Talking Cars (SD)

Chevrolet has revived the Blazer nameplate, and we discuss if it can compete in the saturated 2-row SUV market. Love is in the air this week, and we share stories about the cars that broke our hearts. We also share some highlights from the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, including details on the 2020 Subaru Legacy sedan. We wrap the episode with audience questions about the importance of washing your car's undercarriage, myths about automatic emergency braking, and how we test cargo space.

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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 [email protected] 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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00:26 - 2019 Chicago Auto Show - 2020 Subaru Legacy

04:08- Cars That Broke Our Hearts

09:39 - 2019 Chevrolet Blazer

17:51 - Question 1: Do We Recommend Undercarriage Washes?

20:19 - Question 2: How Does Automatic Emergency Braking Work?

24:05 - Question 3: How Do We Test Cargo Space?

25:49 - Question 4: Used Car For a New Family With a Dog?

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Redesigned 2020 Subaru Legacy Brings Back Turbo, Adds Tech

https://www.consumerreports.org/sedans/2020-subaru-legacy-preview/

2019 Chevrolet Blazer Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1XFgYyH00o

The Best Used Cars Under $20K

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

Best Used Cars for Under $20,000

https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/best-used-cars-for-under-20000-dollars/

2016 Lexus RX Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1h-xcmM5KWs

Mazda5 review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MBqBM161gI

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

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, it’s another all questions episode! We talk about everything from tires, crash tests, the all-wheel drive myth and the most baby-worthy car for a dad-to-be. And don't forget that you can send us your questions at [email protected]!

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Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2

Audio version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-mp3/id630831189?mt=2

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 [email protected] 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

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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Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

SHOW NOTES

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0:42 - Video Question #1: Are trucks being used for their intended design?

2:20 - Video Question #2: Where can you get a vehicle maintenance schedule if your car doesn’t come with an owner’s manual?

4:20 - Question #3: Among two-row SUVs, is the Hyundai Santa Fe a good choice?

6:33 - Question #4: Which Subaru is best for a teenage driver’s first car?

7:58 - Question #5: Does the tire pressure on the door placard apply when you replace your vehicle’s tires?

9:00 - Question #6: Do manufacturers special tune cars that are lent to the press?

10:04 - Question #7: Does CR perpetuate the all-wheel drive myth?

12:24 - Question #8: Tires aside, what other factors affect how a vehicle performs on winter roads?

14:07 - Question #9: Will the Mazda3 or Genesis G70 baby?

16:17 - Question #10: Are trucks and SUVs in a separate category when it comes to government safety and emissions standards?

17:43 - Question #11: How will the IIHS crash test vehicles in the future?

19:00 - Question #12: How do you turn on a vehicle accessory mode when you have a push button start?

19:31 -  Question #13: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla or Mazda3?

20:38 - Question #14: What’s the best all-weather tire for a 2018 VW Golf?

LINKS

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2019 Genesis G70 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDrN5_R3Bu0

2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Mazda3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRfZ-oO3qpM

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZYJyewVP0I

2019 Honda Passport Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hULSTAtPt_g

2019 Chevrolet Blazer Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1XFgYyH00o

2018 Subaru Crosstrek Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J005E_TMeY

2019 Subaru Forester Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dymKOcVk7Iw

2017 Subaru Impreza Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bze9pGvsiY

2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Toyota Prius AWD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uuYO8OIjl8

Do You Really Need All-Wheel Drive?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjzYbpt9Ow

AWD Showdown: Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-TQdIqFvZo

New All-Weather Tires Outperform Some Snow Tires: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JfEcVZvQEA

Essential Winter Driving Tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIWVRbr15ek

This week we discuss Ford's new rewards program, and whether or not such programs really benefit car owners. At the track, we've rented the new Honda Passport, and give our thoughts on how it stacks up among the multitudes of SUVs. As always, we wrap with audience questions, including one about how manufacturer’s all-wheel drive systems differ.

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

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 [email protected] 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

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

00:38 - Ford Rewards Program

05:08 - 2019 Honda Passport

11:40 - Question 1: Does Fuel Octane Drop Over Time?

14:20 - Question 2: Which AWD System is the Best?

