Shows
Car Stuff PodcastBoxy Luxury Lincolns, Cadillac Escalade VWith 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...
2022-06-1753 minCar Stuff PodcastToyota's Rumored 3-Row Crossovers, VW Plans To Revive the Scout as an EVHost 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, a...
2022-05-1354 minCar Stuff PodcastFood Truck Fundamentals, GMC Hummer EVHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the outrageous new GMC Hummer EV pure-electric pickup truck, and Jill's first-drive experience with it. Geri Hernandez, co-founder and CEO of Savory Crust Gourmet Empanadas, joins us to talk about owning and operating a food truck. Tom has a "Queen Elizabeth or Jaguar" 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-2022 Infiniti QX60. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com...
2022-04-0854 minCar Stuff PodcastThe Year in EVs, Road Trip RidesHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell open the show with a chat about their test vehicles for their respective holiday road trips: the Audi Q5 Sportback, Subaru Outback Wilderness, and the new-for-2022 Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid. John Voelcker, former Editor-in-Chief of greencarreports.com and current contributing editor to Car and Driver, joins the show to give us his take on the electric-vehicle news of 2021, and the state of the EV market moving forward. Tom has a true-or-false quiz on the Dodge Challenger and the state of Wisconsin for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs...
2021-12-3154 minCar Stuff Podcast2021 Year in Review; 2022 Subaru WRXHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the redesigned-for-2022 Subaru WRX. Sam Fiorani, Vice President of Global Vehicle Forecasting for AutoForecast Solutions, joins us to give his insight on the auto-industry trends of 2021 and discuss the most significant vehicle introductions of the year. Tom has a "which came first?" 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-for2022 Genesis GV70 premium compact SUV. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.ad...
2021-12-2454 minCar Stuff PodcastCatalytic Converter Thefts, Hyundai Ioniq 5Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing the new-for-2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5. Mike DesMarais, Field Operations Specialist for Midas, joins us to talk about the recent rise in catalytic-converter thefts and how you can protect yourself. Tom has a "Hyundai Venue or Rolls-Royce Phantom?" 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-2022 Mitsubishi Outlander compact SUV. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and...
2021-12-1754 minCar Stuff PodcastNew Car Reliability, Hyundai N ModelsHost Tom Appel and co-host Jill Ciminillo start the show by discussing Hyundai’s new-for-2022 "N" performance versions of the Elantra compact sedan and Kona subcompact crossover SUV. Jill also shares her test-drive impressions of the hydrogen/fuel-cell Toyota Mirai sedan. Jake Fisher, Senior Director of Auto Testing at Consumer Reports, joins us to talk about Consumer Reports' latest new-vehicle reliability ratings. Our conversation covers issues with electrified vehicles, as well as CVT and dual-clutch transmissions. With co-host Damon Bell out on vacation, Jill is the solo participant for this week’s car quiz, and Tom shares the latest conte...
2021-11-2554 minCar Stuff PodcastCars.com's Guide for the EV Curious, 2022 Mazda MX-30Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing their test-drive experiences with Mazda's first pure-electric vehicle--the new-for-2022 MX-30. Cars.com Executive Editor Joe Wiesenfelder joins us to talk about Cars.com's "Guide for the EV Curious"--an excellent primer on electric vehicles. Tom has a tricky quiz for Damon and Jill on the debut model years of semi-recent vehicles, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a test-drive review of the redesigned-for-2022 Nissan Frontier pickup truck. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company...
2021-11-1253 minCar Stuff PodcastLos Angeles Auto Show, EV Engine SwapsHost 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 v...
2021-11-0553 minCar Stuff PodcastFlood-Damaged Cars, 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06Host 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz c...
2021-10-2953 minCar Stuff PodcastChevrolet Vs Ford in the Forties, Our Favorite New-For-2022 VehiclesHost 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 D...
2021-10-2253 minCar Stuff PodcastLucid and Rivian Reach Production, 2022 Lexus NXHost 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. Hosted by S...
2021-10-0854 minCar Stuff PodcastEnd of Internal-Combustion Engines, New Wave of Off-Road-Ready SUVsHost 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.
2021-10-0153 minCar Stuff Podcast2022 Kia EV6, 2022 Toyota Tundra, 2022 Ford ExpeditionHost 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.co...
