Celebrating 300 Episodes! Biggest News Stories of the Past 6 Years, Best $30,000 New Vehicles
About this episode
Celebrating 300 episodes, Jill and Tom reflect on the past six years of automotive news, including the impact of COVID-19 and the chip shortage on the industry. Joined by guests Jennifer Newman and Damon Bell, they discuss the best new vehicles under $30,000, emphasizing affordability amidst rising costs. The episode features lively debates on car features, the evolution of car ownership, and the challenges of EV infrastructure, all while sharing personal anecdotes and insights from their experiences in the automotive world.
To celebrate the 300th episode of the Car Stuff Podcast, Jill and Tom are joined by Jennifer Newman and Damon Bell of Cars.com. Jennifer was the podcast’s first guest, and Damon was co-host for the first three years of the show.
Jennifer and Damon share the Cars.com picks for the best vehicles under $30,000. That conversation dovetailed nicely with Jennifer’s research into new-vehicle affordability.
In the second segment, everyone looks back over the past six years to discuss the biggest automotive news stories and strangest events that transpired during the Car Stuff Podcast run.
In the last segment Jennifer, Damon, and Jill are subjected to Tom’s “Who Said It?” quiz, featuring quotes from Henry Ford and Elon Musk. Plus, enjoy a special holiday-themed bonus question.
Chrysler Fifth
"For my favorite car ads, the 1983 Chrysler Fifth Avenue ad celebrating Chrysler's presence at the 1983 Miss Universe pageant in St. Louis. It is a terrible newspaper"
The Chrysler Fifth Avenue is a big, comfortable car from the early 1980s. It was designed to be a luxury vehicle, meaning it had nice features and a stylish look.
The Chrysler Fifth Avenue was a full-size luxury sedan produced by Chrysler from the late 1970s until the early 1980s. It was known for its plush interior and classic styling, often associated with the luxury car market of that era.
Stellantis
"...there are things worse at Stellantis that I that that is fair..."
Stellantis is a big car company that owns many smaller car brands, like Chrysler and Jeep. They make a lot of different cars and trucks.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It encompasses a wide range of brands, including Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Peugeot.
Jeep
"...the recall of the Jeep four by ease that are going on right now..."
Jeep is a brand of cars that are known for being tough and good for off-roading. They make popular models like the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee.
Jeep is an American brand known for its rugged off-road vehicles, particularly the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The brand has a strong reputation for durability and off-road capability.
Hemi
"...we don't need a six cylinder engine. We'll go back to the Hemi..."
Hemi is a type of engine made by Chrysler that has a special shape to help it run better and more efficiently. It's known for being powerful and is often used in performance cars.
Hemi refers to a type of engine design characterized by a hemispherical combustion chamber, which allows for more efficient airflow and combustion. This design is commonly associated with Chrysler and its performance-oriented vehicles.
monthly payments
"...the monthly payment and stretching it out is what makes it possible. Do you guys have a price calculator? We do. Okay. Yes. How do people find that?"
Monthly payments are the regular amounts you pay each month when you borrow money to buy a car. It's important to know how much you'll be paying each month when considering a car loan.
Monthly payments refer to the amount of money a buyer pays each month to finance a vehicle. This is a crucial aspect of car financing, as it affects the overall cost of the vehicle over time.
underwater on a loan
"...you can't trade in your car because you're underwater on it for more time. But the other bad thing is you're starting to hit the maintenance years."
If you're underwater on a loan, it means you owe more money on your car than it's worth. This can make it hard to sell or trade in your car.
Being underwater on a loan means that the amount owed on the vehicle is greater than its current market value. This situation can complicate selling or trading in the vehicle.
extended warranty
"the warranties, the warranties do run out even when you have generous warranties. And so, yeah, you're going to start paying, not only are you making a car payment, but then you're also paying to fix..."
An extended warranty is like extra insurance for your car that you can buy to cover repairs after the original warranty runs out. It helps you avoid high repair bills as your car gets older.
An extended warranty is a service contract that provides additional coverage for a vehicle after the manufacturer's warranty expires. This can cover repairs and maintenance for a specified period, helping to manage costs as the car ages.
Infiniti G35
"...what was it called the G35 at the time? Yeah. Yeah. That car was not available without a package..."
The Infiniti G35 is a luxury car made by the Infiniti brand, which is part of Nissan. It's known for being stylish and fun to drive, making it a popular choice among car buyers.
The Infiniti G35 was a luxury sedan produced by Nissan's Infiniti division, known for its performance and style. It was part of the G-series and was popular for its combination of luxury features and sporty handling.
Subaru BRZ
"... models disappear. Last week we talked about the BRZ. For 2026, they're killing a base model of that. ..."
