Talking Cars (MP3)

We share our first impressions of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, discussing its performance on our track, and how it stacks up to competitors like the Toyota Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot. We preview the newly announced 2023 Nissan Z, including its highly anticipated 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 engine. Chevrolet has expanded its battery recall on the Bolt EV and EUV models, and what owners should do to stay safe until a fix is available. We also share audience feedback on their "Forever" car choices; whether the rapid speed of improvements will leave current electric vehicle shoppers with outdated battery technology; if that "new car smell" is toxic (and how to get rid of it if it's not for you); the safest way to change wheel sizes on a car; and which Toyota RAV4 is the best choice for a driving enthusiast.

 

 

 

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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

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00:00 - Introduction

00:29 - Audience choice for the “Forever” car

06:03 - GM’s battery recall for Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV

07:37 - 2023 Nissan Z Preview

13:45 - 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L First Impressions

26:33 - Question #1: Will rapid speed of improvements leave current electric vehicle shoppers with outdated battery technology?  

29:40 - Question #2: Can the “new car smell” be toxic, and how to get rid of it?

32:13 - Question #3: What is the safest way to change wheel sizes on a car?

37:04 - Question #4: Which Toyota RAV4 is the best choice for a driving enthusiast?

 

 

 

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GM Recalls All Chevrolet Bolts Due to Fire Concerns

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/chevrolet-bolt-recalled-again-due-to-fire-concerns-a3566085147/

 

First Drive: New 3-Row 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Is Sized for a Growing Family

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-jeep-grand-cherokee-l-review-a5942817584/

 

Preview: All-New 2023 Nissan Z Combines Classic Cues, Modern Performance

https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/nissan-z-preview-a2145463162/

 

When to Replace Your Tires

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n98VF8kb7mQ

 

Low-Profile Tires vs. Potholes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n98VF8kb7mQ

 

How Consumer Reports tests ultra performance tires

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgLbqdDdY-Y

 

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/


How to Safely Work on Your Car at Home

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/how-to-safely-work-on-your-car-at-home/

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

 

 

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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

Direct download: 2108CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_322.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Toyota GR86, discussing how it performed on our track, and how it compares to the previous generation Scion FR-S, Toyota 86, and Subaru BRZ. If you had to pick one car to drive for the rest of your life, what would you choose? Our experts share their choices! Other topics include: can you replace just two tires, or should you buy four new ones each time; why turn signals can be either amber or red in North America, and which color is proven to be safer; and why some vehicles are not crash tested by IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).

 

 

 

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

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

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00:00 - Introduction

00:33 - 2022 Toyota GR86 First Impressions

12:26 - The “Forever” Car

20:57 - Question #1: Do you absolutely need to replace all four tires when getting new ones?  

24:22 - Question #2: Should auto manufacturers be required to only use amber colored turn signals on cars?

30:07 - Question #3: Why some vehicles are not crash tested by the IIHS?

31:19 - Question #4: What suitable replacement for a Scion xB under 30K?

 

 

 

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First Drive: The 2022 Toyota GR86 Sports Car Thrills

https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2022-toyota-gr86-review/

 

Scion FR-S vs Subaru BRZ at Consumer Reports test track

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWwz7Ybpy1U

 

2013 Subaru BRZ first look

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

 

Scion FR-S first drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UG2RuRk1R3s

 

When to Replace Your Tires

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n98VF8kb7mQ

 

Low-Profile Tires vs. Potholes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n98VF8kb7mQ

 

How Consumer Reports tests ultra performance tires

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgLbqdDdY-Y

 

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/


How to Safely Work on Your Car at Home

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/how-to-safely-work-on-your-car-at-home/

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

2014 Porsche 911 Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cj6c-YVos0

 

2019 Kia Sorento Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K01h_FPkmkQ

 

2019 Subaru Forester Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymKOcVk7Iw

 

2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Hyundai Venue

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg_FiOaMc0Y

 

2020 Kia Soul Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9mEQcbgync

 

4K Review: 2017 Subaru Impreza Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bze9pGvsiY

 

2015 Jeep Renegade preview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj9jNoHsZHc

 

 

 

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

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

Direct download: 2108CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_321.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Nissan Frontier and 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, and discuss which consumers each might appeal to. We talk about how Consumer Reports testing methods are evolving as electric vehicles become more prominent; if spare tires expire, and when you might want to consider a replacement; if "skateboard-style" EVs weight distribution improves its traction performance; and if the Toyota Prius' shifter design shortcomings are overlooked in CR's ratings.

