Pick a Conspiracy

Power Tour is a long-running hot-rod and muscle-car road trip event where participants drive their cars along a set route, meeting up at stops along the way. The episode frames it as a huge, route-based gathering (with thousands of registered vehicles) rather than a single-day show.

Route 66 is a famous U.S. highway stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, and it’s become a cultural symbol of Americana and road trips. In the episode, Power Tour is described as following Route 66-style routing, which is why the hosts keep referencing the “get your kicks” vibe.

The Jeep Cherokee is a compact-to-midsize SUV from Jeep, known for being a mainstream option that also has a long-running enthusiast and off-road following. In this segment, it’s used as the baseline example to compare what “equivalent” new-car pricing looks like in Canada versus older ownership.

A heated steering wheel is a comfort feature that uses an electric heating element inside the steering wheel to warm your hands. The host’s point is that features like this are often bundled behind higher trims or option packages, which can add significant cost.

“Subscription options” refers to features that are enabled only after paying an ongoing fee, even if the hardware is already installed in the vehicle. The host frames this as another way manufacturers monetize features after the sale, increasing the total cost of ownership.

Right to repair is the idea that vehicle owners and independent repair shops should be able to access the tools, parts, and information needed to fix modern cars. The host connects it to parts availability and to reducing dependence on dealer-only channels.

In this context, “junkyards” are salvage yards where used parts are recovered from older vehicles. The host argues that policies and parts restrictions can reduce access to these used parts, making it harder to keep older cars running.

The phrase “keep our older vehicles running” is about maintaining older cars despite parts availability, repair access, and modern restrictions. The host’s underlying claim is that these barriers effectively push owners toward replacing vehicles rather than repairing them.

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck that’s been one of the best-known vehicles in the U.S. for decades. The host lists it among the older vehicles they see frequently in major metro areas.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a long-running, body-on-frame SUV known for durability and off-road capability. In older model years (like the 1990s through early 2000s mentioned), it’s often discussed because it can be a rugged, long-lived vehicle that people keep for decades. It comes up in conversations about classic SUV ownership and reliability.

The Toyota 4Runner is a body-on-frame SUV known for rugged, truck-like durability and off-road capability. In this segment, the host focuses on a very common look: silver 4Runners, especially the Limited trim, which they see repeatedly around their area and at an event.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV that’s been offered in many trims and powertrains over the years. The podcast context suggests an older, 1980s-era example being used as a “mountain cabin” vehicle, which highlights how these SUVs can be kept and repurposed for lifestyle use. It’s often discussed because it blends everyday usability with off-road-friendly roots.

The Dodge Intrepid is a mid-size sedan from Chrysler’s brand lineup (under Dodge) that was popular in the 1990s. The host mentions not seeing one recently, using it as a cue to talk about how certain models disappeared from the road.

The Chrysler Concorde is a full-size-ish family sedan from Chrysler’s lineup that became known for its late-80s/early-90s “cab forward” packaging. In this segment, the host ties it to Chrysler’s design shift that moved the engine placement and made the car feel unusually “space-age.”

“Cab forward design” is an automotive packaging approach where the cabin is pushed forward and the engine is moved rearward compared with older layouts. That can improve interior space and visibility, but it also changes how the engine bay is accessed and serviced.

A transmission is the gearbox that changes engine speed and torque so the car can accelerate smoothly and cruise efficiently. When someone says a transmission “fell out,” they mean the gearbox assembly came loose or was removed during a repair.

“LX platform” refers to a shared vehicle architecture used across multiple Dodge models, including the Dodge Neon. A platform typically covers major hard points like the chassis layout and mounting locations, so cars built on the same platform can share engineering and production efficiencies.

The Dodge Neon is a compact car that was widely sold and commonly encountered on the road. The podcast context suggests the speaker had to explain “Dodge Neons” to customers, which points to it being a recognizable model in their work or sales environment. It’s discussed as part of understanding what certain cars are and how they fit customer needs.

An alignment is the process of adjusting a car’s suspension angles—like camber and toe—so the tires contact the road correctly. If it’s done wrong or the car’s geometry is problematic, you can get rapid tire wear and poor handling.

In steering systems, the “rack” usually refers to the steering rack, which converts the steering wheel’s rotation into left/right wheel movement. This segment says the rack was positioned in a way that made alignment work especially difficult.