The Subaru BRZ is a small sports car that is fun to drive and easy to handle. It's designed for people who love driving and want a car that feels sporty.
The Subaru BRZ is a compact sports car that emphasizes driving enjoyment and handling, developed in partnership with Toyota. Launched in 2012, it is celebrated for its lightweight design and rear-wheel-drive layout, appealing to enthusiasts looking for an affordable sports car.
Toyota Highlander
"The Toyota Highlander, they're smaller of their midsize crossovers. Base model goes away for 2026, raising the price of that a lot."
The Toyota Highlander is a type of SUV that is designed for families and has a lot of space inside. Starting in 2026, the cheapest version of this SUV won't be available anymore.
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize crossover SUV known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. For 2026, the base model is being discontinued, which may affect its affordability.
Nissan Versa
"Best subcompact car under 30K, the Nissan Versa, 2025 Nissan Versa."
The Nissan Versa is a small car that is usually cheaper to buy and run. It's a good choice for people looking for an affordable vehicle.
The Nissan Versa is a subcompact car that offers affordability and efficiency. It is often recognized for being one of the best budget-friendly options in its class.
Honda Civic
"Best compact car, 2026 Honda Civic. Sure."
The Honda Civic is a compact car that is known for being reliable and good on gas. The 2026 version is expected to be a great option for people looking for a small car.
The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and sporty design. The 2026 model continues this tradition, making it a popular choice among compact cars.
Kia Soul
"of my personal favorites, the 2025 Kia Soul. We worked with people that bought souls. Yes."
The Kia Soul is a small car with a distinctive shape that makes it stand out. The 2025 version is important because it might be the last one made.
The Kia Soul is a compact crossover known for its unique boxy design and practicality. The 2025 model is expected to be the last year of production, making it a notable choice for buyers.
Toyota Corolla
"... affordable. The best compact hybrid 2025 Toyota Corolla hybrid. Best midsize car 2025 Hyundai Sonata. Be..."
Hyundai Sonata
"Best midsize car 2025 Hyundai Sonata."
The Hyundai Sonata is a medium-sized car that is comfortable and has a lot of modern features. The 2025 version is noted as the best in its class for midsize cars.
The 2025 Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan known for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and advanced technology features, making it a strong contender in its segment.
Hyundai Kona
"Best subcompact SUV, 2026 Hyundai Kona. And finally, the best compact SUV, 2026 Chevrolet"
The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV that is easy to drive and park. The 2026 version has many features that make it comfortable and convenient for everyday use.
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV known for its stylish design and practicality. The 2026 model continues to offer a range of features that appeal to urban drivers and families alike.
Chevrolet Equinox
"...nd finally, the best compact SUV, 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. And I think we were off air when you noted that ..."
all-wheel drive
"You can't get an all wheel drive. Yeah. And in all of these cases, we are not talking top trim levels."
All-wheel drive means that power goes to all four wheels of the car, which helps it grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle, enhancing traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Kia Seltos
"And we did drive the Kia Seltos, which they're mechanically similar, but there were no Kona's of the Chicago land area."
The Kia Seltos is a small SUV that is popular for its good looks and useful features, making it a great choice for many drivers.
The Kia Seltos is a subcompact SUV known for its stylish design and practicality, offering a range of features and good interior space.
30K
"Yes. And again, our ceiling was 30K and we felt, you know, we were picking the best."
'30K' means thirty thousand dollars. It's the maximum amount of money the speakers are willing to spend on a car.
In this context, '30K' refers to a budget ceiling of $30,000 for purchasing a vehicle. It's common for buyers to set a maximum price they are willing to pay when shopping for a car.
Honda Accord
"...hink there was some pretty strong debate on Honda Accord versus Hyundai Sonata. Sure. And I think we land..."
The Honda Accord is a popular car that is known for being dependable and comfortable to drive. It has a lot of space inside for passengers and luggage, which makes it great for families or long trips.
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan known for its reliability, spacious interior, and strong resale value. It has been a staple in the automotive market since its introduction in 1976, often praised for its balance of performance and comfort, making it a popular choice among families and commuters.
Kicks
"Weird thing about the kicks was that when we were shopping, that nice car, great interior design. Stylish. Yeah. A lot to like there. Really weak on power..."
The Nissan Kicks is a small SUV that looks nice and is affordable, but some people think it doesn't have enough power to drive well.
The Nissan Kicks is a subcompact SUV known for its stylish design and affordability, but it has been criticized for its lack of power and performance compared to competitors.
Pontiac Sunbird
"I had an 84 sunbird, 84 pine egg sunbird that we purchased new. And the sunroof never fit into the gasket."
The Pontiac Sunbird is a small car that was made by the Pontiac brand. The 1984 version had a sporty look and was available in different styles like a two-door or convertible.
