The Truth About Cars
TheTruthAboutCars.com
Last episode about 1 month agoLike the site it’s named after, TheTruthAboutCars podcast lives up to its billing by delivering exactly that: the truth about cars. Each week Managing Editor Tim Healey is joined by different members of the colorful TTAC writing staff to cover the news of the week, discuss industry trends impacting car shoppers, and even geek out about topics like their favorite cars of the ‘90s. Plus, each week we’re joined by an industry analysts to unpack the news of the week. Rich with commentary, this podcast promises the unvarnished truth about the latest new vehicle debuts, where the industry is headed and whatever new wheels the team has been testing. Subscribe today!
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Episodes (130)
How One Man Got the Best Job in the World
This week we chat with prolific automotive journalist Sam Smith about his new book "Smithology: Thoughts, Travels, and Semi-Plausible Car Writings, 2003 – 2023" and what it's like to make a living working with words about cars and car culture. TTAC contributor Matthew Guy also stops by to discuss power inverters and a NASCAR race at Darlington that included retro color schemes and a post-race beef on pit road.
These Car Brands Will Be Expensive to Maintain
This week, we talk to Ben Preston from Consumer Reports about the cheapest and most expensive car brands to maintain -- as well as why consumers might favor independent repair shops over dealerships. TTAC contributor Matthew Guy drops by to discuss trunk struts and the closest finish in NASCAR history.
You Shouldn't Be Afraid of Autonomous Cars, Here's Why
We talk with Alex Roy, principal at Johnson and Roy Advisors, a company that provides strategy for companies in the AI, robotics, and transportation space, about why autonomous cars aren't so scary. Roy, a former TTAC contributor, walks us through it all. Meanwhile, current TTAC contributor Matthew Guy stops by to talk jump starters and NASCAR at Dover. Thanks for listening!
These Are the Cars You Should Buy Used
We chat with Karl Brauer, iSeeCars executive analyst, about the cars you should buy new -- and those you'd be better off buying used. Matthew Guy also drops by and we discuss side marker lights and how last week's NASCAR race at Talladega once again ended with The Big One.
Here's Why Consumers Are Scared of Self-Driving Cars
In the latest episode, we chat with Greg Brannon from AAA about consumer fears that surround autonomous vehicles -- and how the industry can address them. We also check in with our resident auto-parts and accessories expert Matthew Guy to learn about headlight restoration kits. Plus, Matthew sticks around to chat about what happened when NASCAR came to Texas.
There's a New Problem With Electric Cars That No One Saw Coming
Electric vehicles are generally pretty heavy, thanks to their batteries, so how does that affect infrastructure and safety? We chat with Cody Stolle from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility about this issue. We also discuss car ramps for use in your garage, and the latest goings on in NASCAR.
These Are the Best Family Cars for 2024
We sit down with John Vincent, senior editor of vehicle testing at U.S. News & World Report, to discuss their best cars for families for 2024. We also discuss the New York Auto Show, the Fisker Ocean, and more. TTAC contributor Matthew Guy drops by to discuss a controversial NASCAR finish at Richmond, our experiences testing Michelins in California, and his use of Rain-X for our "Stuff We Use" segment.
The Best Car of the 2024 New York Auto Show
We chat with AutoTrader's Brian Moody about the best and worst of the New York Auto Show. Our own Matthew Guy also drops by to give his opinions. Mr. Guy also discussed battery booster packs in our Stuff We Use segment.
How Do Automakers Handle Politics?
We take some time to chat with Kia's head of corporate communications, James Bell, about how automakers navigate an ever-changing regulatory world.
These Are The Most Reliable Car Brands
We sit down with Tyson Jominy Vice President, Data & Analytics at J.D. Power to discuss why certain brands do so well when it comes to dependability, how user experience and technology factors in, and much more.
Have We Reached Peak EV (Part Two)?
Last week we spoke with an EV evangelist (say that five times fast). This week we dig deeper into the truth surrounding EV adoption.
Have We Reached Peak EV? (Part 1)
We chat with BJ Birtwell, founder of Electrify Expo about the growth of EVs and Consumer Reports' Alex Knizek about why so many electrified vehicles make their Top 10 for 2024 list
Are Plug-In Hybrids the Future?
Chris Tonn and Tim Healey chat about the future of the PHEV, our racing past (as fans, not drivers), the 2025 Ram 1500, and the latest Tesla controversy.
This State Might Ban Gasoline Cars. Here’s Who’s Fighting Back
We chat about a possible ban on gasoline cars in one particular East Coast state. We also discuss Super Bowl ads.
Are Auto Shows Dying?
We chat with Jen Morand, President, Chicago Automobile Trade Association and General Manager, Chicago Auto Show, and automotive content creator Jill Ciminillo about the future of auto shows.
What's the Best Used Car for the Money?
We sit down with analyst Karl Brauer from iSeeCars.com and TTAC contributor Chris Tonn to discuss the best and worst used cars for the money, why one automaker is crying foul on EV goals, a very bad proposed law in a very large and influential state, and the automakers we miss. We also cover a new crossover and the best way to foam up your car while cleaning.
TTAC Podcast Episode 14: Frozen Teslas, Kia's New EV and the Best Cars of the '90s
This week we sit down with Consumer Guide Automotive publisher Tom Appel and TTAC contributor Chris Tonn to talk about frozen Teslas, the challenges of EV charging, dream cars, the best and worst of the '90s, and the all-new Kia EV9.
TTAC Episode 13: The Best and Worst Cars with Jake Fisher of Consumer Reports
We chat with Consumer Reports Senior Director of Auto Testing about the best and worst cars of 2023.
TTAC Episode 12
We chat about the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show with analyst Robby DeGraff and TTAC contributor Chris Tonn.
TTAC Episode #11
We chat with Chad Kirchner about the 2023 Dodge Hornet, Ford EV woes, and more.
TTAC Episode 10: 2023 Chicago Auto Show
Talking the 2023 Chicago Auto Show with automotive journalist Tom Appel from Consumer Guide Automotive and industry analyst Robby DeGraff from AutoPacific.
TTAC Episode #9
Talking Mazda, EV pricing, and more.
TTAC Episode #8
Chatting Toyota Prius and Kia EV6 GT with analyst Robby DeGraff.
TTAC Episode #7
Welcome to episode number 7 of The Truth About Cars podcast! This time around we have as our guest Chad Kirchner, the boss of EVPulse.com and FlatSixes.com. He's also contributed to TTAC and other VerticalScope properties. He and TTAC managing editor Tim Healey chat LA Auto Show and EVs in general. Give it a listen today!
TTAC Episode #6
The sixth episode of the TTAC podcast. Talking auto shows, Hummer EV charging, OPEC, and the best cars of 2012.