Real Wheels

Warren Brown
Washington Post columnist
Friday, September 12, 2008 11:00 AM

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: Good morning, kind people. We spend a lot of time here discussing heavy issues--energy, environment, fuel prices. And we'll continue to do so. But we also want you to have fun. That being the case, we've launched a Classic Cars site and users can use that space to show off their metal, tip us on styling ideas, that sort of thing. Fun. Join us at www.washingtonpost.com:Classic Cars Photo Gallery. It's about the cars!

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washingtonpost.com: Classic Cars Photo Gallery

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Wake Forest, N.C.: In the coming weeks, I want to purchase an economical, good handling, manual transmission hatchback that does dual duty as a people mover/single commuter/"stuff" hauler, and is equally at home in town and on the highway. Your recent review of the 09 Honda Fit peaked my interest, but finding one to test drive has proved impossible. How does it match up to the Mazda3 S hatchback in terms of nimble handling and sound suppression at Interstate speed?

Warren Brown: Good morning, Wake Forest, N.C.

It does not surprise me that your'e having a hard time finding a Honda Fit. Sales of that model is up 55.6 percent calendar-year-to-date 2008 over 2007. Honda is planning to sell 80,000 Fits in the U.S. for full calendar 2009. It's selling every one that comes in, which leaves Fit substitutes, of which the best is the Mazda 3. Then follows the Nissan Versa. The Chevrolet Aveo5 hatch, being reviewed in this Sunday's On Wheels Column, is a good No.4--and probably the best value in the subcompact hatch pack.

Seal Beach, Calif.: I test drove a V6 Genesis recently, and thought it had a solid feeling 6 speed automatic transmission and powerful almost V8 like acceleration. It rides quietly like a Lexus. What would you think about the new 310 HP Genesis Coupe due about March in the U.S.?

Warren Brown: Hello, Seal Beach, Calif.:

I've driven and reviewed the Genesis sedan and found it very much to my liking--excellent overall craftsmanship, attractive design inside and out. I prefer the 290-hp, 3.8 V-6 version over the 375-hp V-8, which has a heavier and more ponderous feel in handling. But both are extremely well done. Acura, Lexus and the Germans had better take it seriously.

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Mt. Laurel, N.J.: If the X6 is so bad then why is there a 6 month waiting list on it? Obviously it must have great appeal to be on a waiting list!

Warren Brown: Good Morning, Mt. Laurel:

The X6 is a low-volume niche vehicle, less than 5,000 slotted for the U.S. market, assuming that I have the numbers right. That explains the list. Again, as I said in my review, my argument is not with the intrinsic quality of the X6. It's with the sculpture, which I find ugly, ambiguous, amorphous, depressing in its lack of definition. And it's with the overabundance of technology, much of it unnecessarily complicated. And it's with its pathetic dearth of utility in what purports to be a utility vehicle. Oh, yeah, and I'm not the least bit impressed with barely 20 mpg on the highway in what is supposed to be a technologically sophisticated vehicle. Oh, and did I mention its price, which starts north of $50k?

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Washington, D.C.: Mr. Brown, my mother had an accident in her Volvo S40 and is now shopping for a replacement. Would you have any specific recommendations for vehicles in this class & price range ($29K base)? Thanks!

Warren Brown: Hello, Washington:

Have your mother take a look at the Toyota Corolla, which has been nicely updated for 2009. Its safe, fuel-efficient, and available fully loaded for under $21,000--an overall better value than her S40.

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Reston, Va.: Warren, Chrysler does have a winner in the Dodge Challenger but they are killing their own sales. One of my friends, who is a Chrysler customer was so ticked off with them that they may have lost a customer. He currently owns a 300C with the Hemi. He wanted to test drive the Challenger and they wouldn't even allow him to test drive it. Next, they had a $10,000.00 markup on the Challenger. Why would anybody be crazy enough to pay an additional $10,000.00 for a car. Chrysler is pushing itself closer to the grave with actions like this.

Warren Brown: I post this Reston so that Chrysler execs will understand your angst.

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North Little Rock, Ark.: Lately, and to no one's surprise, car makers are making gas mileage the main focus of their commercials. Overlooking the fact that they don't mention the mileage they're shouting about is highway, not city, I'm underwhelmed at the MPG they're bragging about -- as low as 24 MPG. I have a 2001 VW Golf turbodiesel that was rated 42/47 new and still averages about 40 in mixed driving with the air conditioning in use. There have been even stingier cars built in the past that weren't diesels (Honda Civic CRX HF, some Geos). What's up today? Can auto makers truly not build a car that's as fuel efficient as those built seven, ten, or more years ago?

Warren Brown: Dear North Little Rock, Ark.:

I share your disgruntlement over the industry's mpg bragging, which, as you point out, tends to emphasize highway mileage over city mileage. It would be better to talk about combined city/highway mileage. But, many times, for me at least, highway mileage is the easiest to monitor because most of my driving is on the highway.

