch? Could this be attributable to Hyundai?

It really seems that Hyundai has taken Toyota's and Honda's (long since discarded) 1980's playbooks... better quality cars, with more features for less money... and have really run with it.

Warren Brown: Your analysis, Reston, is spot on. The Hyundai Sonata is a better value than the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry. It competes well againt the new Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion, which also rival the Accord and Camry in quality.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Warren, thanks for taking my question. The 14-year old car that my wife and I own needs to be replaced. Living in the District, we're looking at some of the newer small cars, and leaning towards the Honda Fit. How do you rate the Fit comparing to others in its class, the Nissan Versa and the Chevy Aveo in particular?

Warren Brown: The Fit (Sport version) is my favorite subcompact in the "Fun" category. The Aveo is my favorite in the "Overall Value" segment.

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Burke, Va.: Why are you, and so many other car critics, giving such high praise to the new Chevy Malibu? I took a test drive a few weeks ago as a rental car, and while it's a huge step up from previous models, it's nothing spectacular. The two-tone dash is a big step up in "fit and finish" for a Chevy product, but stylistically, it's rather odd. The controls were all very useful and easy to understand, but completely derivative from the Honda Accord. The seats were comfortable, but the assortment of bins and compartments all felt cheap and were poorly designed. The car rode and handled fine, but again nothing to write home about. My biggest complaint, there was no telescopic wheel (this may be an option on higher models) and the wheel is so close to the dash that I found myself continuously hitting my knuckles grabbing the wheel.

Are my standards for new cars too high, or are critics just praising Chevy for making such a huge improvement to a lemon of a car? The new Malibu is deinitely better than the old one, but there's nothing special that's going to make it my next car (we're actually looking for a car in this class.)

Warren Brown: No, Burke:

Your standards for new cars are simply based on your love for Honda. You like the Malibu's ride, handling, design, et cetera. But you still have problems with it because it's not Honda enough. I, too, like many things Honda. I also find many things Honda boring and unimaginative--the new Accord being an almost welcome departure from that criticism. The new Malibu deserves the praise it's gotten, which is why it is selling well.

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Clifton, Va.: Re: "CRV vs Santa Fe." Also check insurance rates. CRV will retain more of its value than Santa Fe. Hyundai is in big trouble in the US because of over production of every vehicle they make. CRV will be more reliable. It will be tough negotiating with some Honda dealers but know what you want to pay and be ready to walk if they play games. You can get a Santa Fe for invoice or probably less with the holdback etc.

Always look in Virginia for the inspection sticker to determine how long the vehicle has been on the lot. Dealer is paying floor plan interest on it and if its been there for a month or more they need to move it. In today's economy they cant afford to have cars sitting on the lots. BMW dealers take note!

Warren Brown: Well, Clifton, I agree with much of your statement, except: The CRV is not any more reliable than the Santa Fe, which makes the Santa Fe a better value. Hyundai's U.S. troubles have nothing to do with Hyundai's quality. The problems are administrative and marketing.

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Anonymous: Re: "It competes well againt the new Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion." Warren, Malibu, Aura and Fusion don't come close to the Sonata as far as styling, driveability and features. Not even close.

Warren Brown: I disagree. Makes me wonder if you drove the cars you talk about.

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Raleigh, N.C.: I have had my eye on a 2006 Saab 9-3 for a while now, but my wife has concerns about Saab's reliablity. I've pointed out that there are tons of old 9-3's still on the road, that since GM bought the brand, parts price and availability problems have been eased, and reliability has improved. She still prefers the Accord, but I find them bland and ubiquitous. AnYhing to sway either one of us? Thanks.

Warren Brown: Ah, Raleigh:

The new Accord is not as bland as its predecessors. But it remains ubiquitous, which is what happens when so many people buy the same thing for the same reason. Honda's are the perfect "I'm not stupid" cars, which is another way of saying "I don't want to take a chance that there's somethig better."

I think the Saab 9-3 is in many respects better--styling, safety, value for dollar. Just an opinion.

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Anonymous: Chevy Volt! I'm a long time alternative fuel supporter (I made my living promoting natural gas vehicles and electric cars during the first modern incarnation in the 90's.) I drove an EV-1 and loved the performance. I want to be the first person in Maryland to own a plug in hybrid Chevy Volt. (Well, I'll settle for 100th, as long as I get one.) I am afraid that when the car comes out, it will only be available in California, like many of the popular hybrids today.

Is there any way I can sign up on a waiting list? Put down a deposit? Something to ensure that I'll have the opportunity to buy one when they get on the market?

Warren Brown: I'll put this out there. But we ultimately will need your name.

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Miami: Hello Warren. Thanks for taking these questions eveyweek. I'm looking for a commutting car (30 miles each way) that is good quality, good gas mileage (regular gas,) but has some panache and style. Mini, Volvo C30, and Audi A30 require premium fuel, so I'm reluctant to purchase. Any reccomendations? Thanks.

