Tesla sent an over-the-air software update to all Model 3's this past weekend, which included a fix for the long stopping distances we experienced during our initial testing. We discuss our new test results, and what role over-the-air updates will play in the future of automobiles. We also discuss our first impressions of our newly purchased 2019 Kia Sorento, and answer audience questions about the Subaru Forester and the longevity of engines in hybrid vehicles.
May 31, 2018•24 min•Season 6Ep. 153
Consumer Reports has revealed that it would not be recommending the Tesla Model 3, in part due to poor braking performance. In response, Tesla CEO, Elon Musk agreed to meet with Jake Fisher, CR Auto Test Director, to talk about our findings and discuss immediate updates Tesla might make. Hear all about that exclusive conversation this week on Talking Cars.
May 23, 2018•15 min•Season 6Ep. 152
It's cyclists vs. motorists on this week's episode, and how we think both worlds can live in harmony with one another. We also give our first impressions of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, and answer audience questions about good cars for college and how to properly break in a new car.
May 17, 2018•25 min•Season 6Ep. 151
From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com 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 ----------------------------------- 00:26 Left lane hogs 03:42 More American Drivers Want Electric Cars 07:36 Buick Regal TourX 09:58 Why car enthu...
May 10, 2018•25 min•Season 6Ep. 150
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.
May 03, 2018•19 min•Season 6Ep. 149
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 ex...
Apr 26, 2018•27 min•Season 6Ep. 148
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.
Apr 19, 2018•22 min•Season 6Ep. 147
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.
Apr 13, 2018•19 min•Season 6Ep. 146
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.
Apr 05, 2018•27 min•Season 6Ep. 145
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.
Mar 30, 2018•35 min•Season 6Ep. 144
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.
Mar 22, 2018•27 min•Season 6Ep. 143
Volkswagen says 'auf wiedersehen' to the Beetle and announces new electric models. We also discuss our 2018 Hyundai Accent and answer viewer questions.
Mar 15, 2018•18 min•Season 6Ep. 142
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.
Mar 09, 2018•18 min•Season 6Ep. 141
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.
Mar 01, 2018•20 min•Season 6Ep. 140
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.
Feb 22, 2018•19 min•Season 6Ep. 139
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.
Feb 15, 2018•16 min•Season 6Ep. 138
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.
Feb 09, 2018•29 min•Season 6Ep. 137
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.
Feb 01, 2018•29 min•Season 6Ep. 136
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.
Jan 25, 2018•20 min•Season 6Ep. 135
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 ...
Jan 17, 2018•19 min
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.
Jan 17, 2018•22 min•Season 6Ep. 134
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.
Jan 11, 2018•25 min•Season 6Ep. 133
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.
Jan 04, 2018•21 min•Season 6Ep. 132
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.
Dec 28, 2017•18 min•Season 5Ep. 131
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.
Dec 21, 2017•20 min•Season 5Ep. 130
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.
Dec 14, 2017•18 min•Season 5Ep. 129
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!
Dec 07, 2017•18 min•Season 5Ep. 128
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.
Dec 01, 2017•20 min•Season 5Ep. 127
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.
Nov 17, 2017•40 min•Season 5Ep. 126
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...
Oct 19, 2017•17 min•Season 5Ep. 125
