Real Wheels
Warren Brown
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 07, 2004; 11:00 a.m. ET
Warren Brown talks about all your automobile issues! He has been covering the automobile industry for The Washington Post since 1982. Brown, who joined the newspaper in 1976, has what many people think is a particularly cool job: He gets to test drive all manner of cars, from top-of-the-line Mercedes sedans and the newest sports cars to Volkswagen Beetles and SUVs. His auto reviews are lively, detailed accounts of a car's good and bad points, addressing everything from a car's highway performance to its "head-turning" factor and sound system.
Join Brown online Wednesdays 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.
Editor's Note: washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
McLean, Va.:
Mr. Brown:
I just recently put my old SUV up for sale. Until recently, I drove two cars... a fuel-efficient VW convertible that I use most of the time. But I also used the '95 Jeep Grand Cherokee for vacation trips, Home Depot trips, and the occaisional blizzard. After putting that thing up for sale, I've realized that it's really good to have that gas-guzzler as a second vehicle and that I need to replace it. Can you suggest a replacement (that can carry a surfboard on top, a vacation's worth of junk inside, and enough grip and ground clearance to handle the winter)? I've been looking at the Escape Hybrid, but all of the Ford dealers are trying to stick it to me on price. I fear that same will be true when Lexus gets their SUV out. Are diesels worth the trouble?
Warren Brown: Good morning, everybody.
Hello, McLean.
Will some of these dealers ever learn? Until recently, Ford dealers had very little to attract customers, other than their conventional ICE trucks and SUVs, many of which were incentivized heavily. But their customers stuck by them anyway.
Now, there is the Ford Escape Hybrid--a good gas/electric, but by no means the last answer in fuel economy or compact SUVs.
If some Ford dealers are silly enough to try to stick it to you on gthe Escape, I say give them the ignoble salute and take your money to Hyundai, where a reasonable fuel-efficient Santa Fe compact SUV awaits you at a reasonable price.
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Bethesda, Md.:
Mr. Brown,
In your discussion on June 23 you mentioned that there are a number of new cars from, among other manufacturers, Citroen. Unfortunately Citroen has not sold cars in the US since 1992. Is it possible to import Citroens into the US and, if so, how could it be done? Thanks very much.
Warren Brown: Hello, Bethesda.
It's possible, but difficult and possibly expensive. Anything you import will have to comply with U.S. auto emissions and safety laws. Outfitting a Citroen to do that could cost bucks. I would recommend first talking to the people at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency before writing any checks.
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Washington, D.C.:
I am buying a FWD Toyota Highlander w/4 cylinders,
but everyone is telling me to go for the V6.
I like the lower price and the better gas mileage of the Four, and wish I paid more attention during test-drive. what do you think?
Warren Brown: Hello, Washington.
I prefer the 230 hp, 3.3-liter V-6, because the Highlander, in reality, is designed to do double duty as a tow vehicle and a family runner. But if you aren't planning to tow anything, or to run long miles on the interstates, the 2.4-liter, 160-horsepower, inline four-cylinder engine will do just fine.
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Takoma Park, Md.:
Man, I thought Mitsubishi had trouble before. The Post's recent article on the cover up in their light truck division makes it seem like it is pretty much gonna be the end of them, no? washingtonpost.com:
Safety Scandal Shames Mitsubishi (Post, July 6)
Warren Brown: That safety scandal has been around for a while, old news in Japan where several Mitsu execs were arrested for covering up a defect that allegedly contributed to a traffic death.
But I would not be so quick to close the coffin lid on Mitsubishi.
The U.S. operation now is headed by Finbarr O'Neill, the man who turned Hyundai the Loser into Hyundai the Winner. Doing that at Mitsu will require a lot more work. (Hyundai execs were never hauled to the slammer for covering up safety problems.)
But as long as Finbarr is at bat, I'm betting that he has a 50-50 chance of pulling the company out of trouble--at least in North America.
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Baltimore, Md.:
I need advice on adding a lift kit to a Jeep Wrangler. Are there any highway restrictions? Any potentail problems that lifting (about 6") will cause to the vehicle?
Warren Brown: Hello, Baltimore:
One big problem is that by adding six inches more ground clearance to your Wrangler you greatly increase the vehicle's center of gravity--and your chances for rolling over and dying in a crash.
Also, you greatly increase your personal liability in the event your heightened Wrangler overrides the bumper of a smaller vehicle and kills its occupant or occupants in the process.
Your insurer probably does not like the idea at all, particularly if you already have a few "minor" citations on your driving record and you are, say, young, male, and unmarried.
But, no, I see no potential mechanical problems for the VEHICLE.
As for highway restrictions, the good folks at the Maryland Motor Vehicles Administration would be able to answer that.