Warren Brown: The Mazda3. Seriously. Fits your needs. And the NEW Ford Focus, much improved, more like the Mazda3.

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Anonymous: Re: "It competes well againt the new Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion.": Warren, I did drive those cars. The Sonata had the best ride and power feel of the group. The Malibu is quiet inside, but the 4 cyl. motor labors way too much trying to get up to speed.

Warren Brown: Okay. I stand corrected. My apologies.

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Washington, D.C.: Warren does GMC plan to put the Yukon hybrid option in the Arcadia? They do that and they got me as a customer.

Warren Brown: Dual-mode hybris will be installed in most GM vehicle lines. Looking at 2009, 2010.

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Miami: People think Honda is the most reliable vehicle, but my 2003 Honda Accord has two recalls in the past six months! They are great cars, but nothing is perfect.

Warren Brown: As I've been saying for years....

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Pittsburgh: Warren, the poster from Burke was right on the money about the Malibu. I've been a Chevy fan for a lot of years, but there's nothing about the car (or the cookie cutter clone Aura) that makes me want to buy one. I especially don't like the look of the rear end. GM has done nothing with this car that every other maker hasn't done with theirs.

Warren Brown: Hmmmm...

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Arlington, Va.: I have noticed most vehicles, station wagons, SUVS, cross overs, and vans offering third row seating have that third row in the crush zones. Ouch but maybe a source of class action suit income for lawyers. Mazda 5 was the worst. Rearend in this vehicle with occupants in the back and you are talking very serious injury at speeds starting at 15mph.

Warren Brown: I agree, Arlington. I hope no one gets injured. But most of those third-row seats are awfully close to the rear door--perfect for litigation.

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Larry, Chevy Volt fan: Re: "Warren Brown: I'll put this out there. But we ultimately will need your name."

Sorry. Larry -

washingtonpost.com: Larry's contact info held for safety reasons.

Warren Brown: Thank you, Larry.I'm sure someone from Chevrolet will contact you.

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Rockville, Md.: Hi Warren, have you driven the Mustang GT (manual?) If so, what are your thoughts on how fun it is to drive? Thanks.

Warren Brown: Not yet.

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Richmond, Va.: I have a 2008 Mercury Mariner (V6) with only about 15,000 miles on it. I noticed in the past that I was getting the occasional knocking and pinging and just wrote it off to some bad gas but yesterday I noticed it was constant whenever I pressed on the gas pedal going down the highway. I'm not carrying any load and the highway was flat. Any ideas? Thanks for the chats! Lot's of good reading here.

Warren Brown: Attention Pat Goss and other techies. Can you help this customer?

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Alexandria, Va.: Hi Warren, looking at mid-full size cars lately, and was wondering what would be your choice... the Ford Fusion or new Malibu? Also, I generally always get the larger engine. Do you think that's a good idea for either of these cars? Thanks, and keep up the great column.

Warren Brown: Of the two, I'd take the V-6 Malibu LTZ. There er some complaints about rear vision (with rear seat headrests). We had noproblems with that i te Malibu models we drove. But, still, those complaints are out there. If you want to save more fuel, fo with the nline four.

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Anonymous: Re: "Malibu, Aura and Fusion." Warren, you should also mention the I5 VW Jetta with the 6 speed automatic. Fuel efficiency is the same, and the 6 handles the power much better than those others who only have four speed autos.

Warren Brown: Okay, Larry, I presume?

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Burke, Va.: Re: "Malibu criticism." Actually, I hate Honda, and have yet to find one that I like that doesn't have an Acura badge on it. I tend to gravitate to European models. Perhaps I was underwhelmed because the car is garnering such high praise from everyone, and when I had a chance to rent it, I had very high expectations. I ended up feeling that the car did not live up to all of the hype that it has been getting, but it is definitely a step forward for Chevy.

Warren Brown: Thank you, Burke.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Warren, hope you feel well and are enjoying this beautiful day. I'm probably going to be buying a new car in the next few months, and hate the typical new-car bidding dance that some dealers employ. Any thoughts about some of the buying services from AAA, or Consumer Checkbook? Will they really get me a reasonably low price without any hassle? Thanks.

Warren Brown: Hello, Washington:

Yes, both AAA and Consumer Checkbook have excellent buyer pograms. My favorite, personal bias, is Consumer Checkbook.

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Rockville, Md.: Last week you referred to the Lexus ES 350 and Acura TL as picking between the Camry and Accord. Do you feel the same way about the IS? I like the "performance" aspect of the IS but how does it compare to a BMW, which I guess is the standard. Do you have a good impression of the IS series or is that the forgotten child of Lexus? Thanks

Warren Brown: The IS is very much the forgotten child of Lexus, expecially in the company's marketing efforts. But it is a good performance car and worth the look for people interested in that sort of motoring.

