Car Stuff Podcast
Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
Updated 4 days agoWhether 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.
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Episodes (330)
Los Angeles Auto Show, EV Engine Swaps
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing the trends on display at the 2021 SEMA Show, the premiere trade show for the automotive aftermarket industry. Lefty Tsironis, Senior Director of Strategy and Business Development for the Los Angeles Auto Show, joins us to talk about the upcoming 2021 edition of the show. Tom has a quiz for Damon and Jill on vehicles that achieve an EPA rating of 30 mpg or more in combined city/highway driving, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a vacation test-drive review of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and a "what if?" gallery of early 1950s station wagons that never were.
Flood-Damaged Cars, 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing the recently unveiled 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness. Patrick Olsen, Executive Editor at Carfax, joins us to talk about ways consumers can avoid buying a flood-damaged vehicle. Tom has a quiz for Damon and Jill on 18-wheeler trucks, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a First Spin test-drive review of the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness and a test-drive gallery of the 2021 Nissan Kicks SR.
Chevrolet Vs Ford in the Forties, Our Favorite New-For-2022 Vehicles
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing their favorite new vehicles from a recent automotive-media test-drive event--particularly the new-for-2022 Ford Maverick compact pickup and Genesis GV70 premium compact SUV. Collectible Automobile magazine Editor-in-Chief John Biel joins us to chat about the great features in the December 2021 issue, including a detailed overview of the Chevrolet/Ford rivalry as it existed in the 1940s. Tom has a quiz for Damon and Jill on the best-selling vehicles in select U.S. states, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a First Spin test-drive review of the redesigned-for-2022 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup.
Lucid and Rivian Reach Production, 2022 Lexus NX
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the redesigned-for-2022 Lexus NX compact luxury SUV. Robby DeGraff, Industry Analyst with AutoPacific, joins us to talk about promising EV startups, in light of the fact that the Lucid Air luxury sedan and Rivian R1T full-size pickup have recently reached production. Tom has a quiz on China's automotive market for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a Test Drive review of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
End of Internal-Combustion Engines, New Wave of Off-Road-Ready SUVs
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the latest wave of off-road-focused SUVs and sub-brands such as Ford's Timberline, Honda's Trailsport, and Subaru's Wilderness. John McElroy, host and editorial director of the Autoline family of automotive-industry newscasts, joins us to talk about his prediction/prescription for the forthcoming "sunset" of mainstream internal-combustion engines. Tom has a "manual or no manual?" quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a test-drive review of the redesigned-for-2021 BMW M4 Competition Coupe.
2022 Kia EV6, 2022 Toyota Tundra, 2022 Ford Expedition
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the recently unveiled 2022 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup and 2022 Ford Expedition large SUV. James Bell, Head of Corporate Communications for Kia America, joins us to talk about Kia's forthcoming EV6 electric vehicle. Tom has a true-or-false quiz for Damon and Jill on the Toyota Highlander and actor Tony Randall, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a test-drive review of the redesigned-for-2022 Honda Civic sedan.
Long-Term EV Battery Health, Most-Impressive Vehicles of 2021
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the new vehicles they've driven so far this year that impressed them the most. Scott Case, co-founder and CEO of Recurrent--a company that compiles and provides data on used electric vehicles and their battery health-- joins us to talk about Recurrent's services and give his perspective on the growing EV market. Tom has a paint-color quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a test-drive review of the new-for-2022 Volkswagen Taos subcompact SUV.
Ford Production Woes, 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the new-for-2022 Toyota Corolla Cross subcompact SUV, and the redesigned 2022 Infiniti QX60 midsize SUV. Sam Fiorani, Vice President of Global Vehicle Forecasting for AutoForecast Solutions, joins us to give his insight on Ford's current spate of production setbacks, including the Ford Bronco's hardtop production woes and the product-allocation challenges for the soon-to-arrive Ford Maverick compact pickup. Tom has a zany quiz for Damon and Jill that links the new Ford Bronco and actor Jimmy Smits, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a look back at the 2002 Mercury Marauder Convertible concept vehicle.
