Car Stuff Podcast

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.

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Meet the Hosts

Jill Ciminillo

Host & Contributing Editor

Jill Ciminillo

Jill Ciminillo is the Managing Editor for Pickup Truck + SUV Talk as well as a Chicago-based automotive writer, YouTube personality and podcast host, with her articles and videos appearing in outlets throughout the U.S. Previously, Jill has been the automotive editor for both newspaper and broadcast media conglomerates. She is also a past president for the Midwest Automotive Media Association and has the distinction of being the first female president for that organization. Jill is currently a juror for the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY).

Tom Appel

Host & Publisher

Tom Appel

Beginning with a high school service-station job pumping gas and turning wrenches, Tom has usually managed to work around cars. Earlier, Tom was often found holding the flashlight for his father while he performed some needed repairs on a family vehicle. During college, Tom worked for Chrysler as a product specialist, staffing one of six experimental in-mall showrooms set up around the country. Tom also tried his hand at selling cars, spending several months learning (but not mastering) the trade at a domestic-brand dealership in the early 1990s. He has also worked in fleet leasing, specializing in Chevrolet and GMC light-duty trucks. During his time as a market research analyst and focus-group moderator, Tom worked with manufacturers and suppliers including General Motors, OnStar, and Porsche. Tom joined Consumer Guide in 2001 as an editor and became Associate Publisher in 2008. Tom moved into the publisher’s role in 2012. Tom is also a past president of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. He lives in suburban Chicago with his wife, daughter, two cats, about 50 fish, and several antique German tube radios.

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Bronco Sport Sasquatch, Self-Driving Hondas, Tanking Tesla Resale Values May 5, 2025
Jill and Tom opened the show noting that of all the car brands affected by the trade tariffs, Buick and Volvo are in a particularly tough spot. Listen in to hear why. Tom made note of all the EV fast charging news of late, and suggests that listeners not get too excited by the hype. […]
Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
2025 Consumer Guide Best Buys April 28, 2025
Join Tom and guest host Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed for this year’s Consumer Guide Best Buy episode of the Car Stuff Podcast. Tom and Brendan run down the list of 37 vehicles in 16 classes, each of which deserves a place on your new-car shopping list. If you are currently shopping for a […]
Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
Homeless Lotus, Ford's Frisky Lobo, Controversial Subaru Outback Redesign April 22, 2025
Jill and Tom opened the show talking about Jill’s recent move. Good news, she’s now closer to the studio. Tom went on to discuss British sports-car maker/engineering firm Lotus, which has been owned by a number of carmakers over the years. It appears that Lotus is again up for sale. The hosts also discussed a new […]
Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
Unwanted Cybertrucks, Jeff Bezos Goes After Tesla, Pontiac Fiero Backstory April 14, 2025
Jill opened the show talking about her new Rebelle Rally team. Listen in for details. Tom shared some information about a not-for-profit organization that packages sundry products for patients undergoing Chemotherapy. The packages include items to help recipients deal with chemo side effects, including loss of taste, dry skin, and dehydration. You can check out […]
Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo