Talking Cars with Consumer Reports  

So, you like CVT's that provide artificial shift points under full throttle. Also putting the engine at less than full output and making it slower. The point of CVT's is to provide full power when accelerating hard and best economy when accelerating moderately, by always providing best engine RPM for every situation.

Simply skipping the premium audio and large touch screen with Navigation saves almost $1,500 on the price.

I think CR still fails to understand that there are some people for whom a fully loaded vehicle makes like a $29k Impreza makes sense. If you keep your car a long time (more than 5-6 years) extras that add to the comfort and usability of the vehicle can make perfect sense. The fact that you can now get a car like the Impreza that offers an excellent blend of size, reliability, fuel economy, ride quality, safety and comfort and have the features that would only be found on a luxury car a few years ago makes a lot of sense to me at considerably less money than a luxury car.

Great, sensible advice as always! I like your guys' perspectives to balance the car mags who go for the latest, greatest, sexiest thing without regard to reliability.

For the guy seeking a roadster, the Miata's great for SF-LA trips if you take the PCH 😛 (source: me! ) In all seriousness though, Mustang convertible. The EcoBoost fully loaded is about $35-40k.

Having owned a 2016 Mazda6 GT for over a year, I will agree that the doors and other body parts could have a little more "substance" to them in the form of thicker sheetmetal and absorption. Like you mentioned, if the new CX9 is any indication, it looks like Mazda will be addressing this in the next redesign. I respectfully disagree with Gabe's general comment of the 6 feeling "unsubstantial" when it comes to the drive and road manners. The 6 is a well-planted car with a very solid chassis. It feels solid taking corners or traversing broken pavement. Maybe not as solid as a twice as expensive German brand, but not lightweight by any means. I also find the comment about the 6 not being sporty totally out of left field. As you three joked, disagreement is good. But this sort of comment makes me think that Gabe hasn't spent much time with the 6 on twisty roads keeping the engine at boil. The Fusion is nowhere as tossable as the 6. IMO.

at 10.16 the guy mentioned the imprezza as a sollution to a family that cant find a small SUV they like - that is us! just bought one. found it was better and cheaper than kia sportage etc and had just as much back seat and boot space - why not! plus more safer. just bought today after looking at SUVs for a month we paid NZD$29,999 for the hatch standard level. (1 NZD = 72 US cents)

when you guys talk about buying a used vehicle (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) wouldn't you guys be more inclined to stay away from them due to the reliability and the costs to repair them??

Thank you CR for answering my question on the updated Mazda 6!

Good to see Gabe back.

A proper introduction. Thank you! Although I still miss the old one...

Having originally been on the side of the Consumer Reports discussion here, i have to say the Mazda 6 really surprised me. Took it for a test drive and its an excellent car at an amazing price point. Found one @ 27k that out performed every competitor in terms of 27k for a "sporty" feeling sedan. Having driven Subaru, Ford, Chevy, Nissan, and Honda's offering, nothing even comes close.

Great new intro CR. On the Mazda 6, it's popular amongst 20-30 year olds because, beyond being a decently enjoyable vehicle to drive, it does come with a 6-speed manual (and they're not hard to find -- my local dealer near Seattle has three 2017s on the lot right now). The only competitor with a stick is the Accord (Fusion, Optima and Sonata all dropped their manual options in the last few years). Mazda is generous enough to offer the stick with the Touring model as well, so you're not going spartan when you decline the automatic (though credit where it's due: Honda gives you a stick up to the EX).

If I could change one thing about my Mazda6, it would be the wind noise. The Dunlops are known to be noisy and can be switched out, but the windshield and doors have a serious problems with wind noise.

I saw a good RU-vid video on the effectiveness of Eye Sight for automatic braking. I sure hope they make it standard across the entire line soon (from base to luxo).

Always enjoy watching you guys talk cars

On electric cars and acceptance from more mainstream users, I believe that range anxiety will be less of a factor as manufacturers get better at battery capacity which is great of course! I think the bigger issue will be around charging convenience. If it's a pain in the rear to plug in somewhere or takes a long time to charge, then I'm going to get annoyed with the car no matter how far I can drive.