Saturn was a GM brand known for making cars with a reputation for being straightforward, practical, and (in the early years) relatively good value. In this segment, the host specifically calls out the first-generation Saturns as some of the best domestically built cars of their era.

Planned obsolescence is the idea that products are designed to wear out or become outdated on purpose so you have to replace them. The host compares it to how refrigerators are treated, arguing the same logic applies to cars—leading to fewer cars being kept long-term and more ending up in salvage yards.

A salvage yard is a place where wrecked or retired vehicles are stored and dismantled for parts. The host uses it as evidence in the planned-obsolescence argument, claiming cars aren’t kept long enough to avoid ending up there.

The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck, and the 2015 model is part of Ram’s modern half-ton lineup. In this segment, it’s used as the example vehicle for a hypothetical engine-cost scenario tied to “multi-cylinder displacement.”

Multi-cylinder displacement is a system where an engine can shut down some cylinders under light load to improve fuel economy, then restart them when more power is needed. The hosts frame it as a “debacle” and connect it to reliability concerns in the example scenario.

OnStar is GM’s connected-vehicle service that uses cellular/GPS to provide features like automatic crash response and remote vehicle tracking. In the episode, it’s discussed as a way authorities or the service can locate a stolen car, even if they can’t directly stop it.

“Buy here, pay here” (often shortened to BHPH) is a used-car financing model where the dealer both sells the car and finances the payments. Because many buyers have limited credit, these lots often use additional tools like GPS trackers to improve recovery if payments stop.

“Fly by wire” is a control method where commands are sent electronically rather than through direct mechanical linkages. The host uses it as an analogy for modern steering systems where sensors and computers mediate control.

The Tesla Cybertruck is an electric pickup truck known for its unusual angular design and all-electric powertrain. It was widely discussed when it first came out, including conversations about its steering-by-wire system. That makes it a frequent topic when people talk about how new technology changes vehicle feel and maintenance considerations.

Steer-by-wire replaces the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering mechanism with electronic signals. The episode ties this to the Cybertruck’s design, arguing that modern cars can be controlled electronically rather than purely through a direct mechanical linkage.

A “kill switch” in a vehicle context refers to a system intended to disable or prevent operation of the car, typically for safety or security. The host connects it to the idea that connected/modern cars might be remotely disabled to stop a dangerous driver.

“22-inch wheels” refers to the wheel diameter, which is a common upgrade for looks. Larger wheels can change ride comfort and tire sidewall height, and they’re often paired with lower-profile tires.

The Lincoln Town Car is a full-size luxury sedan from Lincoln, known for its long-wheelbase comfort and classic American styling. Here, the host specifically calls out the “Black Lincoln Town Cars” from the movie “In Time,” emphasizing the look and vibe of those cars.

The hosts shift into a discussion about the automotive industry and how their platform is meant to advocate for enthusiasts. The segment frames their goal as keeping the hobby alive for future generations.

The Ford Crown Victoria (often called the “Crown Vic”) is a full-size, body-on-frame sedan that became famous in North America for police and fleet use. In this episode, the host highlights it as a newer-in-the-fleet choice and argues it’s a better daily-driver option than a small crossover.

The Jeep Compass is a compact crossover SUV, and the 2018 model is part of the Compass lineup aimed at everyday commuting and easier parking than larger vehicles. In the segment, it’s mentioned as an alternative the host tried to get their wife into, but they ultimately prefer the Ford Crown Vic instead.

The Toyota Crown is a long-running sedan line known for comfort and a more upscale feel compared with many mainstream sedans. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in the context of comparing deals and vehicle choices, with the Crown being part of the discussion about what makes a “good deal” versus alternatives. That’s why it shows up—people are weighing practicality and value.

The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV built for hauling people and cargo, with a long history of being used as a family and utility vehicle. The podcast mentions a “90 suburban,” which fits the Suburban’s reputation for being kept long-term and used as an everyday classic. It’s commonly discussed because it’s practical, spacious, and durable when maintained.

The Seat Cordoba is a compact car from Seat, typically known for being a practical, everyday vehicle. In the podcast, it’s mentioned alongside other older vehicles the speaker likes, which suggests it’s part of a personal collection or interest in classic cars. It comes up as an example of older, simpler transportation choices.