Talking Cars (MP3)

In our end of the year wrap up, we discuss the cars that were our personal favorites, along with the ones we liked the least.

Direct download: 1612CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_106.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

The Lincoln Continental and Alfa Romeo Giulia both aim to redefine their respective brands. We also answer questions about fully loaded small cars, and the difference between cars that we buy and rent.

Direct download: 1612CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_105.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EST

The Subaru Impreza is redesigned for 2017. We discuss the car's all-new platform and new levels of refinement. We also answer questions on the Chevy Bolt, vehicle reliability, and Mazda Miata alternatives.

Direct download: 1611CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_104.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Turns out the first relatively affordable long-range electric car isn't from Tesla; the Chevy Bolt beats the Tesla Model 3 to market. We found the Bolt to be enjoyable and practical, but wonder if buyers will be turned off by its dowdy styling.

Direct download: 1610CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_103.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Which car brands build the most - and least - reliable new cars? Which models are the most trouble-prone? What usually goes wrong with new cars? We discuss the results of Consumer Reports’ 2017 reliability survey. Exclusive reliability scores for over 300 models are available at consumerreports.org/reliability

Direct download: 1610CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_102.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:45pm EST

The Buick Cascada fills a hole in the affordable convertible marketplace, providing a well-finished open-air cruiser that isn’t special to drive. We then discuss whether SUVs will go out of style, help viewers choose among luxury and practical SUVs, and explain why the Toyota Yaris scores low.

Direct download: 1609CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_101.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 6:55pm EST

Our 100th episode is recorded live at the track with an audience of loyal fans. We answer questions about our backgrounds, essential safety equipment, the future of fuel economy, hated test cars, best and worst parts of our jobs, the death of the manual transmission, and our fascination with "soft-touch" plastics.

Direct download: 1608CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_100.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Cars with semi-autonomous features are becoming more common, but when does a car actually drive itself? We discuss the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Volvo S90, both of which have these features. We also answer a viewer question about two Ford SUVs.

Direct download: 1607CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_99.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:52pm EST

Two new luxury SUVs share the spotlight: the Buick Envision and the Jaguar F-Pace. We also answer your questions about comparing the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt and whether Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system is an improvement.

Direct download: 1607ATC_Talking_Cars_Episode_98.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:00pm EST

The new Cadillac CT6 sedan and XT5 SUV highlight the brand's split personality. We also answer your questions about three-row SUVs, why we mention the Audi Q7 more than the Volvo XC90, and if we'll test a Toyota Land Cruiser.

Direct download: 1606CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_97.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

We answer your questions about the new Mazda CX-9, the Tesla Model X, a good pickup truck choice, and a luxury SUV with serious towing capacity.

Direct download: 1606ATC_Talking_Cars_Episode_96.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Driving the Tesla Model X SUV feels just like a taller Model S. But many gee-whiz features reduce utility or are over-complicated, like the falcon-wing doors. GM adjusts fuel economy measurements for some SUVs and we discuss the redesigned GMC Acadia.

Direct download: 1604ATC_Talking_Cars_95.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Two new cars join the Consumer Reports test fleet, the Kia Sportage and the Jaguar XF. Both highlight the design trends of their respective manufacturers; the Kia improves on the earlier-released Hyundai Tucson, and Jaguar is rebuilding their mainstream fleet.

Direct download: 1605ATC_Talking_Cars_Episode_94.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:57am EST

Mitsubishi admits to incorrect fuel economy numbers, and Snapchat is criticized for having a feature that may tempt teenage drivers to speed. Chrysler recalls confusing shifters, and we discuss the Mini Clubman.

Direct download: 1604ATC_Talking_Cars_93.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 6:00am EST

Prompted by a viewer question, we review the compact pickup truck market and discuss our test of the updated Toyota Tacoma. We also discuss the redesigned Audi A4 and Chevrolet's new Spark and Cruze. Finally, we answer one of the most oft-asked viewer questions: what cars do we own?