2021-09-2454 minCar Stuff PodcastLong-Term EV Battery Health, Most-Impressive Vehicles of 2021Host 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...
2021-09-1754 minCar Stuff PodcastFord Production Woes, 2022 Toyota Corolla CrossHost 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...
2021-09-0954 minCar Stuff PodcastBest Cars for Teens, Chevy Bolt FiresHost 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...
2021-09-0354 minCar Stuff PodcastKey-Cloning Car Thefts, Jaguar To Become All-EV BrandHost 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. Ho...
2021-08-2753 minCar Stuff PodcastPediatric Heat Stroke Prevention, Car Stuff Dead PoolHost 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...
2021-08-2054 minCar Stuff PodcastLow-Cost Luxury Cars of 1966, Favorite New-Car FeaturesHost 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...
2021-08-1352 minCar Stuff PodcastIs Your Car's Fuel Gauge Accurate?, So Long NSX and AvalonHost 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 b...
2021-08-0553 minCar Stuff PodcastRanking the Most American-Made Vehicles, Used Car PricesHost 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...
2021-07-3052 minCar Stuff PodcastF-150 Lightning Overview, So Long VW PassatHost 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz c...
2021-07-2353 minCar Stuff PodcastChicago Auto Show Highlights, Stellantis EV DayHost 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our...
2021-07-1653 minCar Stuff PodcastMustang versus Mach-E, Minivan Road TripsHost 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...
2021-07-0953 minCar Stuff PodcastEV-Startup Reality Check, Underrated CarsHost 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...
2021-07-0253 minCar Stuff PodcastJeep Wrangler 4xe Plug-In Hybrid, 2022 Infiniti QX60Host 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm...
2021-06-2553 minCar Stuff PodcastReshoring American Jobs, 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee LHost 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm...
2021-06-1853 minCar Stuff Podcast2022 Ford Maverick; Volkswagen ID.4Host 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. Hosted by Simplecast...
2021-06-1153 minCar Stuff PodcastCars and Cartoons, RIP Mazda 6 and CX-3Host 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an Ad...
2021-05-2853 minCar Stuff PodcastMazda 3 and CX-30 2.5 Turbo, Traffic Pet PeevesHost 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...
2021-05-1453 minCar Stuff PodcastRemembering the AMC Eagle, 2021 Chicago Auto Show Is a Go!Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start things off by discussing the Chicago Auto Show's recently announced 2021 "Special Edition" show, scheduled for July 15-19 as a scaled-down indoor/outdoor event. The gang also chats about a couple of their Chicagoland-traffic pet peeves. Collectible Automobile magazine Editor-in-Chief John Biel joins us to chat about the great features in the June 2021 issue, including detailed histories of the 1981-83 AMC Eagle and 1958-68 Mercury Park Lane. Tom has another "which came first?" quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide D...
2021-05-0753 minCar Stuff PodcastMitsubishi U.S. Plans, Jeep Wrangler 4xeHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing Jeep's Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid and the muscular Wrangler Rubicon 392--both new models for 2021. Jeremy Barnes, Senior Director of Communications and Events for Mitsubishi Motors North America, joins us to talk about the Mitsubishi brand in the U.S. and the redesigned-for-2022 Outlander SUV. Tom has a "which came first?" quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a walk-around photo gallery of the 2021 Ford Bronco. Hosted by Simplecast...
2021-04-3053 minCar Stuff PodcastHyundai Performance, Ford Bronco DealershipsHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing the stand-alone Ford Bronco showrooms that some Ford dealers are planning to build as production of the all-new 2021 Bronco and Bronco Sport ramps up. Mike Evanoff, Manager of Product Planning for Hyundai Motor America, joins us to talk about Hyundai's performance-oriented N and N-Line vehicles. Tom has a quiz on the full 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 First Spin test-drive review of the 2022 Hyundai Tucson.
2021-04-2352 minCar Stuff PodcastCreating Car Colors, 2022 Hyundai Santa CruzHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the recently unveiled 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz--a genre-bending compact SUV/pickup "Sport Adventure Vehicle" that is slated to go on sale this summer. La Shirl Turner, Director of the Advanced Color and Materials Design Studio at Stellantis, joins us to discuss how she and her team develop paint colors and interior trim for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles. Damon has a Mopar car-color quiz for Tom and Jill, and Tom runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including...
