Car Stuff Podcast
Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
Updated 5 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)
GMC Pickup Design, 2020 Nissan Sentra
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing Toyota's recent online unveiling of the 2021 Sienna minivan and Venza midsize SUV--both of which come standard with a hybrid powertrain. Next, we talk about our test-drive experiences with the redesigned-for-2020 Nissan Sentra compact car. Carl Zipfel, Design Manager of GM's Advanced Truck Studio, calls in to fill us in on GM's full-size pickup design, GMC's AT4 sub-brand, and innovative features such as the CarbonPro bed. Tom has a "fuel tank or trunk space?" numbers quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon shares a tongue-in-cheek list of proposed minivan features. Damon also runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a test-drive review of the new-for-2020 BMW 228i Gran Coupe.
Dad's 1963 Pontiac Tempest race car, 2020 BMW X6
Host Tom Appel and co-host Damon Bell start the show by discussing the ways the COVID-19 pandemic has forced auto dealers to streamline the new-vehicle-purchase process--something of a silver lining for consumers. Next, we talk about our test-drive experiences with the redesigned-for-2020 BMW X6, a "fastback coupe" midsize crossover SUV. Kirk Bell, Senior Editor of Motor Authority, calls in to chat about a couple of his latest feature articles--particularly the fabulous tale of his long history with his father's 1963 Pontiac Tempest drag car. Tom has another of his patented quizzes for Damon and Kirk, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a look back at the 1990s Pontiac Bonneville SSEi.
Market-based Green Solutions, 2020 Chevrolet Silverado
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing Ram Trucks' recent application to trademark the name "Dakota," which has fueled speculation about a new Ram midsize pickup. Next, we talk about our test-drive experiences with the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickup trucks. Robert Colangelo, founder of Green Sense Farms, calls in to discuss various market-based solutions to environmental issues, both in and out of the automotive industry. Tom has a quiz on "green" vehicles for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a review of the new Jeep Gladiator Mojave.
Electrification at Fiat Chrysler; 2020 Genesis G90
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing GM's recently announced plans to discontinue its Maven car-sharing services. Next, we talk about our test-drive experiences with the 2020 Genesis G90 luxury sedan. Brian Spohn, Vehicle Electrification Manager for FCA North America, calls in to discuss Fiat Chrysler's various electrification initiatives, including the eTorque mild-hybrid system. Tom has a tricky quiz on current Toyota vehicles for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a handy list of things to examine when test driving a new vehicle.
Plummeting Gas Prices, 2021 Kia Seltos
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the as-yet-unofficial details of the next-generation Mazda 6 sedan, as well as the reportedly expanded partnership between Mazda and Toyota. Next, we talk about our test-drive experiences with the new 2021 Kia Seltos subcompact SUV. Paul Strauss, publisher of the popular websites The Awesomer, Technabob, and the auto-themed 95octane, calls in to discuss the significant drop in gas prices nationwide, as well as Coronavirus "joyriders" and other ways the COVID-19 shutdown might affect the automotive marketplace in the near future. Tom has another tricky quiz on base prices for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a gallery of vintage ads featuring classic auto interiors (and Ricardo Montalban).
Ford's COVID-19 Efforts, 2020 Infiniti QX80
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing the worrisome increase in speeding and reckless driving incidents, now that many American highways have very little traffic as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns. Next, we talk about our test-drive experiences with the extra-large 2020 Infiniti QX80 SUV. Mike Levine, North American Product Communications Manager for Ford Motor Company, calls in to bring us up to speed on Ford's various efforts and initiatives to fight the Coronavirus pandemic. Tom has a tricky quiz on vintage and recent Volkswagens for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a profile of the all-but-forgotten Chevrolet Electrovette concept vehicle.
Hyundai Smart Park, 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing the trend of insurance companies issuing discounts to their auto-insurance policyholders, since many of those customers are driving their vehicles far less as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns. Next, we talk about our test-drive experiences with the racy Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio crossover SUV, which has been freshened for 2020. Mike Evanoff, Manager of Product Planning for Hyundai Motor America, calls in to discuss Hyundai's latest products and novel new technology features, including Smart Park and Digital Key Access.Tom has a tricky option-pricing quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--such as a list of helpful tips on maintaining your vehicle during the coronavirus shutdown.
