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
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
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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Recent Posts

RSS Car Stuff Podcast

  • L.A. Auto Show Highlights, Hyundai's Big New EV Crossover, Mazda CX-50 Hybrid November 26, 2024
    Jill and Tom opened the show discussing the L.A. Auto Show, which is currently open to the public. Jill, who attended the event, shared what she learned on the show floor. The hosts went to discuss the interiors of select Stellantis vehicles. Tom decided that—contrary to a suggestion of his from last week’s show—that Stellantis deserved […]
    Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
  • Test Driving the Subaru Soltera EV (Bonus Episode) November 21, 2024
     In this special crossover episode of the Car Stuff Podcast, Tom rides along with Robert Colangelo of the Green Sense Show to experience Subaru's first all-electric vehicle, the Solterra small crossover. Robert and Tom share their takes on the likable little EV, and take note of a few drawbacks in the process. 
    Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
  • Worst Rental Car, Honda Prologue EV, Best and Worst Cities to Drive In November 18, 2024
    Jill is back in studio this week. The hosts opened the show discussing Jill’s recent travels, and noting that she had driven the all-new Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric minivan to the studio. A full review of that vehicle is due in a week or two. Tom shared an interesting experience. A fellow health-club member of Tom’s […]
    Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo
  • Jeep Lowers Prices, Cadillac Axes XT4, American Motors Went Big in 1965 November 11, 2024
    Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed fills in for Jill this week. The hosts opened the show taking note of Cadillac’s decision to end production of the XT4 compact crossover. What is General Motors building in its Fairfax assembly facility instead? Listen in. Paul and Tom turned their attention to Jeep's 2025 Wagoneer and Grand […]
    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.