Talking Cars (MP3) – Details, episodes & analysis

Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars listeners at cr.org/jointalkingcars

Purchasing a used car is an excellent way to save money, with over 36 million pre-owned vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2023 alone, more than doubling new car purchases. Our experts at CR have meticulously analyzed exclusive test and survey data to pinpoint the best pre-owned cars across different price ranges, helping consumers make informed decisions for a better shopping experience. In this week's episode, we explore the standout features of CR's new Used Car Buying Guide, offer tips for navigating the used car market, and address audience questions about CR's approach to vehicle software updates and mid-generation refreshes—detailing how significant an update must be to warrant review or reassessment.

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

2:20 - CR Used Car Hub

3:00 - How to start shopping for a used car

8:34 - What makes a CR Recommended used vehicle?

11:00 - Best used car brands

13:35 - Used car Top Picks

16:27 - What are vehicle model years and generations?

18:35 - What is a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle?

22:51 - Audience questions

23:10 - Question #1, Irv from Normal, IL: How does CR react to rapidly changing technology like over-the-air vehicle software updates?

26:47 - Question #2, Jonathan from Phoenix, AZ: How does CR account for vehicle changes that happen later in a vehicle model year?

LINKS:

Submit a question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/

CR Used Cars Hub: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/used/

CR Used Car Ratings & Reliability: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/types/used/ratings-reliability/

CR Used Car Marketplace: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-prices-used-car-inventory/

CR Used Car Buying Guide: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/used/buying-guide/

See our car ratings and reviews at: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

This week, we discuss the 2024 Honda Prologue. It's Honda's first mainstream electric vehicle, made possible through a collaboration between Honda and General Motors. The Prologue shares much of its architecture with the Chevrolet Blazer EV. We cover the differences between the two electric SUVs and debate whether the Prologue is better than the Blazer. Plus, we answer questions about how to buy a car and what's going on with our Fisker Ocean test car. 

SHOW NOTES:

0:00 - Intro

0:17 - Welcome Maddie McCarty

1:56 - 2024 Honda Prologue Overview

3:01 - Platform and styling

3:51 - EV Range and charge times

8:40 - Access, driving position, seat comfort

11:29 - Controls and interfaces

16:15 - Driving

18:37 - Noise

20:30 - Safety features

26:00 - Would you buy a Honda Prologue or a Chevy Blazer EV?

30:08 - Submit a question to Talking Cars

30:51 - Audience Question #1: Will CR continue to test the Fisker Ocean?

32:41- Audience Question #2: Buying advice: What used, late-model SUV is comparable to the Audi Q5?

LINKS:

Submit a question to Talking Cars: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/

2024 Honda Prologue: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/prologue/2024/overview/

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/blazer-ev/2024/overview/

First Drive: 2024 Honda Prologue SUV Is a Chevrolet Blazer EV in Honda Clothing: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-honda-prologue-review-a8015429336/

Preview: 2024 Acura ZDX Is the Automaker’s First All-Electric Vehicle: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-acura-zdx-review-a1783124536/

First Drive: 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV Is a Bumpy Ride: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/2024-chevrolet-blazer-ev-review-a1328332871/

In this supersized episode, we share our very unusual experience purchasing, receiving, and driving our 2023 Fisker Ocean Ultra; there are so many twists and turns to this story, we can’t summarize them here, you’ll just have to listen to the entire wild experience! We also answer audience questions about how to store an EV for long periods of time, and the best car for road trips: the Ford Maverick, Subaru Forester, or Toyota Camry.

More info on the 2023 Fisker Ocean here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/fisker-ocean-electric-suv-review-a2735159415/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Ratings and test results on every car CR purchases and tests: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

SHOW NOTES

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:15 - Our Fisker Ocean

01:53 - Buying & Delivery Experience

06:19 - Issue with the Ocean

09:16 - Payment

09:53 - Driving Experience

10:46 - Software Versions

12:19 - Customer Service

14:41 - Experiencing The Car

21:12 - Missing Safety Features

23:02 - Features we liked

23:43 - Range & Charging

27:49 - Regenerative Braking

31:25 - Controls

33:34 - ABS Issue

34:59 - Cabin

37:09 - SDV - Software Defined Vehicle

39:18 - State of Fisker

43:26 - Price Drop

45:06 - The Paint

47:50 - Inventory

51:37 - Consumer Take Aways

54:22 - Question #1: What is the best way to store an electric vehicle  for a long period of time?

57:34 - Question #2: What is the best car for road trips: the Ford Maverick, Subaru Forester, or Toyota Camry?