 

 

 

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

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

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:29 - New York Auto Show Cancelled

02:28 - Audience Picks for “Guilty Pleasure Vehicles”

08:27 - 2022 Nissan Frontier First Impressions

18:04 - 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz First Impressions

27:45 - Question #1: When should you replace a spare tire?

28:58 - Question #2: How will CR’s testing methods change when electric vehicles become more prominent?

30:28 - Question #3: Does the even battery weight distribution on a “skateboard-style” EV improve its traction performance?

31:26 - Question #4: Does the Prius’ efficiency and reliability wash out its unique shifter design shortcomings?

34:16 - Question #5: How to choose a car with optimal seat comfort?

 

 

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First Drive: The 2022 Nissan Frontier Is More Than Just a New Look

https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2022-nissan-frontier-review/

 

First Drive: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Pickup Proves Ready for Pint-Sized Adventures

https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2022-hyundai-santa-cruz-review/

 

Electric Cars 101: The Answers to All Your EV Questions

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-101-the-answers-to-all-your-ev-questions/

 

When It Comes to Gear Selectors, Drivers Prefer the Simplicity of Old-School Shifters

https://www.consumerreports.org/automotive-technology/car-gear-selector-satisfaction-survey/

 

When to Replace Your Tires

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n98VF8kb7mQ

 

Low-Profile Tires vs. Potholes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n98VF8kb7mQ

 

2016 Toyota Prius Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GwUY0-gB0Q

 

Guide to Car Safety

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-guide-to-car-safety/


How to Safely Work on Your Car at Home

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/how-to-safely-work-on-your-car-at-home/

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

https://www.consumerreports.org/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-updates/

 

 

 

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

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

Direct download: 2108CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_320.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

This week we share test results for the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and debate its appeal amidst newer, all-electric Hyundais that go by the same name. We also reveal which cars from CR's test program we consider guilty pleasures and we answer audience questions about tire warranties, unique paint colors and what happens to frunk cargo in a crash.

SHOW NOTES:

0:30 - Emily tests new rear seat reminders

2:16 - 2021 Hyundai Ioniq test results

10:00 - Our guilty pleasure cars

19:24 - Question #1: How can I get a tire warranty if the shop I bought them from didn’t supply one?

22:53 - Question #2: Why aren’t there more green colored vehicles?

24:33 - Question #3: Would hard objects in a frunk affect crash safety?

26:36 - Question #4: Why does the U.S. have multiple systems to charge electric vehicles?

LINKS:

2021 Hyundai Ioniq: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/ioniq/

Preview: Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV Accelerates New Sub-Brand Into the High-Tech Future: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-review/

Toyota Avalon 2019-2021 Quick Drive: https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/cars/auto-test-track/5772126295001/toyota-avalon-2019-2021-quick-drive/

Honda Passport 2019-2021 Quick Drive: https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/cars/auto-test-track/5995562998001/honda-passport-2019-2021-quick-drive/

Volkswagen Tiguan 2018-2021 Quick Drive: https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/cars/auto-test-track/5530220791001/volkswagen-tiguan-2018-2021-quick-drive/

Kia Optima 2016-2020 Quick Drive: https://www.consumerreports.org/video/view/cars/auto-test-track/4628343819001/kia-optima-2016-2020-quick-drive/

2021 Hyundai Elantra: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hyundai/elantra/2021/overview/

Direct download: 2108CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_319.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

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