Car Stuff Podcast

Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
  • 4.6 (65)
  • 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

    Jeep 4Xe is Dead, Zeekr Test Drive, The Real Power Grid Problem

    Jill is back in the co-host seat this week for a topic-packed episode. Tom opens the show asking if $61,000 seems like a lot for a Hyundai—any Hyundai. The hosts discuss the Korean maker’s luxury/value equation, and note that Tom’s test car, a 2026 Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid is, without question, a luxury vehicle. Listen in for more of the conversation.  Tom goes on to share his frustration with Stellantis for killing all of Jeep’s “4Xe” plug-in hybrids, along with the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Listen in for some crankiness.  Still in the first segment, Jill details her CES Chinese-car adventure. Jill was able to take short drives in a number of luxury electric Zeekr models (a division of Volvo’s parent company Geely) and came away very impressed. Her quick takes on these vehicles are worth a listen. Are these premium EVs coming to the U.S? here’s the scoop.  In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by friend of show and sustainability expert Robert Colangelo. Robert addresses the fallacy that EVs are a threat to the U.S. electric grid, and details the real power-consumption challenges that lay ahead for the country. It’s a great conversation you don’t want to miss.  In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Dodge?” quiz.

    57 min

  2. JAN 6

    Nissan Kicks Review, Confused by the Hemi, Boldy Looking into 2026

    For the first show of 2026, Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill who is traveling. Paul and Tom address a number of topics to open the show, including annoying helper AI bots on dealership websites, the death of the Karma Revero (once known as the Fisker Karma), and the return of the Hemi engine to the Ram 1500 lineup.  Still in the first segment, Tom reviews the 2026 Nissan Kicks. Tom is impressed by just how much equipment can be had on this small, practical crossover.  In the second segment, Paul and Tom are joined by Tim Healey of The Truth About Cars. The guys dare to predict what’s coming for the car industry in 2026, especially for electric cars and Cadillac; they also address vehicle affordability and sales.  In the last segment Tim joins Paul for Tom’s “Best Sellers of 1976” quiz. Listen in to hear who won. Paul wraps up the show with a surprisingly long list of vehicles that didn’t return for 2026.

    58 min

  3. 12/29/2025

    2025 Year in Review, Dodge Charger Sixpack Review, Automotive Bucket List

    Jill and Tom open the last show of 2025 by discussing how Christmas gift expectation change with age. Tom, for example, noted how happy he was to receive a Brita water filter.  The hosts went on to process the biggest auto-related stories of 2025, including tariffs, tax credits, Ford recalls, and the return of the Hemi V8 engine.  In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Sam Fiorani, AutoForecast Solutions Vice President of Global Forecasting, to the show. Sam shares his automotive “bucket list,” noting a number of fun and rewarding things car folks should consider trying in the near future. Tom contributes his own suggestions, many of which cannot be described as safe.  In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Two Tons?” quiz. Jill also shares a quick review of the Dodge Charger Sixpack, A new gasoline-powered variant of the redesigned charger, which for 2025 had only been offered as an electric vehicle.

    55 min

  4. 12/23/2025

    F-150 Lightning Killed, ID. Buzz Halted, Restoring Classics Rides for Modern Drivers

    Jill and Tom open the show addressing two high-profile electric vehicle cancellations announced this past week. First the hosts discuss the end of production for the Ford F-150 Lighting, which came as something of a surprise to both Jill and Tom.  Also covered is news that Volkswagen will not be importing a 2026 edition of the spunky ID. Buzz electric minivan. Will the ID. Buzz be back for 2027? Jill and Tom speculate.  Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the Ford Maverick Lobo. Lobo is a new sporty Maverick variant, and it sounds like fun. Listen in for Jill’s take on the potentially entertaining-to-drive small pickup truck.  In the second segment, the Hosts welcome Rob Howard, CEO of Kindred Motorworks to the podcast. Kindred restores classic cars, some of which become battery powered in the process. Rob talks about the restoration process, and the level of engineering that is invested in each new model the company adds to its lineup. Listen in for details.  In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Mercury?” quiz.

