{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Vintage Car Ads, Hidden Houston Date Night and the '26 Subaru Outback!","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/vintage-car-ads-hidden-houston-date-night-and-the-26-subaru-outback","audioUrl":"https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/246908/episodes/19152251-vintage-car-ads-hidden-houston-date-night-and-the-26-subaru-outback.mp3","description":"The fastest way to time-travel through car culture is to flip through old ads and we do exactly that, one glossy page at a time. We react to vintage magazine car advertisements packed with chrome, bold taglines, and illustrated renderings that feel closer to concept art than photography. Along the way, we ask a simple question with a complicated answer: why did car marketing used to feel so direct, and why does it feel so scattered now? From there, we chase the nostalgia into newsprint. We talk about the era of full-page dealership newspaper ads, the ones that listed rows of cars with prices you could circle, plus weekend service specials like oil changes and tires. It’s a practical look at how inventory, consumer laws, and modern buying habits pushed that whole experience online, and what we miss when the entire local market no longer fits on one page. Then we point the car toward Houston with a set of driving destinations built for date night: a tucked-away speakeasy-style cocktail lounge, a neon-soaked quirky spot with pizza, a historic wine bar with haunted reputation, an outdoor beer garden, and a small retro neighborhood bar. We close with a real-world 2026 Subaru Outback review, covering trims, standard AWD, CVT behavior, fuel economy, and why the return of physical buttons matters for everyday driving. If you like car history, smart travel ideas, and honest new car reviews, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a rating and review.Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.----  ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time?     In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy!  Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.-----   -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com"},"annotations":[{"startTime":666.5,"endTime":751.36,"type":"car","title":"2026 Subaru Outback","url":"/cars/subaru/outback","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Nissan_PATROL_NISMO_%28Y62%29_used_as_a_SUPER_GT_FIRST_RESCUE_OPERATION_and_Subaru_LEGACY_OUTBACK_%28DBA-BS9%29_used_as_a_SUPER_GT_First_Rescue_Operation_Car.jpg","quote":"I had the opportunity to drive the all-new, completely redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback.\nIt comes in these trim levels: the Limited, the Limited XT, the Wilderness, Touring, and Touring XT.","canonicalId":"car:subaru:outback","priority":0.95,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The 2026 Subaru Outback is a redesigned Subaru crossover wagon/SUV that’s positioned as a rugged, outdoorsy daily driver. In this segment, the host highlights its new, taller, boxier body shape and a more traditional SUV look compared with the previous “lifted wagon” styling.","simplifiedExplanation":"The 2026 Subaru Outback is Subaru’s rugged family car that’s been redesigned. The big change here is that it looks more like a real SUV now—taller and more upright—rather than the older “lifted wagon” style.","imageAttribution":"Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0"}},{"startTime":674.0,"endTime":682.3,"type":"term","title":"trim levels","url":"/glossary/trim-levels","quote":"It comes in these trim levels: the Limited, the Limited XT, the Wilderness, Touring, and Touring XT.\nI had the Limited.","canonicalId":"term:trim-levels","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Trim levels are different versions of the same model that bundle equipment and styling choices. For example, the host lists multiple Outback trims (Limited, Limited XT, Wilderness, Touring, Touring XT), which typically differ in features like wheels, interior tech, and off-road or comfort-focused packages.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Trim levels” are the different versions of the same car model. They’re how manufacturers sell the same basic vehicle with different feature packages and looks."}},{"startTime":697.8,"endTime":742.2,"type":"term","title":"lifted wagon look","url":"/glossary/lifted-wagon-look","quote":"Gone is the lifted wagon look.\nUh sharp-looking front fascia on this, black plastic wheelwell openings, uh, very rugged looking, much more so than the outgoing model.","canonicalId":"term:lifted-wagon-look","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “lifted wagon look” describes styling where a wagon is raised in ride height to look more off-road, but it still retains a wagon-like silhouette. The host says the 2026 Outback moves away from that visual identity toward a taller, more SUV-like shape.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “lifted wagon look” is when a wagon is raised up so it looks more rugged, but it still looks like a wagon. The host is saying the new Outback is trying to look more like a proper SUV instead."}},{"startTime":711.4,"endTime":718.4,"type":"term","title":"Vertical bumper kickups","url":"/glossary/vertical-bumper-kickups","quote":"Vertical bumper kickups.\nNow, we used to call them over riders back in the day.\nThey don't call them that anymore.","canonicalId":"term:vertical-bumper-kickups","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Vertical bumper kickups are the upward “kicked” sections at the ends of a vehicle’s front or rear bumper. They’re often used to improve the off-road appearance and can help visually emphasize ground clearance and ruggedness; the host also connects them to an older styling term.","simplifiedExplanation":"Vertical bumper kickups are the parts of the bumper that curve or step upward at the corners. They’re a styling detail that gives the car a more rugged, off-road look."}},{"startTime":713.3,"endTime":718.1,"type":"term","title":"overriders","url":"/glossary/overriders","quote":"Now, we used to call them over riders back in the day.\nThey don't call them that anymore.","canonicalId":"term:overriders","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Overriders” is an older term for bumper guards or bumper extensions that sit above or alongside the bumper. The host notes that people don’t use that name as much anymore, even though the styling feature is still present.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Overriders” is an old-school name for bumper protection or bumper extensions. The host is saying the part still exists, but the name has fallen out of common use."}},{"startTime":747.8,"endTime":751.36,"type":"term","title":"12.3 inch displayscreen","url":"/glossary/12-3-inch-display-screen","quote":"Interior highlights, 12.3\ninch display screen.","canonicalId":"term:12-3-inch-displayscreen","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A 12.3-inch display screen refers to the size of the infotainment and/or driver information screen used for navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Larger screens are common in newer vehicles because they consolidate controls and make menus easier to read at a glance.","simplifiedExplanation":"A 12.3-inch display screen is the big touchscreen in the dashboard. It’s where you can control things like navigation and music, and it’s sized to be easier to see while driving."}},{"startTime":815.0,"endTime":820.2,"type":"term","title":"four-cylinder engine","url":"/glossary/four-cylinder-engine","quote":"Itis. 2.5 liter uhfour-cylinderengine,180horsepower. Nowthereisanoption,it'sa260horsepowerversionofit,betterfortowingandthatsortofstuff.","canonicalId":"term:four-cylinder-engine","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A four-cylinder engine has four combustion cylinders, which typically balances efficiency and cost with adequate everyday power. Here it’s specifically tied to the Outback’s 2.5-liter setup and the way the car is positioned for commuting and general use.","simplifiedExplanation":"A four-cylinder engine is an engine with four cylinders that work together to make power. It’s a common design because it can be efficient while still being strong enough for normal driving."}},{"startTime":820.2,"endTime":827.5,"type":"term","title":"towing","url":"/glossary/towing","quote":"Nowthereisanoption,it'sa260horsepowerversionofit,betterfortowingandthatsortofstuff. CVTtransmission, all-wheeldrive course is standard on all of the Subaru's.","canonicalId":"term:towing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Towing refers to the car’s ability to pull a trailer, which depends on power, cooling capacity, and drivetrain strength. The segment notes a higher-power option as being “better for towing,” implying it’s meant to handle heavier loads more comfortably.","simplifiedExplanation":"Towing means pulling something behind the car, like a trailer. If a car is “better for towing,” it usually has more power and capability to handle that extra load."}},{"startTime":827.5,"endTime":832.3,"type":"term","title":"all-wheel drive","url":"/glossary/all-wheel-drive","quote":"827.5s Bumpupinthebasethataswell. Souhanyway,uhthey have buttons now,and that's good. 814.0s Itis. 815.0s 2.5 liter uh four-cylinder engine, 180horsepower. ... 827.5s CVTtransmission, all-wheeldrive course is standard on all of the Subaru's.","canonicalId":"term:all-wheel-drive","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to both the front and rear axles, improving traction when roads are slippery or uneven. In this segment, it’s presented as standard across Subaru models, which supports the Outback’s “do-it-all” everyday use.","simplifiedExplanation":"All-wheel drive means the car can send power to all four wheels. That helps it grip better on wet, snowy, or rough roads, so it feels more confident day to day."}},{"startTime":832.3,"endTime":840.5,"type":"term","title":"2,700 pounds","url":"/glossary/2-700-pounds","quote":"CVTtransmission, all-wheeldrive course is standard on all of the Subaru's. Tillrating2,700poundsforthisparticularone, 25milespergalloninthecity, 31onthehighway foracombined of 27.","canonicalId":"term:2-700-pounds","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A towing rating is the maximum trailer weight the vehicle is designed to pull safely under specified conditions. The “2,700 pounds” figure sets the upper limit for what this particular Outback configuration can tow.","simplifiedExplanation":"That “2,700 pounds” number is the maximum trailer weight the car is rated to tow. It’s a safety limit—going over it can be risky."}},{"startTime":862.5,"endTime":863.8,"type":"term","title":"downshift","url":"/glossary/downshift","quote":"I think that the downshift is a little bits low to interact with the foot input, but that's just me, because I am a two-foot kind of guy, even with an automatic transmission.","canonicalId":"term:downshift","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.78,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A downshift is when the transmission selects a lower gear to increase engine speed and provide more acceleration. If the downshift feels slow to happen after you press the pedal, it can make the car feel less responsive during passing or merging.","simplifiedExplanation":"A downshift is when the car changes to a lower gear. That usually helps it accelerate faster, but if it takes too long to do it, the car can feel a little sluggish when you ask for power."}},{"startTime":883.0,"endTime":884.5,"type":"term","title":"off-road","url":"/glossary/off-road","quote":"And I did not take it off-road, so there is that.","canonicalId":"term:off-road","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Off-road driving means using the vehicle on unpaved or uneven terrain where traction and suspension travel matter more than on-road grip. When a host says they didn’t take it off-road, they’re signaling they didn’t test how the vehicle handles dirt trails, ruts, or loose surfaces.","simplifiedExplanation":"Off-road means driving on rough, unpaved, or uneven ground instead of normal streets. If they didn’t try it off-road, they’re basically saying they didn’t test how well it handles dirt trails and bumps."