Talking Cars: How Consumer Reports Picks the Best Cars of 2018

Hear the inside story on the rigorous process behind the selection of the 10 best cars, SUVs, and trucks

By Jen Stockburger

February 23, 2018

Main topic: The special 2018 Autos Spotlight. At center stage is the annual Top Picks list.

Our panel shares the 10 vehicles that made the list and explains that the choices are based on the combination of performance in our tests, reliability, owner satisfaction, and availability of key safety features. This year’s list includes some repeat winners, as well as some newcomers.

Learn more about the Top Picks and other stories in our 2018 Autos Spotlight.

Talking Cars Episode 139 — Panelists: Gabe Shenhar, Jen Stockburger, and Jake Fisher

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.

• Takata and Other Recalls, episode 138
• Viewer Questions, Ford EcoSport, episode 137
• Decoding Car Safety Systems, episode 136
• Jeep Wrangler, Hot Wheels, episode 135
• Detroit Auto Show, episode 134

Jen Stockburger

Jennifer Stockburger is the director of operations at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, focusing on the day-to-day operations of CR’s 327-acre testing facility as well as overseeing the child seat and tire test programs and contributing to CR’s comprehensive vehicle ratings. Jennifer joined CR in 2000; before that she gained auto industry experience as a tire test and fuel systems engineer, and has been a certified child passenger safety technician (CPST) since 2001.