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Winston-Salem, N.C.: I know I am preaching to the choir on this one, but did McCain really say that we should drop the gas tax for this summer? Really? It's one step short of "let them eat cake." Short of running for office (and getting elected,) what do us "commoners" do to help inject reality into the equation and get something resembling a comprehensive energy/science/education policy in place and through the thick skulls of gas guzzling Americans? (Hopping off soapbox) Thanks, and love your work.

Warren Brown: Well, Winston-Salem, you can log onto www.washingtonpost.com, click on "cars" and then an oddly labeled "experts" box and read my take on it in this Sunday's "Car Culture" column. What can I say? The senator admits he knows little about economics.

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Washington, D.C.: Hey Warren, big fan of your practical approach. But saying that I was wondering if you had chance to test drive the new M3 sedan.

Warren Brown: Thank you. Not yet.

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Leonardo, N.J.: Good morning Warren. I've heard a lot of arguements from the gas-guzzling-mid-life-crisis-sportcar-crowd on various forums that things like burning firewood or a typical motorcycle commute create more greenhouse gases than the average car makes in XXX hundred miles.

Attempts to find an answer from "expert" websites have been unsuccessful because I cannot tell the difference between real atmospheric scientists and the machinations of various industries' marketting departments. What are your own experiences with these debates? Is there really something to this or is it all just a load of hooey?

Warren Brown: It's simple, Leonardo: Oil is not a renewable resource. It is finite. It is the target of rapidly increasing global demand. The demand trajectory outstrips production ability. We can pay now, or pay much, much more later. Our choice.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Warren, I value your opinion so I'll ask. We are in the market for a used car for my son. We want him to have something reliable that he can afford to drive (I told him he has to pay the gas) while he finishs his last two years of college and hopefully for a couple of years beyond. To that end, I'm concerned that small cars like the Civic etc. are not as reliable with 75,000 miles on them as larger cars with larger engines at the same milage. Am I worrying unnecessarily?

Warren Brown: Pretty much.

Invest your anxiety into a defensive driving course for your son. Seriously.

That way, you increase the chances of his being around to buy his own car.

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Reston, Va.: A generic question. With car/truck buyers getting more savvy about purchasing and a ton of information on a specific car/truck (e.g. internet,) why do I need a car dealer in the future? Why can't I order one from the factory and cut away the middle(man/woman)? You still need a few manufacture centers for services, but that's about all they would be good for.

Warren Brown: Well, Reston:

We can start with "dealer day in court laws" which help to keep many dealers in business.

Also, in fairness, after clicking it, many consumers still prefer to brick it.

But overall dealership (stores) numbers are going down. Pretty soon, we'll all be shopping at Wal-Mart.

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Tampa: Back in the 70s, I lived out west. Many cars were converted to run on CNG-compressed natural gas I think. What's happened to this dinosaur? Thanks--enjoy your show.

Warren Brown: Hello, Tampa:

CNG prices are soaring, making that fuel less attractive for motoring. But Honda has a worthwhile CNG effort in play with its CNG-powered Civic and a complementary home CNG refueling station.

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Anonymous: Smart Car. I saw the little two seater at the NY car show and fell in love. Whenever I mention how I love this car, everyone says how it is so unsafe and I will be squashed like a peanut in the tiniest of accidents. What do you think? Can this really be an American car?

Warren Brown: I drove the Smart ForTwo from Amarillo to Detroit--safely.

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Anonymous: Re: "Malibu criticism." Warren, Burke should remember that rental fleets are not made up of the cream of the crop. They're usually bland, base models with no frills.

Warren Brown: Thank you Larry. Also, I apologize for blasting your contacts. Producer Matt says that was just for my info. My sincerest apologies.

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Jakarta, Indonesia: I am moving to Ottawa, Canada soon and would like to by a Toyota Camry or Prius hybrid. I'm concerned though about extreme cold weather there and whether it will cause problems with the car functioning properly. Do you know whether this is an issue? Thanks for your help.

Warren Brown: Hello, Jakarta:

All empirical evidence is that the Prius performs well in extreme cold.

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Rockville, Md.: Interesting about your Altima review and the complaint about the 10 differing packages. I purchased the Altima coupe but had to "settle" for the base 2.5S because the higher priced packages all came with a sunroof standard. This was an alarming trend for me during my car buying experience. As a tall person who does not like to lean back to drive, the growing number of models with standard sunroofs means I'm severely limited in my choices on a lot. This doesn't even included my opposition to sunroofs in general, I'm only talking about immediately rejecting a car because the sunroof makes the ceiling too low for me.

Warren Brown: Thank you, Rockville.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Warren, with reference to the answer you gave a few weeks ago about not taking Consumer Reports' poor ratings of Mercedes quality at face value. You realize, don't you, that those ratings are based on surveys sent by thousands of Mercedes owners, not CR writers?

Warren Brown: Usually, first-time Mercedes owners getting out of Honda and Toyota cars.

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Warren Brown: Okay, good folks. I'm on a short leash today. Thanks for stopping by. Please come back next week. Thanks, Matt.

Eat lunch, Ria,

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