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)
2023 Toyota Prius, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4Xe
Tom and guest host Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed (Jill is on assignment this week) opened the show by discussing the Sons of Speed’s new affiliation with a group of automotive journalists under the “We are Motor Driven” banner. Tom and Paul briefly discussed their favorite gasoline engines and then reviewed the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4Xe, a plug-in-hybrid version of the midsize Grand Cherokee.In the second segment, Tom and Paul welcome Toyota’s Chad Moore to the program to discuss the completely redesigned 2023 Toyota Prius. Chad shared background information on the new Prius’s evolving mission in the U.S. Toyota lineup, and talked about when we should expect the Prime—the plug-in hybrid version of the Prius—in showrooms.Paul was subjected to this week’s quiz, and Tom talked about his recent brief conversation with the driver of an Amazon Rivian EDV electric delivery van.
Ice Driving Pointers, Best Car Movies
Jill and Tom opened the show by discussing a factual error in last week’s show. It was determined that the error was Tom’s. Jill shared a number of ice-driving tips, as reinforced for her by a visit to the Jaguar and Land Rover Ice Academy. Chicago radio host, film critic, and podcaster Nick Digilio joined Tom and Jill in-studio to talk about cars in movies. Nick shared his list of favorite/important car-inclusive films. Nick joined Jill for this week’s Quiz.
Hyundai Theft Fix, Social Challenges of the EV Movement
Jill and Tom opened the show by recapping Jill’s trip to Sweden to attend the Jaguar and Land Rover Ice Academy. They also discussed the relative equity remaining in the Nissan Maxima model name, and Hyundai’s fix for the rash of Hyundai and Kia vehicle thefts plaguing product owners. In the second segment Jill and Tom are joined by green entrepreneur and Green Sense Radio host Robert Colangelo. The in-depth conversation covered the value of EV incentives, as well as the potential for a class of Americans to be excluded from the EV movement. In the third segment Jill takes Tom’s “Is it Cheaper than a RAV4” quiz, and Tom talks about new posts on the CG Daily Drive blog, including a list of the five best-selling cars (not crossovers or pickup trucks) of 2022, and a review of the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer Series II featuring the all-new Hurricane 6-cylinder engine.
Hyundai EV Subscriptions, Testing EV-Vehicle Tires
Jill and Tom open the show by discussing Jill’s plans to return to the Rebelle Rally for the 2023 running of the event. The conversation turned to a brief recap of the Chicago Auto Show, and a breakdown of Hyundai’s new Evolve+ electric-vehicle subscription service, which allows consumers to live with an EV for a few months before committing a purchase or lease. Jill and Tom are joined in the second segment by Tire Rack Tire Information & Testing Manager TJ Campbell. TJ updated everyone on the Tire Rack’s EV-tire testing program, as well as the online retailer’s new mobile-installation service. Jill takes Tom’s luxury-car color quiz, and the cohosts wrap up the show talking about the newest posts at Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk, and the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog.
2024 Mazda CX-90, Car Shopping with Steve and Johnnie
Jill and Tom open the show by discussing automotive market segments in which they see potential growth. The soon-to-be revealed Toyota Grand Highlander enters the discussion. Jill shares what she leaned about the coming 2024 Mazda CX-90, which will replace the CX-9 as the large, 3-row crossover in the Japanese maker’s lineup. Chicago radio legends Steve King and Johnnie Putman join Jill and Tom in-studio to talk about their new Saturday-evening radio show, and their recent car-shopping experience. Steve and Johnnie stick around to join Jill for this week’s Car Stuff Power Quiz. Quiz topic: car radio.
Mustang Mach-E Price Cuts, Corvette E-Ray, Chicago Auto Show
Jill and Tom opened an action-packed show by talking about cars they like, but would not recommend to someone else. Jill and Tom go on to discuss recently announced price cuts for the electric Ford Mustang Mach-E, and compare the recently revealed Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray to the newly available Corvette ZO6. Jennifer Morand of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association joins the show to talk about the coming 2023 Chicago Auto Show, and how the pandemic changed how we think about auto shows in general. Jill takes Tom’s “Forty Grand” quiz, and demonstrates what she knows about Japanese-brand cigarettes.
2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy, Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization
Jill started the show talking about how no one would want to hear Tom talk about jazz. Jill talked about test driving the all-new 2023 Lexus RX, which she noted, is no longer available with a V6 engine. The conversation turned to the updated 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy, which both Jill and Tom agree is a legitimate luxury vehicle, despite the mainstream brand. Jill and Tom are joined in the second segment by the NRDC’s Britt Carmon, Senior Advocate for Vehicles and Fuels, Climate, and Clean Energy. Britt gave an overview of the NRDC’s clean-transportation efforts, and explained in detail the purpose and workings of the National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization. In the third segment, Jill takes Tom’s “Camry Time” quiz, and Jill and Tom talk about Jill’s new Toyota 4Runner video and Tom talked about his “What is a Kilowatt” blog post.
