Talking Cars (mp3)

We take the show on the road to the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute to discuss autonomous vehicle technology: where we are, where we're headed, and the challenges along the way. We also take questions from our live audience!

We're on the floor of the 2017 Detroit Auto Show! We discuss our first impressions of the all-new Toyota Camry and Honda Odyssey, which announcements surprised and disappointed us, and the emerging diesel trend.

In our end of the year wrap up, we discuss the cars that were our personal favorites, along with the ones we liked the least.

The Lincoln Continental and Alfa Romeo Giulia both aim to redefine their respective brands. We also answer questions about fully loaded small cars, and the difference between cars that we buy and rent.

Turns out the first relatively affordable long-range electric car isn't from Tesla; the Chevy Bolt beats the Tesla Model 3 to market. We found the Bolt to be enjoyable and practical, but wonder if buyers will be turned off by its dowdy styling.

Which car brands build the most - and least - reliable new cars? Which models are the most trouble-prone? What usually goes wrong with new cars? We discuss the results of Consumer Reports’ 2017 reliability survey. Exclusive reliability scores for over 300 models are available at consumerreports.org/reliability

The Buick Cascada fills a hole in the affordable convertible marketplace, providing a well-finished open-air cruiser that isn’t special to drive. We then discuss whether SUVs will go out of style, help viewers choose among luxury and practical SUVs, and explain why the Toyota Yaris scores low.

Our 100th episode is recorded live at the track with an audience of loyal fans. We answer questions about our backgrounds, essential safety equipment, the future of fuel economy, hated test cars, best and worst parts of our jobs, the death of the manual transmission, and our fascination with "soft-touch" plastics.

Cars with semi-autonomous features are becoming more common, but when does a car actually drive itself? We discuss the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Volvo S90, both of which have these features. We also answer a viewer question about two Ford SUVs.

The new Cadillac CT6 sedan and XT5 SUV highlight the brand's split personality. We also answer your questions about three-row SUVs, why we mention the Audi Q7 more than the Volvo XC90, and if we'll test a Toyota Land Cruiser.

We answer your questions about the new Mazda CX-9, the Tesla Model X, a good pickup truck choice, and a luxury SUV with serious towing capacity.

Driving the Tesla Model X SUV feels just like a taller Model S. But many gee-whiz features reduce utility or are over-complicated, like the falcon-wing doors. GM adjusts fuel economy measurements for some SUVs and we discuss the redesigned GMC Acadia.

Two new cars join the Consumer Reports test fleet, the Kia Sportage and the Jaguar XF. Both highlight the design trends of their respective manufacturers; the Kia improves on the earlier-released Hyundai Tucson, and Jaguar is rebuilding their mainstream fleet.

Mitsubishi admits to incorrect fuel economy numbers, and Snapchat is criticized for having a feature that may tempt teenage drivers to speed. Chrysler recalls confusing shifters, and we discuss the Mini Clubman.

Tesla finally unveils their high-volume Model 3, but we find that plenty of unanswered questions remain. Chrysler reinvents (and renames) their Pacifica minivan, which breaks a streak of lackluster new products from the company. Finally, we answer a bunch of viewer questions about sports sedans from our New York auto show episode, discussing the Lexus IS, Jaguar XE, Audi A4, and Cadillac ATS.

Talking Cars comes to you from the floor at the 2016 New York Auto Show. Important introductions were few and far between. Subaru brings out a new Impreza, Hyundai takes on the Prius with the Ionic, and Kia redesigns the Cadenza. Jake is impressed by the potential of a concept Genesis sports sedan, while Lincoln puts gullwing doors on a Navigator. Acura adds standard advanced safety gear to their MDX, which we applaud. Finally, Tom wants the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, but Jake wants a real liftback.

What exactly makes a car fun? Raphael Orlove, a writer from enthusiast car website Jalopnik.com, joins us to discuss the conventional wisdom surrounding that question. His theory: you can have fun in any car, simply by viewing it as a tool for learning and as a gateway to new experiences. We debate whether the Toyota Avalon really can be considered "fun," and we talk about our automotive regrets.