This week we share our first impressions of the redesigned 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid. We talk about all the new features that the F-150 has to offer, including the built-in generator, hybrid powertrain performance, and the sizable touch screen. Consumer Reports recently released a new auto designation called Green Choice, which spotlights the more environmentally friendly vehicles on the market. We explain the purpose of the Green Choice designation, and which criteria vehicles need to meet to earn the distinction. Other topics include why headlight or taillight warnings are virtually nonexistent, if renting a car only when needed makes more financial sense than owning, and why you should pay attention to your license plate when using a hitch-mounted bike rack.

 

 

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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

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

00:00 - Introduction

01:24 - CR’s Green Choice Designation

06:04 - 2021 Ford F-150 Hybrid First Impressions

18:18 - Question #1: Why automakers don’t put a headlight or taillight failure warning light in cars?

20:19 - Question #2: Is renting a car when you need one makes more financial sense than owning one?

23:05 - Question #3: Would seat covers on heated seats have any negative impact?

25:20 - Question #4: Can you get pulled over by the police for obstructing your car’s license plate with a hitch-mounted bike rack?

 

 

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How Your Car Can Make the Air Cleaner

https://www.consumerreports.org/emissions/how-your-car-can-make-the-air-cleaner/

 

7 Reasons the New Ford F-150 Is the Most Advanced Version Ever

https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/new-ford-150-is-the-most-advanced-version-of-this-pickup-truck-ever/

 

Preview: All-New 2021 Ford F-150 Is a High-Tech Workhorse

https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2021-ford-f-150-review/

 

How to Avoid Sneaky Car-Rental Fees

https://www.consumerreports.org/fees-billing/how-to-avoid-sneaky-car-rental-fees/

 

How to Stay Safe From Coronavirus in an Uber, a Lyft, or a Rental Car

https://www.consumerreports.org/ride-hailing/stay-safe-from-coronavirus-in-an-uber-lyft-rental-car/

 

How Bike Racks Affect a Car’s Fuel Economy

https://www.consumerreports.org/fuel-economy-efficiency/how-bike-racks-affect-car-fuel-economy/

 

Guide to Car Safety

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

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

 

 

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The Bronco name is back, and this week we share our first impressions on the all-new 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, catering to those looking for a rugged, off-road capable vehicle. We discuss how the small SUV, sibling of the larger Bronco, handles rocks and mud, as well as its engine performance and interior comfort. Chevrolet announced an updated version of its all-electric Bolt and an all-new Bolt EUV. We discuss the key changes for the Bolt EV, and how the inclusion of GM's Super Cruise active driving assistance system might appeal to those interested in Tesla's Autopilot system. We also talk about the right time to cut your losses on a vehicle that needs constant repairs, if Consumer Reports is considering testing 3-wheeled BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicle) like Arcimoto and Aptera, why all-weather tires are not as popular as all-seasons, and we wonder which of our neighbors lost their emu.

 

 

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

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

01:19 - 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV Preview

06:47 - 2021 Ford Bronco Sport First Impressions

15:48 - Question #1: When is the right time to cut your losses on a vehicle that needs constant repairs?

18:22 - Question #2: Why all-weather tire are not as popular as all-seasons?

21:13 - Question #3: Would Consumer Reports consider testing 3-wheeled BEVs?

23:09 - Question #4: What is the strangest wild life we have come across at our test track?

 

 

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Preview: Chevrolet Introduces a Freshened Electric Bolt and New Bolt SUV

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-chevrolet-bolt-euv-and-bolt-review/

 

Preview: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Looks Rugged and Ready for Action

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-ford-bronco-sport-review/

 

Preview: 2021 Ford Bronco Reinvents a 4x4 Classic

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-ford-bronco-review/

 

2017 Chevrolet Bolt Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIYG0NR42LU

 

New All-Weather Tires Outperform Some Snow Tires

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JfEcVZvQEA

 

Guide to Car Safety

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

 

Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

 

 

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

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CR recently bought the very first car released by Polestar, the performance brand from parent company Volvo. The Polestar 2 is an all-electric hatchback built to compete with other luxury EVs like the Tesla Model 3 and Audi e-tron, and we share our first impressions on what we found taking it on the open road, as well as our test track. Nissan recently announced a redesigned Frontier pickup truck and Pathfinder SUV, and we ask the big question: what took so long?! Other topics this week include why a dealership might offer you above market value for your used car or leased vehicle, if it's wise to purchase a vehicle that was recently discontinued, a fun-to-drive car that can accommodate two child seats, and if an imported Kei car would make a sensible car for driving around town.

 

 

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

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 - Intro

00:50 - 2022 Nissan Frontier Preview

06:02 -  2021 Polestar 2 First Impressions

14:05 - Question #1: Would it be wise to purchase the recently discontinued Lexus GS 350?

15:45 - Question #2: Why are dealerships offering above market value for used and leased vehicles?

20:12 - Question #3: Which fun-to-drive vehicle can comfortably fit two child seats?

24:06 - Question #4: Is it a good idea to import a 25 year old Kei car from Japan for around town driving?

 

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Preview: For 2022, the Nissan Frontier Finally Gets a New Look

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

 

New 2021 Polestar 2 to Compete With Tesla’s Model 3

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/volvo-polestar-2-preview/

 

Hot New Electric Cars Are Coming Soon

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon/

 

Rear-Seat Safety for All Ages

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/rear-seat-safety-for-all-ages/

 

First Drive: Redesigned 2021 Nissan Rogue Edges Upscale

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-nissan-rogue-review/

 

Detroit Auto Show: 2013 Lexus GS 350

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4MOAPdpZM8

 

2017 Honda CR-V Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwN2Tl1A5Z4

 

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 

 

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This week we discuss the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E all-electric SUV, sharing our first impressions on the driving dynamics, the screen-dominated interior, and if we think it is worthy of the Mustang badge. Tesla recently unveiled big changes to its Model S sedan and Model X SUV, introducing a yoke-style steering wheel, and foregoing turn signal and gear selector stalks in favor of touch capacitive buttons and screen controls. We speculate what these changes will mean for drivers, and touch on other EV-related topics, including maintaining electric vehicle battery health, if electric cars wear out tires faster than a traditional vehicle, and what all this new technology means for auto reliability.

 

 

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

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

00:31 - Redesigned Tesla Model S

07:50 - 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E First Impressions

21:15 - Question #1: Could EV technology improve overall reliability of cars in the future?

23:39 - Question #2: Do Teslas and other EVs wear out tires more than regular cars?

25:54 - Question #3: What is the proper way of maintaining an electric vehicle’s battery health?

 

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First Drive: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Is a Thrilling New Breed

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-ford-mustang-mach-e-review/

 

2019 LA Auto Show: 2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ30yGjf7sU

 

First Look: Update Tesla Model S Gains Range, Power, and Radical Interior Changes

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/updated-tesla-model-s-gains-range-power-and-radical-interior-changes/

 

Tesla Full Self-Driving Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQOf_F6hibk

 

4K Review: 2016 Tesla Model S Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9cT_mIff-Q

 

2016 Tesla Model X Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GhvTUDuEds

 

Guide to Car Safety

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

 

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 

 

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