Best Cars for Teens, Chevy Bolt Fires
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing the recently expanded recall of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV due to a risk of fire. Next, Jamie Page Deaton, Executive Editor of the Autos team at U.S. News and World Report, joins us to talk about the U.S. News Best Cars for Teens awards. Tom has a tricky "left or right side of the road?" quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a test-drive review of the redesigned-for-2021 BMW 4-Series coupe.
Key-Cloning Car Thefts, Jaguar To Become All-EV Brand
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing Jaguar's plans to drop all of its internal-combustion vehicles and become a pure-electric brand by 2025. Next, Sergeant Thomas Mason of the Chicago Police Department joins us to talk about the rise in carjacking thefts, and what you can do to keep yourself safe. Tom has a quiz on the middle names of auto-industry luminaries for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a test-drive review of the new-for-2022 Kia Carnival minivan.
Pediatric Heat Stroke Prevention, Car Stuff Dead Pool
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing Damon's recent drive of the new Hyundai Tucson Hybrid in the Lake Tahoe area, and then we share our "Dead Pool" picks--vehicles we think are soon to be discontinued. Brian Latouf, Chief Safety Officer at Hyundai Motor North America, joins us to talk about current automotive safety topics and fill us in on Hyundai's Rear Occupant Alert--a system that helps prevent pediatric heat stroke by alerting drivers of children or other occupants in the vehicle's back seat. Tom has another tricky quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including First Spin test-drive reviews of the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer and the 2022 Toyota GR 86 sports car.
Low-Cost Luxury Cars of 1966, Favorite New-Car Features
Host Tom Appel and co-host Jill Ciminillo start off the show by discussing several of vehicles Tom drove this week at a local media event; Tom was especially impressed by the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz and 2022 Volkswagen Taos. Tom and Jill also discuss some of their favorite new-car features, such as blind-spot alert systems and rearward-sliding sun visors. John Biel, Editor-in-Chief of Collectible Automobile magazine, joins the show to talk about the October issue, which is on newsstands now. We talk about this issue's full-length feature articles on the low-cost luxury cars of 1966, and the 1986-93 Buick Riviera. John sticks around to participate in this week’s Car Stuff Power Quiz. Recent Consumer Guide CG Daily Drive posts discussed include a Photo Feature of the 1970 Plymouth Sport Suburban station wagon, and a First Spin review of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Co-host Damon Bell is on vacation this week.
Is Your Car's Fuel Gauge Accurate?, So Long NSX and Avalon
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing the recently announced cancellation of the 2021 New York International Auto Show. We also talk about the impending discontinuation of the Acura NSX and Toyota Avalon. Jeanette McGee, Director of External Communications for the American Automobile Association (AAA), joins us to talk about gas prices, fuel-economy tips, and how to prep for a summer road-trip vacation in the age of COVID-19. Tom has quiz on fuel-economy ratings for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a test-drive review of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands.
Ranking the Most American-Made Vehicles, Used Car Prices
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing GM's lawsuit against Ford over the BlueCruise name for Ford's hands-free highway-driving feature. We also talk about the significant spike in year-over-year used-car transaction prices. Kelsey Mays, Assistant Managing Editor at Cars.com, joins us to talk about Cars.com's 2021 American-Made Index, a ranking of the most American-made vehicles sold in the U.S. Tom has "where is it made?" quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a test-drive review of the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost.
F-150 Lightning Overview, So Long VW Passat
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing the impending discontinuation of the Volkswagen Passat midsize sedan, as well as VW's other product initiatives. Brian Bell, Marketing Manager for the Ford F-150, joins us to talk about the revolutionary new F-150 Lightning pure-electric pickup truck . Tom has a "which vehicle sold better?" quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including our Consumer Guide test-drive review of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392.
Chicago Auto Show Highlights, Stellantis EV Day
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show with a discussion of the Stellantis "EV Day" future electric-vehicle announcements. Next, we share our impressions of the 2021 special summer edition of the Chicago Auto Show, and the vehicles on display there. Tom has a quiz on the Chicago Auto Show for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a test-drive review of the 2021 Kia Sorento SX Prestige X-Line.
Mustang versus Mach-E, Minivan Road Trips
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show with a discussion of the current crop of minivans--and Damon's and Jill's minivan summer road trips. Paul Herrold, Chief Editor at Sons of Speed, joins us to talk about the SOS crew's "car guys' take" video reviews of the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, and whether they think it's a "real" Mustang. Tom has a quiz on the Acura ILX for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a test-drive review of the refreshed-for-2021 Honda Ridgeline with the new HPD Package.
