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...
Sep 12, 2018•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Sep 06, 2018•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Aug 30, 2018•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. ----------------------------------- Subscribe t...
Aug 24, 2018•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Aug 17, 2018•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Aug 10, 2018•26 min•Ep 163•Transcript available on Metacast 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. -------------------------------...
Aug 02, 2018•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 dire...
Jul 26, 2018•27 min•Ep 161•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jul 19, 2018•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jul 12, 2018•24 min•Ep 159•Transcript available on Metacast 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 direc...
Jul 05, 2018•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jun 28, 2018•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Jun 21, 2018•24 min•Ep 156•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Jun 15, 2018•22 min•Ep 155•Transcript available on Metacast 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 a...
Jun 07, 2018•27 min•Ep 154•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 153•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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 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 ...
May 10, 2018•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 148•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 146•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 144•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 142•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 141•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 140•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 139•Transcript available on Metacast 
