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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Makers Respond to Tariffs, Deciding to go Electric, Off-Road on Scorpions April 8, 2025
Jill and Tom opened the show addressing the industry confusion brought on by the recent implementation of federal import tariffs. Tom ran down a list of known carmaker reactions to the regulations. Tom followed up the tariff talk with a brief review of the 2025 BMW M35i Grand Coupe, which he described as “delightful,” but noted […]
Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
Rivian goes Micro, Lexus Plug-in Impresses, Carmakers and Your Personal Data April 1, 2025
The hosts opened the show by discussion Rivian’s “micromobility” operation, which was recently spun off from the parent company. "ALSO," as the new concern is called, is headquartered in California, and will focus on designing and building e-bikes, scooters, and other small electric vehicles. Tom also briefly addressed the tariff situation, which is likely to become […]
Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
Cadillac Kills Sedans, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Best Family Cars March 24, 2025
This week the show opened with Tom quickly covering numerous news stories, including the likely demise of Cadillac’s last sedans, General Motors buying electric vans from Hyundai, and Cummins building a high-torque gasoline alternative to its medium-duty B6.7 diesel engines. Jill and Tom also briefly discussed the rumored production by Foxconn of electric vehicles in the […]
Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
Cybertruck Losing Parts, Sienna Minivan Goes Off-Road, Classy Classic Mats March 17, 2025
Tom 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