Auto Buyers Guide Podcast

Jeep's Cherokee was always a "Crossover", RAM's V8 is back, Kia's Sportage is less ugly than before

In today's rambling episode, we talk about the resurrected HEMI in Ram's 1500 truck, and why it is and isn't a big deal. Tesla has a new Model Y Performance, Jeep's new Compass is starting as a hybrid-only soft-roader... And that's ok. Why? Because news flash: it's never been a Wrangler. Also: since there's a 4-door Wrangler, and a 4-door Grand Cherokee... Why does the Cherokee need to be similar to either of those? Oh, and we chat about how to get the EV tax credit if you have an EV on order but it won't arrive "on time."

Legroom Cheating Explained, Durango Gets Another Year, Blazer EV SS Is 'Murican Muscle Reborn?

In this episode Alex and Travis take a deep dive into legroom. How it's measured, why you can't always trust the numbers, and why we always talk about legroom in a specific way. We also ask: is the Blazer EV SS the modern Grand National? -gasp- Oh, and Durango gets another year to live, standard V8s and a bonkers top-end price tag.

Prices Are Going Up, Again, Alex's Daughter Is In The Hot Seat, Car Categories Are Confusing.

Where is the safest place for your child's car seat? Well, that kind of "depends." In this solo episode Alex tackles viewer questions while Travis is out sick including why there's a baby behind Alex's seat instead of being on the other side. Also, why car prices are on sharp rise skyward, why we're always comparing strange things, and just why is it that top trims are missing seats... 

Want Your New Car To Last Longer? Don't Get These Features

What should you do, and not do, if you want your car to last longer? Well, it's the 21st century so don't be afraid of power windows or doors locks, but you might want to think twice about performance options, DCTs, CVTs, and yes... Even manual transmissions. 

Speed Cameras Are Evil, There's A New Mazda CX-5, Alex & Travis Get Political

What would tax policy be like if Alex and Travis ruled the US? Scary though, no? Less scary: the new 2026 Mazda CX-5 is finally coming! Although... Not everyone will be a fan of the styling and design direction which has gone more minimal than ever before. Oh, and speed cameras should be burnt at the stake. 

We know less about reliability than ever, EV tax credits are toast (and Tesla with it?)

Sadly due to one of the smallest datasets since CR started reporting on new car reliability, we know less about reliability than at any point in decades. How does a Dodge or some Jeep models compare to a Toyota? Who really knows. Honda vs Toyota? We have those numbers down, but the rest? It's a crapshoot. Travis and Alex also talk about the EV tax credit dying off, CAFE fines going to zero and what that might mean for the auto industry as a whole.

2025 Mercedes CLE And The Death Of The Convertible, Travis Almost Buys Something

Over the last 20 years convertible sales have plunged by more than 80%. Ouch. Once upon a time ragtops were over 5% of all new car sales and now they are down to a fraction. Why has this happened? What can we do about it? And why might it be time for a Sebring resurrection?

Nissan Turns Over A New Leaf, Just As Hybrids Proliferate.

Alex and Travis talk about Nissan's new entry-level EV, which is, let's be honest, unlikely to be as inexpensive as Chevy's upcoming Bolt replacement. They also deep-dive into hybrids from the new performance hybrid Corvette (no, not the E-Ray) to the Maverick and beyond. They also dish about sport trucks... 

RAM Is Protesting... Themselves?

The HEMI IS BACK! With it comes a new logo, a symbol of protest! Yep! Protest the patriarchy! Um, wait, but they did this to themselves, so... RAM is protesting RAM?

America's declining influence in the auto world might be a good thing?

Travis and Alex help a viewer decide which 3-row is right for them and then start theorizing about America's declining importance when it comes to automotive design. Now that the US is not the largest market in the world, and it's continuing to contract, will we see more interesting cars here? Also, why is it that "cars not designed for us" seem more interesting?