Talking Cars (MP3)
Consumer Reports
Updated about 2 hours agoJoin our experts at the Consumer Reports Test Track as they discuss cars, answer buying questions, and share insights on everything automotive.
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Episodes (535)
#149 Are Ford sedans REALLY disappearing? 2018 Mazda6
To borrow from Mark Twain, reports of the death of the Ford sedan have been greatly exaggerated! We discuss this surprising news, and how a lot of the media coverage has gotten the story wrong. We give our impressions of a borrowed Mazda6 we drove at our track. We wrap up this episode with viewer questions about swapping out your seasonal tires, low-speed AEB, and if there is any true replacement for the Mazda5 micro van.
#148 Car Loan Advice, Rising Fuel Prices, & Genesis G70
This week we welcome CR editor Keith Barry to the podcast, and discuss why fuel prices seem to always go up around summer time. We also break down some of the dangers to look out for when looking for a car loan, and tips to make the best choice for your budget. We talk about our experiences with the 2019 Genesis G70, and wrap with viewer questions about the new Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford F-150 transmission, and (hopefully) our last question about snow tires for the season! Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! From your iOS device, iMessage us at [email protected] to send a photo, video, or text directly to the Talking Cars team! We love to feature our viewers on the show, so submit video questions at https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-talking-cars/ Subscribe to Talking Cars on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Jr8wJRJyN9v8T6LC1fQQ6 SHOW NOTES ----------------------------------- :26 Welcome Keith Barry 1:23 Nerd moment 1:43 Fuel prices 06:16 Car loan break down 10:49 2019 Genesis G70 14:57 Video Question 1: Hyundai Santa Fe; Mazda CX-9; Ford Edge? 19:25 Video Question 2: Ford F-150 & 10 speed transmission smoothness 22:58 Video Question 3: All-weather tires vs studded tires ----------------------------------- How to Save Money at the Gas Pump: https://www.consumerreports.org/saving-money/how-to-save-money-at-the-gas-pump/ Where to Shop for a Car Loan: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-financing/where-to-shop-for-a-car-loan/ 2019 Genesis G70 Quick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDrN5_R3Bu0 2018 Ford F-150 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGEmjjPCCeQ 2019 Toyota Avalon Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsYrBRbjUok 2018 New York Auto Show: 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3ilxcZv1rw 4K Review: 2018 Kia Stinger Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z23ztuujxfA 4K Review: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UigcJd7PVY 2015 Ford Edge Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46Yeez1661o 2016 Kia Sorento Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9cvIuyLOGE 2018 Detroit Auto Show: 2019 Chevrolet Silverado https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5E1EjYfXFs 2015 Jeep Renegade Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xqTwaY5AA0 2014 Jeep Cherokee first drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4nldxmFZq8 4K Review: 2017 Toyota Sienna Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=165J4dCwUGU 4K Review: 2017 Toyota Highlander Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic5Obebxcv8 New All-Weather Tires Outperform Some Snow Tires https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JfEcVZvQEA 2016 Toyota Prius Quick Drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GwUY0-gB0Q ----------------------------------- Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez Follow Us on Social: Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2 Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9 Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ
#147 Tesla Production Issues, 2020 Ford Focus & Video Questions
Turns out the Tesla Model 3 needs humans after all. We discuss Tesla's production issues and what it means for the company's approach to automation. We received a number of video submissions this week, which leads to a discussion on the past, present, and future of the Ford Focus, as well as paddle shifters in minivans.
#146 Ram 1500, Jeep Cherokee; Used Car Buying Advice
Two new vehicles at the track this week, we discuss the shrinking sedan market and whether or not SUVs are taking over the auto industry, also we answer viewer questions about purchasing used cars.
#145: Special Visitor; Entry Level SUVs or Hatchbacks?
This week, a U.S. Senator visits our test track. We debate whether or not entry-level luxury SUVs are just hatchbacks in disguise. Plus, we answer viewer questions about road trips and Volkswagen's pickup truck concept.
#144: 2018 New York Auto Show
We're on the floor of the 2018 New York Auto Show for a live taping of Talking Cars! We discuss the cars that we think made an impact, the emerging trends in the auto industry and we answer questions from our live audience.
#143 Ford's Co-Pilot360 Safety Suite; Buick Regal Sportback Vs Kia Stinger
Ford announces an all new safety suite for 2020. We compare the newly released test results on our Buick Regal and Kia Stinger also answer viewer questions, and a special question about the Mikes.
#142: Volkswagen's Electric Lineup; 2018 Hyundai Accent
Volkswagen says 'auf wiedersehen' to the Beetle and announces new electric models. We also discuss our 2018 Hyundai Accent and answer viewer questions.
#141: Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3 Questions, All-New GMC Sierra
This week, we answer viewer questions about our Tesla Model 3 coverage. Some eagle-eyed members of our audience spotted our 2018 Nissan Leaf in our garage last week, so we give you our first impressions on Nissan's all-electric car. Finally, we discuss GMC's announcement of a new Sierra, and whether its swiss army knife of a tailgate will appeal to pickup buyers.