But let's not beat upon the industry for its sudden affection for good mileage, which is nothing more than a reflection of the American consumer's new-found affection for the same. We're all waking up from a cheap-gas hangover. Nobody should be pointing fingers for the sins committed at that party. We all attended and had a hell of a good time.

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Carrboro, N.C.: Warren--today's NY Times has an editorial that credits some domestic manufacturers' prioritization of SUVs to tariffs on light trucks, making that a market segment in which U.S. manufacturers had an artificial advantage over foreign makers. Do you buy this? What's the current state of tariffs on imports of light trucks?

Warren Brown: Hello, Carrboro, N.C.

The NYT is a bit off on this one. Initially, the customs tariff on foreign trucks applied primarily to vehicles with two side doors. But the U.S. Customs department, in the mid 1980s, I think, said that anything with four doors could be classified as a "car," thereby exempting it from the truck tariff. Have you noticed the proliferation of four-door SUVs and crew-cab pickups? The domestics have no clear regulatory advantage in that segment.

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Charlotte, N.C.: Hi Warren. I have a question about the right way to test drive a vehicle. We are in the market for a midsize sedan and I test drove Malibu, Camry, Accord and Altima. I started with the assumption (based on all the expert reviews) that I would love the Camry but probably wouldn't choose it because it's the most expensive. My husband and I both loved Altima but Malibu was a nice ride and felt like it was overall a better choice. We didn't appreciate the Camry or Accord. Now, I'm worried that we don't know to test drive a vehicle properly. What should we have done to come to same expert conclusion that Camry is the best Sedan in that category? Is it just looking at specs? reliability reports or doing something different while test driving? What I'm asking is how do we develop better test driving skills?

Warren Brown: Dear Charlotte, N.C.

You did exactly the right thng. And it does not surprise me that, as a result, you found favor with the Malibu. Here's betting that most people following your hands-on, let's-see approach will come to the same conclusion: The Malibu is a worthy contender, and probably the best value in the mid-size sedan segmnet. Well, ahm, maybe not the best value. You should also test-drive the Hyundai Sonata.

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Mini Guy: Not to be a hater, but... is it just me, or does the Ford Flex kinda look like a Mini Clubman reject/wannabe?

Warren Brown: No hate here. The Ford Flex looks like a stretched Mini Clubman. Yes, it does.

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Washington, D.C.: Re: Volvo S40 replacement. Thank you for the Toyota Corolla suggestion Mr. Brown. Would you have any other picks to add?

Warren Brown: In that size-class, yes--the Honda Civic and, for best value, the Hyundai Elantra.

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Rockville, Md.: When do I need to put premium fuel in my car. I have been told to only use Premium fuel for my 06 ACURA TSX Is this really necessary or just marketing hype?

Warren Brown: PREMIUM FUEL

Everybody, listen up:

. If you have a turbocharged engine, use premium.

. If you have a supercharged engine, used premium.

. If the owner's manual says premium is "required," use premium.

. If it says premium is "recommended for best performance," you can use a lower grade.

. You don't need premium in a car designed to run on regular. Premium will not make a regular car run or feel better.

. If you don't want to pay for premium fuel, don't buy a car for which premium is required or recommended. Please file this response away for future reference.

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Vienna, Va.: Warren -- Regarding the Dodge dealer's behavior. It's typical of most American car dealerships. Go to your local Toyota dealer and see if they don't kill you with kindness. (Are you listening Moore Cadillac?)

Warren Brown: It is no more typical of American car dealerships than it is of retailers of foreign metal. It is poor salesmanship, pure and simple.

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Clifton, Va.: Dont forget the Chevy Cobalt and Ford Focus. And the VW Rabbit.

Warren Brown: I did forget them, Cifton. For the Volvo S40 replacement, also consider these. Thanks, Clifton.

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Volvo fan:: I don't want something as big as the XC90 but didn't want a wagon either. Is the new XC60 going to be the answer to my prayers?

Warren Brown: It all depends if you worship at the gas pump. The XC60 will bring you there more than a compact vehicle should.

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Anonymous: Care to comment on the U.S. auto industry seeking loans from the U.S. government?

Warren Brown: Yes.

The government should make the loans.

We bail out governments of suspect democracy.

We bail out financial insitiutions that make nothing except suspect loans.

We've subsidized EVERY foreign car company that set up a manufacturing facility in the United States.

And we can't loan $25 billion to American companies providing American jobs? We can't help them retool for the future? Is it important for America to own an American manufacturing base? I think so.

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Re: Premium Fuel: Warren, thanks for putting the details about using premium fuel out there. I'm so tired of people with hi-perf cars whining about the few extra cents it costs for premium.

Warren Brown: You are welcome.

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Re: Dealerships: Actually, given the overall market right now, if you're not looking at a Challenger or a Fit, they can't get you into a test drive fast enough. Drive slowly by any dealership right now, domestic or import, and you can smell the desperation.

Warren Brown: Zingggg!!!! But, you're right. It boggles my brain that any dealer in the current automotive retail environment would give a customer the bum's rush on a test drive.

