Best Consumer Guide Automotive Tom Appel Jill Ciminillo Podcasts (2024)

1
Dealer Hacking Nightmare, New Camry, Off-Roading in Luxury 56:20

1d ago56:20

56:20

Jill and Tom are both in studio today. The hosts began the program discussing the week’s big news, a malicious attack on the network of CDK Global, a dealership-services company which provides critical software support for roughly half of the nation’s 30,000 new-car dealers. Down since last week, CDK has not, as of this recording, made public an es…

1
Chevy Equinox EV, History of American Motors, New Discontinued-Models List 54:09

9d ago54:09

54:09

Jill is back in studio this week, and recounted for Tom her recent travels and product evaluations. Tom went on to share what he has learned from a series of brief conversations with Amazon delivery drivers who have spent time with the Rivian EDV electric van; the feedback is interesting. Still in the first segment, the hosts discussed Jeep’s recen…

1
Renting an EV, Virginia Backs Down, Why the Charging Infrastructure Program is Moving so Slowly 52:42

16d ago52:42

52:42

Larry Nutson of The Auto Channel sits in for Jill this week. Larry and Tom opened the show discussing one of Tom’s random X/Twitter polls, which included the option of owning a Fisker ocean. Listen in for details. Among the many first-segment topics covered by the hosts, Larry talked about renting an electric vehicle, a process he found generally p…

1
Welcome Kia EV9, Long-Term Tesla Model Y, Why Dealers Haven't Embraced Electric Vehicles 53:58

23d ago53:58

53:58

In for Jill this week is long-time friend of the Show Damon Bell of Cars.com. Damon and Tom opened the show talking about Car.com's long-term Tesla Model Y, and its replacement in the Cars fleet, the all-new 3-row Kia EV9 electric crossover. While the Model Y was generally reliable, small glitches compromised its overall appeal to the Cars staff; l…

1
$10,000 Electric Vehicles, Genesis GV80, American Readiness to Buy Chinese Cars 55:47

1M ago55:47

55:47

Jill and Tom are both in studio this week. The conversation started with a brief acknowledgment of the IRS-approved federal mileage reimbursement rate. Is it still the same as the cost of a first-class stamp? The hosts went on to discuss the hyper-affordable Chinese-built BYD Seagull, a $10,000 electric car that could be on a journey to the America…

1
Volvo S90 Recharge, Defining A Super Car, Tesla Sales Slump 56:10

1M ago56:10

56:10

Jill is out this week driving electric Chevys. In her place are both Sons of Speed, Paul Herrold and Brendan Appel. The conversation opened with Tom noting Jill’s dismay regarding Chevy’s decision to drop Apple CarPlay connectivity from coming EV products. Brendan echoed Jill's sentiment, noting that the move would likely alienate a certain number …

1
New Subaru Forester, So Long Malibu, All About Nikola and Zero-Emissions Trucking 55:47

1M ago55:47

55:47

Jill and Tom opened this week’s show by bidding farewell to the Chevrolet Malibu. The long-running midsize model, available only as a sedan in recent years, is being discontinued by General Motors to make production space for an all-new Chevrolet Bolt EV. The hosts also expressed their confusion regarding Tesla’s recent dismissal of the company’s c…

1
Stellantis Chinese Hookup, $10,000 Electric Cars, Electric Police Vehicles 54:24

2M ago54:24

54:24

Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. The hosts opened the show talking about the Genesis G70 small sedan which Paul is currently evaluating. He is generally pleased with the vehicle, which is popularly considered an alternative to the BMW 3-Series. The hosts went on to discuss new—and needed—federal guidelines for Emergency…

1
Test Driving Tesla's FSD (Bonus Episode) 18:00

2M ago18:00

18:00

In this special crossover episode of the Car Stuff Podcast, Tom rides along with Robert Colangelo of the Green Sense Show to experience Tesla's much-discussed and controversially marketed Full Self Driving (FSD) hands-free driving system. Robert and Tom drive through occasionally heavy traffic on the ground streets near Chicago's Midway Airport. Li…

1
Nissan Versa Review, Twitter EV Range Poll, Best Family and Electrified Vehicles 53:33

2M ago53:33

53:33

Jill and Tom are in studio together this week. The hosts opened the show discussing a couple of polls Tom conducted on “X.” One poll asked folks to pick their favorite album for a long evening drive, while the other tested respondent’s willingness to pay for extra EV range. Still in the first segment, Jill shared her impressions of the very-afforda…

