I love your podcasts! I wish that you didn't hate Fords Sync system so much. We have a 2013 Focus EV and a C-Max PHEV, both with the Sync system. We love the four corner, four color system. It's very easy to use. Ford came up with a system update that makes the system run much faster. Please reevaluate your opinions. Thanks!
I like the show for sure, but TG has a huge budget and is a global business. You could compare the CR show to TG news, but TG produce Wilman will tell you that they aim to be an entertainment show more than a factual car show.
Question about braking in the snow. I don't have much winter driving experience but there are many videos where people in modern abs cars and trucks brake but their wheels just lock up on snow and ice, yet you say keep the pedal pressed. Can you explain what happens in these videos? Other than don't brake or accelerate hard in icy conditions.
Great Episode ... Showdown: WRX vs Ford Focus. Also....Any issues with diesel engines in 'extreme' COLD weather, like what we have been experiencing in NY, CT this winter, specially in those cold Zero degrees morning?
In regards to the ABS vs. pumping issue... I have had nothing but bad experiences with ABS and stopping in the snow. In all of my Subarus, I pull the fuse for the ABS at the first snowfall, because for some unknown reason, Subaru has made the ABS system WAY over-reactive. I just tap the brakes lightly coming to a stop, and the wheels go into full ABS-panic-mode. I took the fuse out, and I am able to stop on a dime again without any slipping from the front end. ABS is a good thing, but not when it goes crazy and doesn't let you stop.
That just sounds like a terrible idea. Are you going by feel or have you actually compared stopping distances with and without ABS fuse. We had a Pontiac that sounded like a heard of Elephants ate a can of beans when the ABS kicked in but it worked.
I the stopping distance is very obviously shorter when I take the ABS fuse out. There are other Subaru owners who feel that the ABS is too intrusive as well. I'm not the first to have this issue. Sometimes when I brake over bumps, the ABS will go off. It kicks in so easily all the time that it's actually dangerous.
jagrami I think I may have misspoken. The stopping distances will always be shorter without ABS unless they lock up. And that is a big if. I was curious if you conducted the experiment on ice or wet pavement. I have 2 cars, one with ABS and the other one without, and I always feel safer with the ABS (and it is a Impreza). But hey, I might have a Subaru without ABS problems.
True. I never push it to the point of lockup though. I tested it on snow -- this is where the biggest difference is for me on the 3 Subarus I tested it on ('08 Outback, '10 Outback, '14 Crosstrek). It also helps in the rain, but the difference isn't as noticeable. I leave ABS on in the summer and unplug the fuse for the first snowfall and leave it out all winter. Tires also make a huge difference. But even then, I liked having ABS off with snow tires in the snow.
Question for the podcast: I'm looking into purchasing my first (new) car and trading in my 06 Chevy Impala. I really like the looks and the features that come with the new Chevy Spark, but Consumer Reports rates that car fairly low. I don't care about fastest 0-60 time...I just want something that will get me to work and back without going broke. Is the Spark a good choice in my situation?
Honestly, I'd avoid the Spark. Assuming you want an automatic transmission and a/c, it's going to be $15,000. I'd spend that on a one year old Mazda 3 or Honda Civic. Both are excellent cars with a proven track record, for the same kind of money. We don't know yet if the Spark is going to be reliable.
Love the podcast, guys. Keep up the great work. Any idea when you guys will be looking at the new 2015 Volvo V60? I know it's new (to the US), but all the first looks seem to focus on the T5 Drive-E FWD. I'm sure that's what Vovlo's pushing on everyone since they're proud of their new 2.0, but that does not come paired with AWD yet. I'm a wagon fan, currently driving a 2011 Toyota Venza, and interested in the AWD V60. I'd love to get CR's opinion on the car.
Hi guys - great show, make it longer please!! Question: Which 7 passenger SUV would you select: Durango, Highlander, Sequoia or wait for the new Tahoe since Chevy is making good products now? Also, do you think Durango will be offered in diesel anytime soon? Towing is not a major requirement but hauling 7 passenger is so the 3rd raw is important.
Take a 2 wheel drive version of E 250 and you´ll get easily 50 MPG. I know I have had one with stick shift for 3 years now. And this summer getting E 300 Hybrid with even better mileage.
good choice on the e250 guys! If I could afford it I would buy one. I stick with 10-30 yr old MB cars because they are still so much better than a cheap new car today!. I love my 79 240d. yes its slow but its solid as a rock and has held up extremely well. I also have a 2001 e320 gas. Again awesome cummuter and looks new on the inside. The key is finding a good indie mechanic u can trust and will work on your MB for reasonable prices. I will have a 2014 e250 but it will be 2024 before I own it! I will find one with LOW option list to keep troubles down! DIESEL POWER!
