We close out 2018 by taking a look back at the cars we tested this year, and which ones we thought were the most, and least, satisfying to drive. We eulogize those vehicles we love that won't be coming back next year, and give our thoughts on what we're looking forward to most in 2019.
Winter brings shorter days and more people driving in the dark. On this episode, we discuss headlight effectiveness and how to keep them clean. The 2019 Audi A8 L joins our test fleet and we give our first impressions. Plus, we answer your questions about the best EV charging network, replacing the discontinued Chevy Volt and cars suited for commuting in Maine winters. ————————————————— Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts! Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-h...
The new Hyundai Veloster has a record-setting performance in one of our tests. We discuss how the hatchback has improved and where it slots among competitors. GM is dropping six sedans from its lineup; we talk about how it will affect consumers. Plus, we answer your questions on used car buying and if it’s safe to drive your car until the tank is almost empty. ————————————————— Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts! Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id63083...
We're on the West Coast for the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, and discussing the big SUVs that debuted at the show, as well as the EVs and sedans that were announced. Some of the highlights from the show this year include the all-wheel drive Toyota Prius, the redesigned Toyota Corolla, the three-row Hyundai Palisade, and the rugged Honda Passport. ---------------------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! From your ...
With the Thanksgiving weekend upon us we thought it would be the perfect time to talk about all the things we are thankful for in the auto industry this year. We've also finished testing the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, and discuss how it compares to the rest of its competitive SUV class, as well as the previous generation Santa Fe. ---------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! From your iOS device, iMessage us at Talk...
This week, we dedicate the entire episode to answering your questions! We tackle everything from car buying advice for new parents, whether or not 'no haggle' policies help consumers when negotiating prices, the evolution of the Honda Ridgeline and the pros and cons of buying a new or used Tesla. ----------------------------------- Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts! Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2 Audio version: https://itunes.apple.c...
We just took delivery of the 2019 Cadillac XT4 at the track. We share our first impressions on the luxury subcompact, how it stacks up to others in the class, and wonder who this segment is really trying to appeal to! We also discuss recent engine recalls by Subaru and Toyota, give a not-so-teary eulogy for GM's Book car subscription service, and answer audience questions, including one about dealership business model and high pressure situations with car salespeople. ---------------------------...
The all-new Toyota RAV4 is at the track; we share our impressions and discuss how it's stayed on top of the small SUV market. We also talk about CR's push to standardize the terms used to describe safety gear, and how we're including blind-spot warning into our overall score of vehicles. Don't worry, we squeezed in some audience questions too! ----------------------------------- Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts! Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id6308...
This week's episode is all about reliability! Each year, Consumer Reports surveys its members about their vehicles to find out how their cars are performing in day to day, real world use. From major engine issues to frustrating infotainment problems, data is collected to find out how vehicles perform over the years. Once we crunch the numbers, we are able to determine which cars and brands are running smoothly, or giving owners constant issues. We go over some of the worst performing cars in our...
This week we dig through the backlog of questions from our audience (submitted to TalkingCars@iCloud.com.) We give advice on making smart car buying decisions, whether it's a good idea to change your transmission oil, what kind of car to use when learning to drive a manual, and more! -------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or ...
This week we discuss our findings regarding the recent reports of Honda CR-V drivers experiencing gasoline leaking into and diluting the engine oil, and what you should do if you are having the same problem. Next, we give our first impressions of the all-new 2019 Nissan Altima, and how it stacks up in the already declining compact sedan segment. We also answer audience questions about automatic transmission driving habits, and safety concerns of over-the-air vehicle software updates. -----------...
We explain why General Motor's Super Cruise, Tesla's Autopilot, Nissan's ProPILOT Assist, and Volvo's Pilot Assist are not self-driving systems, but how each can be used safely, and which ones Consumer Reports finds perform best. We also answer questions about transmissions system additives, and whether the Subaru Forester is the best choice for people with an active lifestyle. --------------------------------------------- Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reac...
This week, we give our first impressions of the new Subaru Outback - does it maintain the legacy of the high utility (but low excitement) SUV? We also discuss the recent announcements of mobile map apps Waze and Google Maps debuting on Apple CarPlay, as well as Amazon's new Alexa Auto device. Lastly, we answer audience questions about our test results on the Acura RDX, why all dashboards are black these days, and which we would choose as a work truck: the Chevrolet Colorado or the Toyota Tacoma....
We've finished testing the 2019 Subaru Ascent, and let you know how it stacks up against competitors like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-9. We also discuss the unveiling of the all-electric Audi E-Tron SUV, as well as startup automaker Lucid securing $1 billion in funding. And as always, we answer your questions, this week about CR buying and testing unpopular cars, our most coveted advanced safety gear, and what car you should buy once you pay off your student loans! ---------...
With Hurricane Florence affecting much of the Carolinas and mid-Atlantic region of the US, we discuss how to prepare your vehicle for a natural disaster. We also give our first impressions of the 2019 Lexus UX, and how it stacks up against stiff competition in the compact luxury SUV segment. We also answer questions from our audience about the proper way to break-in your vehicle, whether you can use regular gas in your 'premium recommended' car, and advise a young driver about their first automo...