    57 min

  5. 12/16/2025

    Failing EV Startups, Redesigned Kia Seltos, Chicago Auto Show News

    Jill and Tom open this week’s show acknowledging that Vietnamese EV startup VinFast is likely to cease U.S. operations in the very near future. The hosts also note that another EV startup, Bollinger Motors, has called it quits.  Tom discusses his time in the Jeep Wrangler, this example powered by the available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, instead of the popular 3.6-liter V6. Tom prefers the smaller engine. Listen in to hear why.  The hosts also discuss an apparent social-media wave of dislike for the Wagoneer S, Jeep's first U.S.-market all-electric model. Tom’s review of the Wagoneer S posts shortly.  Still in the first segment, Jill discusses the redesigned Kia Seltos small crossover, due out soon as a 2027 model.  In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Chicago Auto Show Communications Director Jim OBrill to the show. Jim talks about the changing nature of the major auto shows, and what’s on tap for this year’s Chicago show.  In the last segment, Jill and Jim are subjected to Tom’s “$25,000?” quiz--which includes a question about Wendy's in Japan. Jim also discusses his show, Drive Chicago, which airs every Saturday morning in Chicago, and can be heard later as a podcast.

    56 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    Polestar Price Cuts, Ram 2500 Review, Best Films of the Past 40 Years

    Jill and Tom open the show by discussing the recently rolled-back federal fuel-economy standards, and the implication for carmakers in the near term.  Tom then shares—to his great amusement--the long, complicated, and multinational route by which the Polestar 4 crossover arrives in the United States. Hint: Five countries are involved. The hosts also discuss massive Polestar discounts currently being offered on 2025 models.  Tom then shares his plan for Mercedes-Benz to recapture U.S. luxury-car market share. Listen in to hear Tom’s “Ledger Series” marketing scheme.  Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2026 Ram 2500 pickup. Listen in for her take on the capable workhorse.  In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome movie reviewer and podcast host Nick Digilio into the studio. Nick’s newly published collection of movie reviews, 40 Years, 40 Films cover’s each year of Nick’s career, and is available now in time for Christmas.  Nick shares stories about his career as a film critic, and discusses some of his more controversial picks for best movie from each year.  In the last segment, Nick join’s Jill for this week’s quiz, which includes a bonus question regarding German holiday food.

    56 min

  7. 12/01/2025

    Lucid Gravity Review, Jeep Recon Reveal, Winter Driving Deep Dive

    Jill and Tom open the show acknowledging a listener’s concerns regarding recent donut selections by Tom. This involves an apology to Producer Randy. (See the Car Stuff Podcast Facebook page for pictures of recent donut selections.) Tom discusses some issues he had driving the excellent 2026 Nissan Leaf EV crossover. Tom’s issues include getting snowed in, and understanding the available charging options.  Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the new Lucid Gravity midsize electric crossover. Jill is impressed by Lucid’s second-ever model offering, but has a couple of concerns. Listen in for details.  In the second segment, the hosts welcome TJ Campbell, Tire Rack Information and Testing Manager, to the show. TJ talks about general winter-driving safety, and makes the economic case for Snowbelt residents to own a dedicated set of winter tires to swap on and off their vehicles seasonally. It’s a great conversation you don’t want to miss.  In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “One Minute” stop-watch quiz. How much stuff can Jill remember about cars in 60 seconds? Listen in to find out. Finally, Jill and Tom discuss the new Jeep Recon electric off-road SUV--as seen at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Will the Recon be the next Wrangler, or an expensive boutique toy? Listen in for details.

    56 min

  8. 11/25/2025

    BMW X3, Future of Hands Free Driving, Jeep's New Engine

    Jill and Tom open the show accepting the challenge of a listener. Tom was tasked to purchase more exciting donuts than the usual collection of double chocolates and powdered cinnamons. Listen in for this week’s expanded options list.  Tom shares some interesting Jeep news. The updated 2026 Grand Cherokee will be optionally powered by Stellantis’ new Hurricane 4-cylinder engine. Though based on the existing 6-cylinder Hurricane engine, the new powerplant employs a “turbulent-jet injection” system featuring both port and direct fuel injection. Listen in to learn what that means.  Still in the first segment, Tom talks a little about car sale in Russia, and Jill reviews the 2025 BMW X3.  In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Telemetry Vice President of Market Research Sam Abuelsamid to the show. Sam shares insights from the company’s newly published Global Assisted and Automated Driving Forecast report. How ready is the industry for hands-free driving? Listen in.  In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Dateline 1990” quiz. Finally, Jill shares the newly-released North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) finalists list. Winners will be selected in January.

    59 min
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4.6
out of 5
65 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
    309
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Car Stuff Podcast
  • Show Website
    Car Stuff Podcast

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