2021-04-1653 minCar Stuff PodcastHow COVID-19 Changed Car Buyers, EV Sales UptickHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the upcoming GMC Hummer SUV and pure-electric Chevrolet Silverado, as well as the uptick in EV sales. Cars.com Editor-in-Chief Jenni Newman joins us to talk about the effect COVID-19 has had on car shoppers, based on Cars.com's internal data and survey results. Tom has a "sales-per-dealer" 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 Hyundai Elantra SEL and a gallery of currently available...
2021-04-0954 minCar Stuff PodcastElectrify America HomeStation Charger, 2021 Ford Bronco SportHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the their test-drive experiences with the new-for-2021 Ford Bronco Sport. Nina Huesgen, Senior Manager for the Electrify Home and eCommerce business units at Electrify America, joins us to talk about electric-vehicle charging and Electrify America's new HomeStation residential EV charger. Tom has a tricky "which vehicle has a higher horsepower rating?" 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 Ford F-150 PowerBoost hybrid and a...
2021-04-0254 minCar Stuff Podcast2022 Nissan Frontier, Microchip ShortageHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the worldwide microchip shortage, and how the auto industry is being affected by it. Randy Dale, Senior Manager, Product and Advanced Planning at Nissan, joins us to discuss the redesigned-for-2022 Nissan Frontier midsize pickup. Tom has a "name 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 First Spin review of the new-for2022 Infiniti QX55 compact SUV and a look back at the funky American Motors AM...
2021-03-2652 minCar Stuff PodcastCarjacking Epidemic, Ford Mustang Mach-EHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing their test-drive experiences in the pure-electric 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. 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 "which vehicle is longer?" quiz on current-model vehicles 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 refreshed-for-2021 Lincoln Nautilus midsize SUV. Hosted by Simplecast, an Ad...
2021-03-1953 minCar Stuff PodcastNew-Car Infotainment Trends; 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand WagoneerHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the recently unveiled 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer large SUVs. Robby DeGraff, Industry Analyst with AutoPacific, joins us to talk about the rapidly evolving world of new-vehicle connectivity and infotainment systems. Tom has a quiz on the home countries of foreign automotive brands 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 Chevrolet Suburban High Country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.co...
2021-03-1255 minCar Stuff PodcastToyota Hybrid Strategy, 2022 Kia CarnivalHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the recently unveiled 2022 Kia Carnival "Multi-Purpose Vehicle" (don't call it a minivan). Anthony Novak, Toyota Brand and Growth Audiences Marketing Manager, joins us to talk about Toyota's marketing strategies and the expanding role of hybrids in the brand's model lineup. Tom has a "where is it made?" quiz on new vehicles 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 Land Rover Defender 110 SUV. Ho...
2021-03-0552 minCar Stuff PodcastV8s Aren't Dead Yet; J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability StudyHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the passing of dune-buggy pioneer Bruce Meyers and the results of J.D. Power's most recent vehicle-reliability survey. Paul Strauss, publisher of the popular websites The Awesomer, Technabob, and the auto-themed 95octane, joins us to talk about the latest batch of brawny V8-powered vehicles--the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, Land Rover Defender V8, and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. We also discuss the effect Tiger Woods' recent crash in a Genesis GV80 might have on the Genesis brand. Tom has a quiz on vehicle m...
2021-02-2653 minCar Stuff PodcastLincoln Continental Mark VI, 2022 Mitsubishi OutlanderHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing the recently unveiled 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander compact SUV. Collectible Automobile magazine Editor-in-Chief John Biel joins us to chat about the great features in the April 2021 issue, including detailed histories of the 1980-83 Lincoln Continental Mark VI and 1970-76 Porsche 914. Tom has a "who owns what" quiz on automotive brands for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a First Look report on the redesigned 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and its new SUV-like sibling, the B...
2021-02-1953 minCar Stuff Podcast2021 Kia Sorento, 2021 Ford F-150 RaptorHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing the recently unveiled 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor pickup and the forthcoming Raptor R. Mark Savino, Kia Product Strategy Manager, joins us to talk about the redesigned-for-2021 Kia Sorento 3-row midsize SUV. Tom has another "buzzer-style" name-that-vehicle quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a First Spin test-drive review of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo and a Review Flashback of the Hummer H2. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.ad...
2021-02-1254 minCar Stuff PodcastNew-Car Affordability, 2022 Nissan Pathfinder and FrontierHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing the recent unveiling of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder midsize SUV and 2022 Nissan Frontier midsize pickup. Todd Lassa, veteran automotive journalist and founding editor of The Hustings (thehustings.news), joins us to talk about some current auto-industry trends and fill us in on The Hustings--a news website that is designed to deliver straight news and non-partisan political analysis, with liberal and conservative commentary all on one page. Tom has a "buzzer-style" name-that-vehicle quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Co...
2021-02-0553 minCar Stuff PodcastInfiniti QX55, Nissan Xterra Revival?Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing the recent reports of Nissan dealers asking Nissan to bring back its off-road-ready Xterra SUV. We also talk about the discontinuation of Kia's Cadenza large sedan and K900 flagship luxury sedan for the 2021 model year. Jeff Pope, Group Vice President, Infiniti Americas, joins us to talk about the new-for-2021 Infiniti QX55 crossover SUV, and the Infiniti brand in general. Tom has a tricky fuel-economy quiz for Damon and Jill--complete with a bonus question about mushroom varieties--and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Co...
2021-01-2952 minCar Stuff Podcast2020 Auto Sales Analysis, 2021 Industry ForecastHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the auto industry's sales results for the 2020 calendar year, and examining a few of the winners and losers. Sam Fiorani, Vice President of Global Vehicle Forecasting for AutoForecast Solutions, joins us to delve deeper into the year that was, and talk about what industry trends are on the horizon for 2021. Tom has a sales-results 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 all-new 2021 Kia Sorento.
2021-01-2254 minCar Stuff PodcastNissan Z History and Future, 2021 NACOTY Award WinnersHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the recently announced winners of the 2021 North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year awards. Jonathan Buhler, Communications Manager for Sports Cars and Sedans for Nissan USA, joins us to talk about the North American Nissan Heritage Collection and the past, present, and future of the Nissan Z sports car. Tom has a quiz for Damon and Jill on the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including test-drive reviews of the 2021 C...
2021-01-1552 minCar Stuff PodcastNew-Car Reliability, GM/Honda EV PartnershipHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing the newly reported details of the General Motors/Honda electric-vehicle partnership. Jake Fisher, Senior Director of Auto Testing for Consumer Reports, joins us to talk about new-car reliability and CR's testing processes. Tom has a tricky quiz for Damon and Jill on 2011-model-year vehicles, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including test-drive reviews of the freshened-for-2021 Nissan Kicks and 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com f...
2021-01-0853 minCar Stuff PodcastChristmas Wish Lists, Elon Musk Offers Tesla to AppleHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing Elon Musk's recent tweet about his attempt to sell Tesla to Apple three years ago, and the reports of Apple's current plans to enter the autonomous electric-vehicle market. Instead of a guest this week, we share our automotive Christmas wish lists--vehicles we wish automakers would build (or start building again). Tom has a quiz for Damon and Jill on fake trim-level names, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including test-drive reviews of the Chevrolet C8 C...
2020-12-2552 minCar Stuff Podcast2021 Chicago Auto Show, 2021 Kia K5Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing their test-drive experiences with Kia's new-for-2021 K5 midsize sedan. Mark Bilek, Senior Director of Communications and Technology for the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, joins us to talk about the outlook for the 2021 Chicago Auto Show. Tom has a tricky quiz for Damon and Jill on new-vehicle base prices, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a test-drive review of the redesigned-for-2021 Acura TLX and a look back at the 2006 Subaru Baja. Hosted b...
2020-12-1853 minCar Stuff PodcastRam TRX, 2021 Auto Show OutlookHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing the outlook for the first auto shows of 2021, and Acura's redesigned-for-2022 MDX midsize SUV . Carl Lally, Senior Brand Manager for the Ram 1500 pickup lineup, joins us to talk about the wild new TRX high-performance model. Tom has a quiz for Damon and Jill on fake model names, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a test-drive review of the 603-hp Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S midsize SUV. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. S...
2020-12-1153 minCar Stuff PodcastCarfax Vehicle History Reports; Hyundai Future EVsHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing Hyundai's new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) for battery electric vehicles. Patrick Olsen, Executive Editor at Carfax, joins us to talk about the ins and outs of Carfax Vehicle History Reports. Tom has a quiz for Damon and Jill on the entry-level engines in current vehicles, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including test-drive reviews of the 2020 Kia Forte GT and 2021 Toyota Corolla SE Apex Edition. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See p...