But I do know this from real-world experience: State Troopers generally don't look too kindly on raised vehicles, especially pickups and SUVs. I don't blame them. After all, they usually are the first responders to those messy, unnecessary fatal highway crashes.
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Springfield, Va.:
Warren, I love reading your chat, even though I'm close to clueless when it comes to cars! I have only ever owned two vehicles, a 1990 Chevy Work Truck and now a 1998 Ford Ranger. I've loved both of them. (what can I say, I'm a pickup driving country girl at heart!) I've occasionally driven cars (rentals or borrowed), but I really do feel more comfortable driving my truck.
As I get nearer to contemplating my next vehicle purchase, I'm really at a loss though. I would like to be able to have more than one passenger at a time (which sort of rules out the another pickup truck). I'd like something cute (and a sun/moonroof would really be fun), but still comfortable for backseat passengers. I would also like something that handles a little better in snow than an empty pickup truck! I haven't thought too much about price yet (still early in the planning) but I can't imagine paying more than $25 K for anything! (Though less would be great). Price seems to rule out most of the SUVs then. I just really don't know what vehicles I should start investigating. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks so much!
Warren Brown: My beloved Springfield:
No need to fret. There are any number of four-door pickups available, or pickups with "rear access doors." Heck, the new Ford F-150 alone has 46 different cab/chassis/bed configurations. Quite a few of them can accommodate you and a bevy of friends.
There also is the Nissan Titan, Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram 1500. If you want to stay in the compact segment, I believe your Ranger now offers seating for four in a crew cab configuration. Check that. I'm working from memory here. But You'll certainly find something in the Dodge Dakota line, or with the Toyota Tacoma. And when you do, heck, why don't you invite your favorite auto writer to lunch? Cheers, dear.
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Lafayette, Ind.:
I purchased an '04 VW Jetta TDI with
automatic transmission in early April. I'm
averaging about 40 mpg. Plenty of power
and pick up. Any problems on the horizon
with this model? The dealer will be doing
the periodic service.
Warren Brown: Only if you move to California, where the CARBmeisters (the unelected officials of the California Air Resources Board) today are taking final public comments on a proposal to make auto companies reduce vehicle carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent between 2009 and 2014.
Diesel generally emits much less C02 than gasoline ICEs. But that's besides the point.
CARB really isn't that interested in reducing C02. After all, we exhale the stuff everytime we breathe. What CARB really wants to do, in the absence of its now-aborted zero-emissions vehicle mandate, is to increase fuel economy by 40 percent by 2015.
As anyone familiar with my work knows, I am a great proponent of increased fuel economy, which diesel power offers.
But CARB doesn't like diesel either. Diesel might have lower CO2 emissions than gasoline, but it's still too heavy on nitrogen oxide pollutants, CARB says.
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Capitol Heights, Md.:
Hello Mr. Brown. What is your honest opinion about the Ford Focus?
Warren Brown: As opposed to my dishonest opinion, Capitol Heights?
Just kidding.
The Focus is something like a lover spurned and taken back.
At first, I was infatuated. It was a neat, small car with great personality, good looks, and surprisingly good performance.
But it started messing up. Everytime I wanted a date, it was too busy with another recall. I got angry and scratched it off my list.
But the Focus came calling again--first in hot-to-trot SVT dress and then in something designed with California in mind, the PZEV (Parttial Zero Emissions Vehicle.)
I drove them both and fell in love again, which is where, for the moment, I remain.
You can read more about this in my upcoming book: "Confessions of a Car Freak," which I hope to co-author with former President Bill Clinton.
Hey, Bill, you interested?
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Wheaton, Md.:
Dear Waren,
Has Ford stopped making the full size Bronco? Did the Expedition replace it? I haven't seen a new one for quite a while.
Warren Brown: Ford introduced a new concept Bronco at the Detroit, New York and Geneva auto shows this year. Methinks the company plans to turn the concept into reality in a year or so, depending on perceived consumer demand and market conditions.
For the monet, the Bronco remains out of production.
But I am journeying to Dearborn on July 22nd, where I hope to learn more from Chairman Bill Ford himself.
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Alexandria, Va.:
I'm about to buy a 2004 Honda Odyessey. Should I spring for an extended warranty?
Warren Brown: You should wait for the 2005 model, due out early fall. It has a larger, more accommodating interior, overall better design than the 2004. Wait, unless you're shopping primarily for price.
Hint: Because of the coming 2005 models, I'd definitely seek discounts on the 2004 Odyssey vans. If Honda dealers aren't willing to cooperate, let them hold the 2004 inventory until the 2005 models come out. Then, they will have to deal.
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Silver Spring, Md.:
Re: lift kits, etc.
Warren, I'm with you on the lift kits. They may be helpful for strictly off-road use, although 6 inches sounds like it's being done for looks, not for ground clearance. I really don't want to see one coming my way on the surface streets or highways.