As an owner of a 2016 Impreza, the only thing that really appeals to me about the 2017 model is anything that has to do with the interior. So the design, noise, and infotainment, space, materials, etc. But, I don't prefer everything about the interior. I don't like the amount of shiny surfaces (due to glare at certain times of day) and I've never liked power seats - they're too slow, it's unnecessary weight, and just one more thing that can go wrong. I like the paint colors better in the 2017 model, but I overall like the body of 2016 better. The extra 5 or so HP is due to direct injection. I'd rather ditch the direct injectors and lose out on the extra performance since they're known to need to be replaced multiple times throughout a car's life, and they're not cheap. Besides, get a performance tune and you can easily get past the 5HP. I also don't care about how much more rigid the body is. The 2016 model is plenty rigid, and body roll wasn't a big problem in it. I used to own a 2015 model which got completely destroyed front and back by someone who drove into me while on his phone, and I came out with nothing more than a couple bruises and a stiff neck. The outgoing model has proven to be plenty safe, so I don't really care how much safer the new one is.

The Mazda 6 is a great car, but they went too far on keeping weight down. Add 100 pounds of sound deadening, and it would likely have broader appeal. That wouldn't dramatically change the fantastic fuel economy.

Yes yes yes! Finally, an intro after the rebranding!

I'm honored and appreciate the answer to my roadster question. I couldn't find an option that works with the safety features I was looking for (A5 hopefully in the new generation). So until it exists, I bought a 2012 Miata PRHT for now @ $20k to hold me over. It's not the most comfortable, but a blast you drive and high smiles per gallon. Hopefully something will come up soon (before my back starts hurting) with forward collision and autonomous braking in a roadster / convertible.

um what happened to the land cruiser? you guys just left it hanging at, "it's an $80000 car from toyota" that's it.

One other observation I'd like to pose to the CR team. I have found that most of the negative comments around the Mazda 6's lack of power interesting. When I first purchased the 6 (coming from a 2013 Golf R) I did find it a bit anemic. After about 13K miles I'm finding that you really need to rev the 2.5 in sport mode in manual mode. This engine, like previous Mazda engines, appears to enjoy second and third gear a lot. I also believe that break-in can have some bearing on how good an engine feels. So my question to you is how "new" are the cars you test? I'm guessing that a lack of break-in and engine learning could have an effect on how the car drives subjectively. Any data to support this break-in phenomena? Or is it simply more a case of "human" break-in rather than mechanical? Have any enjoyable Holiday season.

Fiat 124 (MX-5's twin) is supposed to be a bit more civilized, so it may work better as an SFLA road-tripper. The upcoming MX-5 RF (retractable fastback - hard-top) is also supposed to be quieter and a bit more civilized than the regular MX-5, although I'm not sure if the reader absolutely wanted a convertible.

The only Convertable that will dive better than an mx5 and offer more room and luggage space is the Boxster. Everything else is sloppy and heavy or even more cramped.

I would never even consider a car with a CVT. I'd be willing to bet that the trend toward more gears in a regular automatic will be the end of the CVT. A CVT might be workable for a new car but down the road the prospect of a big repair bill is not very comforting.

Hey CR, I'm deciding between a 2017 Impreza and 2017 Crosstrek. If the Crosstrek model also changed in 2017 I would have bought the Crosstrek, but the new interior of the Impreza is really nice and I can't wait until the 2018 model of the Crosstrek when it upgrades. Right now, the only thing thing stopping me from the 2017 Impreza is the unknown reliability and the lack of ground clearance (which isn't a huge issue)

Whats weird is the Australian market for the new impreza doesn't show a badge saying sport but exterior look can tell its a sport model, wonder why the American market would show a sport badge compared to the Aus market

I see this as a competitor to the CX-3, Juke etc.

I'm trying to like the Impreza.. I am, especially as a Subie person. I love the style, I love the new interior and head unit, I love the Sport trim, but I can get a Legacy 2.5 limited with the same equipment(minus the updated head unit) for the same price with a little haggling, (Okay no real haggling...)and get a bigger car, bigger trunk, full size spare, HID Headlights, and have it be just as safe, save for passenger side small overlap.

OK. Mazda 6 too noisy. Thanks for the feedback Gabe. Have you tested the 2017 CX-5 yet - and if the answer is yes, how would you compare the noise level between the CX-5 and the 2017 CR-V?