#140: Tesla Model 3 First Impressions
Our Tesla Model 3 is finally here at the track, and we go in-depth on our initial impressions, including build quality, how it drives, and what we think of that big center screen.
#139: Our 2018 Top Picks
Each year, Consumer Reports chooses the best performing vehicles of the year in a number of categories. We discuss which cars we selected as the best of the year, automaker brand rankings, and how vehicles have evolved over the last decade.
#138: Recurring Recalls; Lexus RX350L
The Takata airbag recall continues and Fiat Chrysler recalls nearly 40,000 vehicles. We discuss how to track manufacturer recalls to make sure your car is safe. The Lexus RX350L joins our fleet, and we seek out the best American cars for teens.
#137: Super Bowl Screen Time; 2018 Ford EcoSport
This week we answer your video submitted questions first! We also talk about two car commercials from the Super Bowl and discuss our newest test vehicle, the 2018 Ford EcoSport.
#136: Name That Safety Feature; 2018 Honda Clarity
We recap our trip to the SAE Government/Industry meeting and talk about why the names of safety features can be confusing to consumers. The Honda Clarity joins our test fleet and as always, we answer viewer questions.
#135: The New Jeep Wrangler & Hyundai Elantra GT; Why Are New Cars So Expensive?
It's true; we bought a new Jeep Wrangler for our test fleet. We share our first impressions and explore why people love the original SUV. We also have a new Hyundai Elantra GT at the track. Can it compete with hot-hatches like the Volkswagen GTI? Plus, we answer viewer questions and celebrate a special anniversary.
Exploding Sunroofs: A Special Edition of Talking Cars
Consumer Reports investigates the issue of "Exploding Sunroofs" in which sunroofs on cars of all makes and models explode with little or no warning, putting the driver at great risk. In this narrative audio documentary, a first from CR, hear from drivers whose sunroofs exploded as they drove along familiar roads in pristine conditions. Learn how they dealt with the shock and how their dealers and manufacturers dealt with them. For the purpose of the podcast CR went into its testing lab and blew up a sunroof to provide listeners with the most realistic sense of what it sounds like when a sunroof explodes some 6 inches from your head. Consumer Reports also provides insight about what is being done to address this issue and valuable information in the unlikely circumstance that this happens to you.
#134: 2018 Detroit Auto Show
Trucks take center stage at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show with redesigns from RAM, Chevy and Ford. We talk about new models from Honda, Acura and Toyota and share which cars we're most looking forward to in the coming year.
#133: The Future is Electric
We peek into the future of cars with news from CES in Las Vegas. The Buick Regal Sportback joins our test fleet and we give our first impressions. And, we answer viewer questions on tire ratings, starting your car in the cold and brake lights.
#132: The Parka Podcast
Bundle up for this week's episode as we share expert advice on how to get the most out of your car in frigid temps. Two new giant SUVs make their debut at our test track and we answer viewer questions about all-weather tires and cruise control.
#131: The Cars Our Engineers Loved and Hated in 2017
It's our end of the year wrap up, and we discuss our most (and least) favorite cars that we tested this year at our track. We also talk about what we're most looking forward to from the auto industry in 2018.
#130: Owner Satisfaction Results and Affordable Luxury Cars
This week we cover Toyota's announcement on EV's and a new Mercedes bound for the States. Owner Satisfaction results are in, and we talk about the brands and models that left drivers wanting more. Plus, viewer questions about our test fleet and more on electronic parking brakes.
#129: Kia's Shot in the Arm, New IIHS Crash Tests and an E-Brake Experiment
This week two all-new cars stop by Consumer Reports' test track, the Kia Stinger and Hyundai Kona. We also talk about what it takes for your car to be a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and why some brand new vehicles may no longer hold the ranking. Plus, we answer viewer questions on older vehicles and what happens when you pull an electronic parking brake at 40 mph.
#128: Lamborghini's SUV, GM's Marketplace, and the Kia Rio
This week we look at in-car convenience with the new GM Marketplace, give our take on Lamborghini's super SUV and find out why no one wants to drive our 2018 Kia Rio. We also talk about our GMC Terrain and the tough competition it faces among small SUVs and the new Buick Enclave that's been added to our test fleet. Plus, we answer a viewer question about engine trouble with the Mazda CX-9 and invite you to be a part of the show!
#127: 2017 LA Auto Show
Our experts are on the West Coast for the 2017 LA Auto Show, and give their first impressions on the 3-row Subaru Ascent and Lexus RX 350L, subcompact Hyundai Kona and Nissan Kicks, as well as the redesigned Jeep Wrangler and Infiniti QX50.
#126: Looking Ahead to an Autonomous Future
The world seems to be speeding toward a future of autonomous vehicles. But will the reality match the visions of the automakers and innovators? In this Talking Cars special, we assembled an expert panel at our annual meeting at the CR Auto Test Center to discuss the prospect of autonomous driving.