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
- New BMW, Safety Seat Update, Volkswagen Atlas Test Drive October 19, 2026The hosts open the show discussing Tom's tidy new haircut. Tom heartily endorses the LoCascio's Barber Shop in Arlington Heights, IL. Getting down to work, Tom notes that EV startup Rivian enjoyed its best-ever sales quarter in Q3. The maker's new R2 compact crossover contributed to the sales growth. Also discussed, the BMW "Neue Klasse" […]
- Cheap Subaru, Cars That Should Sell Better, Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek October 12, 2026Jill and Tom open the show by talking about the Jeep Grand Cherokee's new engine, the Hurricane inline 6-cylinder engine found in Ram trucks. The engine replaces the Hemi V8 as the Cherokee's top-dog motor. Jill went on to share her concern that the Slate EV will not arrive in customer driveways before the end […]
- Electric Bentley, Best Winter Tires, 60th Anniversary Bronco October 6, 2026Jill and Tom open the show by discussing Bentley's new, first-ever electric vehicle, the Torcal midsize crossover. The new model is roughly the same size as the British luxury maker's gas-powered Bentayga, but is promised to cost slightly less. The hosts also discuss a bill being routed through Congress which would limit the extent to […]
- No Volkswagen EVs, Rethinking the Cupholder, Cybercab Surprise September 29, 2026Jill is back in the co-host seat this week, and joins Tom for a number of fresh news stories. First up, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which skipped the 2026 model year here in the U.S., will also be skipping 2027. The German automaker promises that the retro-themed electric van will be back for 2028. Listen […]
Hear Tom on These Other Popular Shows
Check out these popular shows where our Publisher Tom is a regular contributer.
