{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Best Cars for families and keep the rodents out of you classic car","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/best-cars-for-families-and-keep-the-rodents-out-of-you-classic-car","audioUrl":"https://anchor.fm/s/10e0b22b4/podcast/play/117650155/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-2-29%2Ff53c21de-bf66-9b28-243d-334cdbee1cea.mp3","description":"In this episode we talk with US News Auto editor Zach Doell about their pick for best family vehicles. https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/advice/best-cars-for-families-slideshow. Then we review the 2026.5 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek edition and then talk with Scott deMoulin CEO of EarthKind a non-toxic pest repellant. A very good product to keep the critters out of your collector vehicles, RVs, boats and any other possible home for homeless critters. \n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":25.12,"endTime":28.46,"type":"car","title":"Porsche 959","url":"/cars/porsche/959","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/Porsche_959_Dakar%2C_IAA_2017%2C_Frankfurt_%281Y7A2758%29.jpg","quote":"And good Sunday morning everyone and welcome to another edition of the car doctor program  on award winning 95-9 W-A-T-D.  Tim is filling in for Jesse today, so thank you Tim for coming in.","canonicalId":"car:porsche:959","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Porsche 959 is a legendary high-performance sports car known for advanced engineering and technology for its era. The podcast references it in a radio-style intro, which suggests it’s part of a featured topic or historical discussion. It’s often discussed because it represents a benchmark of performance and innovation.","simplifiedExplanation":"The 959 is a very high-performance sports car made by Porsche. It’s known for being a special, advanced vehicle rather than a normal everyday model. The podcast mentions it as part of a program segment.","imageAttribution":"Matti Blume (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":72.62,"endTime":77.7,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Jetta","url":"/cars/volkswagen/jetta","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/2022_Volkswagen_Jetta_VII_1X7A0154.jpg","quote":"I mean, I talk to people from Europe sometimes and a family car to them is like a Volkswagen Jetta. We can do everything we need to do, we can put them in a Jetta, but you talk to people here sometimes in the US...","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:jetta","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that’s often used as a “default” family car because it’s practical, easy to live with, and typically affordable to buy and maintain. In this segment, it’s used as an example of what “family car” can mean in Europe—something that can handle everyday errands and commuting.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Volkswagen Jetta is a regular, practical car—kind of like a common “everyday family sedan.” The host is saying that in some places, people think a smaller car like this is enough for family life.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":115.9,"endTime":129.7,"type":"concept","title":"four things","url":"/glossary/four-things","quote":"We think there really is something for everyone and really we're just trying to key in on four things. Is it safe? Is it reliable? Does it have a lot of space and convenience features and is it comfortable?","canonicalId":"concept:four-things","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The hosts outline a simple evaluation framework for family cars: safety, reliability, space/convenience features, and comfort. This is a useful way to compare vehicles because it prioritizes day-to-day ownership needs.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying the best family cars are judged on four main things: safety, reliability, how much space and useful features you get, and how comfortable it is to ride in."}},{"startTime":142.3,"endTime":150.4,"type":"concept","title":"two-row SUV","url":"/glossary/two-row-suv","quote":"because it's really just a two-row SUV and sometimes you think, well, it's a pretty good size vehicle, two rows, but two rows mean five people and plenty of room for their stuff.","canonicalId":"concept:two-row-suv","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A two-row SUV typically seats five people and focuses on maximizing cargo space behind the second row. Compared with three-row SUVs, it often offers more room for luggage and easier access to the rear cargo area.","simplifiedExplanation":"A two-row SUV usually has seating for about five people. It often gives you more space for bags and gear because there isn’t a third row taking up room."