2020-12-0455 minCar Stuff PodcastF-150 Hybrid; 2022 Honda CivicHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing four just-unveiled new vehicles: the 2022 Honda Civic Prototype, 2022 Infiniti QX55, 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, and 2022 Subaru BRZ. Brian Bell, Marketing Manager for the Ford F-150, joins us to talk about the all-new 2021 F-150 . Tom has a quiz for Damon and Jill on important auto-industry dates, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including our Consumer Guide First Spin review of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra compact sedan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.c...
2020-11-1654 minCar Stuff PodcastRolls-Royce Motor Cars; 2022 Hyundai TucsonHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing the radically redesigned 2022 Hyundai Tucson compact SUV. Harvey Briggs, Editor and Publisher of Rides & Drives (ridesanddrives.com), joins us to talk about his brand-new book--Rolls-Royce Motor Cars: Making a Legend. Tom has a tricky quiz for Damon and Jill on vehicle-name spelling and punctuation, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a road-test review of the 2020 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com fo...
2020-11-1352 minCar Stuff PodcastThe Cars of 1960, 2021 Lexus ISHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing their test-drive experiences in the refreshed-for-2021 Lexus IS compact sport sedan, and Damon's recent appearance on the Cars Yeah podcast. Collectible Automobile magazine Editor-in-Chief John Biel joins us to chat about the great features in the December 2020 issue, including a profile on the novel 1941 Studebaker Champion Coupe Delivery and an overview of the cars of 1960. Tom has a quiz for Damon and Jill on the 0-60-mph times of current vehicles, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily D...
2020-11-0652 minCar Stuff PodcastCalifornia EV Mandate; 2021 Toyota SiennaHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing Toyota's all-new, hybrid-only 2021 Sienna minivan, which is set to go on sale soon. Ed Kim, Vice President, Industry Analysis at AutoPacific, joins us for a talk about California's recently announced electric-vehicle mandate for 2035. Tom has a quiz on tires for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including our Consumer Guide First Spin reviews of the redesigned Sienna and the outrageous new Ram 1500 TRX off-road pickup. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company...
2020-10-2953 minCar Stuff PodcastKarma Automotive; 2022 GMC Hummer EVHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing the recent unveiling of the genre-bending, new-for-2022 GMC Hummer EV truck. Joost De Vries, VP of Global Sales and Customer Experience for Karma Automotive, joins us for a talk about how the company started and where it hopes to go in the future. Tom has a surprisingly tricky "When was it introduced?" quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including our first-drive review of the redesigned-for-2021 Cadillac Escalade full-size luxury SUV.
2020-10-2253 minCar Stuff Podcast2021 Toyota Venza, 2022 Volkswagen TaosHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing Volkswagen's recent unveiling of its new-for-2022 Taos compact crossover SUV. Ash Hack, Manager, Vehicle Marketing and Communications for Toyota Motor North America, joins us for a talk about the revived-for-2021 Toyota Venza midsize SUV. Tom has a Toyota-themed 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 incredible 2020 BMW M8 Competition Convertible. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about...
2020-10-1653 minCar Stuff PodcastLEGO Cars, 2021 Nissan RogueHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by talking about Jaguar's recent decision to discontinue its XE compact sedan and the station-wagon version of its XF midsize car, before moving on to Damon's press-preview test drive of the redesigned-for-2021 Nissan Rogue. Freelance auto writer Cherise Threewitt joins us for a fun chat about her informative article on LEGO's various automotive building sets, and the design processes that bring them to market. Tom has a tricky quiz on wheelbases (yes, wheelbases) for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the...
2020-10-0953 minCar Stuff PodcastBuying Tires Online, C8 Corvette ReviewHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by sharing their test-drive impressions of the Chevrolet C8 Corvette. Matt Edmonds, Executive Vice President at The Tire Rack, joins us for a talk about buying tires online, what to look for when tire shopping, and The Tire Rack's extensive tire-testing processes. Tom has a groan-worthy quiz on car/movie-title puns for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a Consumer Guide review flashback on the 1974 Dodge Monaco. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz...