We've purchased the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado for our test program. Hear our first impressions of the popular pickup and where we think it stands in the ongoing truck war. Mercedes-Benz introduces its first all-electric vehicle, the EQC; and we answer viewer questions about hybrids and the best used car for a new teen driver. ----------------------------------- Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts! Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2 Audio ve...
This week we give our first impressions of our new 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai's all-new 2-row SUV. There has been a lot of breaking news concerning NAFTA deals between the United States and Mexico. Our experts break down what it could mean for your next car purchase, and why there is no need to run out to the dealership just yet. Finally, we answer audience questions on automatic emergency braking, how to protect your car wheels and tires in a low-profile car, and guide a teenage car enthusi...
We've received a ton of questions from our audience on our new text and email handle (TalkingCars@iCloud.com), so this week is wall-to-wall Q&A! We help decide between the Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline, the Jeep Compass and Mazda CX-5, and if we think the Tesla Model 3 would be a good choice for a family of four. We also answer questions about tires, the Toyota 86 TRD, and give tips on how an Uber driver can maximize the longevity of their car. ----------------------------------- Subscri...
We've finished testing our 2018 Mazda6. We discuss our final impressions on the midsized sedan and where we think it stacks up against its competitors. We answer a number of audience questions this week, including one about our best advice when negotiating the price of a car with a dealership. We also talk about the Subaru Ascent recall, and remind Volkswagen diesel owners that time is running out to file a claim for settlement compensation. ----------------------------------- Subscribe to Talki...
This week, we discuss data from IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) regarding advanced safety technology, and whether semi-autonomous equipped cars are providing a safety benefit to drivers. We just bought a 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback to join our testing program, and we give our initial impressions, and whether Toyota can convince buyers that a Corolla can be sporty! We also answer audience questions about a replacement for a Nissan Altima, modern convertible reliability, and how we...
On this week's episode, Keith tells us about his recent trip to Havana, Cuba, and what it was like to experience classic cars from a modern mindset. Next, we give our first impression on the new Ram 1500 pickup, and whether we think it can compete in this extremely popular segment. We also take time to answer audience questions about the Chrysler 200, why Kia and Hyundai products are cheaper in Canada, and if fog lights are an important safety feature in new cars. -------------------------------...
Our 2019 Subaru Ascent is at the track and we talk about the company's re-entry into the three-row SUV segment. Plus, we share stories about our most regrettable car decisions from the past. And as always, we answer your questions on car buying and our dream daily drivers. ------------------------------ Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text directly...
Time is running out to grab the enticing $7,500 federal tax credit for vehicles from Tesla and General Motors. What should a buyer do to take advantage of the program while it lasts? We'll share our road test results on the 2018 Lexus LS 500, and wrap the episode by answering questions on all-wheel drive systems, auto stop/start technology, and electronic shifter designs. Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! From your iOS device, iMessage...
Mitsubishi will begin to offer drivers perks if they opt to share their driving data. We discuss if the tradeoff is worth it. The 2019 Nissan Kicks joins our test fleet and we share our impressions. Plus, audience questions on transmissions and safety equipment. ----------------------------------- Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts! Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2 Audio version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-mp3/id63...
We’re celebrating the Fourth of July this week with an all questions episode! We cover everything from car buying advice, infotainment systems, our seat comfort rating and three-row SUVs. Plus, we reach back into our archives to answer a question about a 27-year-old car. ------------------------------------ Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! From your iOS device, iMessage us at TalkingCars@icloud.com to send a photo, video, or text dire...
The great road trip is a seminal part of American life, whether it's with your family or people you just met. Hear three people tell their stories, along with expert advice from Consumer Reports that'll make your road trip even better.
The President threatens to increase tariffs on foreign made cars; we talk about how it may affect consumers. The Chevrolet Blazer has returned, but it may not be the rugged off-roader you remember. Plus, we talk about the Infiniti QX50 SUV, and answer your questions on drive modes, hot cars and the Kia Niro. ----------------------------------- Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts! Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2 Audio version: https://it...
Summer’s here and we’re ready to hit the road! We share our favorite road trip stories and talk about the cars we drove along the way. The 2019 Hyundai Veloster visits our test track and we answer your questions about new car technology and comparing used roadsters. Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! 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 ...
Chrysler recently released a new commercial that inadvertently shows why having a simple shifter in a car is so important. We talk about the Pacifica's confusing dial shifter, and why this is a problem throughout the auto industry. We recently bought a new 2019 Acura RDX, and discuss why one big flaw might make an otherwise pleasant car tough to live with. And we answer audience questions about IIHS crash tests, and if we would ever consider recommending the Tesla Model 3 for teen drivers. Have ...
Chevrolet announces a new turbo four-cylinder engine for the 2019 Silverado 1500. We discuss the new powertrain and if the engine will be 'truck-enough' for a full-size pickup. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta joins our test fleet and we give our first impression. Plus, audience questions on hot hatches and our annual member surveys. ------------------------------------------ Have a question for our experts? Leave a comment on this episode, or reach out to us directly! From your iOS device, iMessage us...
