Let’s Talk Wheels

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover the latest auto news: VW will continue the ID Buzz production next year, Chrysler issues an urgent airbag recall for Pacifica/Voyager models, and Nissan warns dealers to park 2026 Leafs outside due to a battery fire risk. They also discuss soaring Mustang sales, review the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness, answer classic car questions, and speak with GM about distracted driving.

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover this week’s top automotive stories: a man arrested after driving a stolen car to his auto-theft hearing, Honda ending its EV partnership with Sony, and Volkswagen’s recall of 48,000 Jettas over a fire risk.

Also discussed: AAA’s findings on dangerous headlight glare, a review of the 2026 Chevy Blazer EV SS, and RVing advice from Bryon Johnson of DeMontrond RV. Practical tips and listener car questions round out the episode. #DeMontrond #DemontrondRV #Sony #VWJetta #BlazerSS #HondaEV

Hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover the week’s top automotive stories: Volvo’s drop in reliability rankings, the glut of 850,000 unsold 2025 models with big rebates, and GM’s testing of Level 3 autonomous driving.

They review the 2026 Nissan Armada Nismo, discuss Ford’s multi-year partnership with Major League, Minor League, and Little League Baseball, and test a discreet FitCam X dash cam installation.

The episode closes with practical car-care advice on GDI engines, fuel choices, coolant maintenance, and a classic-car segment on El Camino values.

It's time to buckle up for this week's Let's Talk Wheels with Mike Herzen and Jeremy Birenbaum. We cover counterfeit parts sold online, a Toyota Highlander recall affecting over half a million vehicles, and Hyundai pausing Palisade sales after more than 68,000 seat defects.

We also have the scoop on the 2027 Ford Super Duty, a detailed drive and review of the Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn, buying tips for classic Corvettes, and advice on dealer fees and how to check recalls.

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover the latest automotive headlines: the shock of $9,000 BMW laser headlights, rising negative equity in car loans, Ford’s factory-backed supercharger kits for F-150s, and reviews of the 2026 Lexus GX 550 and Nissan Kicks.

The episode also features classic-car buying tips, a discussion with SEMA’s senior VP about proposed right-to-modify legislation, and listener questions on Beetles and auction shopping, all packed into one busy show.

Researchers discover a security flaw that allows easy tracking of almost any car, Mike actually finds a cool Minivan, Jeremy talks about affordable classics, and Ford has fun with Legos!

We unpack the latest J.D. Power quality survey and its surprises, including Lexus leading and Toyota slipping, and detail two engine recalls affecting 2023–2025 Nissan Rogues.

Mike and Jeremy give a fun review of the 2026 Toyota Corolla XSE sedan, answer listener questions about restoring a 1970 Tempest, and share practical car-care tips.

Plus an interview about the upcoming Pate Swap Meet, insight on a wave of EVs coming off lease and where buyers can find strong deals on used electric cars.

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum break down this week’s biggest automotive headlines: a massive Ram/Jeep recall affecting trailer brake control modules, the EPA’s shift on start‑stop credits, Toyota moving the Highlander to all‑electric, Ford’s Bronco donations to search and rescue teams, and a review of the 2026 Honda CR‑V Hybrid TrailSport.

The episode also covers classic car talk, tips on spotting flood or salvage vehicles, and an interview with Ford’s Bronco marketing manager about the Answer the Call donation program.

Hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover the week’s top automotive stories: a big Toyota recall, a recall of BMW starters catching on fire, and the passing of camshaft legend Ed "Isky" Iskandarian.

They speak with GM’s Mitch Pettersen about winter driving safety and preparedness, review the Toyota Prius Nightshade plug-in hybrid, and answer listener classic-car questions. The episode also discusses engine oil recommendations and maintenance tips for longevity. #GM #BMW #OnStar #ToyotaPrius #toyotarecall 

On this episode of Let's Talk Wheels, Mike and Jeremy interview the CEO of Ducati Motorcycles North America about Ducati's expansion into off‑road racing, Desmodromic engine tech, and new Supercross efforts.

They also cover major auto headlines — a potential chip shortage driven by AI RAM demand, leaked details on GM's next‑generation trucks, and nicotine pouches returning to NASCAR — plus a hands‑on review of the 2026 Mazda CX‑70 Turbo S Premium and listener classic‑car questions.

A new Dodge Hornet is selling for up to 50% off MSRP, Toyota issues a Tundra display recall, and Ram doubles down on Hemi V8 production. We review the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, speak with Ford historian Ted Ryan about Ford’s legacy and big news, and Jeremy the Magnificent predicts which classic cars could gain value in 2026. Plus: practical car-care advice and a quick Volvo XC90 T8 review.

Buckle up: this episode covers Corvette’s shocking speed records, deadly counterfeit replacement airbags, Dodge’s Hemi-driven sales surge, and Honda’s new direct-to-consumer EV brand that’s upsetting dealers. We also review the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander and speak with Rochelle Salinas about the evolving future of auto shows.

Plus: truck-sales highlights, a quick engine discussion, and listener questions — all served with the usual blend of news, reviews, and auto-culture banter from Mike Herzing and Jeremy Bierenbaum.

On this week’s Let’s Talk Wheels, hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover major truck news, the dealer inventory glut, and a stunning Lexus coupe review.

Highlights include the Ram Power Wagon getting a 6.7L Cummins diesel, and  Ram bringing back a super‑powered TRX for 2027, dealers stuck with roughly 3 million 2024 vehicles, and a rave review of the 2026 Lexus LC500.

Plus, Ford’s John Walawender stops by to celebrate nearly five decades of F‑Series leadership and discuss truck innovations that keep them capable and family‑friendly.

Hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum recap 2025 and look ahead to 2026, featuring a review of the 2025 Toyota Tundra Limited Hybrid and answers to listener car questions.

The episode also includes an interview with Rob Bott from LendingTree about driving habits and insurance surveys, plus industry news on classic car values, Honda heritage parts, Kia theft cash settlements, and changes at Volvo. 

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum discuss this week's automotive headlines: the Scout brand's comeback and countries rethinking ICE bans, a fun review of the 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 V8, an interview about the award-winning Ford Maverick, classic car market trends, and practical car service tips.  

Hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Bierenbaum cover a packed episode of automotive news, including Ford ending the current F-150 Lightning and teasing a range‑extended pickup.

Also featured: a review of the 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid, Mercedes’ move to serviceable headlights, GM and Apple’s renewed partnership, Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year, and classic car highlights.

Plus an interview with Michelin’s Caroline Ervin on tire choices for winter and everyday driving, listener Q&A, and practical car care tips.

Toyota debuts the GR GT for the road and a GR GT3 race variant — Plus: Lando Norris clinches the Formula One championship, Automotive News columnist Larry Vellequette joins the show, and we dig into great tool deals and dashcam recommendations.

Also in the episode: a full review of the 2026 Chevrolet Trax, practical car‑care Q&A (waxing and battery care), safety tech highlights, and tips for buying value-packed gear. Buckle up for a fast-paced hour!

Today’s episode covers a bizarre $12,000 Hyundai repair caused by spilled water, how California police uncovered high‑tech key‑fob relay thefts, and Nissan’s recall of 42,000 Sentras for bubbled windshields.

We also road‑test the 2026 Nissan Leaf (surprising real‑world range and features), get Infiniti’s winter driving tips, review the VueRoid S1 dashcam, and share maintenance advice for diesel trucks and classic‑car musings.

This episode of Let's Talk Wheels covers a wave of car thefts targeting auto shippers, Honda's recall of 256,000 Accord Hybrids for loss of drive power, an update on Hyundai's brake-pad/service access controversy, and a full review of the 2026 Nissan Murano, highlighting comfort, tech, and ProPilot hands-free driving.

Plus winter travel tips, classic-car stories, Q&A on 4x4 vs. AWD and vintage trucks, and listener mail — all wrapped up with hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum’s practical advice and commentary.

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover this week’s top automotive stories: a major Honda Civic recall affecting 406,000 vehicles, Toyota’s first electric Hilux with limited range, Ford partnering with Amazon to sell certified pre‑owned cars, and a full review of the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid.

They also talk about car‑care tips (including a wild mouse-in-battery story), the retirement of NHRA legend John Force, and a feature interview with Randy Shannon, founder of the long-running Niftee-50ees weekend car show. Buckle up for some fun! #niftee-50ees #carshows #txmpa #classiccars #autorecalls #carshow

The top 10 most stolen vehicles list for the first half of 2025 is out — find out which models made the list, plus a rising chip shortage tied to geopolitical disputes and supply disruptions that could affect automakers.

We cover GM’s split with Allison transmissions, Ted Ryan from The Ford Heritage Vault explains Ford’s new Mustang Immersive experience, and Mike gives practical truck reviews: a hands‑on look at the Ram 2500 Rebel and the Ford F‑250 Super Duty, including towing and payload tips.

Hosted by Mike Herzing with Paul Bertuccini filling in for new dad Jeremy Bir...

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover this week’s top automotive stories: thieves stealing Toyotas, Ford running out of aluminum, and a 5,900‑mile Transamerica Trail mapped by Google.

The episode also reviews the 2026 Infiniti QX60, explores Transfer Flow’s truck fuel tank solutions, and offers practical towing and maintenance advice for long trips. 

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum discuss rising Jeep thefts, the average new car price surpassing $50,000, and Hyundai's large Santa Fe recall. They cover a rental car fiasco that led to a wrongful arrest, review the luxurious Infiniti QX80, answer listener car questions, and host guests from the National Technical Honor Society and TechForce to address the growing technician shortage.

The episode mixes news, a vehicle review, and interviews that highlight career pathways in technical trades, scholarship programs, and industry efforts to make technician roles appealing to the next generation.

On this episode, Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover Ford CEO Jim Farley’s warning that the industry needs 400,000 technicians, the rise in keyless car thefts, and Hagerty’s report showing Fox Body Mustang values jumping. They also discuss Ford selling production unit #3 of the Ford GT at Barrett-Jackson to support the Heritage Fleet, and Ford Historian Ted Ryan explains the Ford Heritage Vault.

Plus a hands-on review of the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV edition, practical classic-car advice for daily driving, and troubleshooting tips for sudden oil consumption issues like a faulty PCV valve.

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover this week’s automotive headlines: Kia retires the Soul, Nissan teases a returning Xterra, Ram’s Hemi boost drives sales, and Toyota issues safety recalls.

They review the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, answer listener questions about oil use in modern Audis, and discuss smart classic buys from the 1980s.

Plus "Bench Racin" with NASCAR veteran Carl Benton on innovation, rule-pushing, and racing memories — all mixed with shop talk, reviews, and automotive banter. Lots of great memories and fun time on this weeks show! 

Join Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum as they break down automotive headlines: Ford’s runaway truck owner loyalty, new recalls from Ford and Jeep, and a practical Nissan Murano Platinum review.

Additionally, we explore engine oil problems with newer engines and solutions with Carl Benton of Polymer Dynamics (Polydyn), and answer listener questions. Buckle up for fun!

Hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Biernbaum dig into the dangers of counterfeit auto parts—especially aftermarket airbags and filters—cover recent recalls, and share tips to spot fakes and protect yourself. They also review the Subaru WRX TS, discuss a compact "suitcase-sized" 1.5L range-extender engine from Horse Powertrain, and answer listener questions about classic cars, maintenance, and truck picks.

The episode blends safety warnings, practical buying advice, new-technology news, and hands-on car talk to help listeners make better decisions about repairs, purchases, and performance upgrades.

On this episode of Let’s Talk Wheels: the Durango Hellcat makes a comeback but won’t be sold in states following California’s emissions rules, Toyota issues a major instrument-cluster recall affecting nearly 600,000 vehicles, and Ford unveils its new Ready, Set, Forward brand platform.

Plus: a glowing drive review of the Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve, an Acura power-steering recall, tips on why short trips harm engines, classic truck and car market trends, and listener Q&A on maintenance and buying advice.

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover a packed episode: Ram brings back the 5.7L Hemi for the 2026 1500, an EV owner is ticketed over loud simulated exhaust, and Mike tests the powerful GMC Hummer EV3X.

Will Marchand from Ford previews the F-150 Lightning STX trim and new options, while the hosts answer listener car questions on sunroof leaks, the 80% towing guideline, idling big trucks, and oil choice for high-mileage engines.

The show is packed with engine-saving information, so be sure to check it out!

Music. Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum dive into automotive news: the end of the Nissan GT-R (Godzilla), a Mitsubishi Outlander tailgate recall, and a minister caught in a 140 mph selfie scandal. They also review the 2025 Subaru Ascent, answer listener car-maintenance and classic-car questions, and spotlight a 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD off-road review.

Join the hosts for safety tips, recall advice, and practical maintenance guidance, plus stories about car culture and brand history. #TxMPA #Godzilla #NissanGTR #Classiccar 

Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover a packed episode of Let's Talk Wheels: delaminating paint on modern cars, Hertz and other dealers selling vehicles on Amazon, and a major NHTSA probe into failing Honda 3.5L V6 rod bearings.