North American Car of the Year, Sony and Honda Hookup, Supply Chain Madness
After a three-month hiatus, Tom and Jill are back. Tom opened the show by surprising Jill with a question about minivans. Jill talked about participating in the 2022 Rebelle Rally, and brought us up to speed on the 2023 North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) winners. In the second segment Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions updated us on the state of the industry, supply-chain issues, and Tesla pricing. Sam also talked about his favorite harmonica act. Sam stuck around to battle Jill in this week’s Car Stuff Power Quiz, which included a bonus question regarding Denny’s Canadian menu. Jill briefly updated us on her provocative public-charging blog post, and Tom shared the details of his recently published “End of Jaguar” piece.
Electric Pickup Ownership Costs, California EV Mandate
Host Tom Appel and co-host Jill Ciminillo begin the show by discussing the coming high-performance Toyota GR Corolla and new manual-transmission Supra. Jill shared details of an article she wrote regarding the cost of ownership of an electric pickup truck versus a gasoline-powered pickup. Guest Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast solutions joined the show to share his insights into the newly-announced California EV mandates, the Inflation Reduction Act extension of federal EV incentives, and coming Porsche IPO. Sam sticks around for the quiz, which feature questions about the Dodge brand. Tom talked about new posts at the CG Daily Drive Blog, including a test drive of the electric Volvo C40 Recharge.
The American Motors Saga, 2023 Genesis G90
With co-host Jill Ciminillo out on assignment this week, host Tom Appel and co-host Damon Bell start the show by discussing their test-drive experiences in the revamped-for-2023 Genesis G90 luxury sedan and the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80. Joe Ligo, Producer/Director of "The Last Independent Automaker," a documentary series about American Motors Corporation, joins us to discuss his ambitious project and the history of AMC. Tom has a "3-cylinder, 4-cylinder, or 5-cylinder?" quiz for Damon, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a test-drive review of the 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive Sedan.
Ranking the Most American-Made Vehicles, Dodge New-Product Blitz
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing Dodge's "Speedweek" barrage of new-product announcements, including the Charger Daytona SRT electric-vehicle concept and the 2023 Dodge Hornet compact SUV. Cars.com Editor-in-Chief Jenni Newman joins us to talk about Cars.com's 2022 American-Made Index, a ranking of the most American-made vehicles sold in the U.S. Tom has a quiz on Rivian 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 2022 Kia EV6 GT-Line.
NASCAR Chicago Street Race, The Predictive Pickup Trucks of 1957
With host Tom Appel out on vacation this week, co-hosts Damon Bell and Jill Ciminillo start the show by discussing Ford's just-unveiled Bronco Heritage Edition models and the recently announced NASCAR Chicago Street Race, which is scheduled for next summer. Collectible Automobile magazine Editor-in-Chief John Biel joins us to chat about the great features in the October 2022 issue, including histories of the 1977-1979 full-size Chevrolets and the pickup trucks of 1957. Damon has a quiz on boxy subcompacts for Jill and John, and Damon also runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a test-drive review of the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X.
Hyundai EV Architecture, Federal EV Tax Credits Gone Crazy
With co-host Damon Bell out on vacation this week, host Tom Appel and co-host Jill Ciminillo start the show by discussing the federal government's extension of the electric-vehicle tax credit, as well as the pending discontinuation of the Nissan Maxima sedan. Paul Herrold, Chief Editor at Sons of Speed, joins us to talk about Hyundai's E-GMP electric-vehicle platform and the Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia EVs built upon it. Tom has a quiz for Jill and Paul, and Tom also runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a test-drive review of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain station wagon.
Generation Z Goes Car Shopping, 3 Quick Car Reviews
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing three recent test vehicles they've driven: the BMW M3 Competition, Kia Sportage Hybrid, and Infiniti QX60. Brendan Dougherty, Director of Modern Retail at the automotive retail technology company CDK Global, joins us to share some interesting insights about Generation Z car buyers. Tom has a quiz on Chevrolet 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 2022 Honda Civic Si sport-compact sedan.
Used-Car Sales Tricks in the 1960s, 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing the recently unveiled 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV--an all-electric crossover SUV that will be offered in numerous versions, including a 557-hp SS model. Frank Peiler, Publisher of Collectible Automobile magazine and Publisher Emeritus of Consumer Guide Automotive, joins us to share some eye-opening stories from his days selling used cars in the 1960s, and talk about the founding of Collectible Automobile magazine. Tom has a "French-market car or prescription drug?" 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 2023 Toyota bZ4X pure-electric crossover.
What Makes Electric-Vehicle Tires Different?, 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6
With co-host Jill Ciminillo out on assignment this week, host Tom Appel and co-host Damon Bell start the show by discussing Tom's unusual experience in a Mercedes-Benz EQS test vehicle, and Hyundai's recently unveiled Ioniq 6 pure-electric midsize sedan. TJ Campbell, Tire Information and Testing Manager at The Tire Rack, joins us to explain the unique characteristics of tires for electric vehicles. Tom has a "which is the better seller?" quiz for Damon, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a test-drive review of the redesigned-for-2022 Toyota Tundra (in top-line Capstone trim).