1
Using Telsa FSD, Driving the Tesla Model Y, Why Tesla is No Longer a Luxury Brand 56:51

2M ago56:51

56:51

Jill is back in studio this week. The hosts opened the show discussing hands-free driving systems, with Tom sharing impressions of both the Lincoln Blue Cruise 1.2 system found in the Nautilus he is evaluating this week, and the Tesla Full Self Driving (FSD) system as found in the Model Y small crossover. Tom also briefly reviewed the Tesla Model Y…

1
Off-Road in the Toyota Tacoma, GM is Moving, Why Electric Vehicles Need Special Tires 54:38

2M ago54:38

54:38

Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. The hosts covered a number of topics in the first segment, including the news that General Motors will be moving out of the Renaissance Center—which it has occupied since 1996—for a new building in Downtown Detroit. Brendan and Tom also discussed the origin of Alfa Romeo’s Verde Montrea…

1
Tesla Abandons $25,000 Model, Jill Drives the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Talking to the EVP of SUV Startup Ineos 53:46

3M ago53:46

53:46

Jill and Tom talked briefly about the eclipse that was taking place during the recording of this week’s episode. The conversation turned to the news that Tesla will not be producing the long-promised Model 2, a small electric vehicle with a base price of around $25,000. In other news, the hosts discussed the sudden decline in large pickup-truck sal…

1
Half-Price Fiskers, New York Auto Show Highlights, Never-Ending Auto Recalls 55:16

3M ago55:16

55:16

Jill and Tom opened the show discussing the Fisker Ocean fire sale designed to raise quick capital for the fledgling EV carmaker. Fisker has cut the price on most Ocean models by as much as 40 percent, in a desperate bid to raise cash. Listen in for more details. Tom let Jill know that—despite not having driven stick in more than a year—he has not …

1
Updated Ford Ranger, Redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe, and Traveling with Cats and Dogs 55:49

3M ago55:49

55:49

Jill and Tom opened a topic-packed show by acknowledging carmaker Fisker’s grim fiscal situation. The once-promising EV start-up has broken off collaboration talks with Nissan, and seems doomed to enter bankruptcy. The hosts then chatted briefly about Cupra, a spin-off of Volkswagen’s Spanish brand Seat. Talk is that the Cupra brand will come to th…

1
Fisker Halts Production, 2024 Lincoln Nautilus, Premium Car Audio Systems 54:39

3M ago54:39

54:39

Jill and Tom opened the episode by acknowledging that EV-startup Fisker is in dire financial straits, having recent halted production. In related EV news, the hosts discussed the announcement that Honda and Nissan are seeking avenues of cooperation to develop electric-vehicle technology, including platforms and software, but not final retail produc…

1
Rivian’s Big Surprise, Sons of Speed Hit the Track, Surprisingly High-Value Nissan Sentra 54:33

4M ago54:33

54:33

Tom and guest host Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed covered a number of topics this week. First, the hosts addressed the surprise Rivian reveal of not one, but two, small crossovers last week, both of which are scheduled to be built at the maker’s existing Illinois facility. Both will be much more affordable than Rivian’s current offerings. Also, …

1
Charging Fords at Tesla Stations, Honda Passport TrailSport Review, Driving the Aptera 3-Wheel Solar EV 54:25

4M ago54:25

54:25

In a topic-packed first segment, Jill and Tom opened the show discussing the potential alliance between Nissan and EV startup Fisker. The Hookup would allow Nissan to build and retail a version of the struggling EV startup’s coming Alaska midsize pickup. The hosts went on to discuss Ford’s successful alliance with Tesla. The Ford Mustang Mach-E cro…

1
Listeners' Favorite Model Names, 2025 Ram 1500 Deep Dive 54:13

4M ago54:13

54:13

Tom opened the show by surprising Jill with a bonus recording-day treat: Funyuns. After determining that there is, in fact, very little actual onion in Funyuns, Tom and Jill turned their attention to automotive matters. Tom read through a list of listener-submitted favorite model names, including picks from regular contributors, among them Damon Be…

1
Thoughts on the Cybertruck, Bargain EVs, Hyundai Ioniq 5 Review, Fun Model Names 54:10

4M ago54:10

54:10

Jill and Tom are both in-studio today. Tom opened the podcast by thanking the producers of the Chicago Auto Show for their special efforts to make the event accessible to Tom and his bum knee. Tom shared his thoughts on the show, including several vehicles on display, among them the Tesla Cyber Truck, the Cadillac Escalade IQ, and the GMC Hummer. J…

