Car Stuff Podcast

Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
  • 4.8 (4)
  • AUTOMOTIVE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Whether you drive a car, need a car, or just occasionally bum a ride with friends, you’ve come to the right place. Join the editors of Consumer Guide Automotive as they break down everything that’s going on in the auto world. New-car reviews, shopping tips, driving green, electric cars, classic cars, and plenty of great guests. This is the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast.

  1. 4D AGO

    Two Dead Models, Chrysler's Uncertain Future, Cadillac's "Air Bridge"

    Jill and Tom open the show discussing the sudden resignation of Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell. Tom thinks Feuell's departure prefaces the end of the Chrysler brand. Jill is not so sure. Listen in for details. The hosts go on to share news of two car models that will disappear after the 2026 model year. One is no surprise, the other a little bit sad. Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom review the 2026 Mazda CX-70 midsize crossover. The hosts have driven a lot of similar-size crossovers recently, listen in to hear how this big Mazda compares. In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome veteran auto writer Gary Witzenburg to the the podcast. Garry's new book Legends in Motion is a collection of the author's favorite reviews and stories written over the past four decades of his career. From the book, Gary shares details of the Cadillac Allanté Air Bridge, and the legendary Cannonball Rally. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Just a Gosh Darn Minute" quiz. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    55 min

  2. MAR 2

    Leno Law, Toyota Takes EVs Off-Road, Understanding the Software Defined Vehicle

    Jill is back in the co-host seat this week, having spent some time in Canada intentionally driving Volvo vehicles in snow and on ice. Tom opens the show with a mea culpa. Listen in to see what he got wrong last week. The hosts discuss a number of news items, including some reported delays in the delivery of Tesla's newly discounted Cybertruck, Lamborghini backing away from electric vehicles, and the proposed Jay Leno Law. Listen in for the whole story. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews Toyota's new bZ Woodland, an electric vehicle with an off-road vibe. In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by Ken Chester, host of the Tech Mobility Podcast. Ken share his take on the the next stages of automotive computerization, and what, exactly, is meant by "software-defined vehicle." It's a good conversation. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom's "Model Year 2020" quiz. Listen in and try to beat Jill's score. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    57 min

  3. FEB 23

    Cheaper Cybertruck, Lexus TX Review, Japanese Micro Cars for America

    Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Brendan and Tom open the show talking about the changing character of car engines, and how small turbocharged examples lack the character—especially exhaust note—of older, larger engines. Tom shares news regarding deep price cuts on the Tesla Cybertruck. Per Elon Musk, the new, cheaper Tesla pickup may not be available for long, so interested shoppers may want to act quickly. Brendan and Tom discuss what the price adjustment might mean for the resale value of existing examples of the controversially designed pickup truck. Still in the first segment, Tom reviews the 3-row Lexus TX luxury crossover. Listen in for his take. In the second segment Brendan and Tom welcome Zack Pradel of Shooting Cars to the show. Zack is just back from Japan where he drove a number of the country’s “kei” micro cars. As it has been suggested that kei cars could be the answer to rising new-car sticker prices in the U.S., Zack’s take on these tiny vehicles is especially interesting. In the last segment Zack joins Brendan for this week's quiz. The show wraps up with a quick look at the current Polestar model lineup. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    56 min

  4. FEB 16

    Cheaper Jeep V8, Alfa Stelvio Reivew, Infiniti Jeans-Wearing Robot

    No donuts today as Jill isn't feeling well (listen to her voice) and Tom says he's on a diet. The hosts open the show by discussing big Toyota news: The Highlander is going EV only for 2027. Listen in for Jill and Tom's take on this announcement. Also discussed is Jeep's new lower-cost V8 Wrangler model. Next, Tom shares a brief take on the very-affordable Chevrolet Trax in topline Activ trim. Should entry-level shoppers take a look at Chevy's least-expensive model? Listen in. Still in the first segment, the hosts co-review the sporty Alfa Romeo Stelvio Intensa small crossover. Jill and Tom agree that there is a lot here to like here, though the very-engaging Italian model is not without its compromises. In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by Evan Frank, Seat Engineering Manager for Nissan. Evan explains why denim especially is so tough on car and truck seats, and how Infiniti has been using a jeans-clad robot to test vehicle seats for long-term wear resistance. It's a great conversation. In the final segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Even More Spelling" quiz, plus, the duo discusses Cadillac's surprising commitment to electric vehicles, and a North American Car of the Year/Society of Automotive Engineers-sponsored scholarship program. Listen in for details. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    55 min

