Car Pro Radio Show June 20 26 Hour 2

The Lexus ES is a midsize luxury sedan from Lexus, known for a comfort-focused ride and efficient powertrains. In this segment, the host specifically calls out an “all new” Lexus ES and says it’s the hybrid version, which matters because the hybrid system changes how it drives and how it uses fuel.

The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV, and this segment specifically frames a “2026 Chevy Equinox” review. The host also notes they’re driving it today, which makes it the episode’s current test vehicle and a key car for listeners to track.

The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV known for practical all-weather capability and a comfortable, upright ride. In this segment, the host mentions a 2018 Forester with 189,000 miles, framing it as a long-distance, reliability-focused choice.

The Subaru Outback is a wagon-like crossover from Subaru, often discussed for its comfort and its relatively aerodynamic shape compared with boxier SUVs. In this segment, it’s used as the comparison point for wind and aerodynamics versus the Forester.

A vehicle safety system is a set of driver-assist and crash-mitigation features designed to reduce accidents or lessen their severity. In this segment, the host specifically highlights Subaru’s safety system as one of the main reasons they like the brand.

An all wheel drive system (AWD) sends power to all four wheels instead of just the front or rear. Here, the host credits Subaru’s AWD as a key part of why they like the brand, linking it to both safety and everyday capability.

“Trade it” refers to replacing the current vehicle by using it as part of the purchase of a newer one, typically through a dealer. The host frames it as a decision point at high mileage: spend money to keep the current car going or trade it for something newer.

The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck designed to be practical and relatively affordable compared with larger trucks. It’s often discussed because it helped bring more mainstream attention to the small-truck segment and showed strong real-world demand. In a podcast, it comes up when people talk about what’s driving buyers toward newer, easier-to-live-with trucks.

The Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck known for offering truck capability without the full size and cost of the largest trucks. It’s mentioned alongside other popular trucks because buyers often compare how each one balances comfort, capability, and everyday usability. In this context, it’s part of a discussion about why certain truck models have been hits.

The 1978 Chrysler Cordova is a late-1970s American personal-luxury coupe from Chrysler, notable here because it’s described with a big-displacement V8. The host also mentions specific interior styling details (Cordury seats) and a 400 cubic inch engine, which helps listeners picture the era’s “land yacht” character.

The Cordoba referenced here is the 1978 Chrysler Cordoba, a classic American coupe known for its V8 power and era-specific styling. It’s brought up as a comparison point—specifically, the mention of a 400 cubic inch four-barrel engine highlights its performance character. In a podcast, older models like this often come up when discussing design, feel, or engine setups from that time.

“400 cubic inch” refers to engine displacement, a measure of the total volume swept by the engine’s cylinders. In this context, it signals a large V8-sized engine typical of 1970s American cars, which generally means strong low-end torque and a thirstier fuel appetite.

A “four barrel” setup typically refers to a four-barrel carburetor (or throttle body in later designs), which can deliver more fuel/air for higher power. On a large-displacement engine like the one described, it’s a classic 1970s performance-and-drivability feature, especially compared with smaller two-barrel carburetor setups.

“Chevy’s” refers to Chevrolet vehicles, mentioned as part of the speaker’s broad test-drive list. It’s a brand name-drop without model-specific details.

“Hondas” is a casual plural used for Honda vehicles, mentioned alongside other major automaker brands. It’s part of the speaker’s point that they drove a wide range of cars recently.

“Acuras” refers to Acura vehicles, which is Honda’s luxury brand. The mention is in a list of brands the speaker drove, emphasizing variety rather than a specific model or technical detail.

The Mazda CX-90 is a three-row midsize SUV meant to carry more passengers and provide a more family-oriented layout. It’s discussed because the host drove one and is evaluating how it feels and fits their needs. In this context, it’s part of a comparison within Mazda’s larger SUV lineup.

The Mazda CX-60 is a midsize crossover built around Mazda’s focus on refinement and driver-focused feel. In this segment, the host highlights it as a vehicle worth considering and says they’ve reviewed it multiple times.

