Live Q&As

I'd stick with the Jetta diesel. Stronger, more fuel-efficient engine, especially for your super-commute.

Cost and the decline of small pickup sales in the United States. Bottom line is that no manufacturer, yet, sees a profitable business case in a compact diesel pickup.

Technology is like that. It does not fit the irrational exuberance of Capitol Hill politicians or "News at 11" journalists. It improves incrementally, often too slowly or expensively for consumers. Thus is the case with hybrids. Small, powerful tourbo-four gasoline engines now deliver excellent mileage and "fun-to-drive" with one drive system, as opposed to two in hybrids. They are also less expensive. There is more than one way to save fuel and reduce tailpipe pollution, and many of them are considerably less expensive than electrified vehicls.

I didn't see it. Most of my attention was taken by a remake of the RDX crossover. Honda is struggling to get back to the top of the heap in innovation and quality. If the ISX matches the RDX in design and quality, it should be okay.

I've long considered the CR ratings too conservative and biased-weighted by a pre-selected audience, CR subscribers. But I also pay attention to those ratings, too. Here's the deal: Check out the latest Altima, which I think is the 2013 model to be intro'd this spring. I spent lots of time with it at the NY Auto Show. My conclusion: There is no reason, absolutely none, for me to spend more money on a Maxima.

I'm a Carmax fan, as most of you know. I'm not paid by the company, nor am I in any way commercially bound by the company. It's just that Carmax has won my faith over the years in the way it treats and respects is customers. If Carmax is selling a 2011 Ford Mustang, the likelihood is that the car already has been checked and certified for more life on the road. Buy with confidence. If I'm wrong on this, please come back and tell us why.

I don't know who is right or wrong on this one. I and my minions have to check it out.

Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F 150 (my always favorite), Dodge Ram 1500 or Toyota Tundra. Compare quality, fuel economy, power, comfort, versatility and price. You will find something in that bunch that suits you.

Yes, my friend, you are missing a lot. Also consider the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia. The Ford Flex just got its knuckles rapped for difficulty in installing child safety seats, but it's an overall darned good family hauler. Ditto the Toyota Sienna. Thought: Mercedes-Benz is  discontinuing its R-Class, the crossover/minivan that M-B refused to call a crossover/minivan. My hunch is that M-B dealers will be hustling to clear that one off their lots at reduced prices. The R-Class actually is one of the world's best minivans. You might be able to pick up one at deep discount.

I'm now driving the XC 60 crossover, which has slightly better fuel economy than those you've mentioned. But "slightly" means "slightly" in this case. Volvo's forte is not, nor has it ever been fuel economy. It's safety, a theme that continues big time with the XC 60.

Yes, a prejudice against family haulers and, dare I say, against the notion of "family". So many unhappy people in this world! At any rate, here's the deal: A station wagon is a minivan is a Sports Utility Vehicle is a crossover is a sportswagon or sportswagen. Vehicle marketing people could save a lot of time and money if they just got over their angst about "family."

The fall of 2012. Certainly by spring of 2013. Introduction here is a moveable feast.

If you are turning left on a green arrow permitting the turn, you have the right of way. The other driver is being a bit thoughtless.

Marketing. A good car with lousy marketing. It happens more often than you might think. Heads up: VW soon plans to introduce a smaller version of the CC. But if the company markets the new model the way it has sold the old CC, you won't know that the new car is here.

First, the EPA attempts to base its tests on "norms," which  may not be entirely accurate. But they are in no way "fluff" or "nonesense." Mileage is affected by myriad factors--the driver, road and weather conditions, vehicle maintenance, load carried among them. Mileage is and always will be an estimate.

I thought he or she wrote that he or she was turning left on an arrow. My error. No arrow, just green, you wait for oncoming traffic to clear.

As always, thanks, Clifton. How are you these days?

Keep in mind that parts for "American" cars come from everywhere and that parts for "foreign" cars also come from America, or are designed in concert with U.S. based companies. It is a truly global industry. You can buy a BMW made in America or a GM car made in Germany or a Hyundai made in Alabama. Buy what you want. I'd go with the Subaru frankly.

Well, then, we agree to disagree. Current VW quality and reiability are competitive with all rivals. I'd keep the Jetta diesel and bank fuel costs saved though better mileage.

Sounds like a fuse or a short. And, no, under no circumstances would I pay $1,000 to have it repaired. I'd buy a watch, or a Garmin, or another iPhone first.

Not something one would notice around her, I think.

Enjoy.

And for the rest of you, please come back next week. Lou Ann will be in tow with her notes on recent travels. For all of you guys who asked: Yeah, she's very married to a quite likeable guy name Stretch. So, please stop bugging me about her status. I'm not Oprah.

Thanks, Dominique Vu, for another fine production. As always, thank you, Ria Manglapus, for keeping this business running.