The Pontiac Sunbird was a compact car produced by Pontiac from 1976 to 1999. The 1984 model is part of the second generation, known for its sporty design and various body styles, including a coupe and convertible.
gasket
"...the eventual fix was a new gasket that stuck out like a quarter inch. And you could tell looking at the car that the sun was literally a different contour than the roof."
A gasket is a piece that helps seal parts of a car together, like the sunroof and the roof, to keep water from leaking inside.
A gasket is a mechanical seal that fills the space between two or more mating surfaces, preventing leakage of fluids or gases. In the context of a sunroof, it helps ensure a proper fit and seal to prevent water from entering the vehicle.
ignition key scandal
"...the ignition key scandal and that was a big scandal and it was a big mess up by GM..."
The ignition key scandal was a problem with some GM cars where the keys could turn off the engine while driving, which caused accidents. It was a serious issue that affected many people.
The ignition key scandal involved a defect in the ignition switches of certain General Motors vehicles, which could inadvertently turn off the engine and disable safety features, leading to numerous accidents and fatalities. This scandal significantly impacted GM's reputation and led to major recalls and legal consequences.
Chevrolet Cobalt
"...the problem with the ignition keys. They were breaking those with the cobalts wasn't it. Yep."
The Chevrolet Cobalt is a small car made by GM that was sold in the mid-2000s. It had some safety problems that made it famous for the wrong reasons.
The Chevrolet Cobalt is a compact car that was produced by General Motors from 2004 to 2010. It is known for its affordability and was part of the ignition key scandal due to safety issues related to its ignition switch.
Cadillac Escalade
"...cars. I mentioned off air that I just driven the Escalade IQ the Cadillac Escalade IQ the electric Escalade..."
The Cadillac Escalade is a big, fancy SUV that is known for being very luxurious and comfortable. It's great for families and has lots of space for passengers and cargo.
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV that has become synonymous with opulence and prestige since its introduction in 1999. Known for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and powerful performance, it often represents the pinnacle of luxury in the SUV market.
Maven
"...the thing I'm thinking of car sharing. Remember Cadillac. I wrote down Car Share. Did you write that down. Yeah. Maven. Oh my gosh. You see and I like I forgot about Maven that was General Motors"
Maven was a service by General Motors that let people rent cars for a short time, like a few hours or days, instead of owning one. It was designed for people living in cities who needed a car occasionally.
Maven was a car-sharing service launched by General Motors, aimed at providing users with access to vehicles on a short-term basis. It allowed users to rent cars for a few hours or days, catering to urban consumers who needed flexible transportation options.
Link and Co
"...I just got on this Link and Co. Which was presented to us and I'm trying to remember if they had an auto show appearance or not. But I think they did. Link and Co was a Chinese company..."
Link and Co is a car brand from China that is owned by another company called Geely. They focus on new ways to own cars, like paying a monthly fee instead of buying one outright.
Link and Co is a Chinese automotive brand owned by Geely, focusing on innovative ownership models, including subscription services for vehicles. It aims to provide a modern alternative to traditional car ownership.
subscription-based car ownership
"...the whole deal was going to be subscription based. Yeah. So you were going to subscribe to your Link and Co car. And we and I have talked about the myth of subscription services..."
Subscription-based car ownership means you pay a monthly fee to use a car instead of buying it. This fee usually covers things like insurance and maintenance, making it easier to switch cars when you want.
Subscription-based car ownership is a model where customers pay a monthly fee to use a vehicle, which often includes insurance and maintenance, allowing for flexibility in changing cars regularly. This concept aims to simplify the car ownership experience.
car subscription service
"...You were just paying one monthly fee and you could swap your car out..."
A car subscription service is like renting a car, but you pay a monthly fee and can change cars whenever you want.
A car subscription service allows customers to pay a monthly fee to access a vehicle, often providing flexibility to switch cars as needed, similar to a rental but with a longer commitment.
Mercedes-Benz
"...And Cadillac tried it and Porsche tried it and I think Mercedes-Benz tried it..."
Mercedes-Benz is a well-known luxury car brand from Germany, famous for its high-quality vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz is a German automotive brand known for luxury vehicles, buses, and trucks, recognized for their engineering excellence and innovation.
Porsche
"...And Cadillac tried it and Porsche tried it..."
Porsche is a famous car brand from Germany, known for making fast and luxurious sports cars.
Porsche is a German automobile manufacturer specializing in high-performance sports cars, SUVs, and sedans, renowned for models like the 911 and Cayenne.
Volvo
"...And then Volvo did it and like oh yeah we sold out our subscriptions..."
Volvo is a car brand from Sweden that is famous for making very safe vehicles.
