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.
For more information about individual podcasts, click here.
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
- Cybertruck Losing Parts, Sienna Minivan Goes Off-Road, Classy Classic Mats March 17, 2025Tom opened up the show by admitting he has—again—forgotten his notes. Not to worry, as the conversation quickly turned to Tesla’s marketplace woes, including declining U.S. sales, and reports of a Cybertruck “stop sale,” ordered by the company, coming as a result of body parts falling off of the truck at speed. Jill reviewed the 2025 […]Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
- Better Batteries, Tariff Headwinds, Explaining Polestar March 11, 2025Jill and Tom open the show covering a few news stories. First, Toyota is claiming it will have a solid-state EV battery in a production vehicle around 2030. Could be big news in regard to EV price and range. Listen in for details. The hosts went on to discuss Mercedes-Benz’s new turquoise marker- and tail […]Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
- Hyundai EV Update, Trade-In Value Tips, Terrible Model Names March 4, 2025The show opened with Tom running down a list of news items, including new information about the coming Kia K4 small/affordable EV, Moody’s downgrade of Nissan’s credit worthiness, and an update on slowing Tesla sales. Jill and Tom also corrected themselves on a pair of issues: Tom forgot that the current-generation Explorer is based on […]Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
- Driving Altima, Lexus Drops Model, High-End Nissan Audio February 24, 2025Jill and Tom opened the show discussing Renault technology which promises to significantly reduce the time it takes to extinguish an EV fire. The hosts also discussed the Lexus decision to drop the sporty RC coupe from the luxury brand’s lineup. Tom followed this discussion up with one of his “X” polls, this time he […]Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
Hear Tom on These Other Popular Shows
Check out these popular shows where our Publisher Tom is a regular contributer.
