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.

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Warren Brown: Check out the new GAS report at washingtonpost.com today. There's lots of information there to help you cope with higher fuel prices, bought to you by the automotive staff of washingtonpost.com.

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Washington, D.C.: Warren, I am an avid reader of your column and apprecaite your insights. Is there any timetable for the introduction of low-sulphur diesel station wagons by GM or Ford in the U.S.? Right now, I'm loving my 2007 Saturn Aura, but in the next couple of years the car I could really use is a decent mileage medium size station wagon. Thanks.

Warren Brown: Good morning, D.C.

Low-sulphur diesel fuel is making its way to fueling stations nationwide. Automobile manufacturers will follow, bstarting model-year 2009. The German will lead, starting with Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz. It will be a while, at this juncture, before the Americans follow with products such as station wagons. First American diesels will be trucks.

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Washington, D.C.: When searching for fuel economy numbers for new model cars I came across two government Web sites. One for U.S. model cars and one for cars in the U.K. I noticed that fuel economy numbers for British cars were much higher than for U.S. cars, with many, many cars getting above 60 miles to a U.S. gallon on the highway and over 40 in the city. Many of these cars have the same model name as in the U.S. (e.g. Ford Focus, Volvo S series wagons, etc.). If the cars are the same make and model why are their fuel economy numbers in the U.S. so abysmal?

Warren Brown: The Europeans and Asians have always had cars, in general, with better fuel economy than those sold in the United States. It's the market. Petrol, for taxes and other reasons, has always been more expensive in Europe and Asia. Petrol also been much less available than it is in the United States. Consumers in Europe and Asia, as a result, have long demanded and received more fuel-efficient vehicles...for which they were willing to pay handsomely. Watch closely: As gasoline prices continue to rise in the United States, the American car market will start looking more like the European and Asian markets in terms of the fuel economy and pricing of vehicles offered.

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Bethesda, Md.: Mr. Brown, why hasn't Ford made a hybrid version of the new Flex? What would be better than having a "flex-fueled" vehicle named Flex? Besides, the large panels are perfect for solar collection...

Warren Brown: That's a good question, Bethesda. My guess is that Ford was trring to bring the Flex in at a price-point that would not have been possible with more expensive hybrid technology.

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RE: Euro Fuel Economy: Don't forget that they're using Imperial gallons, which are 20 percent larger than American gallons. So add 20 percent to the U.S. numbers for a more accurate comparison. That being said, the engines in Europe are almost always smaller than ours. For example, my Mazda3 in the U.S. is only available with a 2.3L engine, but in Europe you can get a 1.4, 1.6, or 2.0. They don't even sell the 2.3 there, because it's too consumptive. It should only be a matter of time before Americans are willing to trade back a little horsepower for fuel economy.

Warren Brown: Thank you.

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Fairfax, Va.: I was wondering if your opinion has changed about the Cx-9. You wrote an article a while ago called "All the Utility of Luxury Brands, Less the Cost," and questioned the turning radius. How can that be? Does the Cx-9 have a larger turning radius than a BMW 3 series? Sure does. How bout an X5, Acadia, Highlander, or Pilot? For a vehicle to be 200 inches long and weigh 4200 pounds, what more could you expect?

washingtonpost.com: All the Utility of Luxury Brands, Less the Cost (Post, October, 2007)

Warren Brown: A better turning radius. But that's a quibble, easily taken care of by better driving and better planning before turns. the CX-9 is not a sports car, after all, although Mazda tries to put "sport" in everything it does. It's a wagon/crossover and a good one.

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Burke, Va.: How can I go about being an automotive journalist? Are you looking for any interns? I would be willing to do this for free if it gets my foot in the door AND I'll pay for any gas I use while test driving cars. I have a 4 day work week and I'd be happy to use the Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays I have off to work with you on reviewing whatever new car you're driving.

Warren Brown: Thank you, Burke.

First, you become a journalist. You do that by asking questions and looking for answers, by constantly learning and by being willing to admit mistakes, from which you learn even more.

You choose an area of interest, say the automobile industry. You try to learn as much as possible about what makes it tick, and how its ticking affects everything else.

