Talking Cars (MP3)
Consumer Reports
Updated about 5 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)
#75: Scionmania! New iA and iM
Scion makes a near-clean sweep of their product lineup, adding the new iA and iM. We take a look back at the genesis of Toyota's youth-oriented brand, and discuss how things didn't quite work out as expected. Although the funky xB box-on-wheels is gone, both the iA and iM prove surprisingly satsifying to drive, especially at their sub-$20,000 price tags. We also answer viewer questions about Episode #74 on tiny SUVs, including the perceived omission of the Kia Soul, Subaru XV Crosstrek, and Nissan Juke.
#74: The Pros and Cons of Tiny SUVs
Subcompact SUVs have become a new market niche, as automakers create SUVs to match every conceivable buyer whim and budget. We discuss what you gain - and what you give up - when you buy a super-small SUV, illustrated by our test results for the Honda HR-V, Chevrolet Trax, and Jeep Renegade. This trio isn't that impressive, but we hold out hope for the promising Mazda CX-3. Moving on, we highlight Consumer Reports' research into car insurance premiums; you may be surprised by what dictates your rates. Much more information is online at www.consumerreports.org/fixcarinsurance. Finally, we answer a viewer question, one that we hear a lot these days: how do you pick between a Subaru Outback and a Volkswagen Golf SportWagen?
#73: Cars That Burn Too Much Oil
Some cars burn a lot of oil between oil changes. An extensive look through Consumer Reports' survey data highlights which engines are most likely to suffer this problem. Many German brands appear on the list, as well as Subaru. We discuss the factors behind this trend, how various automakers are responding, and what consumers can do. We then dig through the digital mailbag, answering viewer comments about choosing a sports sedan.
#72: Volvo XC90 & V60 Cross Country, VW Golf SportsWagen
It doesn't get more "all-new" than the Volvo XC90, as the Swedish brand redesigns their flagship SUV from the ground up. In many ways, this car is a revolution for Volvo, featuring all four-cylinder powerplants, high-tech infotainment, and a stunning interior. Two station wagons get rather different receptions from our panel. The Volvo V60 Cross Country doesn't make a convincing case, while the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen proves appealing despite quibbles over its TDI diesel engine. We then answer a reader's question about which sports sedan to purchase, only to find that giving clear advice is tougher than it seems.
#71: Ford F-150 & Chevrolet Colorado Test Results
Jake and Tom talk about final test results for the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Colorado, recorded while driving around the track in our F-150 2.7-liter. While the F-150's engineering is revolutionary, the driving experience winds up being surprisingly mundane and truck-like, ultimately costing the truck points in our tests. Likewise, the Colorado finally gives the compact truck market a modern competitor, but it too has a host of flaws. How much those flaws matter to individuals winds up being a point of discussion, revolving around yet another viewer asking about buying a Mazda6. Another viewer complains about us complaining about the Mazda MX-5 Miata's seats. Finally we answer which is more enjoyable to drive: the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ or the Miata?
#70: Mazda MX-5 Miata and CX-3; Honda Pilot
A new Mazda MX-5 Miata doesn't come along everyday, so the new 4th generation car is big news. While so many cars grow with each redesign, the Miata fights this inevitable bloat. Jake argues that the Miata's biggest competition is the wide variety of used Miatas available at any time; Tom hopes that people keep buying new ones so he can get one used someday. Moving on, the CX-3 small SUV brings the Miata's DNA to the subcompact SUV market, a segment that really lacked a truly desirable product. Finally, the Honda Pilot finally gets redesigned for 2016. While not immune from all of Honda's recent product gaffes (like annoying audio controls,) the Pilot proves appealing at first glance.
#69: Ford F-150: EcoBoost vs EcoBoost
Two Ford F-150s were purchased for our test fleet, one with the familiar 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and the other with Ford's new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6. Acceleration results from our test track proved surprising. Less surprising were the fuel economy numbers from the lightweight aluminium-bodied truck; we put those into perspective. In other news, our Tesla Model S P85D suffers an early malfunction, highlighting Tesla's customer service. We then reach deep into the mailbag, answering a variety of inquiries. Vehicle collaborations that were reliable, comparing the VW GTI to the Golf R, Acura ILX hate mail, sporty small SUVs, and the forgotten Mazda CX-9 are all discussed.