Idk if I should buy this hatchback or civic hatch. Both top trim models. Which has the better ride, luxury features and tech? I'm split between the 2

Thank you for mentioning that the Impreza is underpowered compared to the competition. I was frustrated with my 12 Impreza and was hoping with the redesign those issues were resolved.

Love the new intro/outro!

The Subaru Impreza looks good. A leap forward for Subaru. But that's a lot of dough for the Limited trim. For that money, there are other options including Subaru's own Legacy or Forester. I drove the current Mazda 6 when looking for a midsize sedan to replace our aging Mazda 626. I went in expecting to love the 6 but came up disappointed. The seats are cramped, firm and uncomfortable with excessive bolstering that dig into your hips unless you are very thin. The front cabin and back seat areas are tight compared to the competition. And I agree with the guys here at Consumer Reports, a lot of engine noise coming into the cabin on the test drive. Much noisier than I expected. The entertainment system was a pain to use. Not intuitive. And it wasn't really all that sporty, nor all that fast. If it was sporty, it was an unrefined sporty. For the money of the Mazda 6 Grand Touring, I much prefer the Honda Accord EX-L V6, The Toyota Camry XSE or the Optima SX. All offer a smoother more upscale driving experience than the the Mazda 6 and they all still handle fairly well for midsize sedans. The Mazda does "look" the best of all the affordable midsize sedans. But looks aren't everything. The Mazda 6 might be the favorite of the RU-vid car journalists, Car and Driver, Motor Trend, etc. because it's fun on the test loop. But not the best for living with every day or taking a road trip in. If you want a real luxury sports sedan, get a BMW or an Audi. Mazda 6 is, unfortunately, not a poor man's BMW.

IMPREZA...It's a new model, new platform, and Consumer reports does not recommend buying lst year of any new model from any manufacturer. And it's made in USA, where Subaru has had lots of quality control problems recently. Best to buy any Subaru product which is Made in Japan...with a J as it's lst digit of Vin number.

New intro, nice and short. Better to have no frame around the show name but just a border around each letter

I heard some basics about the Impreza and it was interesting, but I would like to know more about how the Impreza rates regarding acceleration and braking. For example, does the Impreza make it easy to merge onto the Interstate or is a problem? The blind spot detector and good visibility sound like a plus, but how much of a problem is acceleration? What are the measurements for 0 to 60 in seconds and what does it take to go from 60 to 0 in feet?

Is the manual transmission top gear (5th?) still much shorter with higher engine RPM and fuel consumption than the final ratio in the CVT? If so, why? I know that was a complaint of the previous Impreza/Crosstrek. Also do you know when and how much the new Crosstrek will be? Thanks.

Which is more upscale interior and drives better (More refined)? Mazda3 hatch or impreza hatch? Also Idk about price

Where's the review of the 5 speed!?

I have a 2015 Mazda6. Chalk me up as another slightly disappointed buyer. I mean there are a LOT of great things about the car, but the handling is nowhere near as sporty and tied down as you'd expect from a Mazda. Gabe's right. As much as I don't want to admit it.

As far as Mazda goes I'd still be happy with any of them based on reliability. Even though you hate to have to sacrifice comforts that competitor's offer, in the end reliability is #1. side note- I feel like for a concerning percentage of consumers that believe reliability is over rated and tech is what you want. Which is kinda scary.

I think the reason why subaru sales are going up is bc of safety. gmc and Toyotas recall makes its hard for a parent to put their child in their car.

Oooh I like the fancy new intro.

OK, Nice job. One sore point. Control of volume levels. Or, lack thereof. GET an audio leveler. I don't like being blasted out of my seat every few sentences. Or waking up the dead in the middle of the night when I do most of my listening.

Am looking @ an SUV next year. I like the looks of the Lexus RX350 (and the size). I definitely plan on adding lane keeping technology but apparently it is not a very robust system---doesn't forcefully keep your lane (compared to other cars with this system). Another car I'm following is the Acura MDX but I'm thinking a new model might be out in a year (presumably with new tech). I like the looks of the Ford Edge (haven't driven it though) and maybe a high end model might have what I want. Another vehicle is the Mazda CX9 higher end model (the engine seems small though). Would appreciate your advice on this one.