You develop a love for your audience. And I mean that--love. That means you become decdicated to doing your absolute best to telling your audience what you know in a way that is informative as well as entertaining.

Then, you dedicate your life to all of that.

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West Baltimore: Warren! First time poster, long time reader. I hope that all's well with you and yours, and that Ria is eating her lunch (or is at least about to). I'm seriously thinking about making the plunge into an '09 standard Mini -- no S. I'm also considering going the manual route this time around, to save a little dough. How authoritative/responsive is the shifting in a Mini? Also, I read that oil change maintenance is only recommended every 10,000 miles. This seems like quite a long period, especially as I don't usually even drive that many miles in a year. Is this truly just a "recommendation", or will the car suffer if I maintain it more frequently (say, the standard 3-5 month interval or so)? Great thanks for your help.

Warren Brown: Greetings, West Baltimore:

You'll love the Mini, even with manual, although I find shifting back and forth in the kind of traffic we have in the Baltimore-Washington area a bit of a chore. The Mini's shifting is responsive--short, precise throws. Nothing vague. It's just that, in urban traffic, you've got to do so much of it, which is why I'd rather leave that task to an automatic gearbox.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Good morning Mr. Brown. Regarding the gas report on washingtonpost.com -- I cannot seem to find it anywhere. Perhaps my brain is just muddled by the usual high-temperature July Friday. Any chance of a direct link?

washingtonpost.com: Here you go: Gas -Saving Tips

Warren Brown: Try this. Thanks Courtney and Sakina.

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Washington,D.C.: My wife and I are expecting our first child and figure it is time to upgrade our 2002 2-door Chevy Cavalier. We have set our criteria pretty simply: 4-door and good gas mileage, around 20k. Could you offer any recommendations? I was a big fan of the hybrid until I started pricing them and now I'm not sure they are really worth it. What do you think? So far we have driven the Honda Accord and CR-V.

Warren Brown: Yes. The car I've been driving and loving for the last two weeks is the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ sedan with four cylinders and a six-speed automatic transmission, the security of OnStar emergency communications, good fuel economy, and an interior worthy of a luxury car.

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Falls Church, Va.: Warren, my wife is interested in a small SUV, like a Honda CR-V or Nissan Rogue. They're not great mileage, but they're not as bad as a larger vehicle. One of my fears, though, is that even a small SUV may be unsellable in a couple of years. If my wife is determined to go this route, should she lease?

Warren Brown: Hello, Falls Church. You're on the right track. Yes, I would lease. I've been speaking to many auto industry executives lately. Many of them say this: The U.S. industry is becoming more and more like the European and Asian industries, where the biggest value is with smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. We're just beginning that transition in the United States. Don't be fooled by the recent aggregate $18 per barrel drop in oil prices. Our gasoline will remain expensive, thus pushing the drive toward more efficient cars and trucks.

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Santa Monica, Calif.: Hey Warren. If you were forced to invest $10,000 in an automotive company today (and hold on to the stock for at least five years), which one would you choose and why?

Also, I hope that your health issues are under control. Continue to take care of yourself.

Warren Brown: General Motors. Renewed commitment to excellence, strong global growth, deeply talented staff, biggest upside potential.

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Toledo, Ill.: Warren: I have recently taken a new job that requires a 70 mile commute each way (almost all rural interstate). Small town living sometimes requires a long commute to find interesting work. I was wondering what your recommendation for a good commuter car would be. I am not a small man but presently drive a Geo Prism and am very concerned about the environment and also the price of gas. Thanks for your help.

Warren Brown: Hello, Toledo, Ill: If you can find a Honda Fit, buy it. Ditto a Mazda 3. Otherwise, consider a Nissan Versa (surprising room in that one), Toyota Yaris or Chevrolet Aveo.

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Virginia Beach, Va.: Good morning, Mr. Brown. I wonder what you think of the Post's article this morning about the Smart ForTwo "Life in the Cute Lane." It's definitely a step in the right direction if SUV owners are trading in for the Smart, but it's still disappointing for the Smart that it's mileage is only comparable to the Yaris or Fit, which are far more practical (except for parking). Obviously these people STILL want to make fashion statements and are making their car purchases based on that. But I guess that's to be expected, and that's fine. And like I said, it's a step in the right direction. What's the expression "Perfection is the enemy of efficiency?" or something like that? Your thoughts, sir?

Warren Brown: Hello, Virginia Beach: The saying is, "Perfection is the enemy of the good." That means we have a tendency to overlook good, acceptable solutions in search of the presumed perfect.

I've yet to pick up this mornings paper, which is lying in the driveway.

But I once did a silly thing: I drove a Smart ForTwo from Amarillo to Detroit. My body is still recovering. The ForTwo is an excellent urban car, but a lousy highway runner. The cute factor is important. Like it or not, we are not completely rational beings, especially when it comes to cars and trucks.

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Kansas City: Hi Warren, love your articles, keep up the good work! Just rented an Impala on a recent vacation and while the ride was pleasant, the interior looked and felt so cheap to elicit memories of my budget-bargain Hyundai that got me through college. Does GM recognize this and, if so, what are they doing to rectify this?

Warren Brown: GM recognizes that, Kansas City. You've experienced a bit of the old, by-the-numbers GM, which flooded rental fleets with so-so versions of otherwise good cars just to keep the factories running. No more. Also, the old GM didn't give a pahooty about interiors at a certain price point. Again, no more. Even the little Chevrolet Aveo now looks good.

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Arlington, Va.: Hey Warren, love the chat. We just recently found out that we are having twins in February, and have come to the realization that we need a bigger car to fit theirs and our 2-year-old's car seats. Really trying to avoid the (extremely practical but boring) minivan. Any thoughts on something with 3rd row seating and storage?

Warren Brown: The hippest thing out there for you, Arlington, is the Mazda CX-9. You might also consider the Saturn Outlook.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Hi Warren. I have a geopolitical question if you don't mind. The other day oil prices finally came down a bit -- in part, due to a surprise report saying we had gained 2M barrels in supply as opposed to the expected loss of 2M barrels. Over the past year, we've seen soaring transit ridership in every city in the country. Twenty of metro's 25 busiest days in history have been since last April! Toyota can't keep Prius' on the lot. GM has invested heavily in Coskata Energy -- who claims to have patent applications in for a process that will make less than $1/gallon ethanol from cellulose (waste products, not food). The Chevy Volt is supposed to be mass produced with a selling price around 20k by 2010. Clean Diesels are finally making it back into the U.S. market. You've said many many times in this chat -- there's no silver bullet, it's going to be a multi-faceted approach to solve this problem. Are high oil prices finally doing what Europe's been doing for years and our government has never had the guts to do? Are we finally seeing what SHOULD have happened 20 years ago if we had taxed gas at a rate that made sense considering the scarcity of the resource? Do you think it will continue? Thanks for your opinion!

Warren Brown: Yes, Silver Spring, high fuel prices finally are bringing about the changes needed for a more fuel-efficient, less oil dependent America. These prices are hurting all of us. But if they result in increased fuel efficiency, an increaased willingness on the part of consumers to conserve more fuel, accelerated development of alternative fuels and the infrastructures to support them, well, it's a pain worth bearing.

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Wellsville, Pa.: To West Baltimore, oil changes should be done by mileage OR time.

Warren Brown: Thank you, Wellsville, Pa.

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Washington, D.C.: Two thoughts, related: It is funny that the Smart ForTwo article implied that this car is new, fresh, etc. Yes, it is new to the U.S. -- but Europeans have been driving them for ten years. A great example of Americans only now "getting it" -- literally and figuratively -- when it comes to cars and efficiency.

You mentioned that SUVs, even small ones, may become an albatross on the market soon. Do you think we will see a return to wagons? Fifteen years ago, Honda and Toyota made Accord, Civic, Camry and Corolla wagons. Now, only the Toyota Matrix is available. Europeans buy wagons at huge numbers, including from luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes. I am a self-admitted wagon lover, and I keep hoping my fellow Americans will realize how practical and good to drive they are compared to bulky, space-inefficient SUVs.

Warren Brown: Perhaps, if the author of today's Smart ForTwo story had read all of the other stories the Post, via yours truly, did on the Smart ForTwo. Oh, well...research.

We're already seeing a return to wagons. It's just that we prefer calling them "crossovers" and dressing them up to look like SUVs. My hunch is that we'll soon start seeing more wagons that look like wagons.

