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.
Car Stuff Podcast
- Tesla Kills Models, Mitsubishi Outlander Review, Best Cars of 2026 February 3, 2026Jill and Tom sift through an enormous amount of news this week, including the announced deaths of four car models, including two from Tesla. Other news items covered include a name for Ford’s new electric small truck, BMW’s new electric-car architecture, and the unexpected comeback of the minivan. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews […]
- Buick Leaves China, Kia K4 Hatchback, A Conversation with Steve Saleen January 27, 2026Jill and Tom open the show acknowledging a few foreign cities in which there are Car Stuff Podcast listeners. Listen in for the list. Stories this week include news that Mercedes-Benz is dropping its Drive Pilot semi-autonomous driving system in the U.S., and Buick is moving production of the U.S.-market Envision small crossover out of […]
- Chinese Car Prices, Nissan Leaf Design, Driving the Silverado EV January 20, 2026Jill and Tom open a topic-packed show acknowledging the winners of the 2026 North American Car of the Year voting. Listen in for complete list. Moving on, Tom noted that General Motors CEO Mary Barra said publicly something he had long feared regarding plug-in hybrids. Barra suggests the news will impact future product development. Subsequent […]
- Jeep 4Xe is Dead, Zeekr Test Drive, The Real Power Grid Problem January 13, 2026Jill is back in the co-host seat this week for a topic-packed episode. Tom opens the show asking if $61,000 seems like a lot for a Hyundai—any Hyundai. The hosts discuss the Korean maker’s luxury/value equation, and note that Tom’s test car, a 2026 Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid is, without question, a luxury vehicle. Listen in […]
Hear Tom on These Other Popular Shows
Check out these popular shows where our Publisher Tom is a regular contributer.