}},{"startTime":177.2,"endTime":182.2,"type":"concept","title":"fold those rear seats down","url":"/glossary/fold-those-rear-seats-down","quote":"It's just a great stuff hauler and, you know, fold those rear seats down and you can pretty much move an entire studio apartment if you want.","canonicalId":"concept:fold-those-rear-seats-down","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Folding the rear seats down is a key usability feature for family vehicles because it turns the cabin into a larger cargo area. It’s especially important for transporting bulky items like camping gear, sports equipment, or moving supplies."}},{"startTime":217.8,"endTime":223.1,"type":"concept","title":"testing these vehicles","url":"/glossary/testing-these-vehicles","quote":"Do different members of the team who have families try out the different vehicles to see which ones work the best for them? Oh, yeah. We're always testing these vehicles and seeing which has the best combination","canonicalId":"concept:testing-these-vehicles","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The hosts describe an evaluation process where team members test vehicles to determine which ones work best for different families. This is essentially a real-world comparison approach rather than relying only on specs or marketing.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying they actually test the cars themselves. The goal is to figure out which vehicles are genuinely a good fit for families in everyday use."}},{"startTime":364.7,"endTime":369.0,"type":"concept","title":"standard equipment","url":"/glossary/standard-equipment","quote":"And you do pay a little bit more for that, but you also get a lot more, especially in standard equipment and the creature comforts that we think a lot of families are really looking for.","canonicalId":"concept:standard-equipment","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Standard equipment” means features included on the base trim without paying extra. In this context, the host is arguing that GMC’s higher “premium segment” pricing can be offset by getting more features up front.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Standard equipment” means the features you get without upgrading or paying extra. The host is saying you may pay more, but you also get more included."}},{"startTime":380.5,"endTime":385.2,"type":"term","title":"heated seats","url":"/glossary/heated-seats","quote":"but my wife, her top thing is heated seats. Does it have heated seats? And if not, it's off the list.","canonicalId":"term:heated-seats","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Heated seats are an in-cabin comfort feature that warms the seat surfaces, usually with adjustable heat levels. The host highlights them as a “must-have” for family buyers because they can make cold-weather driving much more comfortable.","simplifiedExplanation":"Heated seats warm up the seats so you’re not freezing when you get in. In this episode they’re treated like a deal-breaker feature for at least one family member."}},{"startTime":406.8,"endTime":409.0,"type":"term","title":"heated steering wheel","url":"/glossary/heated-steering-wheel","quote":"Heated seats here, heated steering wheel and remote start. And unless a vehicle had all three of those, they weren't really interested in it because it was all about getting into it and being comfortable.","canonicalId":"term:heated-steering-wheel","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A heated steering wheel has an electric heating element inside the wheel rim to warm your hands. It’s a comfort feature that can reduce cold-weather fatigue and improve drivability.","simplifiedExplanation":"A heated steering wheel warms the part you hold. It helps your hands feel comfortable in winter instead of getting numb."}},{"startTime":409.0,"endTime":412.5,"type":"term","title":"remote start","url":"/glossary/remote-start","quote":"Heated seats here, heated steering wheel and remote start. And unless a vehicle had all three of those, they weren't really interested in it because it was all about getting into it and being comfortable.","canonicalId":"term:remote-start","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Remote start lets you start the engine (or power system) from outside the car, usually via a key fob or app. It can pre-condition the cabin so the car is warmer or cooler when you get in.","simplifiedExplanation":"Remote start means you can start the car without being inside it. In cold weather it can warm up the cabin before you drive."}},{"startTime":456.3,"endTime":459.7,"type":"brand","title":"Honda","url":"/glossary/honda","quote":"I would say Honda has done a really good job of keeping its tech fairly basic and user friendly, but still fresh feeling.","canonicalId":"brand:honda","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Honda is a major automaker known for practical, family-oriented vehicles and for designing driver interfaces that many owners find easy to learn. In this segment, the speaker credits Honda with keeping car tech user-friendly.","simplifiedExplanation":"Honda is a well-known car brand. Here, the point is that Honda tends to make the car’s tech and controls feel simple and not overwhelming."