We drive the all-new 2020 Ford Escape at the Consumer Reports test track, and share our first impressions of the redesigned small SUV. Plus, we discuss the latest developments in in California’s emissions regulations, and what it all means for consumers. We also answer audience questions about car subscription programs, solutions for fixing a rough ride in your car or truck, and use our testing expertise to determine the most fuel efficient speed for highway driving.

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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/id630831189?mt=2

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

Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

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SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

0:30 - California Emissions Update

6:54 - 2020 Ford Escape First Impressions

15:00 - Viewer Questions

15:15 - Video Question #1: What’s the deal with car subscription services; are they a better option than a traditional lease agreement?

20:15 - Video Question #2: If you owned a driving school, what cars would be in your fleet for students to drive?

24:09 - Video Question #3: What’s a more fuel efficient commute for a Genesis G70?

27:07 - Video Question #4: What’s the best way to identify a shimmy in a 2013 Honda Pilot?

LINKS

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2017 Ford Escape Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXE5yx4SQ9s

2020 Ford Explorer First Impressions; Talking Cars #216: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsYFGPyX9F0

2018 Ford F-150 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGEmjjPCCeQ

2017 Genesis G70 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDrN5_R3Bu0

2016 Honda Pilot Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhJBb143fho

2016 Honda Civic Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1hAWTiNz8M

2016 Ford Focus Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q8vDHouqcU

2015 Toyota Camry Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOjFn2qI3HM

Don’t Want to Own a Car? Try ‘Subscribing’: https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/dont-want-to-own-try-a-car-subscription-service/

The 2020 Lincoln Aviator is the newest addition to our test fleet. We share our first impressions of the 3-row SUV and how it stacks up to its competitors. Plus, what car that would fulfill your every need? Our experts choose one car currently on the market and explain how it will fit their current lifestyle. We also answer questions about how CR manages vehicle driving modes during testing, if car and roadside speedometers are accurate, and recommend a manual transmission car for a tall driver.

 

 

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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

-----------------------------------

00:27 - One Car That Does It All

06:32 - 2020 Lincoln Aviator

15:15 - Question #1: How does CR manage vehicle driving modes during testing?

16:41 - Question #2: Are car and roadside speedometers accurate?

18:32 - Question #3: What is a recommend manual transmission car for a tall driver?

 

 

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2020 Lincoln Aviator Ready for Liftoff

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/lincoln-aviator-preview/

 

2019 Detroit Auto Show: 2020 Lincoln Aviator

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tofCkqNkBNQ

 

2020 Ford Explorer Drives Nicely but Has Many Flaws

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2020-ford-explorer-first-drive-review/

 

2019 Detroit Auto Show: 2020 Ford Explorer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNWQ_JQjc7k

 

2019 Detroit Auto Show: 2020 Kia Telluride

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDr5uu7QheQ

 

2015 Volkswagen GTI first drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVL-IczHyl8

 

4K Review: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UigcJd7PVY

 

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZYJyewVP0I

 

2018 Ford F-150 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGEmjjPCCeQ

 

4K Review: 2018 Honda Accord Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRFEpKCeM9w

 

2019 Chevrolet Blazer Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1XFgYyH00o

 

How Fast is the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbX2V1ILsqw

 

2018 LA Auto Show: 2020 Hyundai Palisade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFbbBDcCYYg

 

 

-----------------------------------

Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

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This week is dedicated to your questions! We discuss if worn brake pads affect adaptive cruise control and AEB systems, how to improve your headlights, why some turn signals are red while others are yellow, plus tips on winter wheel packages.

—————————————————

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/id630831189?mt=2

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

Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

Follow Us on Social:

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ 

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

0:52 - Video Question #1: Will worn out brake pads affect adaptive cruise control or automatic emergency braking systems?

3:10 - Question #2: Are expensive replacement headlight bulbs worth the extra money?

4:52 - Question #3: Is factory rust proofing legit?

7:18 - Question #4:  Would winter tires with an aftermarket wheel fit a 2019 Subaru Forester?/What’s the difference between CUV and SUV tires?

9:39 - Question #5: Are there any concerns with buying an early generation EV (Nissan Leaf)?

11:29 - Question #6: Where can I find break-in information in the owner’s manual for a 2019 Toyota Camry SE?

13:36 -  Question #7: Is topping off my gas tank damaging my car?

16:25 - Question #8: What’s a reliable, low-mileage vehicle for under $7,000 for a teen driver?

20:28 - Question #9: What’s the deal with different colored turn signals?

22:24 - Question #10: What’s the best set of winter tires for a 2018 Toyota Camry XLE?

23:52 - Question #11: Should I change the oil on my car at 3,000 miles vs. 6,000 miles if I drive in ‘severe conditions’?

24:32 - Question #12: Are SUVs better than sedans in handling mildly flooded roads?

26:30 - Question #13: Which used Toyota Prius offers standard safety equipment?

28:16 - Question #14: What’s a fun replacement for for an aging Mustang GT?

LINKS

-----------------------------------

2014 Mazda3 First Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAqcc5ykuKY

2019 Mazda3 First Impressions; Talking Cars #197: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW5g6h2EGuY

2017 Hyundai Elantra Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1hxLaQO1Gg

Headlight Testing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOr0gqWYIu8

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTm6ObWKOdY

2019 Subaru Forester Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymKOcVk7Iw

Prep Your Car for Winter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3rczMZsN0g

2018 Nissan Leaf Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBAB7sZj0Fo

Nissan Leaf Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E70dfFK0HPI

2018 Toyota Camry Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpOUrt8sLGE

2018 Mazda6 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dANxqmrKcnc

2008-2013 Nissan Rogue Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZq5OAOiJkY

2014 Hyundai Tucson Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcGGEPcNUqs

2009-2014 Honda Fit Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7W-Ba5Vm3U

CR’s Tire Selector: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/tires.htm?searchToken=tires

2016 Toyota Prius Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GwUY0-gB0Q

2012-2015 Toyota Prius Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLi8akdSzK8

2019 Hyundai Veloster Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELTR3GJmh20

2015 Volkswagen GTI First Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVL-IczHyl8

2018 Honda Accord Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRFEpKCeM9w

This week we share our first impressions of the Audi A6 including its all-new drivetrain and the waning relevance of sedans in the luxury market. Plus, our experts talk about the impact of Ford announcing plans for an all-electric F-150 pickup and a newly released NTSB report on a Tesla crash in California. We also answer your questions about bumper-to-bumper warranties and maintenance tips to keep your car running over 200K miles.

—————————————————

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/id630831189?mt=2

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

Check out http://www.ConsumerReports.org for the latest reviews, tips, and recommendations and subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/1Nlb1Ez 

Follow Us on Social:

Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Yf5Fh2

Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1P37mM9

Instagram: http://bit.ly/1I49Bzo

Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ 

SHOW NOTES

-----------------------------------

0:25 - Ford electric vehicle lineup

0:50 - Ford F-150 EV prototype hauls 6625 tons

2:25 - Ford invests in Rivian

6:35 - NTSB report on Tesla crash

9:18 - 2019 Audi A6

11:25 - 2019 Audi Q3

15:20 - Audience Questions

15:29 - Video Question #1: Maintenance tips to get your car over the 200K mark

18:07- Question #2: Wet/dry braking test temperature and winter tire performance

21:44 - Question #3: Should I buy an extended warranty?

LINKS

-----------------------------------

Self-Driving System Rankings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X06tXpg7yiA

2018 Ford F-150 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGEmjjPCCeQ

2018 New York Auto Show: 2019 Audi A6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mi32u6gP6w

2016 Audi A6 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em2A17WHAoY

2019 Audi A8 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFEoDauMylY

2015 Audi Q3 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pp5hc4GGSI8

Tesla Model S That Crashed Into Fire Truck Had Autopilot Engaged: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/tesla-model-s-that-crashed-into-fire-truck-had-autopilot-engaged/

2019 Audi A6 Offers Impressive Composure and Performance: https://www.consumerreports.org/luxury-sedans/2019-audi-a6-first-drive-review/

2019 Audi Q3 Is Bigger and Better Equipped in Redesign: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2019-audi-q3-suv-preview/