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•Ep 138•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 136•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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. SHOW NOTES ------------------------------ 1:01 - Mike Quincy's favorite car of 2017 3:07 - Gabe's favorite car of 2017 4:35 - Jake's favorite car of 2017 6:12 - Jen's favorite car of 2017 7:57 - Jake's least favorite car of 2017 9:55 - Gabe's least favorite car of 2017 12:00 - Mike Quincy's...
Dec 28, 2017•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 129•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 128•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 125•Transcript available on Metacast We got our hands on the all-new 2018 Honda Accord, and give our first impressions on its driving dynamics, updated infotainment system, and styling. Did you know October is a great time to find a deal on cars and trucks? We tell you why, and show you some of the big bargains out there. Finally, buying a car from a dealer can be a high pressure experience, so we share some of our tips for buying a car without all the hassle.
Oct 05, 2017•23 min•Ep 124•Transcript available on Metacast Too many people still use car seats incorrectly. That's why we're talking car seats with our two experts on the subject on this edition of the podcast. You'll learn some key facts that could help you, or let you help someone you know with children.
Sep 21, 2017•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast The gang is back from their summer vacations all over the globe! They discuss how the cars they saw are different from models at home. They also talk about test results on the Toyota C-HR, and a question from the audience gets us out on our track to do some myth busting.
Sep 05, 2017•23 min•Ep 122•Transcript available on Metacast Teen driving takes center stage on this episode. We talk about the cars that we learned to drive in, the best new and used cars for teens and a hands-on program that educates young drivers.
Aug 16, 2017•25 min•Ep 121•Transcript available on Metacast Volkswagen takes aim at the SUV market in the U.S. with two new three-row vehicles. We also answer viewer questions about Jeeps, bikes and the Toyota Camry.
Jul 25, 2017•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week's episode is entirely dedicated to viewer and listener questions. We discuss heavy duty trucks, active safety equipment, used cars and more.
Jul 11, 2017•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week we dive into the comments section and answer viewer questions on winter tire traction, auto start/stop systems, our favorite muscle cars, and the family hauler potential of commercial vans like the Ford Transit Connect and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. We also give our first impressions of the all-new 2018 Toyota Camry....
Jun 21, 2017•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week we answer questions from our audience about used cars and SUVs, and give first impressions of our newly purchased 2017 Honda Civic Si.
Jun 06, 2017•26 min•Ep 117•Transcript available on Metacast This episode is dedicated to used cars. We talk about which used cars we'd buy in three different price ranges and answer viewer questions about trucks and all-wheel drive vehicles.
May 24, 2017•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast We debut a whole new look and sound for Talking Cars this week! We discuss the best cars on the market today that no one is talking about (or buying.) Fresh out of testing, we give our overall impressions of the Toyota Prius Prime, and answer a viewer question about the environmental impact of electrical vehicles....
May 09, 2017•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast We give our first impressions of our new Mazda CX-5 and Jeep Compass, talk about Honda's move toward alternative fuel vehicles and answer viewer questions.
Apr 25, 2017•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast We're at the New York Auto Show, covering new offerings from Subaru and Buick, as well as an intriguing concept from Toyota, and we discuss Dodge's powerful muscle car.
Apr 14, 2017•21 min•Ep 113•Transcript available on Metacast The Kia Niro and BMW 5 Series have been added to our test fleet. We talk about the Niro's potential impact on the hybrid market, discuss the BMW 5 Series' new, smaller engine and answer viewer questions....
Mar 28, 2017•20 min•Ep 112•Transcript available on Metacast Toyota's all-new subcompact SUV the C-HR visits our test track and we share our first impressions. We also discuss our new Alfa Romeo Giulia and field viewer questions about new car buying and advanced safety systems....
Mar 15, 2017•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this episode of Talking Cars, our experts discuss the 10 vehicles that make up our influential Top Picks list. We explain what makes a vehicle eligible for Top Pick status, and go in-depth on why they are the best in their categories....
Feb 28, 2017•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast The redesigned Honda CR-V and all-new Volkswagen Golf Alltrack are two different takes on the sport utility vehicle. We also answer questions about affordable cars with advanced safety equipment and if an older BMW is a risky maintenance and reliability bet....
Feb 22, 2017•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast