Talking Cars (MP3)
Consumer Reports
Updated 3 days 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 (528)
#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.
#125: 2018 Reliability Survey Results
Which cars are the most reliable? And which brands have the best track record for quality? We go deep into our 2018 reliability survey to discuss who's up, who's down, and a few surprises from the over 640,000 vehicles included in our data. SHOW NOTES ------------------------ :50 - How we gather our reliability data 2:50 - current reliability trends 7:14 - 2018 reliability survey highlights 15:35 - Tesla Model 3 reliability announcement Video submission link: CR.org/TalkingCars
#124: 2018 Honda Accord & Tips for Dealing with Dealers
We got our hands on the all-new 2018 Honda Accord, and give our first impressions on its driving dynamics, updated infotainment system, and styling. Did you know October is a great time to find a deal on cars and trucks? We tell you why, and show you some of the big bargains out there. Finally, buying a car from a dealer can be a high pressure experience, so we share some of our tips for buying a car without all the hassle.
#123: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Child Seats (But Were Afraid To Ask)
Too many people still use car seats incorrectly. That's why we're talking car seats with our two experts on the subject on this edition of the podcast. You'll learn some key facts that could help you, or let you help someone you know with children.
#122: What I Did on My Summer Vacation
The gang is back from their summer vacations all over the globe! They discuss how the cars they saw are different from models at home. They also talk about test results on the Toyota C-HR, and a question from the audience gets us out on our track to do some myth busting.
#121: Teen Driving & The Best Cars for New Drivers
Teen driving takes center stage on this episode. We talk about the cars that we learned to drive in, the best new and used cars for teens and a hands-on program that educates young drivers.
#120: The 2018 Volkswagen Atlas, Tiguan and Questions
Volkswagen takes aim at the SUV market in the U.S. with two new three-row vehicles. We also answer viewer questions about Jeeps, bikes and the Toyota Camry.
#119: Your Car Questions Answered
This week's episode is entirely dedicated to viewer and listener questions. We discuss heavy duty trucks, active safety equipment, used cars and more.