Talking Cars (MP3)

Latest Episodes:

#137: Super Bowl Screen Time; 2018 Ford EcoSport Feb 09, 2018

Show notes

This week we answer your video submitted questions first! We also talk about two car commercials from the Super Bowl and discuss our newest test vehicle, the 2018 Ford EcoSport.

#136: Name That Safety Feature; 2018 Honda Clarity Feb 01, 2018

Show notes

We recap our trip to the SAE Government/Industry meeting and talk about why the names of safety features can be confusing to consumers. The Honda Clarity joins our test fleet and as always, we answer viewer questions.

#135: The New Jeep Wrangler & Hyundai Elantra GT; Why Are New Cars So Expensive? Jan 25, 2018

Show notes

It's true; we bought a new Jeep Wrangler for our test fleet. We share our first impressions and explore why people love the original SUV. We also have a new Hyundai Elantra GT at the track. Can it compete with hot-hatches like the Volkswagen GTI? Plus, we answer viewer questions and celebrate a special anniversary.

Exploding Sunroofs: A Special Edition of Talking Cars Jan 17, 2018

Show notes

Consumer Reports investigates the issue of "Exploding Sunroofs" in which sunroofs on cars of all makes and models explode with little or no warning, putting the driver at great risk.

In this narrative audio documentary, a first from CR, hear from drivers whose sunroofs exploded as they drove along familiar roads in pristine conditions. Learn how they dealt with the shock and how their dealers and manufacturers dealt with them.

For the purpose of the podcast CR went into its testing lab and blew up a sunroof to provide listeners with the most realistic sense of what it sounds like when a sunroof explodes some 6 inches from your head.

Consumer Reports also provides insight about what is being done to address this issue and valuable information in the unlikely circumstance that this happens to you.

#134: 2018 Detroit Auto Show Jan 17, 2018

Show notes

Trucks take center stage at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show with redesigns from RAM, Chevy and Ford. We talk about new models from Honda, Acura and Toyota and share which cars we're most looking forward to in the coming year.

#133: The Future is Electric Jan 11, 2018

Show notes

We peek into the future of cars with news from CES in Las Vegas. The Buick Regal Sportback joins our test fleet and we give our first impressions. And, we answer viewer questions on tire ratings, starting your car in the cold and brake lights.

#132: The Parka Podcast Jan 04, 2018

Show notes

Bundle up for this week's episode as we share expert advice on how to get the most out of your car in frigid temps. Two new giant SUVs make their debut at our test track and we answer viewer questions about all-weather tires and cruise control.

#131: The Cars Our Engineers Loved and Hated in 2017 Dec 28, 2017

Show notes

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.

#130: Owner Satisfaction Results and Affordable Luxury Cars Dec 21, 2017

Show notes

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.

#129: Kia's Shot in the Arm, New IIHS Crash Tests and an E-Brake Experiment Dec 14, 2017

Show notes

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.

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