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Hyundai: Can I just say that I love that Hyundai has stuck around to compete. Their early cars were horrible -- and were compared to Yugo's! But they stuck with it, and are now making competitive cars. To the point where I prefer getting a Hyundai when I rent a car -- even the stripped down rental fleet version has plenty of amenities and gets decent gas mileage. I am hoping that Ford and GM will be able to weather the credit crunch to have a similar North American turnaround (their small cars in Europe and S. America are great).

Warren Brown: Human nature is amenable to redemption, even in the U.S. automobile industy.

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Alexandria, Va.: Good morning Warren, I would appreciate your expert advice on this: I'm in the market for a new or low mileage pre owned car/SUV/truck, all things being equal I would prefer no SUV. I own a jetski and take frequent road trips at least 8-9 hours driving distance. However, I take public transport to work. What would you recommend? Thanks for your time.

Warren Brown: Check out a Kia Sportage/Hyundai Tucson, Alexandria. Better still, check out www.cars.com, an affiliate of The Washington Post. WWW.cars.com is now running a list of 10 of the most fuel-efficient SUVs: Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass, Kia Sportage/Hyundai Tucson, Ford Escape/MazdaTribute, Nissan Rogue, Mazda tribute Hybrid, Honda Element and Mitsubishi Outlander.

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washingtonpost.com: Cars.Com

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Scarsdale, N.Y.: Warren -- Thanks for your online chats and columns. I'm looking for a fun to drive, roomy (I'm 6'2") 4-door, luxury sedan ($25K-$35K) with decent mileage? Any suggestions? Thanks.

Warren Brown: Hello, Scarsdale:

Check out the new Hyundai Genesis (amazingly good, that one) and the revised Acura RL.

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Upper Marlboro, Md.: There is a hydrogen station in NE -- why can't Honda launch a test of their cars in this area?

Warren Brown: The Honda FCX is running in this area on a limited basis. I hope to have it, soon.

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23112: I have to say that, having been underwhelmed by photos of the new Mazda 6, I took some time to look them over in person, and the appearance has grown on me. Much more striking and interesting than the Accord and the Camry.

Warren Brown: Yup.

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Langley, Va.: Hi Mr Brown, Indeed, it isn't the type of car dealership, it is the culture. I am a petite woman in my 30's, and I was all but ignored by sales staff (primarily foreign born men) who literally told me upon noting my wedding ring, to "come back with your husband".I am a vet, and fairly intelligent. That was extremely insulting, and that was at a local Honda dealership. Thank you for reading (and perhaps printing) my comment.

Warren Brown: Thank you, Langley. Such goofiness never ceases to amaze me.

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Washington, D.C.: On my last two long trips, my Lexus RX 330 (5 yrs old) averaged 27 mpg, according to the dashboard info computer. Should I believe it?

Warren Brown: After five years together, you and your RX 330 should have established trust. If it tells you it's getting 27 mpg, you should believe it. Has it lied to you before? Is there another driver?

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Bethesda, Md.: Warren, it seems Hyundai is going the Datsun/Nissan route: From humble beginnings, the company is now putting together solid, nicely-built, reliable cars. When do you see it overcoming the "prestige gap" that still attaches to the Hyundai name? Or will it Nissan-ize itself?

Warren Brown: Hyundai needs to redefine "prestige" more than it needs to overcome a "prestige gap." In the automobile industry, "prestige" too often has been used to note cars that are overpriced and under-thought. "Prestige" thus undermined value. Hyundai's is a value story. It should redefine "prestige" as quality, reliability, and common sense at an affordable price.

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Re: Reston, Va.: Tell your friend to expand his horizons beyond the local area. Dodge dealers as little as 200 miles away are willing to sell the 08 Challenger SRTs at MSRP. I have an 09 R/T ordered through a dealer in N.C. at invoice. Find a dealer in an economically depressed area- they're happy with the tidy profit off a sale at invoice to sticker.

Warren Brown: Thank you, Reston.

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Boston: Well Warren, after reading your chats weekly for 8 years I finally would appreciate your opinion on my real-world problem. Because my '00 VW's engine is unusable prematurely at 150k miles, and our second baby is due in 2 months, this is an opportune time to get the bigger car we need. (Can I yell and scream, and cry at my utter disappointment about needing to replace my VW?) However money is tight and we don't want to take on another 20k car loan, and I'm anticipating that within 5-10 years time there will be many more hybrid/diesel/alternative fuel choices as the standard. I feel like the U.S. market is in transition and I don't want to get a new car until we're well into a new phase of fuel effient cars. We have 10k to spend. We're looking to get a safe family car with 20-25 MPG. So far I'm considering a mid '00s Subaru Outback or Volvo V70. Do you have any thoughts on the two or other mid size, non-body-on-frame-SUV, family-of-4 vehicles? Thanks!

Warren Brown: Good morning, Boston:

Go to Hyundai. Get a certified used Sonata.

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Warren Brown: Thanks for joing us today. Again, please check out our Classic Car Gallery at www.washintonpost.com: Classic Cars Gallery. Come back to us next week.

Thanks, Sakina, for producing today's chat.

Eat lunch, Ria.

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