}},{"startTime":475.8,"endTime":478.9,"type":"term","title":"Apple CarPlay","url":"/glossary/apple-carplay","quote":"and all the features you're wanting, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, but you still have physical controls.","canonicalId":"term:apple-carplay","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Apple CarPlay lets you mirror and control certain iPhone apps through your car’s infotainment screen. It’s designed to make navigation, music, calls, and messages easier while keeping your attention on driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"Apple CarPlay is a way to use your iPhone in the car. Instead of picking up your phone, you can use the car’s screen to access things like maps, music, and calls."}},{"startTime":475.8,"endTime":478.9,"type":"term","title":"Android Auto","url":"/glossary/android-auto","quote":"and all the features you're wanting, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, but you still have physical controls.","canonicalId":"term:android-auto","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Android Auto connects compatible Android phones to your car’s infotainment system. It brings navigation, media, and messaging into a simpler, driver-focused interface.","simplifiedExplanation":"Android Auto lets you connect your Android phone to your car. You can use the car screen to get directions, music, and messages without handling your phone."}},{"startTime":478.9,"endTime":481.7,"type":"term","title":"satellite radio","url":"/glossary/satellite-radio","quote":"Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, but you still have physical controls.","canonicalId":"term:satellite-radio","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Satellite radio is a subscription radio service that broadcasts over satellites, giving coverage beyond what traditional over-the-air stations can reach. In many cars it’s integrated into the infotainment system.","simplifiedExplanation":"Satellite radio is radio that comes from satellites, so you usually get more stations and better coverage. It typically requires a paid subscription."}},{"startTime":553.9,"endTime":563.4,"type":"term","title":"hybrid","url":"/glossary/hybrid","quote":"A friend of ours actually bought a Honda Civic Hybrid because I said, Hey, this is a really great car. It's super efficient.","canonicalId":"term:hybrid","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A hybrid vehicle combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery. The system can use electricity for low-speed driving and assist the engine, which typically improves fuel economy compared with a non-hybrid model.","simplifiedExplanation":"A hybrid uses both gas and electricity. The electric part helps the car move efficiently, especially in stop-and-go driving, so you usually spend less on gas."}},{"startTime":561.9,"endTime":563.4,"type":"concept","title":"fuel efficiency","url":"/glossary/fuel-efficiency","quote":"A friend of ours actually bought a Honda Civic Hybrid because I said, Hey, this is a really great car. It's super efficient.","canonicalId":"concept:fuel-efficiency","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Fuel efficiency is how much distance a vehicle can travel per unit of fuel (often measured as MPG or MPGe). It matters for families because it directly affects ongoing operating costs and can reduce how often you need to refuel.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fuel efficiency is how good the car is at getting more driving out of each gallon of gas. For families, that usually means lower fuel costs and fewer trips to the gas station."}},{"startTime":692.1,"endTime":705.7,"type":"term","title":"minivan","url":"/glossary/mini-van","quote":"And there was a time when you talked family vehicles, it was minivan... That category is getting a little bit smaller.","canonicalId":"term:mini-van","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A minivan is a passenger vehicle designed for families, typically with sliding doors, flexible seating, and lots of cargo space. The host frames minivans as the traditional “family vehicle” category and suggests that category is shrinking as preferences shift.","simplifiedExplanation":"A minivan is a family car built for carrying people and gear easily. The speaker is saying fewer people are choosing them than before, even though they’re still very practical."}},{"startTime":709.1,"endTime":751.9,"type":"car","title":"Kia Carnival","url":"/cars/kia/carnival-sedona","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c1/2001_Kia_Carnival_%28KV_II%29_Classic_van_%282015-07-03%29.jpg","quote":"And the Kia Carnival was the winner in that category... That V6 has plenty of power and there's just charging ports galore in there.","canonicalId":"car:kia:carnival-sedona","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Kia Carnival is a minivan that’s positioned as a versatile family hauler with lots of space and modern tech. The host calls it the winner in the family-vehicle category, highlights its V6 power, and emphasizes the abundance of charging ports.