2020-10-0254 minCar Stuff Podcast2021 Chicago Auto Show, 2021 GMC YukonHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show with our test-drive review of the redesigned-for-2021 GMC Yukon--specifically, the top-of-the-line Denali model. Dave Sloan, President of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and General Manager of the Chicago Auto Show, calls in to give us the scoop on the 2021 Chicago Auto Show and the 2020 USO Barbecue for the Troops fundraising events. Tom has a Chicago Auto Show-themed quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a look at the foreign-market Lexus LM luxury minivan.
2020-09-2553 minCar Stuff PodcastHyundai's EV Expansion, Nissan Z ProtoHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by talking about Nissan's just-unveiled Z Proto concept vehicle, which heralds the forthcoming introduction of a new-generation production Z sports car. Yuval Steiman, Director of Product Strategy for Hyundai Motor America, joins us to fill us in on the details of Hyundai's IONIQ electric-vehicle sub-brand. Tom has a base-prices 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.ad...
2020-09-1853 minCar Stuff PodcastGM and Nikola, Road America AttractionsHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by talking about General Motors' plan to team up with upstart automaker Nikola to build the Nikola Badger electric pickup truck. We also discuss Cadillac Live, an online showroom that provides personal guided tours of Cadillac's current products. Enrique Ramirez, Director of Business Services at the famous Road America race course in Elkhart Lake, Wiconsin, joins us to talk about a few of the many attractions the Road America facility has to offer--even if you're not a racing fan. Tom has a "who made it?" quiz...
2020-09-1152 minCar Stuff PodcastGM/Honda Partnership, Jeep Grand WagoneerHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show by discussing Jeep's revival of its Grand Wagoneer name on an all-new premium large SUV. Sam Fiorani, Vice President of Global Vehicle Forecasting for AutoForecast Solutions, joins us to talk about the GM and Honda's recently announced partnership, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer concept vehicle, and the proper way to make a PB&J sandwich. Tom has a "front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive" quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a review flashback on...
2020-09-0451 minCar Stuff PodcastPontiac's Screaming Chicken, 2021 Ram 1500 TRXHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing the recent unveiling of the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX, a ultra-performance off-road pickup truck with a 702-hp supercharged Hemi V8 engine. Collectible Automobile magazine Editor-in-Chief John Biel joins us to chat about the great features in the October 2020 issue, including a profile on GM designer John Schinella (one of the creators of the Pontiac Trans Am "screaming chicken" hood graphic) and an overview of the dashboards of the 1930s. Tom has a quiz for Damon and Jill on optional-equipment prices, and Damon runs down the...
2020-08-2853 minCar Stuff PodcastPickup-Truck Reliability, Hyundai's IONIQ EV BrandHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing Hyundai's launch of IONIQ, its dedicated EV brand. We also discuss our test-drive experiences with the new-for-2020 Cadillac CT4 compact sport sedan. Tim Esterdahl, founder and executive editor of Pickup Truck + SUV Talk, joins us to chat about vehicle reliability and innovative features. Tom has a quiz for Damon and Jill on various pickup-truck facts, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a test-drive review of the 2021 Toyota Venza. Hosted by Simplecast, an...
2020-08-2153 minCar Stuff Podcast2020 Buick Encore GX, Cadillac Super Cruise SubscriptionsHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by talking about Cadillac being on the cusp of charging a subscription fee for its Super Cruise hands-free-driving system. We also discuss Ford Motor Company's recently announced CEO switch, as Jim Farley steps in to take the the reins from Jim Hackett. Buick Marketing Manager Rob Peterson, joins us to talk about the 2020 Buick Encore GX subcompact SUV, and Buick's transition to an all-SUV lineup. Tom has a quiz for Damon and Jill on average-transaction prices, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the C...
2020-08-1453 minCar Stuff Podcast2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave, Safe Vehicles for TeensHost Tom Appel and co-host Jill Ciminillo (Damon Bell is out this week) start off the show by discussing Consumer Reports' and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's list of safe and reliable vehicles for teenage drivers. We also share our test-drive experiences with the relaunched-for-2021 Toyota Venza midsize SUV, which now comes exclusively as a hybrid. Pete Milo, Chief Engineer of the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, joins us to talk about the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave and Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. Tom has a quiz for Jill on the best-selling vehicles by state, and also runs down the latest articles...
