Q. I grew up when there were "sister cars" that shared wheelbases (distance between axles) and components, such as the 1984 Chevrolet Cavalier and Cadillac Cimarron. Has the definition of sister cars changed? For instance, I see today's sister cars such as the Chevy Malibu and Saturn Aura have the same wheelbase, but not their other "sister," the Saab 9-3. --T.E., Chicago area

A. General Motors got into marketing trouble making sister cars such as the 1980s Cavalier, Buick Skyhawk, Oldsmobile Forenza, Pontiac 2000 Sunbird and Cimarron much the same. All had a 101.2-inch wheelbase, basically the same body and the same four-cylinder engine. That especially perplexed Cadillac buyers, who called the Cimarron "an upscale Chevy." Sister cars now are more different. For example, the front-drive Malibu and Aura share a 112.3-inch wheelbase, and 2.4- and 3.6-liter engines, but have distinctive styling differences, interiors and suspension tuning. General Motors owns Saab, so the front-drive 9-3 lends design features to the Malibu and Aura. But Saabs always have been quite different, so the 9-3 has a shorter wheelbase, looks much different and has its own turbocharged engines. GM is making Saturns nearly identical to its European Opel models to make Saturns more distinctive. Even different automakers "share" cars to hold down costs -- the 2009 Pontiac Vibe and new Toyota Matrix share a basic design and engines. Look for more of the same.

Q. I wonder if both the Hyundai 2009 Sonata (July 5 AutoTimes) entry GLS and mid-range SE are both available with a five-speed manual transmission. Hyundai dealers give different answers about such availability, seemingly depending on what I want to hear. Hyundai Motor America initially said the SE was available with a manual -- and then said it wasn't. Could you provide information? --K.W., Chicago area

A. Hyundai at first said the 2009 SE would be offered with a four-cylinder engine with a manual transmission and a V-6 with an automatic. But a Hyundai spokesman recently said there has been a change of plan (not unusual for an early model) and that the SE will be sold only with an automatic. That's unfortunate for budget-minded motorists because the SE four-cylinder manual had a $20,520 list price and the V-6 automotive version cost $23,170. However, take heart because the four-cylinder GLS manual lists at $18,120 and has most features of the SE.

Q. I wonder if my 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII Collector's Edition with special paint and interior with only 20,000 miles on it will appreciate in value as time passes if it's driven sparingly. As you know, this was the last of the Mark VIII series. --G.W., Chicago area

A. Ford Motor's slick Lincoln Mark VIII died after the 1998 model year because it was based on the rear-drive chassis of the Ford Thunderbird, which was discontinued after 1997 because of a lack of interest in large rear-drive coupes. The Lincoln's sleek styling and smooth, powerful V-8 might let it become a collector's item, but only in the distant future. The most desirable 1998 Mark VIII is the LSC version, which had body color trim, special wheels, tauter suspension and a 290-horsepower version of the standard 280-horsepower V-8. The Collector's Edition will add little, if any, value because it was just a trim package with a wood-trimmed wheel, special badging and unique paint and interior colors. But keep the set of commemorative silver ingots in a leather case that came with that model for a few extra dollars.

Q. My wife is considering either a Honda CR-V or Nissan Rogue. Which is better? Also, both have four-cylinder engines, which I don't like. Will either offer a six-cylinder engine? --P.J., Westmont

A. Neither is changed for 2009 and I wouldn't hold my breath while waiting for them to get a six-cylinder engine, especially with high gasoline prices expected for a long time. The CR-V has a 2.4-liter, 166-horsepower engine, while the Rogue has a 2.5-liter, 175-horsepower "four." Both provide adequate performance and about the same fuel economy: an estimated 20-22 mpg in the city and 27 on highways. The CR-V is quieter and more refined and has a better ride than the Rogue. But the latter has sleeker styling and high interior functionality. I'd guess your wife would be happier with the CR-V.

Q. My husband is a rather wild driver who takes too many risks at the wheel. I'm worried he is setting a bad example for our two children, who eventually will reach driving age. --L.P., Chicago

A. You might have reason to worry. There is a good chance that children of risk-taking drivers also will be such drivers -- at least when they first get behind the wheel, according to a new study in a recent issue of the scientific journal Risk Analysis. The publication said that young men especially pick up from their fathers "a virile way of driving that includes the taking of calculated risks."

Q. My 1997 Ford Explorer gets very hot inside, probably because of a climate control system problem. Why isn't there a recall for this problem? --G.M., Chicago

A. Because it's not safety-related. But have that system checked, along with the Explorer's general cooling system.

Car question? Send it to Dan Jedlicka, Chicago Sun-Times, 350 N. Orleans, Chicago, IL 60654, or e-mail djedlicka@suntimes.com. Include name, hometown and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to ensure a personal reply.