18:08 - Question 3: Difference Between Adaptive Cruise Control Systems?

22:15 - Question 4: Looking for a Truck With Good Reliability?

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2019 Honda Passport Quick Drive

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

AWD Showdown: Subaru Forester vs. Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-TQdIqFvZo

Do you really need all-wheel drive?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjzYbpt9Ow

New All-Weather Tires Outperform Some Snow Tires

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

Essential Winter Driving Tips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIWVRbr15ek

2005-2014 Toyota Tacoma Quick Take

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DCIRO_8Kbc

2006-2014 Honda Ridgeline

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8cQlAxir3U

Pickup trucks - to choices

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8c1YPMtS_34

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

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 recent trend of automakers resurrecting discontinued car models, and the nostalgia (or lack thereof) that such a move might ignite in a car buyer. We've completed testing on the 2019 BMW X5 SUV, and talk about how it performed in our tests. Finally, we wrap with viewer questions, including one about the first car for a teenage driver under $5,000, and how cold temperatures affect electric vehicle batteries. 

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

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 [email protected] 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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00:41 - Car Manufacturers Resurrecting Discontinued Car Models

04:16 - What Cars Would We Like to See Brought Back From the Dead

07:30 - 2019 BMW X5 Test Results

13:27 - Question 1: Electric Vehicle's Battery Performance in Extreme Temperatures?

17:01 - Question 2: When to Change Oil in a Car?

18:43 - Question 3: First Car Under $5K?

22:30 - Question 4: Toyota Highlander vs. Volvo XC90

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4K Review: 2017 Toyota Highlander Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic5Obebxcv8

2016 Volvo XC90 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyQWKK3nUlw

2019 Detroit Auto Show: 2020 Toyota Supra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdtL8brC3Bw

8 Best Cars for Teen Drivers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lE6pLbbt428

2009-2014 Honda Fit Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7W-Ba5Vm3U

Hyundai Tucson Review

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

Mazda3 Road Test

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWo0PJbbpic

2014 Toyota Corolla First Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu6QfFB7fDY

2011-2012 Honda Accord Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSobCS6qeZM

2012 Toyota Camry Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTaFXI-oQxU

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

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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We're on location in Detroit for the 2019 North American International Auto Show! We discuss  vehicles announced at the show, including the all-new Toyota Supra, Kia Telluride, Volkswagen Passat, and more. We also geek out over the enthusiast cars announced, including the Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 and Subaru STI S209.

SHOW NOTES

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:40 - importance of Detroit Auto Show in automotive industry

3:00 - Kia Telluride

4:59 - Toyota Supra

6:29 - Lexus RC

8:30 - Volkswagen Passat

10:21 - Ford Explorer

12:19 - Cadillac XT6

14:44 - Ram 2500 HD

17:15 - Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500

20:37 - Subaru STI S209

22:58 - North American International Auto Show moving to June

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

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2

Audio version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-mp3/id630831189?mt=2

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 [email protected] 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

We just purchased Jaguar's answer to Tesla's all-electric fleet - the 2019 I-PACE. We discuss our first impressions on how it drives, differences in interior quality to Tesla's offerings, and where we think the electric car market is heading with more established automakers entering the segment. We also discuss the automotive technology on display at CES in Las Vegas and wrap by answering viewer questions.

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

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 [email protected] 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

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

00:26 - Automotive Technology at CES

05:48 - 2019 Jaguar i-Pace

13:02 - Question 1: Electric Vehicle Battery Wear, and Future of the Car Market

16:45 - Question 2: Do Tire Sealants Work?

20:34 - Question 3: Safe Family Vehicle for Wintery Roads?

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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

2018 LA Auto Show: 2019 Audi E-Tron

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

2015 Subaru Outback and Legacy

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

4K Review: 2017 Toyota Highlander Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic5Obebxcv8

2018 New York Auto Show: 2019 Toyota RAV4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9MJ-sMDdsc

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

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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Porsche has finally redesigned its Cayenne SUV, and we discuss our overall impressions, and how it performed in our tests. Wet weather can have a significant impact on how tires perform, and the problem only gets worse as a tire ages. CR recently conducted a test on how tires with low tread depth handled in our wet braking and hydroplaning courses, and why a tire from Michelin impressed us. We also answer audience questions about the 2019 Toyota RAV4, how long it takes us to fully test a vehicle, and whether changing a new car’s tires and shocks is a good idea.