I wanted to point out that questions like this (and about oil change intervals and such) show me that these questions are coming from people that may not be familiar with your writing. That's good! You're reaching a bigger audience.
Our Subaru stationwagon was sideswiped (while parked) and is in the shop. We were given a new Buick Century as a loaner. It’s like a time warp – big, powerful, totally old Detroit – in a good way. It’s not functional enough for my taste but should I tell my Dad to consider it while he ponders Camrys and Accords?
Thanks.
Warren Brown: Thanks, Silver Spring. Tell your dad to get the new Pontiac Bonneville, the GXP version if he really wants a hoot. But, you're right. The Century, Camry and Accord have an awful lot in common. I'm glad somone finally realizes that.
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Washington, D.C.:
I really liked your review of the new Saab 9-2X. Two quick questions:
Where's the 9-2 made? Sweeden? Japan? With a production run of only 8000 vehicles, I would assume Japan, but thought I'd ask.
Secondly, you pointed out on Sunday (as you have many times in this forum), that there are few "national" automotive manufacturers - everbody's global. You stated that GM has a relationship with Fuji Heavy Industries. Does GM own a portion of Fuji (as Ford owns something like 30% of Mazda), or do they simply have long-term codevelopment agreements (like Chrysler had with Mitsubishi)?
Thanks for your help!
Warren Brown: GM has a 20-percent interest in Fuji Heavy Industries, which asseemebles the 9-2X in Subaru plants. I have to check if that assembly actually takes place in Japan.
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Burke, VA :
A good friend on mine's Escalade was rear ended by another Escalade with Roo bars. As a result he was pushed into GMC Envoy. The amount of damage on the rear of his SUV was severe because of teh Roo bars and minimal to the front of his SUV and the rear of Envoy. Being the good liability attorney he is considering sueing the manufacture of Roo bars and GM for the increased damage as a result of Roo bars. Body shop says the Roo bars caused an extra $2500.00 in damage. Neither one of us can figure out why anyone would want the bars in first place ie increased weight and drag. They should outlawed!
Warren Brown: I think Roo bars (kangaroo bars) already are outlawed in Australia, where they at least make some sense. They make absolutely no sense in urban America.
But I've only loved two lawyers in my life, my daughter Binta and my niece LaVon. Otherwise, lawyers bug the hell out of me.
Why sue the manufacturer of the Roo bars? Is it because the company has deeper pockets than the boob who put them on his SUV? Is your lawyer friend seeking justice, or money? Those kinds of lawsuits drive me nuts. The Roo bar company did not rear-end your friend. That was done by the boob behind the wheel of the striking vehicle. Why not sue him, instead?
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Washington, DC:
Any truth to the rumour of Jeep bringing back the Wagoneer with a 3rd row seat? Or will DaimlerChrysler simply leave the 7-passenger seating SUV the domain of the Durango?
Warren Brown: Just a rumor at this point, and one that likely will remain a rumor. DaimlerChrysler is having unlebievable success with sales of its 300-Series cars. Demand for its Hemi-powered Dodge Magnum wagon is soaring. No need to bring back the Wagoneer in that environment.
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Fairfax, Va.:
Hi Warren,
About a month ago, you responded to an individual who was wondering about GPS navigation unit for a vehicle. At that time, you mentioned Honda and Jaguar have good easy to use unit.
I am in the market for vehicle right now, and would like to buy one with navigation unit but I don’t need a top-of-line model. Any manufactures you are aware of planning to offer navigation unit to their “regular” line models in the near future as an available option?
Warren Brown: Tell you what, Farifax. Forget about the factory-installed stuff. Get yourself to an electronics store and pick up a Garmin or Magellan GPS system. Both are extremely accurate, easy-to-use, and easy-to-install in your car or truck.
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Wash, DC - navigating the delightful DMV waters:
Help! We've just bought a new car in Maryland, and are DC residents - we are moving to NC prior to the expiration of our Maryland temp tag and intend to register the car in NC. But, the dealership got us DC plates! What can we do with those? Can we just give them back to DC and say "thanks but no thanks"? We haven't received our duplicate title yet, though it's not been 10-15 days since our purchase.
Warren Brown: Dear Washington:
You've go to do it the hard way.
Check with your Maryland and DEC motor vehicle administrators, also with the people in North Carolina. Follow their suggestions. My hunch is that a legal expiration date is a legal expiration date,regardless of your relocation plans. You m ight be able to get an extension. But, check.
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Hi Warren:
Ok, I'm done with my SUV and large turck phase... ready to head back into passenger car again. But I know I will miss my ability to haul some cargo. I'm thinking about sports wagons. Subaru Legacy/outback, Mazda 6 & Volvo v70 comes to my mind. But where are Toyota and Honda? Didn't they used to sell wagon here in the states? I know they still sell them in Asia and Europe. Any chance of Honda and Toyota wagons on our shore any time soon?
