Talking Cars (MP3)

This week we take time to revisit some of the cars we tested in 2020, and we discuss the ones we most enjoyed driving this year, and the ones that left something to be desired. We also talk about the vehicles and trends we're interested in seeing in 2021. Autos discussed include the Ford Bronco, Ram 1500 Diesel and TRX, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Nissan Sentra, Porsche Taycan, Volkswagen Passat, Cadillac CT5, Tesla, and Chevrolet Corvette.

 

 

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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

00:22 - The Best and Worst Cars of 2020

01:33 - Mike Monticello’s Best and Worst Cars

07:37 - Mike Quincy’s Best and Worst Cars

13:08 - Jennifer Stockburger’s Best and Worst Cars

19:10 - Vehicles and trends for 2021 

 

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2019 RAM 1500 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coeasX0ZyTk

 

2019 Detroit Auto Show: 2020 Volkswagen Passat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1him5f54QQ

 

2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Cadillac CT5

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

 

First Drive: 2020 Porsche Taycan Is a High-Priced Alternative to the Tesla Model S

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2020-porsche-taycan-electric-vehicle-review/

 

2019 LA Auto Show: 2020 Nissan Sentra

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

 

2019 Toyota RAV4 Quick Drive

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

 

2019 LA Auto Show: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyucrV_maH8

 

2019 New York Auto Show: 2020 Toyota Highlander

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfQ7Kq-pflc

 

Preview: 2021 Ford Bronco Reinvents a 4x4 Classic

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

 

Hot New Electric Cars Are Coming Soon

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

 

2019 LA Auto Show: 2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E

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

 

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 

 

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Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1IQ2w5q

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Direct download: 2012CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_288.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

We dedicate this entire episode to sharing our test results of the Tesla Model Y, the all-electric SUV based on the Model 3. We discuss our findings on the Model Y's handling, off-the-line performance, and charging experience compared to other EVs. We also talk about our experience with the Model Y's cargo space compared to the Model 3, overall build quality, and whether it is a reliable vehicle, based on our comprehensive reliability survey of CR members.

 

 

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

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

00:20 - 2020 Tesla Model Y Test Results

12:50 - Tesla Autopilot

18:34 - Question #1: Has the CR Model Y had any common issues with fit and finish, panel alignment, and paint quality?

21:25 - Question #2: Are Uber credits a viable substitute for a loaner when having your Tesla repaired?

23:50 - Question #3: What SUV would be a good substitute for a Model Y, with good ride height, ease of entry, and quiet interior?

 

 

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5 Things You Need to Know About the New Tesla Model Y

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/tesla-model-y-things-to-know/

 

Tesla Full Self-Driving Review

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

 

Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving Capability’ Falls Short of Its Name

https://www.consumerreports.org/autonomous-driving/tesla-full-self-driving-capability-review-falls-short-of-its-name/

 

Cadillac’s Super Cruise Outperforms Other Driving Assistance Systems

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/cadillac-super-cruise-outperforms-other-active-driving-assistance-systems/

 

2018 Tesla Model 3 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0VlwLRJFAo

 

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

 

Hot New Electric Cars Are Coming Soon

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

 

2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Audi E-Tron

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBV9nrd6_mo

 

2019 LA Auto Show: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyucrV_maH8

 

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: 2012CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_287.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm EDT

We recently rented a BMW M440i xDrive, and this week we give our first impressions of how this sporty coupe performed on the highway and at our track. We also offer advice on whether you should skip test drives due to COVID-19, if an Audi Q3 or Volvo XC40 is better for a city-dweller, the performance of winter run-flat tires, why some cars in Canada and Europe never make it to the US, and why importing a foreign car might be prohibitively expensive.

 

 

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

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

00:22 - 2021 BMW 4 Series First Impressions

11:06 - Question #1: Is it a good idea to skip the test drive when purchasing a car during the pandemic?

15:19 - Question #2: Do regular winter tires perform better than run-flat winter tires?

17:11 - Question #3: Why some cars in Canada and Europe never make it to the US?

20:35 - Question #4: Does Gabe ever open his college textbooks in his background?