Buying a Car From Home, 2020 Subaru Outback
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing some of the aggressive incentives car dealers are offering to spur sales in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Next, we talk about our test-drive experiences with the redesigned-for-2020 Subaru Outback. Cars.com Executive Editor Joe Wiesenfelder calls in to talk about the ways auto dealerships are adapting to the challenges of COVID-19 to continue to sell cars, and also how to disinfect your own car. Tom has a clever "Porsche or Pacifica?" quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a profile of the all-but-forgotten Karmann SUC concept vehicle.
Auto Industry Shutdown, 2020 Toyota 4Runner
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off our first remotely recorded show by discussing a few of the ways the Big Three automakers are helping in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Next, we talk about our test-drive experiences with the 2020 Toyota 4Runner. Sam Fiorani, Vice President of Global Vehicle Forecasting for AutoForecast Solutions, calls in to discuss the various effects of COVID-19 on the global automotive industry, as well as the memorable feature articles he penned for Collectible Automobile magazine on the DeLorean and the Vector supercar. Tom has an obscure-TV-vehicle quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a gallery of sparsely populated Chicagoland locations photographed in the wake of Illinois's "shelter-in-place" order.
Shirley "The Drag-On Lady" Shahan, 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing Hyundai's recent unveiling of the redesigned 2021 Elantra, and the car's striking new styling. Jill fills us in on her press-preview drive of the 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid. Collectible Automobile magazine Editor-in-Chief John Biel is in-studio next to chat about the great features in the June 2020 issue, including a profile of pioneering female drag racer Shirley Shahan Bridges--the "Drag-On Lady"--and a retrospective on the 1968-70 Plymouth intermediate cars. Tom has another quiz for the gang, this time on automotive advertising slogans, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog. We close out the show by recalling the first hybrid vehicles we ever drove.
Teen Driver Safety, Coronavirus Concerns
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on auto shows and automotive press events, and what this means for the future of auto shows. Next, we talk about our test-drive experiences with the new-for-2020 BMW 850i xDrive Gran Coupe. Tony Kester, Chief Instructor & Managing Director of Driving Programs for the Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois, calls in to discuss the Autobahn's Teen Driver Safety Training program. Tom has a Mitsubishi-themed quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including our First Spin review of the redesigned-for-2020 Toyota Highlander.
C8 Corvette, RIP Holden
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing General Motors' recently announced plans to close Holden, its Australian division... and Damon brings up Tom's traumatic experience tasting Vegemite for the first time. Next, we talk about our test-drive experiences with the new-for-2020 Jeep Gladiator pickup. Brendan Appel, Director of Operations at Sons of Speed, joins us in-studio to talk about the all-new, mid-engine 2020 Chevrolet "C8" Corvette. Tom has a Corvette-themed quiz for the crew, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including Tom's article on the last Holden vehicles. We wrap things up by sharing our favorite Corvettes.
2020 Hyundai Palisade, Toyota and Pony.ai
Host Tom Appel and co-host Damon Bell start the show by discussing Toyota's recent $400-million investment in Chinese autonomous-mobility company Pony.ai, and the broader trend of established automakers forming partnerships with startup self-driving-vehicle development firms. Chicago radio legends Steve King and Johnnie Putman join us in-studio to talk about their test drive of the new-for-2020 Hyundai Palisade SUV and fill us in on their book "A Little More Les," which chronicles their long friendship with electric-guitar pioneer Les Paul. Tom administers another one of his Consumer Guide Power Quizzes--this time on best-selling vehicles--and Damon gives a run-down of the articles posted this week on The Daily Drive blog (including a test-drive review of the new-for-2020 Cadillac XT6 and a gallery of compact "woodie" wagons). We wrap up the show by sharing our "ones that got away"--cars from our past we wish we still owned.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Nissan Switch
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing Nissan's tentative entry into the vehicle-subscription marketplace via its Nissan Switch pilot program in Houston, Texas. Next, we talk about our test-drive experiences with the redesigned-for-2020 Ford Escape compact crossover SUV. Larry Nutson, Executive Producer and Chicago Bureau Chief at The Auto Channel, joins us in-studio to talk about the Toyota Motor Manufacturing assembly plant in Princeton, Indiana, and the enormous economic impact it has on its surrounding community. Tom has a fake-model-name quiz, Jill has a giggling fit (Urban Sensual?), and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including Tom's article on America's last manual-transmission vehicles. The crew wraps things up by discussing whether or not we would personally subscribe to a vehicle-subscription service.
