Rephonic
Artwork for Talking Cars

Talking Cars (MP3)

Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
Electric Vehicles
Toyota
Toyota Camry
Fuel Economy
Hyundai
BMW
Fisker Ocean
2026 Hyundai Palisade
2024 Tesla Cybertruck
Hybrid Vehicles
2026 Toyota RAV4
Reliability
Used Cars
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
KIA EV9
Tesla Model Y
Chevrolet Traverse
Toyota RAV4

Join our experts at the Consumer Reports Test Track as they discuss cars, answer buying questions, and share insights on everything automotive.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes531Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
AutomotiveBusinessLeisureNon-Profit

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Talking Cars

Latest Episodes

On this week's episode, after 30 years and roughly $6 million spent buying cars for Consumer Reports, Mike Quincy shares his best car-buying advice, worst dealership experiences, and the tricks and fees buyers should watch out for. Plus, a surprise g... more

This week we drive the 2026 Ineos Grenadier on pavement, dirt roads, and CR's challenging Rock Hill to see whether this purpose-built, BMW-powered SUV is worth nearly $90,000. We discuss the driving experience, its unusual steering, noisy cabin, quir... more

We answer viewer questions this week, including: the best vehicle for a 14-hour road trip, why automakers have eliminated spare tires, debunk a myth about self-driving cars, and explore the pros and cons of all-weather tires. We also discuss the best... more

Is the all-new 2026 Lexus ES EV the luxury electric sedan we've been waiting for? On this week's episode we share our first impressions of the Lexus' newest electric sedan, discussing its whisper-quiet ride, comfort-first philosophy, real-world range... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Mike Crossan
Expert on ethanol fuels and engine compatibility
Consumer Reports
Episode: How to Survive High Gas Prices
Steve Ellick
Consumer Reports reliability expert
Consumer Reports
Episode: 2026 Mazda Miata Is Still the Answer
David Aylor
Vice President of Active Safety at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Episode: Behind the Scenes at the IIHS Crash Lab

Hosts

Mike Quincy
Host of Talking Cars; guides show flow and introduces topics.
John Williams
Co-host providing analyses and answers to questions; tests and evaluation emphasis.
Jake Fisher
Co-host on Talking Cars; automotive testing lead and analyst.
Mike Monticello
Host of Talking Cars; guides through episodes and testing summaries.
Steph Schrader
Co-host contributing insights and questions; engages with audience and topics.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 586 ratings
  • Great Podcast, wish it was weekly

    Finally an automotive podcast that is about reliability, fuel mileage, and driving cars on the road rather than speeding around a track and clocking the best 0-60. I like these folks aren’t bought and paid for and tell you what is wrong with a car and what they’d buy.

    Wish this was weekly and possibly add episodes on buying cars, how dealerships work, car repair, etc to help consumers

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Moeman99
    United Statesa year ago
  • Video

    Hello, y’all should add video format for podcasts via Apple Podcasts especially when talking about certain things and bringing up an image of a car or what you’re describing.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    RyslanSiz
    United Statesa year ago
  • Wonderful

    That’s great

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    量子跳跳糖
    Chinaa year ago
  • Good Pod!

    I enjoy this pod. Everything you need to know about the car discussed. One thing (and not removing a star for this). Maddie needs to know that the word button has not one but two ts. It’s buTTon not buh-en.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    INSOMNIATIC
    United Statesa year ago
  • Car theft

    When r u going to talk about how easy it is to steal cars , and why hasn’t the car manufacturers do anything about it. U can go on u tube and watch how fast a car is stolen. Everyone would love a program on this. Also testing after market alarm systems. And will the void the warranty. ????

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    mary1222222
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many value the absence of sensationalism; they like balanced, test-backed takes.
Feedback highlights strong appreciation for audience Q&A and host expertise, with occasional calls for improved audio quality.
Listeners praise clear, data-driven testing and practical buying guidance.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#17
United States/Leisure/Automotive
Apple Podcasts
#121
United States/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#11
Canada/Leisure/Automotive
Apple Podcasts
#63
Canada/Leisure
Apple Podcasts
#224
United Kingdom/Leisure/Automotive
Apple Podcasts
#96
Australia/Leisure/Automotive

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

All-Weather vs. All-Season Tires; Should I Buy My Own Spare?
Q: Steve from Tennessee asks how to go about ensuring all car technology features work and to get a salesperson to walk them through the systems in a new vehicle.
The hosts suggest scheduling a dedicated appointment with a delivery specialist at the dealership, verifying that safety systems are on and configured properly, and using owner resources or manufacturer videos to understand features and how to operate them.
All-Weather vs. All-Season Tires; Should I Buy My Own Spare?
Q: Noah from Richmond asks about upgrading to all-weather tires for winter traction versus sticking with current tires given trade-offs in dry traction.
The panel recommends Michelin Cross Climate 2 as a strong all-weather option for winter performance, noting it trades some dry traction but provides stronger winter grip and long tread life, with caveats about tire direction and matching speed rating.
All-Weather vs. All-Season Tires; Should I Buy My Own Spare?
Q: Paul from St. Paul asks which brands currently have the best self-driving systems and what to consider when evaluating them.
The hosts acknowledge that there is no true self-driving in most systems; lane centering and driver monitoring vary by brand, with some standard features and some requiring subscriptions, and they advise evaluating hands-on usability, driver monitoring, and system limitations before purchase.
Lexus Finally Gets Electric Right: 2026 Lexus ES 500e
Q: John from Palmer Lake, Colorado asks if a plug-in Volvo XC60's 10,000-mile oil change interval could effectively extend to 20,000 miles if most driving is electric.
No. Oil change intervals are vehicle-specific and depend on how the powertrain is designed for a plug-in hybrid; the manufacturer's recommended interval should be followed, typically with a maximum around a year due to oil aging and potential engine-use scenarios.
Save the Manuals: Driving the New 2026 VW Jetta GLI
Q: What makes the GLI stand out in the current market?
Its manual transmission and GTI-like powertrain in a sedan form make it unusually engaging and practical, especially for enthusiasts looking for a learning-friendly experience, even as some other priorities like interior quality lag.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Talking Cars

What is Talking Cars about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A practical, data-informed automotive show where a team from Consumer Reports tests vehicles, talks through buying considerations, and explains how real-world performance compares with expectations. Episodes span mainstream sedans and SUVs, hybrid and electric options, and notable debuts from auto shows, all with a focus on reliability, ownership costs, and testing methodology. The hosts mix hands-on driving impressions with research-backed insights, audience Q&A, and guest discussions from CR's testing team. Noteworthy is the emphasis on real-world testing, transparency about testing methods, and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom with data, which makes it valuable for shoppers, fleet buyers, and brands seeking measured, credib... more

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How many listeners does Talking Cars get?

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How many subscribers and views does Talking Cars have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Talking Cars has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Talking Cars?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Talking Cars:

1. TFL Car Chat
2. Everyday Driver Car Debate
3. Under The Hood show
4. Batteries Included
5. InsideEVs Plugged-In Podcast

How many episodes of Talking Cars are there?

Talking Cars launched 13 years ago and published 531 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Talking Cars?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Talking Cars?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Talking Cars from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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What guests have appeared on Talking Cars?

Recent guests on Talking Cars include:

1. Mike Crossan
2. Steve Ellick
3. David Aylor

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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