Warren Brown: The best, affordable, enjoyable wagon I've driven so far--and the one that offers the greatest amount of utility--is the 2005 Subaru Outback 2.5 XT. Simply marvelous!
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Reston, Va.:
Warren,
thanks so much for your time on these chats... it always spikes up my Wednesdays! I'm taking a VERY close look at the Subaru Legacy GT Limited with the turbocharged motor. Do you have any comments on how it might compare to the Infiniti G35 AWD as a midsize sporty all weather sedan?
Cheers!
Warren Brown: Buy it. Seriously. I'll admit my bias. I think I've fallen in love with most things Subaru, if not all things Subaru. The company's new Legacy line is simply brilliant--priced well, made well, engineered right. A variety of all-wheel-drive systems available, each specifically tailored to the vehicle in which it is installed. Subaru is on a roll!
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Fairfax, Va.:
I'm looking at the 2005 Chevy Equinox LS with FWD for around town hauling. Seems to fit the niche of alterna-stationwagon rather nicely. I know you like the Suburu wagon immensely, but like a mini-van, I just can't seem to talk myslef into buying a station-wagon. Am I kidding myself into believing that, like the Pacifica, the Equinox is more wagon than SUV?
Warren Brown: No, Fairfax. You are not kidding yourself. The Equinox is more wagon than SUV. If you have a difficult time accepting the concept of "station wagon," try calling the thing a "sports touring vehicle." That seems to work for many of the companies selling them.
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Charlotte, NC:
How do the auto manufacturers view the Waffle & Grits ticket (Kerry and Edwards)? Friend or foe?
Warren Brown: Are you kidding, Charlotte?
Here is Kerry, a man who talks liberal but votes conservative, who opposes a war he endorsed, who wants to keep jobs in the United States while his wife's company exports them abroad.
Here is Edwards, who wants to keep the lid on health care costs, but who has made a personal fortune suing hospitals and doctors, which, of course, drives up health care costs. Edwards has made a fortune suing, period.
If you are the manufacturer of products in an environment where people feel perfectly justified in suing McDonald's for "making" them fat (as if McDonald's abducted them and forced them to eat french fries at gunpoint), would you want to see Edwards anywhere near the White House?
The car companies are scared poopless over that possibility. With Edwards in tow, they figure that Kerry will turn the West Wing over to trial lawyers.
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Clifton, Va.:
Citroens, Peugots and Renault's check Autoweek there may be an importer who certifies the cars for sale like the Mercedes G wagon a few years back. You will pay a premium. Most French cars do not translate well for US tastes. Also they make Fiats and Yugo's look reliable. Wish GM would import Alfa's sooner!
Warren Brown: As always, Clifton, our heartfelt gratitude.
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Rockville, Md.:
I enjoy participating in this forum each week, but usually from the sidelines. I drive expensive cars (for me) in the low $30K range but am becomming more intrigued by the lower cost options (Scion, Mini, and some offerings that might be sold in the USA in the future like BMW and Smart cars).
What can we expect soon in the $20K range. I am getting tired of parking out at the end of a parking lot so I don't get door dings from people that don't care.
Thanks for your comments on these new offerings.
Warren Brown: Helolo, Rockille.
Lots.
. 2005 Pontiac Solstice roadster.--supposedly $20,000.
. Ford Five Hundred sedan, Audi-like, replaces the Taurus.
. Chevrolet Cobalt, a substantial improvement over cthe much-maligned Chevrolet Cavalier. The Cobalt SS sports package should be interesting.
. Mini Cooper Cabrio--will be about $5,000 north of 20K
. Hy6undai Tucson "mini" SUV--good urban runner, available with a 2-liter four or optional 2.7-liter V-6.
Volvo 50 wagon, about $26,000.
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Little Euro Hatches:
Hi Mr. Brown:
Any possibility that we could see any of the neat little hatchbacks they sell in Europe, like the Peugeot 306/7?
Warren Brown: Eventually. But, believe me, it's difficult work convincing European car executives that not all Americans hate all hatchbacks. But, we're trying.
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Catonsville, MD:
Dear Warren,
This is not a question I expect you to
answer, or something for your chat. I just
wanted you to know that I bought a 2005
Subaru Legacy GT Limited wagon three
weeks ago, and I agree with every
positive thing you've said about it (and the
Outback). I never thought an under
$30,000 car that would haul our four
children and their stuff would be such a
blast to drive. AND so great in bad
weather. This is my first Subaru, and if
they're all like this I may never look at
another manufacturer again!
Warren Brown: Thank you, Catonsville.
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Warren Brown: Okay, folks. It's time to please other editors. You all take care. Stay well. Drive safely.
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