----------------------------------  

First Drive: 2023 Fisker Ocean Electric SUV Proves to Be Unfinished Business

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/fisker-ocean-electric-suv-review-a2735159415/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

2023 Fisker Ocean

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fisker/ocean/2023/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Electric Cars and Plug-In Hybrids That Qualify for Federal Tax Credits

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-plug-in-hybrids-that-qualify-for-tax-credits-a7820795671/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT

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

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

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

To find out how products scored in CR’s rigorous lab tests—and to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day—become a member. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization. Join now at https://CR.org/joinviaYT

This week we talk about Chevrolet's announcement of an electrified, all-wheel-drive Corvette. We cover Corvette history, the evolution of car enthusiast culture and the future of powerful supercars that are entering the EV space. We also answer an audience question that asks how automated and electrified vehicles will affect the traditional driving experience as we know it.

SHOW NOTES:

0:25 - Ford Lightning Announcement

0:43 - Electrified Chevrolet Corvette Announcement

7:30 - Question #1: With the advent of full autonomous vehicles, will there still be space for car enthusiasts who enjoy vehicles with traditional ICEs?

LINKS:

Chevrolet Corvette to Go Hybrid and Eventually Electric: https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/chevrolet-corvette-hybrid-electric-review-a2522443606/

Chevrolet Corvette: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/corvette/

Ford F-150 Lightning: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/ford/f-150-lightning/

Hot, New Electric Cars That Are Coming Soon: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/hot-new-electric-cars-are-coming-soon-a1000197429/

This week we share our first impressions of the 2022 Kia Sorento hybrid, and discuss its driving characteristics, infotainment controls, powertrain performance, and whether the hybrid version is better than the gas-powered model. Also we talk about tire safety, and whether tread depth is a good indicator of when you need a replacement set.

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

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

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:13 - First Impressions: 2022 Kia Sorento Hybrid 

07:30 - Question: Is tread depth a good indicator of when you need to replace tires on your car?

----------------------------------  

2022 Kia Sorento

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/kia/sorento/2022/overview/

Tires: Michelin Defender LTX M/S [T]

https://www.consumerreports.org/products/all-season-truck-tire/michelin-defender-ltx-m-s-388349/overview/

Tires: Continental TerrainContact H/T

https://www.consumerreports.org/products/all-season-truck-tire/continental-terraincontact-h-t-400429/overview/

Tires: Continental TerrainContact A/T

https://www.consumerreports.org/products/all-terrain-truck-tire/continental-terraincontact-at-400427/overview/

Guide to Car Safety

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

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

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

EVs, rugged trucks, and "futuristic nostalgia" were the big trends at the New York International Auto Show. We share our impressions on a number of vehicles, including the Subaru Solterra, Nissan Z, Ford Bronco Raptor, Nissan Ariya, Volkswagen ID. Buzz, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and Vietnamese startup Vinfast. We also discuss the focus on outdoor recreation, vehicles with throwback styling stuffed with cutting-edge tech, and something called the Toyota Tacozilla.

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

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

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

00:00 - Intro

00:13 - New York Auto Show Impressions

01:19 - New Trends

04:23 - Exciting Vehicles

06:58 - Chevrolet Silverado EV

08:52 - Volkswagen ID. Buzz

11:54 - Subaru Solterra & Toyota bZ4X

14:17 - Nissan Ariya

16:05 - Vinfast

17:01 - EV Concepts

18:45 - Nostalgia

19:14 - Earth Theme

----------------------------------  

2022 New York Auto Show: Nissan Z

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNp1KyxJv80

2022 New York Auto Show: Nissan Ariya EV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S0DdU_KYA4

2022 New York Auto Show: Toyota’s All-Electric bZ4X

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR9vD7PEjBo

2022 New York Auto Show: Chevrolet Silverado EV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbL5ee6-YdQ

2022 New York Auto Show: Subaru Solterra EV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGi4IJqsab8

Guide to Car Safety

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

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

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

Do electric cars have a break-in period? Is it smarter to buy or lease an EV? And is it better to be stranded overnight in a gas vehicle, or an electric car? We answer these and other EV-related questions on this episode, including how hot summer temperatures affect an EV's driving range, what happens in an EV right before the battery dies, and what resources are available for those that want to learn more about electric vehicles before they take the plunge.