They review the opulent Range Rover Autobiography, discuss Odyssey battery care and chargers with Alan Kohler, and answer a transmission service question for a 2022 Tahoe. The show also examines EV depreciation trends and practical tips for battery and charger selection.

Hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum cover rising car payments, the new trend of subscription features (like unlockable EV horsepower), and Roush’s first Nissan collaboration. The episode includes an Odyssey battery interview, fuel-storage tips, a review of the Nissan Rogue Platinum AWD, a maintenance cost talk, and a segment on movie-car auctions.

Short, practical takeaways and listener questions round out the show — battery care advice from Odyssey Battery's Alan Kohler, how long fuel lasts, and what to consider before buying or servicing a vehicle.

Music.

On today’s episode we dig into Kia’s troubling engine recall investigation, the surprising Nissan victory in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality survey, and the classic car that left us disappointed after driving it. We also review the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, discuss Ford’s push for affordable EVs, stolen-car trends, listener classic-car questions, and a quick Mazda CX-90 report.

In this week's episode, Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum take you on an exhilarating ride through the fast-paced world of the automotive industry. Buckle up as we dive into the legendary Ford vs. Chevy battle at Nürburgring, where American muscle cars are setting new records. Get the latest scoop on a significant Kia recall that every owner should know about.

Ever wondered about buying a used car from Amazon? We'll explore the emerging trend of certified used cars being sold through the retail giant, and what it means for traditional dealerships. Plus, we tackle classic car q...

In this episode of Let's Talk Wheels, hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum navigate the riveting world of automobiles. They dive into Nissan's hefty recall of 444,000 vehicles due to stressed engines and explore how the summer heat is impacting car performance.

The hosts also delve into the automotive market, revealing the year's big and slow sellers, including a surprising auction where a 2001 Acura Integra fetched a staggering $204,000. Also, the Ford Bronco's 60th birthday!

Listeners will enjoy in-depth car reviews featuring the Ford Ranger Raptor and Kia Sorento, along with valuable insights into the classic car...

In this exciting episode of Let's Talk Wheels, hosts Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum dive into the world of automotive news, featuring topics like the alarming number of recalls issued by a major auto company this year. They explore the intriguing story of a hidden GPS tracker and its amusing twist, discuss car sickness caused by regenerative braking in EVs, and offer insightful reviews of the Ford Explorer and Chrysler Pacifica.

The duo also engages in a conversation with Ford Motor Company's historian, Ted Ryan, offering listeners a unique insight into Ford's vast automotive history. Additionally, they...

Join Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum on this thrilling episode of Let's Talk Wheels, where they explore the rebirth of Dodge's SRT Brand and discuss the Honda driveshaft recall affecting 65,000 cars in the Rust Belt. Get expert tips on maintaining your turbocharger and explore the world of car shows, including a surprising use of a humble floor jack on a $500,000 car.

Discover the underappreciated aspects of the Mitsubishi Outlander as Mike delves into what makes this SUV stand out, despite being a cousin to the Nissan Rogue. Whether you're tuning in for maintenance tips, industry news, or...

Welcome to this week's episode of Let's Talk Wheels. Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum delve into the latest in automotive news and updates, from Nissan's engine recalls to Ford's ongoing backup camera issues. In addition, we're joined by Pete Cerullo from Genus Auto Lab to discuss how to effectively sell your car and navigate the automotive market.

The episode also offers practical advice on prepping your vehicle for unforeseen events like floods, a review of the Nissan Frontier Pro 4X model, and highlights from recent car shows in California. Tune in for engaging discussions, valuable insights, and...

In this episode of Let's Talk Wheels, Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum dive into a whirlwind of automotive topics. They kick things off by exploring the legal battle facing General Motors, accused of making trucks that are too easy to steal. As they transition into automotive security, they share a humorous tale of a foolish thief caught via social media after swiping a Hellcat.

Listeners will enjoy a detailed review of the new Lexus TX350, a standout midsize SUV boasting both comfort and style. Alongside this, an engaging interview with Dr. Francesca Littow offers insights into the...

Welcome to "Let's Talk Wheels" with your hosts, Mike Herzing and Jeremy Birenbaum. In today's episode, we gear up for an exciting ride with insights into two major car recalls, while one truck brand raises customer value with a 10-year warranty.

Explore our comprehensive review of the all-new Toyota 4Runner, comparing its features closely with the recent Land Cruiser model. Plus, get expert guidance on classic car restoration, focusing on part availability and cost management.

Whether you're a car enthusiast or a curious listener, tune in to discover the latest news and tips in the...