Let's Talk Wheels

Hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover the week’s top automotive stories: Volvo’s drop in reliability rankings, the glut of 850,000 unsold 2025 models with big rebates, and GM’s testing of Level 3 autonomous driving. They review the 2026 Nissan Armada Nismo, discuss Ford’s multi-year partnership with Major League, Minor League, and Little League Baseball, and test a discreet FitCam X dash cam installation. The episode closes with practical car-care advice on GDI engines, fuel choices, coolant maintenance, and a classic-car segment on El Camino values.

It's time to buckle up for this week's Let's Talk Wheels with Mike Herzen and Jeremy Birenbaum. We cover counterfeit parts sold online, a Toyota Highlander recall affecting over half a million vehicles, and Hyundai pausing Palisade sales after more than 68,000 seat defects. We also have the scoop on the 2027 Ford Super Duty, a detailed drive and review of the Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn, buying tips for classic Corvettes, and advice on dealer fees and how to check recalls.

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover the latest automotive headlines: the shock of $9,000 BMW laser headlights, rising negative equity in car loans, Ford’s factory-backed supercharger kits for F-150s, and reviews of the 2026 Lexus GX 550 and Nissan Kicks. The episode also features classic-car buying tips, a discussion with SEMA’s senior VP about proposed right-to-modify legislation, and listener questions on Beetles and auction shopping, all packed into one busy show.

We unpack the latest J.D. Power quality survey and its surprises, including Lexus leading and Toyota slipping, and detail two engine recalls affecting 2023–2025 Nissan Rogues. Mike and Jeremy give a fun review of the 2026 Toyota Corolla XSE sedan, answer listener questions about restoring a 1970 Tempest, and share practical car-care tips. Plus an interview about the upcoming Pate Swap Meet, insight on a wave of EVs coming off lease and where buyers can find strong deals on used electric cars.

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum break down this week’s biggest automotive headlines: a massive Ram/Jeep recall affecting trailer brake control modules, the EPA’s shift on start‑stop credits, Toyota moving the Highlander to all‑electric, Ford’s Bronco donations to search and rescue teams, and a review of the 2026 Honda CR‑V Hybrid TrailSport. The episode also covers classic car talk, tips on spotting flood or salvage vehicles, and an interview with Ford’s Bronco marketing manager about the Answer the Call donation program.

Hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover the week’s top automotive stories: a big Toyota recall, a recall of BMW starters catching on fire, and the passing of camshaft legend Ed "Isky" Iskandarian. They speak with GM’s Mitch Pettersen about winter driving safety and preparedness, review the Toyota Prius Nightshade plug-in hybrid, and answer listener classic-car questions. The episode also discusses engine oil recommendations and maintenance tips for longevity. #GM #BMW #OnStar #ToyotaPrius #toyotarecall 

On this episode of Let's Talk Wheels, Mike and Jeremy interview the CEO of Ducati Motorcycles North America about Ducati's expansion into off‑road racing, Desmodromic engine tech, and new Supercross efforts. They also cover major auto headlines — a potential chip shortage driven by AI RAM demand, leaked details on GM's next‑generation trucks, and nicotine pouches returning to NASCAR — plus a hands‑on review of the 2026 Mazda CX‑70 Turbo S Premium and listener classic‑car questions.

A new Dodge Hornet is selling for up to 50% off MSRP, Toyota issues a Tundra display recall, and Ram doubles down on Hemi V8 production. We review the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, speak with Ford historian Ted Ryan about Ford’s legacy and big news, and Jeremy the Magnificent predicts which classic cars could gain value in 2026. Plus: practical car-care advice and a quick Volvo XC90 T8 review.

Buckle up: this episode covers Corvette’s shocking speed records, deadly counterfeit replacement airbags, Dodge’s Hemi-driven sales surge, and Honda’s new direct-to-consumer EV brand that’s upsetting dealers. We also review the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander and speak with Rochelle Salinas about the evolving future of auto shows. Plus: truck-sales highlights, a quick engine discussion, and listener questions — all served with the usual blend of news, reviews, and auto-culture banter from Mike Herzing and Jeremy Bierenbaum.

On this week’s Let’s Talk Wheels, hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover major truck news, the dealer inventory glut, and a stunning Lexus coupe review. Highlights include the Ram Power Wagon getting a 6.7L Cummins diesel, and  Ram bringing back a super‑powered TRX for 2027, dealers stuck with roughly 3 million 2024 vehicles, and a rave review of the 2026 Lexus LC500. Plus, Ford’s John Walawender stops by to celebrate nearly five decades of F‑Series leadership and discuss truck innovations that keep them capable and family‑friendly.

Hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum recap 2025 and look ahead to 2026, featuring a review of the 2025 Toyota Tundra Limited Hybrid and answers to listener car questions. The episode also includes an interview with Rob Bott from LendingTree about driving habits and insurance surveys, plus industry news on classic car values, Honda heritage parts, Kia theft cash settlements, and changes at Volvo. 

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum discuss this week's automotive headlines: the Scout brand's comeback and countries rethinking ICE bans, a fun review of the 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 V8, an interview about the award-winning Ford Maverick, classic car market trends, and practical car service tips.  

Hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Bierenbaum cover a packed episode of automotive news, including Ford ending the current F-150 Lightning and teasing a range‑extended pickup. Also featured: a review of the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid, Mercedes’ move to serviceable headlights, GM and Apple’s renewed partnership, Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year, and classic car highlights. Plus an interview with Michelin’s Caroline Ervin on tire choices for winter and everyday driving, listener Q&A, and practical car care tips.

Toyota debuts the GR GT for the road and a GR GT3 race variant — Plus: Lando Norris clinches the Formula One championship, Automotive News columnist Larry Vellequette joins the show, and we dig into great tool deals and dashcam recommendations. Also in the episode: a full review of the 2026 Chevrolet Trax, practical car‑care Q&A (waxing and battery care), safety tech highlights, and tips for buying value-packed gear. Buckle up for a fast-paced hour!

Today’s episode covers a bizarre $12,000 Hyundai repair caused by spilled water, how California police uncovered high‑tech key‑fob relay thefts, and Nissan’s recall of 42,000 Sentras for bubbled windshields. We also road‑test the 2026 Nissan Leaf (surprising real‑world range and features), get Infiniti’s winter driving tips, review the VueRoid S1 dashcam, and share maintenance advice for diesel trucks and classic‑car musings.

This episode of Let's Talk Wheels covers a wave of car thefts targeting auto shippers, Honda's recall of 256,000 Accord Hybrids for loss of drive power, an update on Hyundai's brake-pad/service access controversy, and a full review of the 2026 Nissan Murano, highlighting comfort, tech, and ProPilot hands-free driving. Plus winter travel tips, classic-car stories, Q&A on 4x4 vs. AWD and vintage trucks, and listener mail — all wrapped up with hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum’s practical advice and commentary.

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover this week’s top automotive stories: a major Honda Civic recall affecting 406,000 vehicles, Toyota’s first electric Hilux with limited range, Ford partnering with Amazon to sell certified pre‑owned cars, and a full review of the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid. They also talk about car‑care tips (including a wild mouse-in-battery story), the retirement of NHRA legend John Force, and a feature interview with Randy Shannon, founder of the long-running Niftee-50ees weekend car show. Buckle up for some fun! #niftee-50ees #carshows #txmpa #classiccars #autorecalls #carshow

The top 10 most stolen vehicles list for the first half of 2025 is out — find out which models made the list, plus a rising chip shortage tied to geopolitical disputes and supply disruptions that could affect automakers. We cover GM’s split with Allison transmissions, Ted Ryan from The Ford Heritage Vault explains Ford’s new Mustang Immersive experience, and Mike gives practical truck reviews: a hands‑on look at the Ram 2500 Rebel and the Ford F‑250 Super Duty, including towing and payload tips. Hosted by Mike Herzing with Paul Bertuccini filling in for new dad Jeremy Birenbaum, the episode mixes automotive news, interviews, reviews, and classic car coverage.

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover this week’s top automotive stories: thieves stealing Toyotas, Ford running out of aluminum, and a 5,900‑mile Transamerica Trail mapped by Google. The episode also reviews the 2026 Infiniti QX60, explores Transfer Flow’s truck fuel tank solutions, and offers practical towing and maintenance advice for long trips. 

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum discuss rising Jeep thefts, the average new car price surpassing $50,000, and Hyundai's large Santa Fe recall. They cover a rental car fiasco that led to a wrongful arrest, review the luxurious Infiniti QX80, answer listener car questions, and host guests from the National Technical Honor Society and TechForce to address the growing technician shortage. The episode mixes news, a vehicle review, and interviews that highlight career pathways in technical trades, scholarship programs, and industry efforts to make technician roles appealing to the next generation.