Great show guys! R u suggesting the Chevy SS over the corvette because it's a little understated? I am in the market for a weekend car, a toy if u will. I can afford up to $70k but not necessarily do I have to spend it all. I am considering the various SRTs, Camaro ZL1, corvette etc. what are your thoughts and suggestions?
On your next show, can you please do some research/investigation on how reliable, and how much more it cost to maintain a CVT? The quote I got for a 2011 Rouge's CVT fluid change is almost 4 times as expensive compared to a CR-V, even though the CVT fluid will supposedly last twice as long.
I'd also buy a diesel wagon! I wish we had more choices in that category. I also think 4 cylinder diesels would be a great option in a compact SUV or crossover.
OK ... for me the great car has rally credentials which keep the car under control in unusual circumstances and normal roadgoing ride comfort: both....downside for others?: 1.easy to steer with the rear end on faster curves...with control ; 2. stiff on bumps 3. noisier but lighter. 4. steering with brake and accelerator may be confusing for some
Great show (again). I listened about the WRX intently - I think for the money it offers great value. Subie has shot themselves in the foot though since the STI although better is not $10,000 better :S. Motortrend WRX vs Focus ST, the WRX fairly convincingly in their eyes. Interesting to see the WRX vs MkVII GTI, suspect the WRX will win on performance, but the GTI interior will win over a lot of folks and there is a lot of positiv comment on the GTI performance pack handling that may be the surprise joker card.
In North America we have a very limited number of diesel models. The reason is the sulphur content of the diesel is too high for the new high tech diesels. I cannot remember the number. BMW has been making awesome diesels since before 2002. I drove a 2002 BMW diesel that reached 133 mph in no time the highway. The have improved many times over in the last 13 years. I like your discussion but you should check out the European diesel models available.
"If it was a wagon and a stick shift" -- Thank you, Jake! I am not alone. :) Oh, and please, get rid of those vacuous, knee space robbing center consoles. Some of us are tall.
I'm not one to complain but why is the video quality so low?.... I mean smartphones record better quality then this. This is not 720p. Shame such a good talk is recorded in this lower quality.... I guess cause it was from '14.
The scoring system is broken: if you give a car almost the highest rating possible then that implies there's not a single issue or any room for improvement. Yet for Tesla you have quite a list why not to buy one. I understand emotional factor shouldn't be part of it but you should have different wider scoring system for the components (can braking/handling/acceleration really be 100% with no improvement?). And also strange that cost doesn't play that much of a role in the scoring.
Hi, It's about the E class Diesel. I am a cab in Paris and since 1991 I always bought mercedes E class Diesel. With my first mercedes, I did in 7 years 580 000 KM, so about 360 000 miles without any repairs done. So 0 euros spent without including the services. Since my first mercedes I so the reliability go down and down. And with this last mercedes, the own you present we ( cabs in paris) spend about 12 000 euros (16 000 DOLLARS) per years ( so every 49 000 miles ). Even with the qualities you described in this video, my next car won't be a mercedes.
I sat in the Impala, and it just doesn't have that high quality feel in the interior. Just not that great. Same with the CTS. The interior just fails vs Mercedes and the other germans.
The reason these stoppers are being left in the Chevy SS's is simple. PDI's are being done by lube guys these days. Why? More money in paying a guy $10 than a $30 technician. I worked in auto service for more than a decade, believe me, this is exactly what's happening.
I just don't understand why a great "muscle car" like the Chevy SS had to have such bland styling. It seems to counter everything about this car. On the same note I find it hard to swallow such aggressive styling on some of the Lexus's.
Talking Cars series is great! I love the different opinions and complete explanations. Well done Consumer Reports!
Had a 2015 E250 used it for Limousine service. Superb car, put 126,000 on it in 3 years. Nothing ever broke on it.
I love your podcasts! I wish that you didn't hate Fords Sync system so much. We have a 2013 Focus EV and a C-Max PHEV, both with the Sync system. We love the four corner, four color system. It's very easy to use. Ford came up with a system update that makes the system run much faster. Please reevaluate your opinions. Thanks!
A lot of people definitely do compare this to Top Gear UK....but you guys do a great job to be in the beginning of your show
I like the show for sure, but TG has a huge budget and is a global business. You could compare the CR show to TG news, but TG produce Wilman will tell you that they aim to be an entertainment show more than a factual car show.
Haha thanks for answering my question! I can't wait to show my father this.
The SOLID feel of Mercedes versus tinker toys...great show as always
Question about braking in the snow. I don't have much winter driving experience but there are many videos where people in modern abs cars and trucks brake but their wheels just lock up on snow and ice, yet you say keep the pedal pressed. Can you explain what happens in these videos? Other than don't brake or accelerate hard in icy conditions.
