Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #53: Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon and Ford Expedition EL

New truck news takes over this episode of Talking Cars. Ford updates the truck-based Expedition; we discuss how the extended-length EL version compares to the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL. The Ford's high point: its new EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6. Next, we sample GM's new compact truck, the GMC Canyon and its twin Chevrolet Colorado. We're impressed overall, but buyers expecting the driving experience of a car-based crossover SUV in this truck might be disappointed. (Like Tom is.) Plenty of viewers asked questions about our reliability data. One protests factoring infotainment systems into vehicle reliability, while another asks about improving reliability in a car's later model years. We answer a question about the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ vs. the Honda Civic Si. Funny how that question helps us answer another viewer's query about a reliable coupe for under $20,000. The gang struggles - only for a bit - to choose between the Honda Accord V6 and the Acura TLX. Finally, we tease next week's episode, featuring the Dodge Challenger.

[vaajchang]

Keep it up with "talking cars." Great info on reliability issues and very helpful answering people's questions.

[zxbc]

Can CR please discuss more on the safety rating of cars? Some cars (like the Ford Escape, Fiesta) have rather below average score on the new IIHS small frontal overlap test. Safety should be a top concern for family SUVs and small cars, where accidents in those vehicles will likely involve serious consequences. 

[robertschneider]

Actually, Ford was smart keeping the platform on the Expedition because that platform is very reliable. So I would pick an Expedition over a Suburban any day.

[HOON]

You guys didn't really answer E79eternal's question @ 13:22. Could you please speak more about about what type of mechanical problems the GT86 twins are suffering from.

[FiftyOverland]

THEY DIDNT EVEN ANSWER THE BRZ/FRS QUESTION....WTF???

[MySamisbest]

I agree with the one guy. I am more of a V8 person too. I like this styling, but I hope Ford gives the Expedition a newer Fusion like front fascia when they do redesign it. I like the front of the fusion and think it would look great on an Expedition.

[MrRyguy]

Love the show; a great supplement to CR written reviews. I was wondering if you guys could do a segment on suspensions. I've read that certain kinds of suspensions (e.g. double wishbone, multilink) are superior, yet in the CR ratings there are some vehicles with the ostensibly lesser torsion beam suspension are noted for compliant rides. Is the suspension family a good predictor of an individual vehicle's ride dynamics? The origin of my question was in reading reviews for the new VW Jetta, which was praised for updating its suspension, but seeing the new VW Golf TDI reverting to torsion beam suspension without being similarly called out for poor ride characteristics. Essentially, does suspension information on spec sheets tell us anything useful? 

[vettefreak]

0:36 new powertrain for 2005? SWEET! haha I love my turbo six in my large suv! wonder what they will come out in 10 years time. actually that brings up a good point what automotive technology that has come out recently that would boggy the minds of people ten maybe even twenty or thirty years back?  

[gmante]

Thanks for answering my question! I should have probably clarified that I'm intrigued by the new Jeep Renegade. But based on the poor reliability results for Fiat-Chrysler-Jeep in the latest survey, I wanted to see if I could expect the Renegade or other new Jeeps to reach "average" in the '16 and '17 model years.

[animal]

What's your guys thoughts on the C.V.T transmissions as compared to either a automatic, dual clutch, or manual transmissions??

[eltonjohn]

I'm going to bug Tom about his pronunciation of superfluous for years.  

[DaveJCR]

Great show, guys!  I enjoyed it a lot, especially the bickering over the Ridgeline!  I have a question:  My wife and I own a 2010 Chevy Traverse.  Other than a steering issue (which GM paid 50% of the repair for) it has been a rock solid vehicle.  I really like the all-wheel drive, the ride and handling, and the space.  That being said, the gas mileage sucks.  However, will all of the recalls put out by GM, I'm concerned about the long-term reliability of this vehicle.  We bought it brand new and I'm wondering if now would be a good time to trade it in on another vehicle.  I'm considering the Toyota Highlander.  What do you think, should I keep it or is it time to move on?

[grahamrothphotography]

when parking my 2008 F150, I had it all worked out, I would turn and have the centre of my hood line up with the rear corner of the car thats next to the spot I want, then I'd reverse lining up with the spot I'm aiming for, and drive forward into my spot, Parked!

[Darkman]

is there a video on what these guys drive themselves??? IF not could we possibly get one?

[pedrof]

Re the reliability issue as the model years advance, the exception is Mini

[thwipp]

i like the reviews but i have to say that i don't think you guys factor in reliability issues enough. you guys may change cars every year or 2 but many of us keep cars 10 or more yrs. you guys seem to LOVE the mazda3 but the JD powers overall reliability on edmunds.com gave them a 3.0 out of 5 (for the 2013 model). the reason i went with a civic (among other things) was their reliability was 5 out of 5. that certainly was a deciding factor. i think you guys need to take this into account more often. other than that, keep up the good work.

[carmel]

Gabe -- the Honda Ridgeline is discontinued for '15.  Honda will have a new one for 2016.  (Debut in Detroit or Chicago?) 

[dmp]

What is the most reliable hot hatch/affordable performance car, that is still fun to drive?

[dwilsonjr]

I'd rather get the 2015 4cyl. Accord Sport that cost $25K instead of the $30K+ Accord V6 or Acura TLX.  The V6 is kind of overkill on the Accord and the Accord Sport doesn't have the complicated infotainment system that the V6 Accord and Acura has. The Sport doesn't have luxuries like leather or a sunroof but I don't need those features anyway.

[Brian-Burke]

Couldn't disagree more with infotainment email. Only a software update, huh? You do realize how long these updates take to come out, if they ever come out?