Car Stuff Podcast cover art

Car Stuff Podcast

Car Stuff Podcast

By: Consumer Guide Automotive Tom Appel Jill Ciminillo
Listen for free

About this listen

Whether 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.

© 2025 Car Stuff Podcast
Economics
Episodes
  • Ram Sweetens Pot, Cadillac Optiq Review, Ranking the Most American Made Vehicles
    Jun 23 2025

    Jill and Tom opened up the show by clarifying a point made last week. Indeed, the only Mercedes-Benz wagon offered for sale in the U.S. is the “All-Terrain” variant of the midsize E-class. Tom noted similar wagon offering limitations in the Volvo, Audi, and BMW lineups.

    The hosts also chatted briefly about Ram’s extended powertrain warranty which takes effect for the 2026 model year. Listen in to hear how the new protection plan, combined with the newly available Hemi engine, might spark sales for the truck maker.

    Still in the fist segment, Jill reviews the Cadillac Optiq electric compact crossover.

    In the second segment Jill and Tom welcome Patrick Masterson of Cars.com. Patrick shared findings found in Cars 2025 American Made Index. Which vehicles are the “most American?” Listen in for details.

    In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Honda CR-V Hybrid or Not?” quiz. Jill wrapped up the show discussing an elderly acquaintance’s troubling dealership experience.

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Blazer EV Tweaks, Nissan Murano Review, China's Massive EV Machine
    Jun 16 2025

    Jill opened the show briefly recapping here recent travels. Jill’s been on the road training for the next edition of the Rebelle Rally, this time with a new driver/partner and new vehicle. Listen in for details.

    Tom shared details of a major industry merger, though most consumers won’t be affected. Still, it does involve Mercedes-Benz and Toyota.

    Tom shared news regarding the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV. One version goes away; one seriously high-performance variant is added to the lineup.

    Both hosts shared their takes on the all-new 2025 Nissan Murano midsize 2-row crossover. For the most part the new midsize crossover is an upgrade over the previous edition, though Jill has a specific complaint.

    In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by Patrick George of InsideEVs. Patrick recently spent a couple of weeks in China learning about the country’s EV products and market environment. Listen in for some fascinating insights regarding how the Chinese are succeeding at building and selling electric vehicles.

    In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Q1 Sales!” quiz.

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Hemi is Back, Cybercab Realities, Driving the Rolls-Royce Ghost
    Jun 9 2025

    Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Tom opened the show noting Ram’s decision to return the Hemi-brand V8 to the 1500 powertrain lineup. Ram had replaced the engine with a more powerful and efficient turbocharged six, but customers have rejected the new motor.

    Still in the first segment, Paul recaps his time in the 2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost II. Paul and Sons of Speed partner Brendan Appel share a video of their test drive of the ultra-luxury British sedan below.

    In the second segment Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions joins the show. Sam shared his insights into the new, Jeff Bezos-backed Slate Auto EV start-up. The new company is scheduled to have vehicles ready to sell by the end of 2026.

    Sam also shared his thoughts on the autonomous Tesla Cybercab. The 2-seat, driverless taxi—at least in concept form—has no steering wheel. Tesla plans to have Cybercabs operating in Austin, Texas in the near future.

    In the last segment, Paul is subjected to Tom’s “Dead or Alive for ‘25” quiz.

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
No reviews yet