#68: A Tale of Two Jeeps
Jeep sales are setting new records, driven by models like the new Renegade. These models might help Fiat-Chrysler Group’s balance sheet, but do they risk alienating traditionalists? To find out, we invited George to bring in his off-road-ready 1999 Jeep Cherokee. Other than mercilessly mocking his project Jeep’s various shortcomings, we talk about how the Renegade fits with the brand, how it matches customer expectations, and if it’s a good value or not. Next we answer some reader complaints about reliability and recommendations, particularly comparing the Jeep Cherokee and Volkswagen Golf. Finally, we look at the VW Golf R, the top-trim model of the legendary GTI hot hatch. As expected, the gang is split on the car’s appeal and value.
#67: 2016 Mazda6 and CX-5; Acura ILX
We see it all the time in the YouTube comments: questions about the Mazda6 and CX-5. Both models were updated for 2016, so Talking Cars highlights the changes. Both cars stay true to form, with sharp handling and impressive fuel economy. We discuss if Mazda was successful in reducing interior noise, long a brand shortcoming. Also updated for 2016 is the Acura ILX. Despite changes, the car doesn't reach far beyond its Honda Civic roots, making us seriously question its $30,000 price tag.
LinkedIn Elevate & Twitter shuts off the firehose | Marketing News | MR014
Twitter is shutting down its tweet data “firehose” to third-party resellers. LinkedIn is launching a new app called Elevate to empower your employees to share content. What does this all mean for your business? All this and more on this week’s Marketing Recap! View the show notes for more stories and the video version of this episode by going to http://MarketingRecap.com/14. Join us next Thursday for the Marketing Recap Hangout and Chat at 10:00pm EST/7:00pm PST. Use the hashtag #MRcap on Twitter. Be a guest on the roundtable: http://MarketingRecap.com/guest PS: Please subscribe and leave us a rating and review to let us know you enjoy the show!
#66: We buy a Tesla Model S P85D!
Back in Episode #62, we asked our Talking Cars viewers if we should buy a Tesla Model S P85D, and heard a resounding "yes." Your support and interest was one reason for us to buy our most expensive test car yet. While the P85D delivers "insane" performance combined with impressive energy efficiency, that wasn't the only reason for our purchase. This latest Model S also offers Autopilot, with upcoming software updates that will make the Model S one of the first self-driving cars you can buy.
#65: 2015 New York Auto Show
Talking Cars hits the road, covering the 2015 New York Auto Show in an episode recorded right from the show floor. Honda surprises everyone with a 10th generation Civic. Old-school rivals Cadillac and Lincoln face-off, with the soon-to-production CT6 and the Continental concept. Lexus goes down a different road with the now-sportier RX: will it alienate previous buyers? The Chevrolet Malibu loses hundreds of pounds, yet gains four inches of needed rear seat room. While the Malibu looks way different from the previous car, it takes a much closer eye to spot the changes in the redesigned Kia Optima. The new Nissan Maxima draws on its oddly enduring brand equity. Subaru teases us with a BRZ STi while Scion outsources their iA and brings out a Corolla-based iM hatchback. Finally, the Volkswagen Golf Sportswagen Alltrack sets off a discussion about mainstream vs. enthusiast wagons.
Periscope vs Meerkat & Facebook's F8 Conference | MR013
Today Twitter launched Periscope to take on the live video streaming sensation, Meerkat. Facebook is hosting its F8 developers conference and introducing some interesting new products. What does this all mean for your business? All this and more on this week’s Marketing Recap! View the show notes for more stories and the video version of this episode by going to http://MarketingRecap.com/13. Join us next Thursday for the Marketing Recap Hangout and Chat at 10:00pm EST/7:00pm PST. Use the hashtag #MRcap on Twitter. PS: Please subscribe and leave us a rating and review to let us know you enjoy the show!