1
Ionna Saves Public Charging, Best of the Chicago Auto Show, The Future of Jeep 50:52

5M ago50:52

50:52

Packed episode today. Jill and Tom began with a brief Chicago Auto Show recap, news regarding Ionna—the multi-carmaker charging network created in response to the failure of public-charging companies including Electrify America—and Electrify America’s new indoor charging facility in San Francisco. Jill also reviewed the 2024 Lexus GX 550, the repla…

1
2024 Consumer Guide Best Buys 55:38

5M ago55:38

55:38

No guest this week as Jill and Tom run down the complete list of 2024 Consumer Guide Best Buy picks. The list includes 41 vehicles in 17 different categories. If you're thinking about buying a new car in the near future, this week's show is a must-listen-to episode. You can check out the entire 2024 Consumer Guide Best Buy list by clicking here.…

1
Chicago Auto Show Preview, Tesla Predictions, Best Cars for the Money 54:00

5M ago54:00

54:00

Jill and Tom opened the show talking about the all-new Lexus GX 550 luxury midsize SUV arriving in showrooms later this year. Also in the first segment the hosts welcome Jennifer Morand of the Chicago Auto Show. Jennifer gave an update on the Chicago Show, which opens February 10th. Tom wrapped up the segment sharing his Tesla predictions for 2024.…

1
Cadillac Lyriq Review, Top Auto Innovations, Chevrolet Trailblazer 57:34

5M ago57:34

57:34

Jill and Tom opened the show by welcoming new listeners. The last few episodes of the Car Stuff Podcast have been very popular. Tom expressed his disappointment that Jill had selected such a boring donut for today’s episode. The hosts had stopped by Morkes Chocolate in Palatine, IL, together for donuts prior to the show. Tom discussed briefly his e…

1
F-150 Tremor, Detroit Auto Show Moves Again, How EV Charging Station Locations are Chosen 54:40

5M ago54:40

54:40

Jill is in studio this week. Jill opened the show sharing some sad news. Her father died over the holiday break. You can read Jill’s tribute to her dad by clicking on the link in this week’s podcast update post on the Car Stuff Podcast Facebook Page. Tom, who is driving a Cummins-diesel-powered Ram pickup this week, noted that he had forgotten abou…

1
Stellantis Pulls Out of Auto Shows, Misleading DriveTime Ads, Genesis Brand Deep Dive 54:45

6M ago54:45

54:45

Guest host Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed and Tom opened the show talking about a couple of new “The Lap” videos now posted on WeAreMotorDriven.com. The hosts then chatted briefly about the 2024 North American Car of the Year winners, which were revealed last week. Tom shared his concerns regarding misleading commercials being run by online use…

1
Car of the Year Finalists, Best Cars of 2023, Surviving Very Long Drives 47:54

6M ago47:54

47:54

Jill and Tom opened the show by discussing the North American Car of the Year finalists, including the last-minute substitution of the Hyundai Kona for the Volvo EX30 in the Utility category. Listen in to find out why the switch. The hosts went on to list their favorite test vehicles of 2023, and their least favorite. There are a few surprises on t…

1
Big Recalls, Ford F-350 King Ranch, Recapping the Biggest Stories of 2023 51:02

6M ago51:02

51:02

Jill and Tom opened this holiday episode of the podcast by discussing how the residents of Skokie, Illinois, mount huge light-up menorahs on the roofs of their cars in celebration of Hanukkah. Tom vowed to do the same next season. The hosts went on to discuss a massive Honda/Acura recall, and the echoes of the giant Takata airbag recall which still…

1
Favorite Electric Pickups, 2024 Subaru Impreza RS, Cadillac’s EV Future 54:06

6M ago54:06

54:06

Tom opened the show with a correction, this regarding the history and current ownership of European car brand Vauxhall covered last week. The hosts went on to discuss a completely unscientific poll Tom conducted on Twitter regarding electric pickup trucks. Twitter users were asked to pick their favorite EV pickup from this list: Tesla Cybertruck, G…

1
Volvo and Starbucks Charging Network, Most Reliable Vehicles of 2023 53:49

7M ago53:49

53:49

Jill and Tom are both in studio today for another topic-packed show. Tom opened the episode acknowledging the installation of the first EV charging station under the provisions of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Act, signed into law in 2021. The first unit went live at a Flying J gas station in Ohio earlier this week. Jill and T…

