TALKING CARS WITH CONSUMER REPORTS #77: SO MANY QUESTIONS

EV Channels Review

This episode of Talking Cars from Consumer Reports tackles viewer questions, with a significant portion dedicated to the Tesla Model S P85D. The hosts address the common perception that the Model S may not be a practical sole vehicle, clarifying that while it requires more planning for long trips than a gasoline car, its range and charging capabilities can make it a viable primary car for many, especially with home charging. The discussion highlights the convenience of plugging in at home versus visiting a gas station. Consumer Reports defends its scoring system, explaining that the Model S's exceptional score reflects its current performance within their established metrics, acknowledging that scoring scales evolve over time. They also address the question of whether reviewers' personal finances bias their ratings, asserting their impartiality regardless of vehicle price point. The episode also offers recommendations for a fun, RWD/AWD manual sedan under $30,000 (suggesting BMW 320i, Dodge Charger RT, or used BMW 328i), a practical AWD vehicle for a new driver on a $10,000 budget (leaning towards a used Dodge Avenger RT despite reliability concerns), a reliable mid-size SUV replacement for a Honda Odyssey (favoring the Toyota Highlander), and a suitable first car for a hockey goalie needing AWD and space (considering Subaru and Mazda CX-5).