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
  • Lexus Drops Model, Driving the Redesigned Leaf, Polestar Deep Dive
    Sep 29 2025

    Jill and Tom open the show noting that the well-regarded Hyundai Kona EV small electric crossover is only offered in a dozen states, so availability is very limited. This point comes into play as the hosts discuss the redesigned Nissan Leaf later in the show.

    Tom shares news regarding new tariffs, this time on heavy-duty trucks. Interestingly, big-truck maker Volvo (Volvo, Mack) produces almost all of its vehicles in the U.S. Listen in for where other heavy-duty truck makers build their products.

    Other important car news covered: Lexus will be discontinuing the LS large sedan in the U.S. after 2026. For ’26, the luxury flagship will be offered only in Heritage Edition trim. Production will be limited.

    Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the all-new Nissan Leaf, which is not only redesigned, but also now a crossover. Jill is impressed by the small electric Nissan's ride and handling, as well as its range and price. Listen in for her complete review.

    In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Polestar North American Communications Chief Dean Shaw to the podcast. Dean discussed Polestars relationship with Volvo, its current product lineup, and dealer network. Polestar has two new products arriving soon, listen in for details.

    In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Pontiac?” quiz. Jill also shared details of her upcoming Rebelle Rally excursion. Jill will be out for the next two weeks.

    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • Nissan Kills EV, Driving the Audi SQ8, Shopping for Car Insurance
    Sep 22 2025

    Tom opens the show correcting two errors he made recently. Listen in to hear what he got wrong. Tom then shares the results of an X poll he conducted on Ferrari colors. Turns out white is NOT a popular choice for the Italian sports cars.

    The hosts also acknowledge the end of production for the Subaru Legacy midsize sedan. Jill notes that the car never had much impact on a segment ruled by the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

    Jill and Tom also share news regarding the Nissan Ariya electric crossover, which will not be sold in the U.S. after 2025. Nissan is focusing its efforts on the launch of the all-new, more-affordable, Nissan Leaf EV.

    Still in the first segment, the hosts review the Audi SQ8 and RS Q8 performance crossovers. The hosts are generally impressed by the luxury fastback crossovers, though Jill had some tech issues.

    In the second segment, the hosts welcome the ConsumerMan Herb Weisbaum to the show. Herb shares news and pointers regarding buying car insurance, and knowing how much insurance you need.

    In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Does Volkswagen Build There?” quiz, including a bonus question about fast food in Ghana.

    Jill wraps on the show sharing the list of this year’s North American Car of the Year award candidates.

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Honda Civic Hybrid, Ram Kills EV, 1969 Camaro
    Sep 15 2025

    The show opens with a brief, and completely off-topic, conversation about whether or not Tom smells spicy. Listen in for the verdict.

    Tom shared brief impressions of the 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD, noting that the premium midsize crossover was over-named by a few syllables. That said, Tom is very impressed with the vehicles.

    The hosts went on the talk about Ram’s decision to kill—before introduction—the Ram REV electric pickup truck. The story gets a little complicated. Listen in for details.

    Among other news, Tom shared information regarding Chinese carmakers turning to Magna International, and its Steyr manufacturing facility in Austria, for regional production. Chinese EV builders are looking to dodge European tariffs by assembling cars on the continent.

    Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid, noting that the maker’s compact car lineup is now mostly hybrid powered.

    In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Don Sikora of Collectible Automobile to the show. Don shared highlights of the October 2025 issue of the classic-car magazine, which is on newsstands now. A feature story about the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, written by podcast regular Sam Fiorani, was discussed at length. See our Facebook page for information regarding subscribing to the magazine.

    In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Partridge or President” quiz, in which she must determine if a given person was a cast member of “The Partridge Family,” or a former Ford CEO.

    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.