2020-08-0753 minCar Stuff PodcastCars.com American-Made Index, 2021 Lexus LC 500 ConvertibleHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing Mercedes-Benz's reported plans to drop seven of its car models. We also share our test-drive experiences with Lexus's new-for-2021 LC 500 Convertible. Kelsey Mays, Senior Consumer Affairs Editor at Cars.com, joins us to talk about Cars.com's 2020 American-Made Index, a ranking of the most American-made vehicles sold in the U.S. Tom has a quiz for Damon and Jill on option prices, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a test-drive review of the Mercedes-Benz...
2020-07-3153 minCar Stuff PodcastBuying a Car During COVID-19, Discontinued Honda ModelsHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing Honda's discontinuation of its Fit subcompact hatchback, Civic coupe, and the manual transmission in the Accord. We also share our test-drive experiences with the "last of a breed" 2020 Volkswagen Golf TSI. Bill Haggerty, Chairman of the Chicago Auto Show, joins us to talk about buying a car in the COVID-19 era, and why now is a good time to take your vehicle in for any necessary recall repairs. Tom has a quiz for Damon and Jill on "short-timer" vehicles, and Damon runs down...
2020-07-2453 minCar Stuff PodcastSummer Road-Trip Tips, 2020 Ford BroncoWith host Tom Appel off this week, co-hosts Damon Bell and Jill Ciminillo start off the show by discussing the highly anticipated and long-awaited reveal of the 2021 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport. Jeanette Casselano, Director of External Communications for the American Automobile Association (AAA), joins us to talk about AAA's summer-travel forecast report, how to get your vehicle ready for a road trip, and how to travel safely during the pandemic. Damon and Jill discuss their test-drive experiences in the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Prius Prime plug-in hybrids, and also discuss Nissan's unveiling of its first pure-electric crossover SUV...
2020-07-1753 minCar Stuff PodcastUsed Car Sales Recovery, 2021 Kia K5Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing Kia's recently revealed 2021 K5 midsize sedan, and Mazda's updates to the Mazda 3 compact sedan and hatchback for 2021. Julie Blackley, Communications Manager for iSeeCars.com, joins us to talk about iSeeCars's recent analysis of used-car sales in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, and the interesting data points the study revealed. Tom has a quiz for Damon and Jill on vehicle and feature names, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog, including a test-drive review of the 2020...
2020-07-1053 minCar Stuff PodcastCars of 1940, 2021 Ford F-150Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start off the show by discussing Ford's recent unveiling of the redesigned 2021 F-150 pickup and the truck's many new features. Next, we talk about our test-drive experiences with the 2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia. Collectible Automobile magazine Editor-in-Chief John Biel joins us to chat about the great features in the August 2020 issue, including an overview of the cars of 1940 and a retrospective on the 1978-80 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Tom has a quiz for Damon and Jill on unusual vehicle co-branding tie-ins, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer...
2020-07-0351 minCar Stuff PodcastJD Power Initial Quality Rankings, 2020 Cadillac XT6 Road TripHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing JD Power's recently announced results of its Initial Quality Study, as well as Mitsubishi's plans to scale back its presence in "megamarkets" including the United States. Larry Nutson, Executive Producer and Chicago Bureau Chief at The Auto Channel, joins us to talk about his summer road trip in the 2020 Cadillac XT6 Sport. Tom has another quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a road-test review of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.
2020-06-2652 minCar Stuff PodcastCadillac Super Cruise Enhancements, 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross SportHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing the just-revealed 2021 Lexus IS and Nissan Rogue. Next, we talk about Volkswagen's new-for-2020 Atlas Cross Sport SUV. Jeff Miller, Super Cruise Program Engineering Manager at General Motors, calls in to fill us in on Cadillac's latest enhancements to its Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system. Tom has a "who owns what?" quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a look at an all-but-forgotten hot-rodded minivan: the 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette OSV concept vehicle.
2020-06-1953 minCar Stuff PodcastMecum Auctions, 2020 Mini Cooper SEHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing Acura's redesigned-for 2021 TLX midsize sedan. Next, we talk about Mini's newest foray into pure-electric vehicles: the 2020 Mini Cooper SE. John Kraman, Lead TV Commentator/Analyst for Mecum Auctions, calls in to give us the scoop on Mecum's upcoming events, trends in the collector-vehicle market, and how Mecum is adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tom has a Jaguar-themed quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a gallery of Mercury Cougar Bostonian Editions.