 

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First Drive: 2021 BMW 4 Series Doubles As Sporty Coupe and Highway Cruiser

https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2021-bmw-4-series-coupe-review/

 

2017 BMW 330i Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-o99R0RgD8

 

2019 BMW Z4 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1FVQ49MazE

 

Getting your tires ready for winter: Advice from Consumer Reports

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hixD6srMlP0

 

Winter Driving Tips

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

 

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: 2012CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_286.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:04pm EDT

This week we have the test results of the 2020 RAM 1500 Diesel pickup truck, and discuss its impressive ride, whether it is "diesel enough,"  and how it stacks up against competitors like the Chevrolet Silverado diesel in the half-ton truck segment. Honda recently unveiled a prototype of its popular Civic, and we talk about its new chassis, exterior styling, and cabin. Subaru also made news, revealing the new BRZ, and we discuss if it can retain its sporty DNA from the previous generation and its sister model Toyota 86? We also share some of the key changes to the new Acura MDX redesign. Can having your key fob in your car drain your car's battery? We answer that, and cover other topics including if cars can have a country of origin anymore, and which off-road vehicle would be a viable replacement for a vintage Land Rover Defender.

 

 

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

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

00:27 - Preview: 2022 Honda Civic

04:32 - Preview: 2022 Subaru BRZ

06:44 - Preview: 2022 Acura MDX

08:54 - 2020 RAM 1500 Diesel Test Results

16:10 - Question #1: Could a key fob drain the car’s battery?

18:22 - Question #2: Where are most vehicles manufactured, and do cars have a country of origin anymore?

23:20 - Question #3: Which off-road vehicle would be a viable replacement for a vintage Land Rover Defender?

 

 

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Preview: Redesigned 2022 Honda Civic Hides Big Updates Under Conservatively Styled Exterior

https://www.consumerreports.org/sedans/2022-honda-civic-review/

 

Preview: 2022 Subaru BRZ Still Emphasizes Balance Over Brawn

https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2022-subaru-brz-review/

 

Preview: 2022 Acura MDX Luxury SUV Has More Room and Adds a Performance Powertrain

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/acura-mdx-suv-review/

 

2019 RAM 1500 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coeasX0ZyTk

 

2019 RAM 1500 Drops Weight, Adds Luxury Touches, and Keeps Its Smooth Ride

https://www.consumerreports.org/pickup-trucks/2019-ram-1500-first-drive-review/

 

Winter Driving Tips

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

 

How to Replace Your Car’s Key Fob

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-maintenance/how-to-replace-your-car-key-fob/

 

What Makes a car ‘American’?

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2015/05/what-makes-a-car-american-made-in-the-usa/index.htm

 

Preview: 2021 Ford Bronco Reinvents a 4x4 Classic

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

 

Toyota 4Runner Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj3jNdDIGeA

 

4K Review: 2017 Jeep Compass Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkPacZUmJ2I

 

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: 2012CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_285.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 5:00pm EDT

This week we discuss our initial impressions of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA, sharing our experience with the controls, ride comfort, and cargo space of this luxury small SUV. We also discuss if expensive wiper blades perform better than cheaper alternatives; the differences between winter and mud terrain tires, and whether mud tires are safe for driving in the ice and snow of wintry weather; if a recall on the Subaru Ascent will affect its CR reliability score; and we share tips on the best way to keep dogs, cats, and any other pets safe in your vehicle.

 

 

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

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

00:28 - 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA First Impressions

09:27 - Question #1: Is it possible to buy mud-terrain tires suitable for winter weather driving?

14:14 - Question #2: Do expensive wiper blades perform better than cheap ones?

18:19 - Question #3: Would a recall on the Subaru Ascent affect its CR reliability score?

21:01 - Question #4: What are the best practices for keeping pets safe in your vehicle?

 

 

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Coronavirus Resource Hub

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

 

First Drive: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Is an Improvement Over Flawed Predecessor

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2021-mercedes-benz-gla-suv-review/

 

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDLj6lhrUJg

 

Choosing the Best Tire

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/tires/buying-guide/index.htm

 

Tire Selector

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/tires.htm?searchToken=Tires

 

Wiper Blade Buying Guide

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/wiper-blades/buying-guide/index.htm

 

2019 Subaru Ascent Quick Drive

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

 

How to Keep Your Pets Safe in a Car

https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/keep-pets-safe-in-the-car/

 

 

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

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: 2012CRO_Talking_Cars_Episode_284.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00pm EDT

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