The Problems with Electric Pickups, Chevrolet Bolt Price Drop
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing the phaseout of federal EV tax credits for Toyota electrified vehicles, and Chevrolet's recently announced decision to drop the price on the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV and offer retroactive discounts to previous Bolt buyers. Tim Esterdahl, founder and publisher of Pickup Truck + SUV Talk, joins us to chat about the issues preventing pure-electric pickup trucks from broader adoption. Tom has a "which is heavier?" 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 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning pure-electric pickup.
Toyota Environmental Initiatives, JD Power Initial Quality Study
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing the results of the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study for 2022 . Kevin Butt, Senior Director for Environmental Sustainability for Toyota North America, joins us to talk about Toyota's various environmental and conservation initiatives both inside and outside the company. Tom has a "Volvo V90 Cross Country vs Annie Lennox" 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 2022 BMW M440i Gran Coupe.
Shopping During the Chip Shortage, Honda Sony Partnership
With co-host Jill Ciminillo out on assignment this week, host Tom Appel and co-host Damon Bell start the show by discussing Honda's recently announced joint venture with Sony to produce pure-electric vehicles and other mobility services. We also talk about the redesigned-for-2023 Honda HR-V, CR-V, and Pilot SUVs. Sam Fiorani, Vice President of Global Vehicle Forecasting for AutoForecast Solutions, joins us to give his insight on how car shoppers can navigate the current new-vehicle inventory crisis. Tom has a quiz on 1977-model-year cars for Damon, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a test-drive review of the redesigned-for-2022 Subaru WRX.
Boxy Luxury Lincolns, Cadillac Escalade V
With co-host Damon Bell out on vacation this week, host Tom Appel and co-host Jill Ciminillo start the show by discussing Jill's preview test-drive experiences with the new-for-2023 Escalade V--Cadillac's 682-hp, high-performance full-size luxury SUV. Collectible Automobile magazine Editor-in-Chief John Biel joins us to chat about the great features in the August 2022 issue, including the 1980-1984 Lincoln and a Photo Feature on a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Rally Sport convertible. Tom has a quiz for Jill and John, and Tom also runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including our quick-take test-drive impressions from a recent Road America press event and a test-drive review of the 2022 Audi Q5 Sportback.
Does Going Electric Fight Fascists?, 2023 Toyota Sequoia
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing Toyota's redesigned-for-2023 Sequoia full-size SUV. Max Baumhefner, Senior Attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council, joins us to talk about the NRDC's efforts to improve America's electric-vehicle infrastructure and get the country off foreign oil. Tom has a "fake trim levels" 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 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited.
Electrify America, Our Favorite New Vehicles
With co-host Jill Ciminillo out on assignment this week, host Tom Appel and co-host Damon Bell start the show by discussing the vehicles they drove at the 2022 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally, a journalist-only press event held annually at the Road America race course facility in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. Michael Buff, Senior Manager, Product and Programs at Electrify America, joins us to talk about Electrify America's EV charging systems. Tom has a quiz on auto-factory locations for Damon, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a First Look preview of the redesigned 2023 Lexus RX midsize SUV.
EV Public Charging Basics, 2023 Nissan Z
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing the redesigned-for-2023 Nissan Z sports car. Jonathan Levy, Chief Commercial Officer at EVgo, joins us to talk about EVgo's public fast-charging network for electric vehicles. Tom has a "disc brakes or drum brakes?" 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 2022 Chevrolet Equinox RS.
Toyota's Rumored 3-Row Crossovers, VW Plans To Revive the Scout as an EV
Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing Jill's plans to participate in the Rebelle Rally, a women-only off-road navigational competition, later this year. We also discuss Volkswagen's recently announced plans to revive the International Scout SUV as a pure-electric off-road vehicle. Robert Duffer, Senior Editor with The Car Connection, joins us to chat about Toyota's rumored plans to introduce Lexus TX and Toyota Grand Highlander 3-row crossovers, and his preview test-drive experience in Ford's new F-150 Lightning EV pickup. Tom has a "rules 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 2022 Jeep Wagoneer.
Lincoln Star Concept, Jeep-Exclusive Showrooms
With co-host Jill Ciminillo out on assignment this week, host Tom Appel and co-host Damon Bell start the show by discussing the Jeep brand's push to add more Jeep-only showrooms, and the Toyota Supra gaining an available manual transmission for 2023. John Jraiche, Lincoln's Global Director for Luxury Vehicles, joins us to talk about the recently unveiled Lincoln Star Concept, and what it means for the brand's EV future. Tom has a quiz on car colors for Damon, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a test-drive review of the 2022 Genesis GV70 3.5T.