Direct download: 1604ATC_Talking_Cars_Episode_92.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Tesla finally unveils their high-volume Model 3, but we find that plenty of unanswered questions remain. Chrysler reinvents (and renames) their Pacifica minivan, which breaks a streak of lackluster new products from the company. Finally, we answer a bunch of viewer questions about sports sedans from our New York auto show episode, discussing the Lexus IS, Jaguar XE, Audi A4, and Cadillac ATS.

Direct download: 1604ATC_Talking_Cars_Episode_91.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 3:24pm EST

Talking Cars comes to you from the floor at the 2016 New York Auto Show. Important introductions were few and far between. Subaru brings out a new Impreza, Hyundai takes on the Prius with the Ionic, and Kia redesigns the Cadenza. Jake is impressed by the potential of a concept Genesis sports sedan, while Lincoln puts gullwing doors on a Navigator. Acura adds standard advanced safety gear to their MDX, which we applaud. Finally, Tom wants the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, but Jake wants a real liftback.

Direct download: 1603NYAS_Talking_Cars_Episode_90.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:52am EST

What exactly makes a car fun? Raphael Orlove, a writer from enthusiast car website Jalopnik.com, joins us to discuss the conventional wisdom surrounding that question. His theory: you can have fun in any car, simply by viewing it as a tool for learning and as a gateway to new experiences. We debate whether the Toyota Avalon really can be considered "fun," and we talk about our automotive regrets.

Direct download: 1602ATC_Talking_Cars_Episode_89.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

It's that time again - time to unveil our annual Top Picks, the best automotive choices in 10 different categories. Consumer Reports introduces our new Overall Score, incorporating not only road test results from our track, but also reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety scoring. We discuss the changes needed to do this, and what effect it will have on scores in the future. (Hint: They'll change a lot more often.) We then run through the Top Picks, discussing why each car earned its place on our list. One car not on the list this year is the Toyota Prius, a perennial Top Pick. We discuss why the just-redesigned Prius didn't qualify to make the list yet, and reveal our first impressions of Toyota's hybrid cornerstone.

Direct download: 1602ATC_Talking_Cars_Episode_88.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:45pm EST

Even though the new default family car might be a small SUV, mid-sized sedans offer a lot for the money. We look at two redesigned entries in this mature and highly-competitive segment: the Chevrolet Malibu and Kia Optima. Proof that not all mid-sized sedans are great, we also discuss the updated Nissan Altima. Moving on, we got a lot of viewer feedback about the pros and cons of self-driving cars. Finally, as a bit of dessert to balance a rather responsible podcast, we answer a viewer question about sports cars from the last 15 years.

Direct download: 1601ATC_Talking_Cars_S01E87.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Self-driving cars have been in the news a lot recently, hot off the heels of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and the Detroit Auto Show. We discuss the latest developments in technology and policy, and how they can benefit drivers. Next we look at two new German small SUVs: the BMW X1 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC300. They compete in different segments, and highlight the importance of starting with a good foundation and proper tuning. We then answer viewer questions about large sports sedans and cars for teens, as well as discussing Acura's Precision Concept car from Detroit and the new Chrysler Pacifica minivan.

Direct download: 1601ATC_Talking_Cars_Episode_86.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

Talking Cars comes to you from the floor of the 2016 International Auto Show in Detroit. Chrysler unveils the new Pacifica minivan, important to see if the company can develop clean-sheet designs after the Fiat merger. The new GMC Acadia is downsized to match mid-sized SUV competition, while the Buick Envision comes to us from China. Luxury sedans from Volvo, Genesis, Lincoln, Mercedes, and Audi fill the show floor. The stunning Buick Avista steals the show, while the Kia Telluride suggests an appealing large SUV.

Direct download: 1601DAS_Talking_Cars_Episode_85.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 7:57pm EST

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