Talking Cars (MP3)

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.

Direct download: 1712CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_131.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EST

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.

Direct download: 1712CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_130.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:17am EST

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.

Direct download: 1712CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_129.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:26pm EST

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!

Direct download: 1712CRO_Talking_Cars_128.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:06pm EST

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.

Direct download: 1711CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_127.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:58pm EST

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.

Direct download: 1710CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_126.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EST

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

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: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

Direct download: 1710CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_125.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:31pm EST

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.

Direct download: 1709CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_124.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:28pm EST

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.

Direct download: 1709CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_123.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am EST

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.

Direct download: 1709CRO_Talking_Cars_122.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 6:00am EST

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.

Direct download: 1708CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_121.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

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.

Direct download: 1707CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_120.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

This week's episode is entirely dedicated to viewer and listener questions. We discuss heavy duty trucks, active safety equipment, used cars and more.

Direct download: 1706CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_119.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:30pm EST

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.

Direct download: 1706CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_118.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

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.

Direct download: 1706CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_117.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

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.

Direct download: 1705CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_116.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

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.

Direct download: 1705CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_115.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00pm EST

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.

Direct download: 1704CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_114.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

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.

Direct download: 1704NYAS_Talking_Cars_Episode_113.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

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.

Direct download: 1703CRO_Talking_Cars_112.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

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.

Direct download: 1703CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_111.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

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.

Direct download: 1702CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_110.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:45pm EST

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.

Direct download: 1702CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_109.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

We take the show on the road to the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute to discuss autonomous vehicle technology: where we are, where we're headed, and the challenges along the way. We also take questions from our live audience!

Direct download: 1701CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_108.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EST

We're on the floor of the 2017 Detroit Auto Show! We discuss our first impressions of the all-new Toyota Camry and Honda Odyssey, which announcements surprised and disappointed us, and the emerging diesel trend.

Direct download: 1701DAS_Talking_Cars_Episode_107.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:55pm EST

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