Just before I went away, I posted a blog entry about my latest long-term Honda Insight update, and reader Brian posted a comment about cost comparisons between the Insight and non-hybrid cars, something I wanted to talk more about. Read more...

We've discussed the $16,000 Jetta here on this blog (which, by the way, actually costs $16,765 with the destination fee -- the Jetta, that is, not the blog) and now I've had a chance to drive it. It wasn't too long ago that I test drove the 2011 Jetta at a VW press preview, but the only cars available were top-of-the line SEL models. I wasn't impressed with the value -- the obvious cost-cutting proved detrimental to the character that made the outgoing Jetta so appealing to me -- but I thought the new Jetta might be a better deal in base-model "S" form. Well, now I've had a chance to find out -- and you can too, in my 2011 Volkswagen Jetta S test drive. -- Aaron Gold

P.S. I've added a few new photos of the "S" model to my 2011 Volkswagen Jetta photo gallery.

Photo © Aaron Gold

I'm baaaack! Robin and I went to Puerto Rico for our 5th anniversary and my 39th birthday. The original idea was to relax on a beach, but we're natural-born explorers, and we put nearly a thousand miles on a rented Kia Rio (no mean feat, as the island is only 100 miles long) as we explored the Puerto Rico's beautiful and unbelievably varied scenery.

Which doesn't explain the Volkswagen Thing in the picture. Read more...

Jason Fogelson, About.com's Guide to SUVs here.

Aaron's returning from his trip soon, so this will be my last chance to talk with you directly for a while. Thanks for letting me step in -- it's been great visiting with such an active group of readers. I hope you'll come visit me at SUVs.About.com once in a while to read about what's happening in the world of SUVs, crossovers and minivans. You're welcome any time.

Just wanted to point out a few articles that Aaron's been working on before I head off into the sunset. The automotive industry moves constantly, and despite rumors to the contrary, they are way ahead of normal time. In fact, while we linger in the year 2010, the auto industry has already launched 2011, and in some cases, 2012. Aaron tracks the changes, and reports on them for us. Here are a few of the latest:

• What's New for 2011 in Chevrolet's Lineup
• What's New for 2011 in Honda's Lineup
• What's New for 2011 in Volvo's Lineup

2010 has proved to be a year of regrouping for the auto industry, and all of the experts are predicting that 2011 will be a year of continued growth and renewal.

What do you think? -- Jason Fogelson

Photo © General Motors