Great Episode ... Showdown: WRX vs Ford Focus. Also....Any issues with diesel engines in 'extreme' COLD weather, like what we have been experiencing in NY, CT this winter, specially in those cold Zero degrees morning?
In regards to the ABS vs. pumping issue... I have had nothing but bad experiences with ABS and stopping in the snow. In all of my Subarus, I pull the fuse for the ABS at the first snowfall, because for some unknown reason, Subaru has made the ABS system WAY over-reactive. I just tap the brakes lightly coming to a stop, and the wheels go into full ABS-panic-mode.
I took the fuse out, and I am able to stop on a dime again without any slipping from the front end.
ABS is a good thing, but not when it goes crazy and doesn't let you stop.
Sounds like you need to get some proper tires.
That just sounds like a terrible idea. Are you going by feel or have you actually compared stopping distances with and without ABS fuse. We had a Pontiac that sounded like a heard of Elephants ate a can of beans when the ABS kicked in but it worked.
I the stopping distance is very obviously shorter when I take the ABS fuse out.
There are other Subaru owners who feel that the ABS is too intrusive as well. I'm not the first to have this issue.
Sometimes when I brake over bumps, the ABS will go off. It kicks in so easily all the time that it's actually dangerous.
jagrami I think I may have misspoken. The stopping distances will always be shorter without ABS unless they lock up. And that is a big if. I was curious if you conducted the experiment on ice or wet pavement. I have 2 cars, one with ABS and the other one without, and I always feel safer with the ABS (and it is a Impreza). But hey, I might have a Subaru without ABS problems.
True. I never push it to the point of lockup though.
I tested it on snow -- this is where the biggest difference is for me on the 3 Subarus I tested it on ('08 Outback, '10 Outback, '14 Crosstrek).
It also helps in the rain, but the difference isn't as noticeable. I leave ABS on in the summer and unplug the fuse for the first snowfall and leave it out all winter.
Tires also make a huge difference. But even then, I liked having ABS off with snow tires in the snow.
Have you guys started testing the Accord Hybrid. I would really like to see the real world mpg.
I went for a test drive in the Impala. The drive was ok but the price gave me a heart attack. I don't see too many on the road and I'm not surprised.
Do turbo charged engines last as long as non turbo engines on average?
Question for the podcast: I'm looking into purchasing my first (new) car and trading in my 06 Chevy Impala. I really like the looks and the features that come with the new Chevy Spark, but Consumer Reports rates that car fairly low. I don't care about fastest 0-60 time...I just want something that will get me to work and back without going broke. Is the Spark a good choice in my situation?
Honestly, I'd avoid the Spark. Assuming you want an automatic transmission and a/c, it's going to be $15,000. I'd spend that on a one year old Mazda 3 or Honda Civic. Both are excellent cars with a proven track record, for the same kind of money. We don't know yet if the Spark is going to be reliable.
Love the podcast, guys. Keep up the great work.
Any idea when you guys will be looking at the new 2015 Volvo V60? I know it's new (to the US), but all the first looks seem to focus on the T5 Drive-E FWD. I'm sure that's what Vovlo's pushing on everyone since they're proud of their new 2.0, but that does not come paired with AWD yet.
I'm a wagon fan, currently driving a 2011 Toyota Venza, and interested in the AWD V60. I'd love to get CR's opinion on the car.
Hi CR guys. I wonder if you can suggest an Advanced Driving Class for a typical driver who wants to become a great driver.
How much do you guys get paid to test cars I'm interested in going to college for that
I love the show. Is the Mitsubishi Mirage really that bad compared to other micro cars like the Chevy Spark, Smart, and Scion IQ?
The e250 BlueTec gets 40+ mpg.
Hi guys - great show, make it longer please!! Question: Which 7 passenger SUV would you select: Durango, Highlander, Sequoia or wait for the new Tahoe since Chevy is making good products now? Also, do you think Durango will be offered in diesel anytime soon? Towing is not a major requirement but hauling 7 passenger is so the 3rd raw is important.
Take a 2 wheel drive version of E 250 and you´ll get easily 50 MPG. I know I have had one with stick shift for 3 years now. And this summer getting E 300 Hybrid with even better mileage.
good choice on the e250 guys! If I could afford it I would buy one. I stick with 10-30 yr old MB cars because they are still so much better than a cheap new car today!. I love my 79 240d. yes its slow but its solid as a rock and has held up extremely well. I also have a 2001 e320 gas. Again awesome cummuter and looks new on the inside. The key is finding a good indie mechanic u can trust and will work on your MB for reasonable prices. I will have a 2014 e250 but it will be 2024 before I own it! I will find one with LOW option list to keep troubles down! DIESEL POWER!