#64: Tesla and the self-driving car
Other car companies promise self-driving cars, coming years in the future. Tesla just shrinked that timeframe to months, thanks to software updates to the Model S. With the technology leading legislation, this raises a bunch of questions. We discuss how the car is becoming a rolling supercomputer, how that affects vehicle design, and what this all means for driving enthusiasts.
#63: Ford Edge, Lexus NX
The magic number for this episode is "two." We look at two new two-row SUVs, the Ford Edge and Lexus NX, both powered by 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinders. While the Lexus tries to be sporty (with some success), the 2015 Edge winds up being the better "Lexus," thanks to a redesign that transforms the car. Normally Toyota does hybrids well, but the hybrid NX300h isn't as fulfilling as the turbocharged NX200t. Viewer feedback ran deep from our annual Top Picks episode, asking about the lack of a sports car pick and our small car choice. Finally, we talk about the possibility of buying a Tesla Model S P85D.
#62: 2015 Top Picks
Coinciding with our annual April auto issue, it's time to reveal Consumer Reports' Top Picks for 2015. Selections have to be among the top-scoring cars in their category, and must have average or better reliability according to our survey data. Two big trends emerge this year: American brands are fighting back, taking three of the ten top spots. Subaru also continues to dominate, grabbing three of the other spots. We discuss each pick, why there isn't a choice for top pickup truck this year, and look at some cars that almost made the list.
Amazon Giveaways, Twitter + Niche & Facebook Relevance Score | Marketing News | MR007
Amazon makes it easy for users to host giveaway contests, Twitter acquires social talent agency Niche, and Facebook shows advertisers their Relevance Score. We talk about these stories and more and what they mean for businesses, plus talk with people on the Twitter chat #MRcap. View the show notes for more stories and the video version of this episode by going to http://MarketingRecap.com/7. Join us next Thursday for the Marketing Recap Hangout and Chat at 10:00pm EST / 7:00pm PST / 3:00am GMT. Use the hashtag #MRcap on Twitter. PS: Please subscribe and leave us a rating and review to let us know you enjoy the show!
#61: More SUVs: Kia Sorento, Chevrolet Trax
Right now, it feels like we're buying nothing but SUVs for the Consumer Reports test fleet. The two latest additions are the Kia Sorento and Chevrolet Trax. While the Sorento is a well-finished rival to rivals like the Toyota Highlander, the Trax literally comes up short - except for its optimistic price tag. We then dive into the viewer mailbag, answering questions about wintertime testing. Finally, several viewers didn't agree with us about the Cadillac Escalade, as discussed on episode #60.
Twitter Video & Quick Promote, Super Bowl Social Stats plus a Woman Hanging from a Star | Marketing News | MR006
We're big into Twitter news this week after the launch of their Quick Promote button and Videos. We also revisit last week's conversation and see how social media networks did during the Super Bowl. We talk about these stories and more and what they mean for businesses, plus talk with people on the Twitter chat #MRcap. View the show notes for more stories and the video version of this episode by going to http://MarketingRecap.com/6. Join us next Thursday for the Marketing Recap Hangout and Chat at 10:00pm EST/7:00pm PST. Use the hashtag #MRcap on Twitter. PS: Please subscribe and leave us a rating and review to let us know you enjoy the show!
Jeff Sheehan talks Super Bowl Ads & Social Media, plus Snapchat Ghosts | Marketing News | MR005
We welcome special guest Jeff Sheehan to talk about his recent LinkedIn Pulse articles about Super Bowl ads and the right way to handle social media. We also get into new features in Snapchat that could help you get more engagement. What does this all mean for your business? All this and more on this week’s Marketing Recap! View the show notes for more stories and the video version of this episode by going to http://MarketingRecap.com/5. Join us next Thursday for the Marketing Recap Hangout and Chat at 10:00pm EST/7:00pm PST. Use the hashtag #MRcap on Twitter. PS: Please subscribe and leave us a rating and review to let us know you enjoy the show!
