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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Afeela Bypasses Dealers, Chevrolet Traverse Review, "Best Cars" with Steve and Johnnie January 14, 2025
Jill and Tom opened the show recapping the North American Car of the Year winning vehicles. Awards were presented in the car, utility, and truck categories. The conversation turned to a number of news stories, including Afeela’s decision to distribute vehicles in the U.S. outside the traditional dealership system. Afeela is a joint venture between […]
Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
Manhattan Congestion Fee, New Nissan Kicks, Most-Reliable Car Brands January 6, 2025
For the first show of 2025, Jill and Tom opened the conversation discussing a few news item, including a New York City plan to curb midday traffic by instituting a “congestion fee” toll on drivers entering parts of Manhattan. The hosts also discussed Tesla 2024 global sales—which were down—and the demise of a diesel option […]
Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
All-New Kia K4, Haunted Bluetooth Connections, Luxury Pickup Shootout December 30, 2024
Jill and Tom open the show discussing Tom's troubling Diet Pepsi habit, rolling into a discussion of EV startup companies that may or not be on the edge of collapse. Sadly, EV commercial-vehicle startup Canoo--which had been processing a large van order for Walmart--has slipped into receivership. Is Rivian next? Listen in. Next Tom gripes about […]
Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
Honda and Nissan Merge, Ram Delays EV, Chatting With Scout Motors December 23, 2024
Jill and Tom opened the show by addressing the bombshell announcement that Honda and Nissan are merging. The hosts share their thoughts on one of the largest corporate mergers in automotive history. Also discussed was Ram’s decision to delay launching the all-electric Ram REV pickup, and push up introduction of the Ramcharger extended-range electric truck. The […]
Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo