Complaint: We had a disagreement on ride feel. Ria thought it was too hard for a compact family car. Mary Anne and I thought it was just right.

To understand the future of the automobile industry, you must understand the success of Wal-Mart, the world's largest retail organization.

Dear readers: You'll notice that my byline has changed. That's because I've retired from the full-time staff of this fine journal, effective July 1. It was not a tough decision. I love this newspaper, which has employed me for 33 years.

Dear Tom and Ray: Last week, I was cleaning the interior of my '04 Ford Escape. To reach a part of the console between the two front seats, I had to raise the emergency-brake lever. Stupidly, I forgot that I had done so, and drove the car about five miles.