‘Talking Cars with Consumer Reports' video podcast celebrates 50 episodes

Hard to believe, but we're up to episode 50 of "Talking Cars with Consumer Reports"! The simple idea to bring readers along for the ride, with insights and commentary from our auto test center has grown into an increasingly popular weekly audio and video podcast. Much of the podcast's success belongs to our regular viewers who send in questions and comments that we answer on the show.

In tribute to those enthusiasts, this special episode is solely devoted to answering viewer inquiries. We try to answer 15 questions in 15 minutes—a plan that quickly proves ill-fated.

As you'd expect, topics range far and wide:

• We talk about the new 2015 Ford F-150, correcting an error we made about automatic 4wd availability and discussing the perils of aluminum-on-steel construction.

• On our recent Mustang-focused show, special guest Wayne Carini's asserts that part of the Mustang's brand equity comes from its continued survival as a brand. A viewer asks: "Would the Mustang have been better taking a hiatus, rather than building the underwhelming models from the 70s and early 80s?"

• The Acura TLX replaces two models, the TL and TSX. We take a first look at our test car.

• Fresh from a first drive, we also briefly discuss the powerful, extroverted Lexus RC F.

• Are we biased against Nissan? A fan asks about us giving the Nissan Leaf and Quest short shrift, leading to a discussion about the entire brand's competitiveness.

• Can a car be Car of the Year if it isn't even on sale yet? We look at the details around some popular awards and Gabe makes a prediction.

This extra-length episode covers these topics and more.

Next week, we will discuss the updated-for-2015 Toyota Camry.

Thanks for hanging with us for 50 episodes, and here's to 50 more!

As with the other shows, this episode is also available free through the iTunes store. Subscribe to the video or audio. You'll also find the video on YouTube.

Also view:
"Talking Cars" Episode 49: Ford F-150
"Talking Cars" Episode 48: BMW i8
"Talking Cars" Episode 47: Ford Mustang
"Talking Cars" Episode 46: Subaru WRX
"Talking Cars" Episode 45: Practical haulers
"Talking Cars" Episode 44: Best cars for teens
"Talking Cars" Episode 43: Honda Fit, Porsche Macan
"Talking Cars" Episode 42: Tesla problems
"Talking Cars" Episode 41: BMW M3
"Talking Cars" Episode 40: Lexus NX is grilled

—Tom Mutchler