Talking Cars: Tesla Model 3 Production Woes and Ford Focus Reliability

Our panel also discusses the new BMW X2 and answers viewer questions

By Jon Linkov

April 20, 2018

Main theme: Our three panelists discuss Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s recent comments about problems with building the Model 3, and how too much automation may be playing a problem. They then pivot to talk about Ford’s plans to redesign the Focus compact car.

Driven this week: The 2018 BMW X2. We recently added this brand-new luxury subcompact SUV to our fleet, and Jen Stockburger, Ryan Pszczolkowski, and Jon Linkov discuss their initial driving impressions.

Viewer questions: Does the Ford Focus have different reliability scores for the manual and automatic transmission versions? Why do manufacturers put paddle shifters in mainstream, nonsporty cars, and does the staff actually use them?

Talking Cars 147 — Panelists: Jon Linkov, Jen Stockburger, and Ryan Pszczolkowski.

As with other “Talking Cars” episodes, this one is available free through Apple Podcasts. (Subscribe to the audio or video.) You’ll also find the audio on Spotify and video on YouTube.

• Ram 1500, Jeep Cherokee, episode 146
• Autonomous Cars, episode 145
• New York Auto Show, episode 144
• Uber Self-Driving Car Crash, episode 143
• Volkswagen Beetle, Hyundai Accent, episode 142

Have a Question?

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Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.