Google Trusted Stores & New Structured Data Tool | Marketing News | MR004
Question of the Week: Is Google helping MySpace make a comeback? Topics: Google's new Structured Data Tool helps webmasters tell Google which information to show in search results including Social Media profiles. and more from Google ... Google Trusted Stores: Now it’s even easier to help shoppers buy online with confidence We talk about these stories and more and what they mean for businesses, plus talk with people on the Twitter chat #MRcap. View the show notes for more stories and the video version of this episode by going to http://MarketingRecap.com/4. Join us next Thursday for the Marketing Recap Hangout and Chat at 10:00pm EST/7:00pm PST. Use the hashtag #MRcap on Twitter. PS: Please subscribe and leave us a rating and review to let us know you enjoy the show!
#60: Cadillac Escalade vs. Lincoln Navigator
They're both big, plush, and expensive: the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator join the Consumer Reports test fleet. Each scores points in this skirmish in different ways, but we can't help thinking that this segment's heyday has come and gone. We also look at the new Nissan Murano, which aims for a upscale look and feel at a price point dominated by family haulers. After complaining about the Murano's steering feel, we debate how much that matters to its buyers. Finally, we answer two viewer questions from the Detroit Auto Show: Could Buick build the Avenir concept car without stepping on Cadillac's toes? And, could brands other than Volvo overcome the reputational baggage that comes with selling Chinese-built cars in America?
$750,000 Snapchat Ads, Facebook at Work & What Teens REALLY Think | Marketing News | MR003
Facebook is letting businesses create their own internal social networks with Facebook at Work. A teen's post on Medium goes viral when he reveals how he and his peers REALLY use social media apps. Are they really leaving Facebook in droves? Snapchat is asking for a minimum of $750,000 per day to advertise on their platform. Are they crazy? We talk about these stories and more and what they mean for businesses, plus talk with people on the Twitter chat #MRcap. View the show notes for more stories and the video version of this episode by going to http://MarketingRecap.com/3. Join us next Thursday for the Marketing Recap Hangout and Chat at 10:00pm EST/7:00pm PST. Use the hashtag #MRcap on Twitter. PS: Please subscribe and leave us a rating and review to let us know you enjoy the show!
#59: 2015 Detroit Auto Show
We cover all the news from the 2015 Detroit Auto Show floor! High-performance was a theme, whether it's supercars like the Acura NSX and Ford GT, or off-road-oriented trucks like the Ford Raptor and Ram Rebel. Diesel pickups also build up speed, with a fuel-efficient version of the Ram EcoDiesel and the new Nissan Titan XD. A revised Toyota Tacoma suggests new life in the small truck market, and Hyundai shows their Santa Cruz small truck concept. Buick has a strong show, with the stunning Avenir and the Cascada ragtop. Turns out our predictions for North American Car/Truck of the Year were half right, with the Ford F-150 taking the prize for trucks, but the VW Golf topping the Mustang among cars. We also look at new stuff from Volvo, Infiniti, and Lincoln.
Facebook looks more like YouTube & OnStar's New AtYourService | MR002
Facebook is continuing to challenge YouTube with new Video pages and your car may soon influence your purchasing decisions. What does this all mean for your business? View the show notes for more stories and the video version of this episode by going to http://MarketingRecap.com/2. In the past, it was typical for Page administrators to upload their video content only to YouTube and then share that link on their Facebook Page. For brands like PoolSupplyWorld with over 100,000 Facebook Fans, it made sense to try and convert those fans into some sort of engagement on YouTube. Unfortunately, this isn’t always practical application, especially with the new video tools offered by Facebook. OnStar introduced AtYourService at CES this week. It’s a new “commerce and engagement offering that connects drivers with retailers and merchants on their drive, providing information, convenience and money-saving values tied to their specific destinations.” This could have SEO implications. Join us next Thursday for the Marketing Recap Hangout and Chat at 10:00pm EST/7:00pm PST. Use the hashtag #MRcap on Twitter. For a preview of the stories and episode notices, go to http://MarketingRecap.com/newsletter. PS: Please subscribe to the podcast and leave us a rating and review to let us know you enjoy the show!