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Washington, D.C.: For Arlington about to have twins...before you even consider an SUV, you need to haul three car-seats down to the local dealers and try them out. Accessing a third row in many SUVs is a nightmare, there's not much space and it involves an awkward climb over/around the middle row.

I realize a minivan isn't "exciting," but it will make your life so much easier every time you need to get a kid into the way-back seat.

Warren Brown: Thank you, Washington. Arlington, that's really good advice.

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Chevy Chase, D.C.: Hi Warren -- your Chat Rules! Thanks for taking my question. I live close to my office, and walk to work and back daily. Most of my driving is recreational on the weekend. I have a garaged parking place in my condo, and am looking for a sporty car (new or gently used), maybe a convertible if I can find the right one. Which car would you recommend -- and what are your thoughts on a 24-month lease? I've never leased before, but it might be fun to change cars every couple years. Appreciate it.

Warren Brown: Given your driving profile, Chevy Chase, I'd get rid of car ownership altogether and get with Flexcar or some other convenient car rental service. Your driving is strictly situational and apparently highly elective. You are the perfect rental car customer. Why pay for anything else?

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BMW X6?: I tried to find your review of this and didn't see one. Have you had a chance to check it out? I like the looks of it, but just wondering how it drives.

Warren Brown: We haven't reviewed that one. Ria and I will put it on the list. Thanks.

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Herndon, Va.: I'm surprised your'e still on today. Do you know what's going on at VW in Herndon? It looks like they have a bunch of rally cars or race cars here today.

Warren Brown: Yes, I know. But I'd rather spend my Fridays with you all. Love your audience, remember?

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Raleigh, N.C.: Hi Warren. What's your opinion of the new Lincoln MKS? Is it different enough from the Taurus/Sable to make it worth the extra money? Any chance for a diesel or hybrid version of it or any of the Lincoln stable?

Warren Brown: It's a nice car that tries too hard for luxury. I much prefer the more simple and elegant Buick Lucerne.

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Oh help...lease is soon up: Hi. I've been leasing a much-beloved Honda S2000, but my nearest and dearest is simply too tall to be comfortable either driving or riding in my little charmer.

I like the "fun" of the car, and am a tad short so also like being able to see over the hood. Not a fan of muscle cars, but what kind of replacement should I be looking for -- Z-4, 350Z, Miata MX5, Saab 9-3, BMW 3-convertible? Help!

Warren Brown: Look at all of those. But you'd best go shopping with your nearest and dearest for a fit test. Otherwise...fus, fus, fus.

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Boonsboro, Md.: Is now a good time to look for that Cadillac SRX I have been dreaming of? I mostly use mass transit, so I don't drive much for a commute, but lots of weekend running around.

Warren Brown: Yes. It's a buyer's market for that one.

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Alexandria, Va.: Aren't foreign cars more fuel-efficient because they don't require catalytic converters, which reduce air pollution?

Warren Brown: No. The Europeans and Asians also have exhaust emission regulations that require exhaust after treatment.

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Columbia, Md.: RE: Toledo's commuter car question: If you are interested in a larger car than the subcompacts you list, you might want to consider the VW Jetta diesel that will hit the lots later this year. Diesel is especially fuel efficient for highway driving.

Warren Brown: Thank you.

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Virginia Beach: Hello Warren! We'd like to invite you to our Stunt Driving Program in Virginia. Our team of instructors is made up of some of the best stunt drivers in the film industry. They are the ones responsible for the automotive acrobatic stunts in movies like "Vantage Point", "Bourne Ultimatum", and "Bad Boys II" to name a few. They've won multiple World Stunt Awards, hold multiple world records and are inductees into the "Hollywood Stuntmen's Hall of Fame". We've just opened a branch of our program in Virginia and will launch our first class on July 30 and 31. I look forward to hearing back from you. Regards, Tania Cardwell IFPDI Stunt Drivers and Instructors.

Warren Brown: Thank you for the invitation. Please send the particulars to manglapusv@washpost.com. Ria will take care of the booking. Thank you all for joining us today. Thank you Courtney, Sakina, Amy.

Time to eat lunch, Ria.

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