Talking Cars (SD)

Time is running out to grab the enticing $7,500 federal tax credit for vehicles from Tesla and General Motors. What should a buyer do to take advantage of the program while it lasts? We'll share our road test results on the 2018 Lexus LS 500, and wrap the episode by answering questions on all-wheel drive systems, auto stop/start technology, and electronic shifter designs.

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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00:27 Car News: Federal EV Tax Credit

04:34 At The Track: 2018 Lexus LS 500

10:35 Question 1:  Auto Stop/Start System Starter Reliability

13:24 Question 2: CR Scoring System

15:54 Question 3: Are AWD/4WD Systems Effective?

18:54 Question 4: Strange Shifter Designs

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4K Review: 2018 Lexus LS Quick Drive

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

2017 Genesis G90 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNfH3yG9v0s

2018 Tesla Model3 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

2017 Chevrolet Bolt Quick Drive

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

2016 Chevrolet Volt Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3sa7OT3PhU

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ojfBQEZ8jo

Audi A8 Review

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

2016 BMW 7 Series Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyL8s6BosIc

Do you really need all-wheel drive?

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

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Mitsubishi will begin to offer drivers perks if they opt to share their driving data. We discuss if the tradeoff is worth it. The 2019 Nissan Kicks joins our test fleet and we share our impressions. Plus, audience questions on transmissions and safety equipment. 

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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

SHOW NOTES

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0:40 - Mitsubishi Driver Incentives

4:07 - The dangers of kids in hot cars

7:50 - Rear Seat Reminders

8:45 - 2019 Nissan Kicks

13:57 - Audience Question

14:03 - Question #1, Hyundai dual-clutch transmission replacement

16:19 - Question #2, Mandating safety features on all cars

19:45 - Question #3, Why is blind-spot warning an premium option on some cars?

VIDEO LINKS

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2017 LA Auto Show: 2019 Nissan Kicks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMMf0LCj7sU

2018 Hyundai Kona Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YcFRHiHP2E

2018 Ford EcoSport Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWKT__mDwJk

2011 Nissan Juke First Look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qURRHzI7NPc

2015 Chevrolet Trax Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et4MC_m-DR8

2017 Hyundai Elantra Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1hxLaQO1Gg

Kids Left In Hot Cars: How It Could Happen to You: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIqyE0vj60M

We’re celebrating the Fourth of July this week with an all questions episode! We cover everything from car buying advice, infotainment systems, our seat comfort rating and three-row SUVs. Plus, we reach back into our archives to answer a question about a 27-year-old car.

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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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00:53 Question 1: Hyundai Kona vs Nissan Kicks

04:08 Question 2: Fun to drive car under 50K

07:31 Question 3: Our seat comfort ratings

13:01 Question 4: 3rd-row SUVs

15:42 Question 5: Volster N

17:52 Question 6: Infotainment system ratings

23:21 Question 7: 1991 Dodge Daytona

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2018 Detroit Auto Show: 2019 Acura RDX Gains Advanced Safety and More Power

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwDUhPCbio4

2017 LA Auto Show: 2018 Nissan Kicks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMMf0LCj7sU

2011 Nissan Juke First Look

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qURRHzI7NPc

2018 Hyundai Kona Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YcFRHiHP2E

4K Review: 2018 Toyota C-HR Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrjNttCsy84

2015 Subaru WRX

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hksUMXuW3VM

2014 BMW s Series Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d2y06Kh5LQ

2017 Honda Civic Si Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyKF6jsVIug

2017 Audi A4 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khXQj4tCxxI

2017 BMW 330i Quick Drive

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

Ford Mustang Road Test

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56tQtp0W1GA

2013 Subaru BRZ First Look

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

2015 Volvo S60 Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCGNZZd2hVc

4K Review: 2016 Mazda CX-9 Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UigcJd7PVY

2013 Ford Focus ST First Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvLM9Zd44AI

2017 Chevrolet Bolt Quick Drive

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

2016 BMW X1 Quick Drive

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

2015 Lincoln Navigator Quick Drive

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

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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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The President threatens to increase tariffs on foreign made cars; we talk about how it may affect consumers. The Chevrolet Blazer has returned, but it may not be the rugged off-roader you remember. Plus, we talk about the Infiniti QX50 SUV, and answer your questions on drive modes, hot cars and the Kia Niro.

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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

SHOW NOTES

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0:32 – President Trump tweet about increasing tariffs on foreign automakers

4:12 – Best Fourth of July Deals on Cars Made in America

5:41 – 2019 Chevrolet Blazer

9:27 - @ the track, Infiniti QX50

11:51 – Infiniti QX50 powertrain, variable compression ratio

15:50 - Audience Questions

16:12 - Question #1: 2017 Hyundai Sonata Limited, drive modes

18:52 - Question #2: What gets hotter, dark or light colored cars?

21:58 - Question #3: Why shouldn’t everyone buy a Kia Niro?

