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)
#118: Viewer Q&A and 2018 Toyota Camry
This week we dive into the comments section and answer viewer questions on winter tire traction, auto start/stop systems, our favorite muscle cars, and the family hauler potential of commercial vans like the Ford Transit Connect and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. We also give our first impressions of the all-new 2018 Toyota Camry.
#117: Used Car Questions & Honda Civic Si
This week we answer questions from our audience about used cars and SUVs, and give first impressions of our newly purchased 2017 Honda Civic Si.
#116: Used Car Marketplace
This episode is dedicated to used cars. We talk about which used cars we'd buy in three different price ranges and answer viewer questions about trucks and all-wheel drive vehicles.
#115: Sleeper Hits, Prius Prime, and the Impact of EVs
We debut a whole new look and sound for Talking Cars this week! We discuss the best cars on the market today that no one is talking about (or buying.) Fresh out of testing, we give our overall impressions of the Toyota Prius Prime, and answer a viewer question about the environmental impact of electrical vehicles.
#114: Mazda CX-5
We give our first impressions of our new Mazda CX-5 and Jeep Compass, talk about Honda's move toward alternative fuel vehicles and answer viewer questions.
#113: 2017 New York Auto Show
We're at the New York Auto Show, covering new offerings from Subaru and Buick, as well as an intriguing concept from Toyota, and we discuss Dodge's powerful muscle car.
#112: Kia Niro and BMW 5 Series
The Kia Niro and BMW 5 Series have been added to our test fleet. We talk about the Niro's potential impact on the hybrid market, discuss the BMW 5 Series' new, smaller engine and answer viewer questions.
#111: Toyota C-HR and Alfa Romeo Giulia
Toyota's all-new subcompact SUV the C-HR visits our test track and we share our first impressions. We also discuss our new Alfa Romeo Giulia and field viewer questions about new car buying and advanced safety systems.
#110: 2017 Top Picks
On this episode of Talking Cars, our experts discuss the 10 vehicles that make up our influential Top Picks list. We explain what makes a vehicle eligible for Top Pick status, and go in-depth on why they are the best in their categories.
#109: Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
The redesigned Honda CR-V and all-new Volkswagen Golf Alltrack are two different takes on the sport utility vehicle. We also answer questions about affordable cars with advanced safety equipment and if an older BMW is a risky maintenance and reliability bet.
#108: Live at University of Michigan
We take the show on the road to the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute to discuss autonomous vehicle technology: where we are, where we're headed, and the challenges along the way. We also take questions from our live audience!
#107: 2017 Detroit Auto Show
We're on the floor of the 2017 Detroit Auto Show! We discuss our first impressions of the all-new Toyota Camry and Honda Odyssey, which announcements surprised and disappointed us, and the emerging diesel trend.
#106: Our 2016 Favorites
In our end of the year wrap up, we discuss the cars that were our personal favorites, along with the ones we liked the least.
#105: Lincoln Continental and Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Lincoln Continental and Alfa Romeo Giulia both aim to redefine their respective brands. We also answer questions about fully loaded small cars, and the difference between cars that we buy and rent.
#104: Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is redesigned for 2017. We discuss the car's all-new platform and new levels of refinement. We also answer questions on the Chevy Bolt, vehicle reliability, and Mazda Miata alternatives.
#103: Chevrolet Bolt
Turns out the first relatively affordable long-range electric car isn't from Tesla; the Chevy Bolt beats the Tesla Model 3 to market. We found the Bolt to be enjoyable and practical, but wonder if buyers will be turned off by its dowdy styling.
#102: 2017 New Car Reliability
Which car brands build the most - and least - reliable new cars? Which models are the most trouble-prone? What usually goes wrong with new cars? We discuss the results of Consumer Reports' 2017 reliability survey. Exclusive reliability scores for over 300 models are available at consumerreports.org/reliability
#101: Buick Cascada, SUV Questions
The Buick Cascada fills a hole in the affordable convertible marketplace, providing a well-finished open-air cruiser that isn't special to drive. We then discuss whether SUVs will go out of style, help viewers choose among luxury and practical SUVs, and explain why the Toyota Yaris scores low.
#100: A Live Audience Q&A
Our 100th episode is recorded live at the track with an audience of loyal fans. We answer questions about our backgrounds, essential safety equipment, the future of fuel economy, hated test cars, best and worst parts of our jobs, the death of the manual transmission, and our fascination with "soft-touch" plastics.
#99: Self-Driving Cars: Image vs Reality
Cars with semi-autonomous features are becoming more common, but when does a car actually drive itself? We discuss the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Volvo S90, both of which have these features. We also answer a viewer question about two Ford SUVs.
#98: Buick Envision and Jaguar F-Pace
Two new luxury SUVs share the spotlight: the Buick Envision and the Jaguar F-Pace. We also answer your questions about comparing the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt and whether Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system is an improvement.
#97: Cadillac CT6, XT5, and Chevrolet Volt
The new Cadillac CT6 sedan and XT5 SUV highlight the brand's split personality. We also answer your questions about three-row SUVs, why we mention the Audi Q7 more than the Volvo XC90, and if we'll test a Toyota Land Cruiser.
#96: Mazda CX-9
We answer your questions about the new Mazda CX-9, the Tesla Model X, a good pickup truck choice, and a luxury SUV with serious towing capacity.
#95: Tesla Model X, GMC Acadia
Driving the Tesla Model X SUV feels just like a taller Model S. But many gee-whiz features reduce utility or are over-complicated, like the falcon-wing doors. GM adjusts fuel economy measurements for some SUVs and we discuss the redesigned GMC Acadia.
#94: Kia Sportage, Jaguar XF
Two new cars join the Consumer Reports test fleet, the Kia Sportage and the Jaguar XF. Both highlight the design trends of their respective manufacturers; the Kia improves on the earlier-released Hyundai Tucson, and Jaguar is rebuilding their mainstream fleet.