1
EVgo Failure, Jeep Drops Model, Ram's Plug-in 1500 Ramcharger 54:11

7M ago54:11

54:11

Sons of Speed Publisher Paul Herrold sits in for Jill this week. Paul and Tom opened the show talking about the discontinued Fiat 500X and related Jeep Renegade small crossovers. Tom asked Paul if he thought Jeep’s recent sales decline came—at least in part—as a result of the brand’s small, too-conventional crossovers, such as the Renegade, Compass…

1
Public Charging Disaster, Hyundai and Amazon Deal 53:42

7M ago53:42

53:42

Jill and Tom opened the show discussing the best things they ate Thanksgiving Day. After a shoutout to a regular listener who would like the Car Stuff Podcast back on broadcast radio, the hosts turned their attention to Jill’s holiday-week experience attempting to travel to and from Chicago and Indianapolis in an electric vehicle. While the car per…

1
North American Car of the Year Finalists, Los Angeles Auto Show Recap, Donating Your Car to Charity 54:49

7M ago54:49

54:49

Jill and Tom crammed a lot into this episode of the Car Stuff Podcast. Tom noted that he’s eating better because his grad-school daughter is home this week. Jill and Tom also discussed Jill’s lack of interest in corn-based Thanksgiving dishes. Jill ran down this year’s North American Car of the Year finalists in the Car, Truck, and Utility categori…

1
Favorite Automotive Tech Features, Mustang Dark Horse, Dealership Hacking Risks 54:11

8M ago54:11

54:11

Jill and Tom opened the show examining Jill’s irrational dislike of filled donuts—even jelly filled. Tom stayed off topic for a moment, noting that Google was placing surprisingly racy ads on the Consumer Guide website, including one ad for something called, “Naughty Wedding Photos.” The hosts got serious and talked about a casual poll Tom conducte…

1
VinFast Regroups, Volvo EX30 is a Bargain, and EV Enthusiasts are a Complex Lot 55:21

8M ago55:21

55:21

Hosts Jill and Tom opened the show discussing an error on last week’s quiz. As it turns out, poutine is available at McDonald’s locations in Canada. Tom subsequently promoted his regular appearances on the Steve and Johnnie Show heard Saturday evenings on WGN Radio in Chicago. Tom is especially excited that he has been asked to select the bumper mu…

1
Silverado EV, UAW Strike, Electric Vehicle Demand 50:42

8M ago50:42

50:42

ill returns to the studio for a topic-packed episode. In the first segment Jill recounts for Tom the highpoints of her recent participation in the Rebelle Rally. Tom is impressed that Jill sustained no serious injuries. Jill also gave an update on the North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) voting process. NACTOY finalists should be announced durin…

1
Understanding the EV Supply Glut, The Care and Feeding of a Ford Model A 55:25

8M ago55:25

55:25

Bredan Appel of the Sons of Speed sat in for co-host Jill this week. Jill returns next episode. In the first segment Brendan talked about the redesigned 2024 Hyundai Kona, a video review for which will be shared shortly. Brendan and Tom went on to talk about the growing glut of unsold EVs in the U.S., and the impact of massive Tesla price cuts on E…

1
UAW Strike Update, Best and Worst Cars We've Owned, Genesis Connected Services 55:26

8M ago55:26

55:26

Jill is out this week; you can follow her progress at the 2023 Rebelle Rally by clicking on the link on our Facebook page. In studio for the entire show are Chicago late-night radio legends Steve King and Johnnie Putman. The show opened with Steve explaining the concept of “clear-channel” radio, and why WGN radio in Chicago is heard, at night, in a…

1
Lexus RC F on the Track, EV Startups and the Dealer Franchise System 53:28

9M ago53:28

53:28

Tom and guest-host Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed opened the show discussing the Lexus RC F, a V8-powered small coupe that Paul recently spent track time with. Paul noted that though the RC F has grown dated since its 2014 introduction, the car is very capable on the street and on the track. Listen to hear Paul’s complete review. Tom and Paul al…

1
Bargain Jeep Grand Cherokee, Future Car Features, Fake Car Colors 55:03

9M ago55:03

55:03

Jill and Tom opened a busy show by discussing ways that Tom might exploit Jill’s would-be celebrity to expand the popularity of the show. The hosts went on to review the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude, which both agreed feels like a pretty strong value. Jill and Tom opened the second segment by welcoming Robby Degraff of AutoPacific to the progr…