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia Carnival is a minivan that’s meant for families. The speaker likes it because it has a lot of room, a strong V6 engine, and plenty of places to plug in devices for kids and passengers.","imageAttribution":"OSX (Public domain)"}},{"startTime":739.4,"endTime":747.9,"type":"term","title":"charging ports","url":"/glossary/charging-ports","quote":"there's just charging ports galore in there. If you, you know, can't find a port or they're all taken up, you got too many devices because it's just loaded.","canonicalId":"term:charging-ports","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Charging ports are power outlets (often USB) used to charge phones, tablets, and other devices. The host highlights how the Kia Carnival is “loaded” with ports, which matters for families with multiple passengers and devices.","simplifiedExplanation":"Charging ports are the places you plug in devices like phones and tablets. The speaker likes that the Kia Carnival has lots of them so everyone can keep their devices charged."}},{"startTime":776.6,"endTime":804.4,"type":"brand","title":"Hyundai","url":"/glossary/hyundai","quote":"And then Hyundai and both Kia have become really serious players and really pretty easy suggestions for people looking for new vehicles.","canonicalId":"brand:hyundai","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Hyundai is a major automaker that has rapidly improved its reputation for quality and value. In this segment, the host frames Hyundai as a “serious player” with compelling vehicles and strong feature content.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hyundai is a car company that’s gotten much better over the years. The point here is that Hyundai now makes cars that feel high-quality and good value compared with other mainstream brands."}},{"startTime":856.5,"endTime":868.9,"type":"car","title":"Ford Mustang Mach-E","url":"/cars/ford/mustang-mach-e","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/Ford_Mustang%2C_Classic_Days_2019%2C_Berlin_%28CDB90099%29.jpg","quote":"I guess was probably a Ford Mustang Mach-E and a Kia EV9.","canonicalId":"car:ford:mustang-mach-e","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric crossover that’s mentioned as a finalist in the EV discussion. Including it alongside Hyundai and Kia highlights how mainstream automakers are now competing directly in the family-EV segment.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s electric SUV. The host is using it as an example of the major EV options people consider when shopping for an electric family vehicle.","imageAttribution":"Matti Blume (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":879.9,"endTime":886.2,"type":"term","title":"turbocharged gas car","url":"/glossary/turbocharged-gas-car","quote":"...you can go out and you can buy a gas car or a turbocharged gas car, you know, a diesel truck, a plug-in hybrid, a regular hybrid, a fully electric vehicle.","canonicalId":"term:turbocharged-gas-car","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A turbocharged gas car uses a turbocharger to force more air into the engine, improving power and efficiency compared with a naturally aspirated setup. In the segment, it’s listed as one of several mainstream powertrain choices available today.","simplifiedExplanation":"A turbocharged gas car uses a turbo to help the engine make more power. The host is just grouping it with other common ways cars are powered today."}},{"startTime":1071.2,"endTime":1084.34,"type":"concept","title":"range anxiety","url":"/glossary/range-anxiety","quote":"Yeah, it almost seems like. But yeah, super, super convenient. And it's, you never have that range anxiety that you may have with an electric vehicle like, oh my gosh, am I going to get home in time?","canonicalId":"concept:range-anxiety","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Range anxiety is the worry that an EV won’t have enough battery charge to reach the destination. The host contrasts plug-in hybrids and convenient charging habits with the anxiety some people feel when relying only on public charging and limited range.","simplifiedExplanation":"Range anxiety is the stress of wondering if your EV has enough battery to get where you’re going. The host says plug-in hybrids can reduce that worry because you still have gas as backup."}},{"startTime":1396.2,"endTime":1416.2,"type":"term","title":"tubular roof rack","url":"/glossary/tubular-roof-rack","quote":"You get this real tubular roof rack that looks like you could put a pallet of concrete blocks on top of it.","canonicalId":"term:tubular-roof-rack","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A tubular roof rack uses round/rectangular metal crossbars to mount cargo on top of a vehicle. The host’s description emphasizes its “heavy-duty” look, which matters for families hauling gear.","simplifiedExplanation":"A roof rack is the system on top of the car that lets you carry extra stuff. “Tubular” just means the bars are round metal."