}},{"startTime":900.7,"endTime":906.0,"type":"car","title":"Honda Passport","url":"/cars/honda/passport","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1e/2019_Honda_Passport%2C_Cleveland_Auto_Show.jpg","quote":"Competitors, Honda Passport in size, but not in price.","canonicalId":"car:honda:passport","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.86,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV the host mentions as a size competitor. In this segment, it’s used to frame which other vehicles are “in the same size category,” even if the pricing doesn’t line up.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Honda Passport is another midsize SUV. The host is using it as a comparison for size, saying it’s in the same general category even if the price is different.","imageAttribution":"Syntaxlord (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":907.9,"endTime":912.0,"type":"car","title":"Chevy Blazer","url":"/cars/chevrolet/blazer","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/2019_Chevrolet_Blazer_Premier_3.6L%2C_8.11.19.jpg","quote":"Chevy Blazer, it starts at $34.3. It would probably be its closest competitor.","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:blazer","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Blazer is a midsize SUV that’s being used here as a price-and-size comparison point. The host is contrasting it with the Subaru Outback’s market positioning by noting the Blazer’s starting price for similar “in-size” competition.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chevrolet Blazer is an SUV that the host brings up as a competitor. They’re comparing it mainly on how much it costs and how it stacks up in size versus the car being reviewed.","imageAttribution":"Syntaxlord (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":929.9,"endTime":934.2,"type":"car","title":"Kia Telluride","url":"/cars/kia/telluride","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/37/2019_Kia_Telluride_EX_V6_front_4.14.19.jpg","quote":"Again, the base model price is $34,995. Next week, we're going to review the Kia Telluride.","canonicalId":"car:kia:telluride","priority":0.25,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Kia Telluride is mentioned as the next vehicle the hosts plan to review. It’s a midsize three-row SUV that often competes in the same family-focused market as other larger crossovers and SUVs.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Kia Telluride is the next SUV the hosts say they’ll review. It’s known for being a family-friendly SUV with room for more passengers.","imageAttribution":"Kevauto (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":933.6,"endTime":936.2,"type":"term","title":"miles per gallon","url":"/glossary/miles-per-gallon","quote":"So that the 29 miles plus per gallon that you I know that you take a certain highway to work back and forth, but you didn't do any extra usage during the week on.","canonicalId":"term:miles-per-gallon","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.82,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Miles per gallon (MPG) is a fuel-economy measure that tells you how far the car can go on one gallon of fuel. Real-world MPG can vary a lot based on driving style, speed, and whether you’re doing highway commuting versus more demanding driving like off-road trails.","simplifiedExplanation":"Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how efficiently the car uses gas. Higher MPG usually means you spend less on fuel, and it can drop when driving gets harder or slower."}},{"startTime":960.0,"endTime":966.2,"type":"term","title":"CVT transmission","url":"/glossary/cvt-transmission","quote":"Well,youknow,II'mnotsurebecauseit'sgottheCVTtransmission,soit'snotoneofthosethat,youknow,well,we'vegottoputitinthelow.","canonicalId":"term:cvt-transmission","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A CVT transmission (continuously variable transmission) uses a belt or chain and variable pulleys to smoothly change the gear ratio. Instead of fixed gears, it can keep the engine near its most efficient RPM range, which can feel different from a traditional automatic or manual.","simplifiedExplanation":"A CVT is a type of automatic transmission that can change ratios smoothly instead of using set “gears.” That can help the engine stay in a good power/efficiency zone, but it can also feel different when you’re trying to accelerate or climb."}},{"startTime":960.0,"endTime":966.2,"type":"term","title":"low","url":"/glossary/low","quote":"Well,youknow,II'mnotsurebecauseit'sgottheCVTtransmission,soit'snotoneofthosethat,youknow,well,we'vegottoputitinthelow.","canonicalId":"term:low","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.6,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Low” refers to low-range gearing, typically found in a transfer case on vehicles with four-wheel drive. Low range multiplies torque for slow, controlled crawling—useful for off-road obstacles, steep grades, or situations where you need more pulling power at low speed.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Low” usually means a low gear setting that makes the vehicle crawl with more pulling power. It’s meant for tough terrain where you want control and torque, not speed."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"In Wheel Time Podcast | Automotive talk with Don Armstrong","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"Michael Marrs","role":"host"},{"id":"s3","name":"Jeff Dziekan","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/vintage-car-ads-hidden-houston-date-night-and-the-26-subaru-outback/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}