EV-Startup Reality Check, Underrated Cars
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by talking about the current and recently discontinued vehicles they think are underrated. Sam Fiorani, Vice President of Global Vehicle Forecasting for AutoForecast Solutions, joins us to discuss the current crop of electric-vehicle startup companies and their prospects for success, as well as the ongoing microchip shortage and other auto-industry current events. Sam also sticks around for the third segment to serve as our guest quizmaster--he has a quiz for Tom, Damon, and Jill on which Hollywood celebrities serve as spokespeople for various automakers. Damon then runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a handy overview on buying a car from home via CarMax, Carvana, or Vroom.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe Plug-In Hybrid, 2022 Infiniti QX60
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing the recently unveiled 2022 Infiniti QX60 three-row SUV. Brandon Girmus, Jeep Senior Brand Manager, joins us to talk about the new-for-2021 Wrangler 4xe--Jeep's first-ever plug-in-hybrid vehicle. Tom has a quiz on branded premium audio systems for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a look at the Lordstown Endurance electric pickup truck and a head-to-head comparo of the Toyota Prius Prime and Prius AWD-e.
Reshoring American Jobs, 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing Jeep's new Grand Cherokee L three-row SUV. Harry Moser, Founder of the Reshoring Initiative, joins us to talk about his non-profit organization's efforts to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States. Tom has another quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a First Spin review of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and a test-drive review of the 2021 Nissan Rogue Platinum.
2022 Ford Maverick; Volkswagen ID.4
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing their test-drive impressions of Volkswagen's first mainstream electric vehicle: the ID.4 compact crossover SUV. Larry Nutson, Executive Producer and Chicago Bureau Chief at The Auto Channel, joins us to give his impressions of the ID.4, and to talk about Ford's recently unveiled 2022 Maverick compact pickup truck. Tom has another quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a First Spin review of Nissan's redesigned-for-2022 Pathfinder midsize SUV.
BMW 2002 History; 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross
With co-host Jill Ciminillo out on assignment this week, host Tom Appel and co-host Damon Bell start the show by discussing Ford's forthcoming Maverick compact pickup truck and a host of Toyota new vehicles, including the 2022 Corolla Cross subcompact SUV. Collectible Automobile magazine Editor-in-Chief John Biel joins us to chat about the great features in the August 2021 issue, including detailed histories of the 1968-76 BMW 2002 and 1978-80 Pontiac Grand Prix. Tom has a quiz on 1983-model-year vehicles for Damon and John, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a test-drive review of the 2021 BMW M5 Competition and 2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium.
Cars and Cartoons, RIP Mazda 6 and CX-3
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing one of Jill's traffic pet peeves, and lamenting the discontinuation of the Mazda 6 midsize sedan and CX-3 subcompact SUV. Chicago radio personality Bill Leff joins us to talk about cartoon cars and his MeTV show "Toon In With Me." Tom has a quiz on electric vehicles for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including test-drive reviews of the 2021 Honda Odyssey minivan and Subaru Forester Sport.
EV Smartphone Apps, 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
With Jill on vacation this week, host Tom Appel and co-host Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the unveiling of the Ford F-150 Lightning--the landmark pure-electric version of Ford's full-size pickup truck. Frank Hanley, Senior Director, Global Automotive Consulting for J.D. Power, joins us to talk about J.D. Power's benchmark study of OEM electric-vehicle smartphone apps--technology that has become an important part of the EV ownership experience. Tom and Damon run down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a First Spin test-drive review on the new-for-2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness model, and test-drive reviews of the redesigned 2022 Acura MDX and 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Outer Banks.
Mazda 3 and CX-30 2.5 Turbo, Traffic Pet Peeves
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start things off by continuing last episode's discussion of their traffic pet peeves. Justin Pagtalunan, Product Communications Manager for Mazda, joins us to talk about the Mazda brand's focus on moving upscale, as well as the new Mazda 3 and CX-30 2.5 Turbo models. Tom has a "find the fake trim level" quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a primer on buying a vehicle from CarMax and a whimsical comparison of cockroaches, Keith Richards, and the Pontiac Vibe.