I disagree on what Tom and Gabe said about the 2017 Hyundai Elantra. I rented one when I went on a trip to Vegas a few months back. Great car with impressive fuel economy. Road noise and steering wasin't a problem.

Could Subaru make a sport car along with Lexus ?

Guys, when will you have an in depth look at the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid? I'm really torn between that, the Subaru Outback or Impreza.

what about the Subaru Legacy instead of the Mazda six? If the Ford Fusion kills the gas mileage and reliability that much.

If CVTs are so awful why are they used? I am all for going green but come one for an extra mile or two ? Why not use a 6 speed automatic? Of course no one should end up with a lousy transmission such as the infamous F/C 9 speed disaster.

If you want sporty in the mid-size sedan class but don't want a fusion what would you say is your second choice or even third choice?

Buick Cascada? Pretty sure they don't have that safety tech though.

I can't like anybody that dislikes the current 3rd gen Mazda 6, i sorry but i just can't do it.

Always good!

I get so confused about the Civic's reliability. Online, Consumer Reports states the Honda Civic does NOT have great expected reliability. In another consumer online video, they found the Civic one of their "top cars" citing excellent reliability. Here you guys again mention less than wonderful reliability in the Civic. I am confused and wish Consumer Reports would get some consistency on their reliability ratings.

You keep saying "Rented" when referring to the press cars. Why do you rent them? Aren't they meant to be for you to test?

CR experts,I have a question that I hope you answer in one of your Talking Cars videos. For a teenager boy that is just about to start driving, which car do you recommend? I am thinking about VW Golf or Jetta, Mazda 3, or Subaru Impreza. I am open to any other suggestion. I like to stay below $20K. I appreciate the help. Thanks.

The Buick Cascada convertible would be a good choice for the old man. I was thinking of buying one for my Hawaiian home (that i have yet to buy).

they should do a 1.6 turbo with like 170hp. that would be kick ass for this class. and I think all wheel drive takes acceleration away?

29k for a fully loaded Impreza is way way way to much. This car should tap out at 24k. What they need to do is bring back the 2.5 rs trim to compete with the Honda SI and GTI. We need the rally blue/gold rims back Subaru!!!

Also why has the civic been unreliable

CVT, CVT, less like CVT... do they offer a stick?

when it comes to this car i couldn't give a crap about the interior, I drive an 08 with ugly ass tan interior I care about its powertrain and its dirvability hell I miss my 1999 legacy wagon and its old man seats and its thin steering wheel. you wanna impress me just do over the 1999 legacy wagon.

Gabe = I love Raymond

The show hasn't been the same since Mutchler left.

I like Mike Monticello. new guy?

I don't see why so many car reviews are constantly complaining about car interior styling. Its so ridiculous most fancy cars end up in used car lots in 2 years or less. Clearly no amount of leather or design matters. People are practically chucking these cars away that were meant to last 20 years. All this catering to luxury and using leather materials is stupid. Its disrespectful to animals they don't even get a honorable funeral and are ignored as a leather seat no one appreciates. Id much rather have cloth for the reasons I mentioned. On top of that why the hell do people consider leather luxury? Leather is not luxury it is hot in the summer and cold in the winter is slippery and costs more. Its totally dumb and no one should buy leather clad cars. I'm sick of this stupidity. I won a 2015 subaru impreza with fabric seats and I think the interior is more beautiful than a bmw or Mercedes. I dont want subaru to get too luxury oriented. Subaru should stay away from the luxury market its dumb and subaru doesnt belong in it.

The new Impreza looks like a Corolla. This calls for punishment.

I Subaru spelled Subarau? I know, petty.....

BMW 3 series would be the best option

TCv is qA

U three stooges COMPLETELY ignored the question about talking about the Land Cruiser.

Oh god they are building it in the us, cvt, ugly! Rip subsru

Obviously the Subaru is an excellent car, but let's face it, not the most attractive vehicle out there. Sure its integrity is excellent and it pulls on all four wheels, but who really wants to drive a toaster? The newer ones are marginally better, but yuck! and CVT's aren't exactly fun either, where is the fun when you drive a Subaru? Booooring.....

a whole lot of mumbling going on...

Wow..another generic looking car...ie Hondas, Toyotas, chevys..meh...I'd rahter not buy a car "Made in USA"