1
EV Charging Levels Basics (Bonus Episode) 9:52

9M ago9:52

9:52

In this ten-minute bonus episode, Jill and Tom break down the basics of electric-vehicle charging. The hosts discuss level-1 (wall-outlet), level-2 (home), and level-3 (public, DC) charging. Here's what you need to know before you start shopping for an electric vehicle. Remember to subscribe and to review the show wherever you download your podcast…

1
Jeep News, Kia EV9 Review, and the Folly of Ethanol 55:02

9M ago55:02

55:02

Jill and Tom opened the showing quickly covering a number of topics including the demise of the Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 engine, the addition of a lower-priced base model to the Jeep Wagoneer lineup, and Tom’s love/hate relationship with the newly updated 2024 Volkswagen Atlas midsize crossover. Jill reviewed the all-new Kia EV9 all-electric 3-row cr…

1
Detroit Auto Show, Hyundai Kona, Discontinued Models 55:17

9M ago55:17

55:17

Jill and Tom are joined this week by long-time cohost Damon Bell, who is currently serving as Senior Research Editor at Cars.com. Jill and Tom opened the show arguing about the two-screen dashboard found in the current Infiniti QX50 compact crossover. Jill finds the systems dated, while Tom saw the value in having a single screen dedicated to navig…

1
Loving the Nissan Ariya, Dealerships Embrace ChatGPT, Driving the Alfa Romeo Tonale 54:26

10M ago54:26

54:26

Jill and Tom opened the episode talking a little about the Detroit Auto Show which opens this week. The hosts will have complete coverage of the event next week. Tom complained a little about the Infiniti QX50 premium compact crossover. Though Tom generally likes the vehicle, he is annoyed that its much-promote high-tech VC-Turbo engine has not imb…

1
GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate, UAW Plays Hardball, Chinese Cars Go West 51:33

10M ago51:33

51:33

Jill and Tom are both in studio this week. Jill talked a little about why she’s been away from the show, including a quick summary of the vehicles she’s recently seen and her time preparing for this year’s Rebelle Rally. Jill talked about her test drive of the 2024 GMC Denali 2500 Ultimate, a super-premium trim-level addition to the maker’s pickup-…

1
Comeback of the Manual Transmission, All-New Lincoln Nautilus 52:50

10M ago52:50

52:50

Brendan Appel sits in for Jill this week, and discussed a pair of articles he wrote regarding the survival of the manual transmission. Brendan argues that carmakers have hastened the demise of stick shift by limiting availability and underestimating demand. Brendan notes the surprising popularity of stick shift on a number of new sporty offerings. …

1
Mustang GTD, Corvette Legacy and the Future of Chevy's Sports Car 53:58

10M ago53:58

53:58

Tom and guest co-host Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed open the show discussing the recently revealed Mustang GTD, an extreme performance version of Ford’s popular pony car. Brendan lamented the fact that, despite rumors to the contrary, the GTD is not a mid-engine car. The hosts went on to discuss an article just posted to the Consumer Guide Dai…

1
Goodbye Nissan Titan, Hello Hyundai Santa Fe, Accessorizing a Pickup Truck 54:16

11M ago54:16

54:16

This week Tim Esterdahl of Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk subs for Tom who is still under the weather. Jill and Tim open the show by discussing the demise of the Titan, Nissan’s ill-fated and slow-selling large pickup truck. The conversation extended to the likelihood of Toyota bringing a small pickup truck to the U.S. to compete with Ford’s popular Ma…

1
New Toyota Land Cruiser, Used EV Prices Plummet 53:31

11M ago53:31

53:31

Jill and guest cohost Nicole Wakelin, host of the Road Reflected podcast, opened the show talking about “sad snacks,” with Nicole arguing that most healthy and/or gluten-free treats aren’t worth the effort. Jill shared the news that industry colleague, and one-time Road America public-relations manager, Enrique Ramirez lost his battle with cancer. …

1
Lexus LS 500h, Corvette Crossover, and the Volvo EX30 54:23

11M ago54:23

54:23

Sitting in again for Jill is Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed. Jill returns next week. Paul and Tom began the show correcting mistakes made last week. Both hosts were guilty of misstatements which have been begrudgingly corrected. Tom followed up on last week’s podcast, which included an interview with Don Drucker of Chicago’s famous Superdawg Dri…

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Consumer Guide Automotive Tom Appel Jill Ciminillo Podcasts

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