The Mazda CX-70 is positioned as a close sibling to the CX-60, with the key difference being seating layout. Here, the host notes it’s the same overall size/length but without a third-row seat, while still offering lots of cargo space.

The Acura ILX is a compact luxury sedan from Acura, Honda’s luxury brand. In this segment, the hosts focus on it being “pretty small” and discuss whether it’s worth paying off and using in a trade-in decision. They also mention that Acuras tend to hold their value well.

The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that’s been a long-running, high-volume model known for being comfortable and straightforward to own. It’s significant here because the hosts mention having Camrys for about 20 years, which points to its role as a dependable family car choice. The Camry often comes up in conversations about long-term ownership and consistency.

A trade-in is when you give your current car to the dealer and apply its value toward the purchase of another vehicle. In this segment, the host argues against paying off the Acura and then trading it in themselves, instead suggesting the dealer should pay it off and then apply the equity. That’s a cash-flow and paperwork strategy that can affect how the deal is structured.

In car financing, equity is the difference between what the car is worth and what you still owe on the loan. The host’s point is that if the dealer pays off the remaining loan balance, they can then apply your equity to the new purchase. That can change how much you effectively get credited in the deal.

Android Auto is a smartphone-to-car infotainment system that mirrors compatible apps onto the vehicle’s display. In a classic-car modification, it’s a popular way to add modern navigation and media without replacing the whole dashboard with a brand-new factory system.

In the car world, “modifications” are changes you make to improve, personalize, or update a vehicle, while “restorations” aim to return it to a more original or correct condition. The host is emphasizing that the cost and feasibility of either approach depend heavily on the car’s starting condition.

The Hyundai Sonata is a mainstream sedan, and this one is specifically a 2020 Sonata Limited Edition with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. The speaker uses it as a real-world baseline for what they like and dislike day-to-day, then contrasts that with concerns about upcoming “cameras” and dealer/service dependence.

“Turbo” refers to turbocharging, where exhaust gases spin a turbine to force more air into the engine. That lets a smaller displacement engine (like 1.6L) make more power than it would naturally aspirated, while still improving packaging and efficiency.

In modern cars, “cameras” often refers to driver-assistance and driver-monitoring systems that use image sensors for features like lane/parking assistance and safety alerts. The speaker is saying that the upcoming “brand new” tech feels off-putting, implying they don’t like how much the car relies on that hardware.

“GM engine” is shorthand for an engine made by General Motors, and the speaker is making a preference claim that a “good American engine” from GM “fits better.” In practice, this kind of comment usually points to swap compatibility, parts availability, and how well the engine integrates with the rest of the car’s layout.

A spare tire is the backup wheel and tire stored in a vehicle for emergencies when you get a flat. Many newer cars omit it to save space and reduce weight, relying instead on alternatives like roadside assistance or tire-repair kits.

Roadside assistance is a service (often through the automaker, an insurance plan, or a membership) that helps when your car breaks down or has a tire issue. If a car has no spare tire, a flat can turn into a wait for a tow, a mobile tire change, or a repair—rather than a quick swap.

Fuel economy rules are government requirements that push automakers to improve how much fuel vehicles use per mile. To meet these targets, manufacturers may reduce vehicle weight, and deleting the spare tire is one way to cut mass and improve measured efficiency.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a U.S. government agency that sets and enforces regulations affecting emissions and related vehicle performance requirements. In this context, the host links EPA fuel-economy-related mandates to automakers’ decisions to reduce weight (including removing spare tires).

Dealer add-ons are extra products or services added to a car sale beyond the vehicle itself, often with their own fees. They can include things like protection packages, accessories, or service plans, and they’re a common source of “surprise” costs for buyers.

An extended warranty is additional coverage sold beyond the vehicle’s standard factory warranty period. Dealers may try to sell it at purchase time, and the value depends on what it covers, the exclusions, and the cost relative to the car’s likely repair needs.