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

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

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:55 - Electric Cars 101

02:15 - Buying vs. Leasing an EV

05:53 - Break-in Period for Electric Cars

08:14 - EV Battery Replacement

10:58 - Battery Performance in Traffic

13:48 - EV Battery Performance in Extreme Temperatures 

16:45 - What Happens When The Battery Runs Out Completely 

----------------------------------  

Electric Cars 101: The Answers to All Your EV Questions

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/electric-cars-101-the-answers-to-all-your-ev-questions-a7130554728/

How Much Do Cold Temperatures Affect an Electric Vehicle’s Driving Range?

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/how-much-do-cold-temperatures-affect-an-evs-driving-range-a5751769461/

What Happens to the Old Batteries in Electric Cars?

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/what-happens-to-the-old-batteries-in-electric-cars-a1091429417/

How to Find All the Available Electric Car Incentives

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/how-to-find-all-the-available-electric-car-incentives-a5786754228/

How to Choose the Best Home Wall Charger for Your Electric Vehicle

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/how-to-choose-the-best-home-wall-charger-for-your-electric-vehicle-a6908889697/

Consumer Reports Survey Shows Strong Interest in Electric Cars

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/cr-survey-shows-strong-interest-in-evs-a1481807376/

Guide to Car Safety

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

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

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

The market for new cars in 2022 is unlike anything that has come before; with lingering chip shortages, supply chain issues, and skyrocketing demand, dealers are selling vehicles for thousands (or more!) over sticker price, and many buyers don't know what to do. Since Consumer Reports purchases every car we test, we have felt the pain as well. In this episode, we recall our recent experiences buying cars for our test program, invite members of our audience to share their car buying stories, and give tips on what you can do to save yourself money if you're in the market for a new car right now.

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

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

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:21 - Our Car Buying Experiences

07:49 - Our Colleague’s Car Purchasing Stories

15:42 - Audience Stories of Car Shopping Experiences

----------------------------------  

Best New Car Deals

https://www.consumerreports.org/new-cars/best-new-car-deals-a1060496430/

Get the Car You Need Now

https://www.consumerreports.org/buying-a-car/get-the-car-you-need-now/

Why Your New Car May Not Have Everything You Want

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars-driving/why-your-new-car-may-not-have-everything-you-want-a9886900049/

Guide to Car Safety

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

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

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

The redesign of the new BMW 2 Series coupe goes more than skin (or steel) deep, as we discuss our first impressions of its ride, handling, powertrain, and what separates the coupe version of the 2 Series from the sedan option. We also consider whether the driver monitoring in Ford's BlueCruise and GM's Super Cruise active driving assistance systems can lead to tunnel vision behind the wheel, and potentially cause drivers to zone out on the highway.

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

 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

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

00:00 - Intro

00:49 - First Impressions: 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe

10:54 - Question: Can driver monitoring in Ford’s BlueCruise and GM’s Super Cruise active driving assistance systems lead to tunnel vision and zoning out on the highway.

----------------------------------  

Preview: 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe Is Bigger, More Powerful

https://www.consumerreports.org/sports-cars/2022-bmw-2-series-coupe-review-a8434610934/

Ford BlueCruise First Impressions | Talking Cars #342

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MdhjM6QtXU

Self-Driving System Ranking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X06tXpg7yiA

Ford BlueCruise Rivals GM’s Super Cruise for Balancing Automation and Driver Monitoring

https://www.consumerreports.org/driver-assistance-systems/ford-bluecruise-active-driving-assistance-system-review-a5728630415/

Guide to Car Safety

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

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

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

BMW has launched their first all-electric SUV, the 2022 iX. We share our first impressions on this new EV's technological advancements, styling, controls, and what makes it stand out from competitors like Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y, and Hyundai Ioniq 5. We also discuss whether or not an EV is actually greener than a gas powered vehicle when taking into account how the electricity is generated.

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

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

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

00:00 - Introduction

00:48 - 2022 BMW iX First Impressions

18:42 - Question: Are EVs really greener than gas powered vehicles?

----------------------------------  

Preview: All-Electric 2022 BMW iX Offers Fresh Design and 300-Mile Range

https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrids-evs/2022-bmw-ix-review-a9545113527/

2022 BMW iX

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/ix/2022/overview/

Best ‘Green Choice’ SUVs That Are CR Recommended 

https://www.consumerreports.org/suvs/best-green-choice-suvs-that-are-cr-recommended-a4957536468/

How Your Car Can Make the Air Cleaner

https://www.consumerreports.org/emissions/how-your-car-can-make-the-air-cleaner-a1128097361/

Alternative Fuels Data Center

https://afdc.energy.gov/

Guide to Car Safety

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

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

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