SHOW NOTES

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:45 - worn tire testing in wet conditions & Michelin claim check

7:21 - winter tire care tips

10:01 - Porsche Cayenne Road Test results

16:24 - audience question #1: replacing brakes and shocks

20:06 - audience question #2: duration of CR’s auto testing protocol

23:33 - audience question #3: replacement for 2010 Toyota RAV4?

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

Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2

Audio version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-mp3/id630831189?mt=2

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 [email protected] 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

We close out 2018 by taking a look back at the cars we tested this year, and which ones we thought were the most, and least, satisfying to drive. We eulogize those vehicles we love that won't be coming back next year, and give our thoughts on what we're looking forward to most in 2019.

The IIHS releases its list of the Safest Cars to Drive. We discuss the new tests that affect the cars on the list and how CR’s tests compliment crash ratings. Plus, we share test results of the 2019 Hyundai Tucson and answer questions on headlights, hybrids, and the most comfortable budget sports car.

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Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2

Audio version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-mp3/id630831189?mt=2

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 [email protected] 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

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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Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

SHOW NOTES

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0:43 - IIHS Top Safety Picks

6:18 - 2019 Hyundai Tucson Test Results

10:28 - Send us your questions!

10:45 - Video Question #1: Upgrading headlights

13:33 - Video Question #2: Which car is the most comfortable for tall drivers? Subaru BRZ, Mazda MX-5, Hyundai Veloster.

18:17 - Question #3: Is there any financial gain by leasing a 2019 Toyota RAV4 hybrid?

LINKS

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2016 Hyundai Tucson Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2jcWdRN168

2017 Honda CR-V Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwN2Tl1A5Z4

2018 New York Auto Show: 2019 Toyota RAV4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9MJ-sMDdsc

Redesigned Mazda MX-5 Keeps Miata Magic Going: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O908JUXgiwk

Scion FR-S vs Subaru BRZ: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWwz7Ybpy1U

2019 Hyundai Veloster Test Results; Talking Cars #180: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE7WQ43AODo

VW Golf R vs. Golf GTI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uLwY-A35ko

Winter brings shorter days and more people driving in the dark. On this episode, we discuss headlight effectiveness and how to keep them clean. The 2019 Audi A8 L joins our test fleet and we give our first impressions. Plus, we answer your questions about the best EV charging network, replacing the discontinued Chevy Volt and cars suited for commuting in Maine winters.

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Subscribe to Talking Cars on Apple Podcasts!

Video version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-hq/id630839767?mt=2

Audio version: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-cars-mp3/id630831189?mt=2

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 [email protected] 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

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

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Google+: http://bit.ly/1Md3gfQ

SHOW NOTES

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00:28 - Cleaning Cloudy Headlights 

04:33 - 2019 Audi A8 L First Impressions

10:34 - If I Had $100K to spend on a car

14:09 - Question #1: Suitable Replacement for Chevrolet Volt?

18:14 - Question #2: What Is The Best Car Charging Network?

22:49 - Question #3: Is There Anything Better Than The Subaru Outback?

LINKS

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Old Headlights Can Be Dangerously Dim, Study Finds: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/old-headlights-can-be-dangerously-dim/

Headlight Restoration Kits: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/headlight-restoration-kits/buying-guide/index.htm

2017 LA Auto Show: 2019 Audi A8: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX7OpaYHmQI

4K Review: 2018 Lexus LS Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOALhUeztwQ

Audi A8 Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6WQBF-WLHw

2016 BMW 7 Series Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyL8s6BosIc

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ojfBQEZ8jo

2016 Chevrolet Volt Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3sa7OT3PhU

2017 Chevrolet Bolt Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIYG0NR42LU

2017 Toyota Prius Prime Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQt6L1celr4

2017 Volkswagen Alltrack Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFwfm63Ts1k

Face-Off: Subaru Outback vs. Volkswagen Alltrack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ylXqZce8XQ

2015 Subaru Outback and Legacy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omeYWjqBJRQ