Volvo is a Swedish automotive manufacturer known for its focus on safety, quality, and environmental care, producing both cars and trucks.
cylinder deactivation
"Specifically like General Motors built a lot of V8s with house cylinder deactivation during the chip shortage. Right. And the fuel economy took a hit."
Cylinder deactivation is a feature in some car engines that turns off some of the engine's cylinders to save fuel when you don't need a lot of power, like when driving on the highway.
Cylinder deactivation is a technology used in some engines that allows certain cylinders to shut off during low-load conditions, improving fuel efficiency. This means that the engine can operate with fewer cylinders when full power is not needed, such as during highway cruising.
Bmw 3
".... Let's make this for real. I vaguely remember a BMW 3 series test car that was all deck like most vehic..."
The BMW 3 Series is a luxury car that is known for being fun to drive and having a nice interior. It's a smaller car that feels sporty and is often seen as a status symbol.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car that has been a benchmark in the luxury sedan segment since its debut in 1975. Renowned for its sporty handling, powerful engine options, and upscale interior, it often represents the ideal blend of performance and luxury.
Chevrolet Silverado
"... delete for chip shortage or something. I drove a Silverado during that period and there was something that ..."
The Chevrolet Silverado is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is great for work or outdoor activities. It's known for being tough and can be used for many different purposes.
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck that is popular for its versatility, strong towing capabilities, and range of configurations. It has been a key player in the truck market since its introduction in 1998 and is often discussed for its performance in both work and recreational settings.
Ford F150
"I'm an empath. That's right. Oh man. One thing I wanted to talk about two things I wanted to talk about. If you guys remember right before COVID like one minute before COVID Ford launched the F-150 Lightning huge event and all of a sudden they had 200,000 hand raisers. Yep. How the hell did"
The Ford F-150 is a very popular truck that many people use for work and recreation. It's known for being strong and having lots of features that make it easy to drive and use.
The Ford F-150 is one of the best-selling vehicles in the United States, known for its durability, performance, and range of options. It has been a leader in the full-size truck segment for decades, often highlighted for its towing capacity and advanced technology features.
Hyundai Ionic 5
"... do that. The hitches we need to update our 2022 Ionic 5 that we got to take it in for service because we ..."
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a new electric car that looks very modern and has a lot of space inside. It's designed to be eco-friendly and can be charged at home or at charging stations.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-electric compact crossover that has garnered attention for its futuristic design and advanced technology features. Launched in 2021, it represents Hyundai's commitment to electric mobility and offers a spacious interior along with impressive range and charging capabilities.
Tesla Model
"...ings that makes me sad is that there is a lot of Tesla Model 3's and Model Y's out there used that are shockin..."
Tesla Model 3S
"guidance we're giving shoppers you mentioned affordable EVs and one of the things that makes me sad is that there is a lot of Tesla Model 3's and Model Y's out there used that are shockingly affordable 25k-ish they're good cars they're proven they've been on the road from you know"
The Tesla Model S is a fancy electric car that can go really fast and has a long battery life. It's packed with cool technology and is often talked about for how it changes the way we think about cars.
The Tesla Model S is a luxury electric sedan that has set benchmarks for electric vehicle performance and technology since its launch in 2012. It is known for its impressive range, rapid acceleration, and cutting-edge features, making it a significant player in the EV market.
Ford Shelby Gt 500
"...but that they're like hey we need to put in a 69 shelby gt 500 to play which is nice yeah you know yeah uh crash..."
The Ford Shelby GT500 is a super-fast version of the Mustang sports car that is built for speed and performance. It's a favorite among car lovers who enjoy powerful cars.
The Ford Shelby GT500 is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, known for its powerful supercharged V8 engine and track-ready capabilities. It represents the pinnacle of Mustang performance and is often discussed among car enthusiasts for its speed and engineering.
Kia EV9
"...'s walk you don't want that i think you're in an ev9 right now right i'm in my personal car oh got it ..."
The Kia EV9 is a new electric SUV that is designed to be spacious and comfortable for families. It's part of a trend where more cars are being made to run on electricity instead of gas.
The Kia EV9 is an electric SUV that showcases Kia's shift towards electrification and innovative design. Expected to launch in the near future, it aims to provide a spacious and family-friendly option in the growing electric vehicle market.
Toyota Camry
"...ere kind of the the crown was a step above like a camry in terms of materials i'm not sure i didn't i di..."
The Toyota Camry is a reliable car that many people trust to get them where they need to go. It's known for being comfortable and saving on gas, making it a good choice for everyday driving.
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that has been a top seller in the U.S. for many years, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride. It is often discussed for its strong reputation and value, making it a popular choice for families and commuters alike.
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