26:34
Tom reads out the viewer's name
Jake: "STOP MAKING FUN OF THE VIEWERS!"
Tom: "THAT'S WHAT THEY WROTE!"
Great show guys! R u suggesting the Chevy SS over the corvette because it's a little understated? I am in the market for a weekend car, a toy if u will. I can afford up to $70k but not necessarily do I have to spend it all. I am considering the various SRTs, Camaro ZL1, corvette etc. what are your thoughts and suggestions?
On your next show, can you please do some research/investigation on how reliable, and how much more it cost to maintain a CVT? The quote I got for a 2011 Rouge's CVT fluid change is almost 4 times as expensive compared to a CR-V, even though the CVT fluid will supposedly last twice as long.
I'd also buy a diesel wagon! I wish we had more choices in that category. I also think 4 cylinder diesels would be a great option in a compact SUV or crossover.
Koala bear in the back seat!!
LMFAO!!
OK ... for me the great car has rally credentials which keep the car under control in unusual circumstances and normal roadgoing ride comfort: both....downside for others?: 1.easy to steer with the rear end on faster curves...with control ;
2. stiff on bumps
3. noisier but lighter.
4. steering with brake and accelerator may be confusing for some
Great show (again). I listened about the WRX intently - I think for the money it offers great value. Subie has shot themselves in the foot though since the STI although better is not $10,000 better :S. Motortrend WRX vs Focus ST, the WRX fairly convincingly in their eyes. Interesting to see the WRX vs MkVII GTI, suspect the WRX will win on performance, but the GTI interior will win over a lot of folks and there is a lot of positiv comment on the GTI performance pack handling that may be the surprise joker card.
I want to see a review of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
why does GM need 6.2 liters to get a paltry 400 hp? It would behoove them to make some more refined v8 engines
+David Stanley You hit it on the head my friend.
In North America we have a very limited number of diesel models. The reason is the sulphur content of the diesel is too high for the new high tech diesels. I cannot remember the number. BMW has been making awesome diesels since before 2002. I drove a 2002 BMW diesel that reached 133 mph in no time the highway. The have improved many times over in the last 13 years. I like your discussion but you should check out the European diesel models available.
"If it was a wagon and a stick shift" -- Thank you, Jake! I am not alone. :) Oh, and please, get rid of those vacuous, knee space robbing center consoles. Some of us are tall.
I'm not one to complain but why is the video quality so low?.... I mean smartphones record better quality then this. This is not 720p. Shame such a good talk is recorded in this lower quality.... I guess cause it was from '14.
Mazda vs Mercedes steel hmm does anyone think it compares ?
The scoring system is broken: if you give a car almost the highest rating possible then that implies there's not a single issue or any room for improvement. Yet for Tesla you have quite a list why not to buy one. I understand emotional factor shouldn't be part of it but you should have different wider scoring system for the components (can braking/handling/acceleration really be 100% with no improvement?). And also strange that cost doesn't play that much of a role in the scoring.
Hi, It's about the E class Diesel. I am a cab in Paris and since 1991 I always bought mercedes E class Diesel. With my first mercedes, I did in 7 years 580 000 KM, so about 360 000 miles without any repairs done. So 0 euros spent without including the services. Since my first mercedes I so the reliability go down and down. And with this last mercedes, the own you present we ( cabs in paris) spend about 12 000 euros (16 000 DOLLARS) per years ( so every 49 000 miles ). Even with the qualities you described in this video, my next car won't be a mercedes.
Kamel Hamitouche i
I sat in the Impala, and it just doesn't have that high quality feel in the interior. Just not that great. Same with the CTS. The interior just fails vs Mercedes and the other germans.
The reason these stoppers are being left in the Chevy SS's is simple. PDI's are being done by lube guys these days. Why? More money in paying a guy $10 than a $30 technician. I worked in auto service for more than a decade, believe me, this is exactly what's happening.
Why. Mitso should cut their losses
I just don't understand why a great "muscle car" like the Chevy SS had to have such bland styling. It seems to counter everything about this car. On the same note I find it hard to swallow such aggressive styling on some of the Lexus's.
Gabe, the biggest problem with the E250, its look. $63k and is ugly!
Vast majority of people would disagree with you.
TheArfdog They like you have no taste.
Mzrati That means your taste doesn't matter. If everyone likes pasta but you like dirt, fair bet the pasta is the better choice.
TheArfdog Your bark is worse than your bite.
I had to drive a14' Impala for 4days and hated it, CHEAP interior, engine noisy and not fuel efficient with the 2.5 4cyl
6.2 and full of muscle LOL!!
Benz is too expensive. With that money, you can even afford a Porsche.