Electrify America, Tesla Autopilot Takeback
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the recent incident in which Tesla remotely and retroactively removed Autopilot features from a used Model S that was originally equipped with those features--after it sold the vehicle to a used-car dealer, who in turn sold it to a new buyer who discovered the features were missing. Next, we talk about our test-drive experiences with the Audi Q8 crossover SUV. Richard Steinberg, Senior Director of Green Cities, Marketing and Communications for Electrify America, calls in to discuss Electrify America's expanding network of EV charging stations. Tom has another fake-trim-level quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including additional coverage of the 2020 Chicago Auto Show. The crew wraps things up by discussing how feasible it would be for each of us to own a pure-electric vehicle in light of our respective lifestyles and residences.
Chicago Auto Show, Super Bowl Ads
Host Tom Appel and co-host Jill Ciminillo kick off the show by discussing the rising transaction prices of light-duty pickup trucks, which now average more than $50,000. Jill shares her takeaways from a preview reveal event of the Genesis GV80, the first crossover from Hyundai's luxury-vehicle brand. The crew is joined in studio by Paul Strauss, the publisher of the popular websites The Awesomer, Technabob, and the auto-themed 95octane. Tom, Jill, and Paul discuss the major news coming out of the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, including the freshened Chrysler Pacifica, which will now be available with AWD. Tom then proceeds to frustrate Jill and Paul with a fake-trim-level quiz. The show wraps up with a discussion of the best Super Bowl auto ads.
Lincoln and Rivian Partnership, NACOTY Award Winners
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing Lincoln's recently revealed plans to partner with start-up EV manufacturer Rivian to bring its first pure-electric vehicle to market. Jill fills us in on her preview-drive experience with Hyundai's all-new Venue subcompact crossover. Kirk Bell, Senior Editor of Motor Authority and a North American Car of the Year juror, joins us in-studio to talk about the 2020 NACOTY winners, as well as the winner of Motor Authority's Best Car To Buy 2020 award. Tom has another one of his tricky "Name the Fake Car Color" quizzes for the crew, complete with a tie-breaker question. Damon gives a run-down of this week's articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including one on the little-known Porsche C88 concept--and we discuss those to close out the show.
Cadillac Eldorado, Cruise Origin
Host Tom Appel and co-host Jill Ciminillo start the show by discussing the reveal of the Cruise Automation Origin ride-hailing concept vehicle. The conversation includes an overview of autonomous-vehicle development companies Waymo and Argo AI. Jill shares impressions of her current test vehicle, the 2020 Lexus NX 300 F Sport. Collectible Automobile Magazine Editor-in-Chief John Biel joins the team to talk about the June issue of the publication. Tom, Jill, and John talk about the 1971-1978 Cadillac Eldorado, featured in the June edition. Tom surprises Jill and John with the first-ever Car Stuff Podcast Car Sales Power Quiz. Tom runs down the latest posts on the Consumer Guide CG Daily Drive blog, including a new post about Chinese automaker Geely and the company's surprising recent acquisitions. Also discussed was an article written by Jill regarding your car and the security of your digital information. The crew wraps up the show with a discussion about their least favorite auto features.
Hummer Returns, 2020 Auto Industry Insights
Host Tom Appel and co-host Damon Bell start off the show with a discussion of General Motors' recently leaked plans to revive its Hummer brand name on a pure-electric GMC pickup truck. Next, we chat about one of our recent Consumer Guide test-fleet vehicles: the 2020 Lincoln Corsair AWD Reserve. Michelle Krebs of Cox Automotive and the AutoTrader Group calls in to give us the scoop on some of Cox's automotive-industry insights for 2020 and a few of the most important developments and trends of 2019. Tom stumps Damon with a tricky car color name quiz, and Damon runs through the recently published articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog. We wrap up the show with a discussion of fastback-roofed SUVs such as the BMW X6 and the departed Acura ZDX.