LINKS

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2018 Infiniti QX50 Review: Upscale but Underwhelming: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2018-infiniti-qx50-review-upscale-but-underwhelming/

Best Fourth of July Deals on Cars Made in America: https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/best-fourth-of-july-deals-on-cars-made-in-america/

Stylish 2019 Chevrolet Blazer Brings Comforts and Technology: https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/2019-chevrolet-blazer-preview/

2018 BMW X3 Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogONHegJwXk

2014 BMW X5 Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DbM0qvHhts

2018 Hyundai Sonata Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivwv3EonvPc

2017 Kia Niro Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA7DkF_I0jA

Toyota Prius Gets Record Setting 52 MPG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ii9oBcRCoLU

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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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Summer’s here and we’re ready to hit the road! We share our favorite road trip stories and talk about the cars we drove along the way. The 2019 Hyundai Veloster visits our test track and we answer your questions about new car technology and comparing used roadsters.

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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0:27 – Summer Road Trips

1:05 – Mike’s college road trip

2:23 – Jake’s family and college road trips

4:44 – Jon’s college road trips

6:07 – CR Staff reserving cars for summer trips

8:42 – 2019 Hyundai Veloster

14:20 – Audience Questions

14:30 – Question #1: Engine reliability and cylinder deactivation

16:26 – Question #2: Electric cars vs. hydrogen fuel cell cars

19:55 – Question #3: Roadster buying advice

VIDEO LINKS

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2018 Detroit Auto Show: 2019 Hyundai Veloster Stays Quirky | Consumer Reports: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I88Kd-GKvc8

Hyundai Veloster First Look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN7fzifIIvY

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASjxFTtsoMM

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

2017 Porsche Boxster Quick Drive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDyiuHMyB3c

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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 

Follow Us on Social:

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Chrysler recently released a new commercial that inadvertently shows why having a simple shifter in a car is so important. We talk about the Pacifica's confusing dial shifter, and why this is a problem throughout the auto industry. We recently bought a new 2019 Acura RDX, and discuss why one big flaw might make an otherwise pleasant car tough to live with. And we answer audience questions about IIHS crash tests, and if we would ever consider recommending the Tesla Model 3 for teen drivers.

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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00:32 Chrysler Pacifica Commercial ft. Kathryn Hahn

05:12 2019 Acura RDX

10:41 Question 1:  What is "Fun to drive"

13:59  Question 2: IIHS passenger small-overlap crash test

16:45  Question 3: Tesla Model 3 making the Teen Drivers list

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Chrysler Pacifica Redefines the Minivan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACuDfSHfh2I

2018 Detroit Auto Show: 2019 Acura RDX Gains Advanced Safety and More Power

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwDUhPCbio4

2016 Acura RDX Quick Drive

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

Redesigned Mazda MX-5 Keeps Miata Magic Going

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O908JUXgiwk

2014 Porsche 911 Review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cj6c-YVos0

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee First Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EH_XMu6QVLc

2016 Ford Explorer Quick Drive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP236lul0Jk

2018 Tesla Model 3 Quick Drive

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

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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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Chevrolet announces a new turbo four-cylinder engine for the 2019 Silverado 1500. We discuss the new powertrain and if the engine will be 'truck-enough' for a full-size pickup. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta joins our test fleet and we give our first impression. Plus, audience questions on hot hatches and our annual member surveys.

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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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00:27 New Four-Cylinder Engine in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500

05:00 FCA Announces Auto Subscriptions

10:00 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

14:22 Question #1: Satisfaction vs. Reliability

18:00 Question #2: Hot Hatches

22:13 Question #3: OE Tire Warranty

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2018 Ford F-150 Quick Drive

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

2018 Detroit Auto Show: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPS6od0Ic5s

Autos Tips: Checking Tire Tread

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu2gEB18bwk

2018's Top 5 Cars Owners Wouldn't Buy Again

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO6OSi1O51E

Happy on the Highway: The 5 Most Satisfying New Cars

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMU3bid3BUA

Consumer Reports 2018 Least Reliable Cars

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywh653ENljA

Consumer Reports Most Reliable Car Brands

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=915hkwMdHiY

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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 

Follow Us on Social:

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Tesla sent an over-the-air software update to all Model 3's this past weekend, which included a fix for the long stopping distances we experienced during our initial testing. We discuss our new test results, and what role over-the-air updates will play in the future of automobiles. We also discuss our first impressions of our newly purchased 2019 Kia Sorento, and answer audience questions about the Subaru Forester and the longevity of engines in hybrid vehicles.

Consumer Reports has revealed that it would not be recommending the Tesla Model 3, in part due to poor braking performance. In response, Tesla CEO, Elon Musk agreed to meet with Jake Fisher, CR Auto Test Director, to talk about our findings and discuss immediate updates Tesla might make. Hear all about that exclusive conversation this week on Talking Cars.

It's cyclists vs. motorists on this week's episode, and how we think both worlds can live in harmony with one another. We also give our first impressions of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, and answer audience questions about good cars for college and how to properly break in a new car.