I've seen piles of press releases and news stories talking about how gas prices are affecing consumers' car buying decisions -- or more specifically, how they should affect them. Some say consumers are right to flock to smaller cars and hybrids; others say consumers are better off sticking with their old cars, as buying a new car is more expensive than fueling the older, thirstier one.

I find that the best information comes from you, my readers, so I want to know: How have rising gas prices affected your car-buying decisions?

Click on one:

• I've either already bought a smaller vehicle or am actively looking to buy one
• I'm not in any rush to buy, but my next vehicle will be smaller
• I'm not planning to downsize
• No need -- I've been driving small cars since before gas prices went crazy

View results

As always, if you've got more to say on this subject, click the "comments" link below and let 'er rip!

Photo © Aaron Gold

When I last tested a Jetta -- a mid-level Jetta SE sedan -- I mentioned in the blog that I was keeping my expectations low. With the exception of the hot-rod Jetta GLI, I've always found the Jetta a bit dull -- but that little red sedan completely changed my opinion of the car. I subtitled the review "Aaron converts to Jettaism".

So I was really stoked to check out the new VW Jetta wagon. I love wagons. My wife Robin and I own one (a 1996 Honda Accord) and as I've mentioned time and again, I've yet to find any other vehicle that can deliver the same combination of utility and economy as a wagon. So how did it go with the Jetta wagon? Er... not quite as well as I expected. Get the details in my 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen test drive and review. -- Aaron Gold

Related: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen photo gallery

Photo © Aaron Gold

This being the fourth of July, I was going to post a blog entry about an American car. But having recently driven the Big Three of German compact sport sedans -- the BMW M3, the Audi RS4, and now the Mercedes C63 AMG, plus their closest Japanese rival, the Lexus IS-F -- I thought I'd devote this blog entry to the Mercedes, which is clearly the most American of this bunch. Think about it: The Bimmer, the Audi and the Lexus all use relatively small V8 engines (4.0, 4.2 and 5.0 liters, respectively). The Mercedes uses a big ol' 6.2 liter engine -- that's around 379 cubic inches. And the exhaust note makes it abundantly clear that somebody who works at AMG owns a Harley-Davidson. Friends, this is a good ol' fashioned American-style muscle car. Sounds like a good July 4th blog entry to me! Check out my 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG test drive. -- Aaron Gold

PS: July 4th is an extra-special day for me, because it's my older son Robert's birthday -- he turns 12 today. Happy birthday, kid -- I love you, I'm proud of you, and it's great to be your dad!

Photo © Aaron Gold

I just found out that Mazda is going to hold a pinewood derby at a press preview coming up in a couple of weeks. (I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say which car they're previewing, but anyone familiar with Mazda's product lineup should be able to put three and three together.) For those not familiar, a pinewood derby is a race between little wooden cars powered by gravity. Mazda's last pinewood derby was at the Mazdaspeed 3 launch, where Jason Fogelson's About.com Flyer put us in second place, behind MazdaSport Magazine.

So now it's up to me. Mazda's sent the kit (a PineCar West Coast Growler) and the rules (7" long, 2.75" wide, 6 ounces, no graphite). Here's the deal: I want first place. Here's the problem: I know zilcho about pinewood derby cars. So I'm hoping you can help. Please email me at cars.guide@about.com with your best pinewood derby tips. Don't leave them in the comments section -- for all we know, those communists at MazdaSport Magazine are reading our site! In fact, if you want to put misleading pinewood tips in the comments section, go for it. Just don't tell anyone what you're up to... -- Aaron Gold

Photo © Robert Gold