The Future of Auto Shows, Carlos Ghosn Escape
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing the latest developments in the saga of former Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn--his dramatic recent escape from Japan, after spending almost all of 2019 incarcerated for alleged financial crimes. We then talk about Jill's test vehicle this week: the 2020 Acura RDX A-Spec compact SUV. Mark Bilek, Senior Director of Communications and Technology for the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, calls in to fill us in on the upcoming 2020 Chicago Auto Show and give us his perspective on the state of auto shows in general. Tom has a tricky quiz for Jill and Damon on real versus fake 2020 auto paint color names, and Damon runs down this week's published articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog. We close out the show by sharing a few of our most memorable auto-show experiences.
2020 Toyota Supra, Jeep Plug-in Hybrids
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show with a discussion of Jeep's forthcoming plug-in-hybrid Wrangler, Compass, and Renegade models, and their sub-brand name: 4xe. We then discuss Jill's recent test vehicle: the 2020 Hyundai Palisade Limited. Paul Herrold, Chief Editor at Sons of Speed, joins us in-studio to talk about his video review of the 2020 Toyota Supra. Tom has another "punny" car-name/movie-title quiz, and this time he comes up with a couple stumpers. Damon gives a run-down of this week's articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog. In recognition of the new Supra's BMW/Toyota parentage, we recall other vehicles that were products of automaker partnerships to close out the show.
Electric Car Myths Debunked, 2021 GMC Yukon
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell open the show with a chat about the forthcoming introduction of the 2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL full-size SUVs. We then discuss Jill's test vehicle this week: the 2020 Genesis G70. John Voelcker, former Editor-in-Chief and current principle contributor to greencarreports.com, calls in to discuss his article "Busting 7 of the Most Common Myths About Electric Cars," as well as what the future holds for EV technology and infrastructure. Damon quizzes Tom and Jill on the bottom-line sticker prices of two luxury crossover SUVs that recently passed through the Consumer Guide test-vehicle fleet: the 2020 Lincoln Aviator and the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. We close out the show with a quick run-down of this week's articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog.
Bullitt Mustang Auction, EV Tax Credits
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing the phasing out of the federal tax credit for electric vehicles, and how consumers and automakers will be affected. Jill fills us in on her preview-drive experience with Mazda's new-for-2020 CX-30 compact crossover. John Kraman, Lead TV Commentator/Analyst for Mecum Auctions, calls in for an interview on the upcoming auction of the original 1968 Ford Mustang GT driven by Steve McQueen in the movie Bullitt, and Mecum's upcoming Kissimmee event. Tom has another quiz on automobile/movie-title puns, and Damon runs down the articles posted this week on The Daily Drive blog. We wrap up the show by sharing our favorite movie cars.
The Death of the Car Magazine?, The Heartbeat of America
Host Tom Appel and co-host Damon Bell start the show by discussing the recent news that TEN Publishing is discontinuing the print editions of 19 car magazines, including Automobile and Truck Trend. Next, we talk about the 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring, one of our Consumer Guide test-fleet vehicles this week. Harvey Briggs, Editor and Publisher of Rides & Drives (ridesanddrives.com), calls in for an interview on his days in the automotive advertising industry and the creation of Chevrolet's well-remembered "Heartbeat of America" and "Like a Rock" campaigns. Damon gives a run-down of the articles posted this week on The Daily Drive blog (including a First Look at the all-new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban), and Tom gleefully annoys Damon with a pop quiz on automobile/movie-title puns. We wrap up the show with a quick reminiscence of our favorite car magazines when we were young.
2020 Lincoln Corsair, Phone As A Key
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show with a discussion Buick's recently announced decision to discontinue the Regal Sportback and Regal TourX wagon. Jill fills us in our her preview-drive experience with Hyundai's completely redesigned 2020 Sonata midsize sedan. Gretchen Sauer, Brand Manager for the new Lincoln Corsair compact luxury crossover, calls in for an interview on the Corsair, Lincoln's handy Phone As A Key technology, and the state of the Lincoln brand in general. We take a quick trip back in time 50 years, and run down the list of the Consumer Guide Best Buy award winners for 1970. We close out the show by recounting memories of family vehicles from our childhoods.