2020-06-1252 minCar Stuff PodcastSelf-Driving Cars, 2020 BMW 8-SeriesHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing Nissan's plans to revamp its Infiniti luxury division as part of the company's broader restructuring process. Next, we talk about our test-drive experiences with BMW's 8-Series family of cars. Kelsey Mays, Senior Consumer Affairs Editor at Cars.com, calls in to discuss the current state of self-driving vehicles and the semi-autonomous technologies available on 2020-model-year vehicles. Tom has an Infiniti-themed quiz for Damon and Jill, and Damon runs down the latest articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog--including a overview of the vehicles...
2020-06-0553 minCar Stuff PodcastBecoming a Mechanic, 2020 Jeep Compass TrailhawkHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell start the show by discussing the 2020 Nissan Frontier compact pickup--in particular, Nissan's strategy of putting an all-new V6 engine the current-generation Frontier in advance of introducing the all-new Frontier in the near future. Next, we talk about our test-drive experiences with the 2020 Jeep Compass Trailhawk compact SUV. Ian Hardie, Senior Campus Employment Services Director for Universal Technical Institute in Lisle, IL, calls in to talk about the state of the automotive/diesel service and repair industry, and how UTI trains the technicians of tomorrow. Damon turns the tables with...
2020-05-2952 minCar Stuff PodcastGMC Pickup Design, 2020 Nissan SentraHost 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...
2020-05-2253 minCar Stuff PodcastMarket-based Green Solutions, 2020 Chevrolet SilveradoHost 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...
2020-05-0853 minCar Stuff PodcastElectrification at Fiat Chrysler; 2020 Genesis G90Host 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...
2020-05-0152 minCar Stuff PodcastPlummeting Gas Prices, 2021 Kia SeltosHost 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...
2020-04-2453 minCar Stuff PodcastFord's COVID-19 Efforts, 2020 Infiniti QX80Host 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...
2020-04-1753 minCar Stuff PodcastHyundai Smart Park, 2020 Alfa Romeo StelvioHost 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...
2020-04-1052 minCar Stuff PodcastBuying a Car From Home, 2020 Subaru OutbackHost 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 a...
2020-04-0353 minCar Stuff PodcastAuto Industry Shutdown, 2020 Toyota 4RunnerHost 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...
2020-03-2752 minCar Stuff PodcastShirley "The Drag-On Lady" Shahan, 2021 Hyundai ElantraHost 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...
2020-03-1953 minCar Stuff PodcastTeen Driver Safety, Coronavirus ConcernsHost 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...
2020-03-1354 minCar Stuff PodcastToyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Nissan SwitchHost 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 d...
2020-02-2153 minCar Stuff PodcastElectrify America, Tesla Autopilot TakebackHost 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...
2020-02-1452 minCar Stuff PodcastChicago Auto Show, Super Bowl AdsHost 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...
2020-02-0752 minCar Stuff PodcastLincoln and Rivian Partnership, NACOTY Award WinnersHost 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"...
2020-02-0155 minCar Stuff PodcastCadillac Eldorado, Cruise OriginHost 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...
2020-01-2452 minCar Stuff PodcastThe Future of Auto Shows, Carlos Ghosn EscapeHost 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...
2020-01-1053 minCar Stuff Podcast2020 Toyota Supra, Jeep Plug-in HybridsHost 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...
2020-01-0354 minCar Stuff PodcastElectric Car Myths Debunked, 2021 GMC YukonHost 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...
2019-12-2753 minCar Stuff PodcastBullitt Mustang Auction, EV Tax CreditsHost 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...
2019-12-2053 minCar Stuff Podcast2020 Lincoln Corsair, Phone As A KeyHost 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...
2019-12-0652 minCar Stuff PodcastJeep Wrangler Diesel, AWD CamryHost Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell kick off the show with a discussion of the recently announced all-wheel-drive versions of the Toyota Camry and Toyota Avalon. We then discuss Jill's test vehicle this week: the 2020 Nissan Versa SR. Pete Milo, Chief Engineer of the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, calls in for an interview on the 2020 Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel. Damon gives a run-down of the articles posted this week on The Daily Drive blog, including test-drive reports on the 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport and 2020 Range Rover Evoque, and a review of the new Ford v Ferrari movie...
2019-11-1753 min