  5. FEB 9

    Classic Nissan Returns, Redesigned Subaru Outback, Funding Dealer Expansion

    Jim Obrill of the Chicago Auto Show drops by for a quick update on the show. The show includes a number of surprise displays including the $400,000 Cadillac Celestiq electric sedan. Tom owns up to an error in last week's show, listen in to find out what he got wrong. Jill and Tom continue to share several news items, including the return of the rugged Nissan Xterra SUV. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the all-new 2026 Subaru Outback. Tom laments the passing of the Outback’s traditional station-wagon design; however, Jill's take is overwhelmingly positive. Listen for details. In the second segment, the hosts are joined by Mark LaNeve, Partner at Franchise Equity Partners. Mark walks Jill and Tom through the auto-dealership acquisition process, and explains how dealer principals fund growth, and new sales point purchases. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Was it a Pickup” quiz, and Tom talks about his daughter’s recent new-car purchase. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    58 min

  6. FEB 3

    Tesla Kills Models, Mitsubishi Outlander Review, Best Cars of 2026

    Jill and Tom sift through an enormous amount of news this week, including the announced deaths of four car models, including two from Tesla. Other news items covered include a name for Ford’s new electric small truck, BMW’s new electric-car architecture, and the unexpected comeback of the minivan. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander small crossover. Listen in for her take. In the second segment the hosts welcome Brian Moody of Kelley Blue Book to the show. Brian shares his take on the new-car market in 2026, as well as KBB’s Best Buy picks. In the third segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “How Red is It?” Quiz. Be sure to visit ConsumerGuide.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    58 min

  7. JAN 27

    Buick Leaves China, Kia K4 Hatchback, A Conversation with Steve Saleen

    Jill and Tom open the show acknowledging a few foreign cities in which there are Car Stuff Podcast listeners. Listen in for the list. Stories this week include news that Mercedes-Benz is dropping its Drive Pilot semi-autonomous driving system in the U.S., and Buick is moving production of the U.S.-market Envision small crossover out of China. Tom also shares the results of his very unscientific “Most American” car poll. Did the Corvette, Mustang, or Wrangler win? Listen in for details. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback. Does the hatch make for a better compact Kia? Signs point to “yes.” In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by automotive legend Steve Saleen. Steve talks about the development of the S7 super car, modifying Mustangs and F-150s, and his super-car show at the LeMay Museum in Tacoma, Washington. It’s a great conversation. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “2025 Car Sales” quiz. The hosts close the show discussing the impact of cold weather on the Lucid Air, and the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    57 min

  8. JAN 20

    Chinese Car Prices, Nissan Leaf Design, Driving the Silverado EV

    Jill and Tom open a topic-packed show acknowledging the winners of the 2026 North American Car of the Year voting. Listen in for complete list. Moving on, Tom noted that General Motors CEO Mary Barra said publicly something he had long feared regarding plug-in hybrids. Barra suggests the news will impact future product development. Subsequent to last week’s Zeekr conversation, Tom shared some interesting news regarding the prices of the Chinese cars in Mexico versus the maker’s home market. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV in high-end Trail Boss trim. Listen in for her complete review. In the second segment, the hosts welcome Eric Ruble of Nissan to discuss the design of the all-new 2026 Leaf electric crossover. Eric shares a number of insider details related to the Leaf’s overall look, including some fun insights regarding Easter eggs hidden in the vehicle’s trim. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “2026 Honda Accord” quiz, including a Mexican Burger King bonus question. After the quiz, Jill shares her impressions of riding in a Waymo autonomous taxi. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    57 min
See All (317)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Whether you drive a car, need a car, or just occasionally bum a ride with friends, you’ve come to the right place. Join the editors of Consumer Guide Automotive as they break down everything that’s going on in the auto world. New-car reviews, shopping tips, driving green, electric cars, classic cars, and plenty of great guests. This is the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    317
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Car Stuff Podcast
  • Show Website
    Car Stuff Podcast

You Might Also Like