}},{"startTime":1472.6,"endTime":1560.7,"type":"term","title":"CVT transmission","url":"/glossary/cvt-transmission","quote":"It's paired with, like we said, the CVT transmission. And like all CVTs, it's smooth in everyday driving, push it hard.","canonicalId":"term:cvt-transmission","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A CVT (continuously variable transmission) uses a belt/chain and variable pulleys to smoothly change the effective gear ratio. Unlike a traditional automatic, it can keep the engine near its most efficient operating range, which often improves fuel economy but can feel different when you accelerate hard.","simplifiedExplanation":"A CVT is an automatic-style gearbox that can smoothly “adjust” its gearing without traditional shifting. It often feels smooth and can help with gas mileage, but it may sound/feel different under hard acceleration."}},{"startTime":2049.5,"endTime":2063.9,"type":"term","title":"US farm grown corn cob","url":"/glossary/us-farm-grown-corn-cob","quote":"our vehicle for distribution is a really powerful solution. It's made up of actual US farm grown corn cob that is dried and then ground up.","canonicalId":"term:us-farm-grown-corn-cob","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The speaker describes the product’s carrier material as actual US farm-grown corn cob that is dried and ground. This matters because it’s part of how the repellent system holds and releases scent over time."}},{"startTime":2063.9,"endTime":2072.5,"type":"term","title":"balsam fir oil","url":"/glossary/balsam-fir-oil","quote":"what happens is that it disseminates that scent over a longer period of time. ... along with the balsam fur oil, which is exclusive to our product and the only EPA registered product on the market","canonicalId":"term:balsam-fir-oil","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Balsam fir oil is described as an ingredient used to create the repellent scent. The speaker claims it helps the scent disseminate over a longer period, which supports the need for scheduled pouch replacement."}},{"startTime":2223.4,"endTime":2233.2,"type":"company","title":"cabin fresh","url":"/glossary/cabin-fresh","quote":"We actually sell the product in Canada under the product is called cabin fresh and that cabin fresh is used as an air freshener in Canada.","canonicalId":"company:cabin-fresh","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Cabin fresh” is mentioned as the product name used in Canada. This is useful context for listeners because the same type of deterrent/odor product may be sold under different branding depending on the market.","simplifiedExplanation":"They say the product is called “cabin fresh” in Canada. That means you might see a different name for the same kind of product depending on where you shop."}},{"startTime":2768.1,"endTime":2782.8,"type":"company","title":"Ace Hardware","url":"/glossary/ace-hardware","quote":"And if you want to run out to get it today, you can go to what, your local Ace Hardware probably, right? Ace Hardware, true value, doing best, tractors supply, we're under the stay away brand and Lowe's, so Menard.","canonicalId":"company:ace-hardware","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Ace Hardware is mentioned as a retail option where listeners can buy the rodent-repellent product locally. For listeners, this is useful because it suggests the product may be available without ordering online.","simplifiedExplanation":"They say you can probably find the product at Ace Hardware locally. That means you might not need to wait for shipping."}},{"startTime":2822.8,"endTime":2834.7,"type":"brand","title":"AAA","url":"/glossary/aaa","quote":"Even car geeks and do-it-yourselfers rely on AAA to give them extra peace of mind on the road. AAA offers 24-7 roadside assistance, whether you're in your own vehicle, a friend's car, or even a rental.","canonicalId":"brand:aaa","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"AAA is a roadside assistance and insurance organization. The episode highlights its 24/7 roadside help for breakdowns, including in your own car, a friend’s car, or a rental.","simplifiedExplanation":"AAA is a service that helps you if your car breaks down. They can send help and cover things like towing or roadside assistance."}},{"startTime":3160.8,"endTime":3166.8,"type":"term","title":"paintless dent removal","url":"/glossary/paintless-dent-removal","quote":"...$550 as I recall is wheel tire key fob and paintless dent removal.","canonicalId":"term:paintless-dent-removal","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Paintless dent removal (PDR) is a method to fix minor dents without repainting by reshaping the metal from behind the panel. It’s commonly offered as an add-on because it can be cheaper and faster than traditional bodywork.","simplifiedExplanation":"Paintless dent removal is a way to fix small dents without repainting. A technician reshapes the dent from the inside of the panel."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"John Paul","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/best-cars-for-families-and-keep-the-rodents-out-of-you-classic-car/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}