Car Stuff Podcast

Tom and Jill opened the show welcoming new listeners to the program. June proved to be the Car Stuff Podcast’s best download month yet. Tom went on to share news of hydrogen pockets located underground. Tom noted that were these pocket large enough, and easily accessed, it’s possible that fuel-cell vehicles may play a significant role in future mobility. 

Still in the first segment, Jill reviewed the 2026 Honda CR-V in new Trailsport trim. The compact CR-V becomes the fourth vehicle in the Honda lineup to receive the Trailsport treatment. Listen in for Jill’s take. 

In...

Jill and Tom opened up the show by clarifying a point made last week. Indeed, the only Mercedes-Benz wagon offered for sale in the U.S. is the “All-Terrain” variant of the midsize E-class. Tom noted similar wagon offering limitations in the Volvo, Audi, and BMW lineups. 

The hosts also chatted briefly about Ram’s extended powertrain warranty which takes effect for the 2026 model year. Listen in to hear how the new protection plan, combined with the newly available Hemi engine, might spark sales for the truck maker. 

Still in the fist segment, Jill reviews the Cadi...

Jill opened the show briefly recapping here recent travels. Jill’s been on the road training for the next edition of the Rebelle Rally, this time with a new driver/partner and new vehicle. Listen in for details. 

Tom shared details of a major industry merger, though most consumers won’t be affected. Still, it does involve Mercedes-Benz and Toyota. 

Tom shared news regarding the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV. One version goes away; one seriously high-performance variant is added to the lineup. 

Both hosts shared their takes on the all-new 2025 Nissan Murano midsize 2-row crossov...

Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Tom opened the show noting Ram’s decision to return the Hemi-brand V8 to the 1500 powertrain lineup. Ram had replaced the engine with a more powerful and efficient turbocharged six, but customers have rejected the new motor. 

Still in the first segment, Paul recaps his time in the 2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost II. Paul and Sons of Speed partner Brendan Appel share a video of their test drive of the ultra-luxury British sedan below. 

In the second segment Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions joins the...

Jill and Tom are joined in-studio this week by colleague Ed Piotrowski. Ed recently wrote a piece for Consumer Guide regarding premium small crossovers he spent time with at this year’s Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally. Ed shared his impressions of the new Acura ADX, sporty Alfa-Romeo Tonale, and speedy BMW X3. Jill also attended the Rally, and shared her impressions of the electric Cadillac Escalade IQ and BMW iX. Listen in for her impressions. 

In the second segment Jill, Tom, and Ed are joined by Mike Hanley of Cars.com. Mike walked the crew thr...

 Tom is flying solo this week. He opened the show noting that Tesla is now accepting the Cybertruck in trade, though owners aren’t happy about the trade-in values, which are running around 60 percent of original prices. 

Tom noted that EV sales have been strong in the first quarter of 2025, though may finally be slowing down. Tom shared a list of the best-selling EV makers of 2025 so far, the number-2 company may come as a surprise. 

Tom shared what he knows about the all-new 2026 Toyota RAV4. There’s big powertrain news coming for Toyota’s best-sell...

Jill and Tom opened the show by talking about Toyota’s new-for-2026 electric-vehicle lineup. The changes include revised model names, and smaller and larger companions for the maker’s existing—and also updated—bZ compact EV. 

Tom talked about a recently published article which claims that the Tesla Cybertruck is wearing through tires in as little as 7000 miles. Per the article, replacement tires cost around $400 each. 

Tom also noted an interesting news piece suggesting that German consumers are not open to purchasing Chinese-brand EVs. Listen in for details. 

Still in the first segment, Jill shared...

Tom opened the show with an apology for two mistakes he’s made in the past couple of weeks. Listen in for the corrections. Jill and Tom went on to share a tariff update, as well news regarding one of the strangest recalls…ever. So, what’s wrong with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz’s back seat? Listen in for details. 

Still in the first segment, Jill shares her take on the updated-for-2026 Genesis GV70 small crossover. Updated styling and a revised cabin are part of the news. 

In the second segment the hosts welcome Zack Pradel, ho...

Jill and Tom opened the show noting that of all the car brands affected by the trade tariffs, Buick and Volvo are in a particularly tough spot. Listen in to hear why. Tom made note of all the EV fast charging news of late, and suggests that listeners not get too excited by the hype. Per Tom, the nation's current electric grid will not be easily tapped for additional power, regardless of how quickly a vehicle is capable of being charged. 

Still in the first segment, the hosts discussed the newly introduced Kia K4 Hatchback, which Jill i...

Join Tom and guest host Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed for this year’s Consumer Guide Best Buy episode of the Car Stuff Podcast. 

Tom and Brendan run down the list of 37 vehicles in 16 classes, each of which deserves a place on your new-car shopping list. If you are currently shopping for a new car, you need to listen to this episode. 

Following the Best Buy discussion, Brendan shared big news: The Sons of Speed and the folks from We are Motor Driven are teaming up to produce a podcast which begins airing next...

Jill and Tom opened the show talking about Jill’s recent move. Good news, she’s now closer to the studio. Tom went on to discuss British sports-car maker/engineering firm Lotus, which has been owned by a number of carmakers over the years. It appears that Lotus is again up for sale. 

The hosts also discussed a new round of Tesla Cybertruck price cuts, and the brand’s sales share in California, one of its most-important markets. 

Still in the first segment, Jill shared her impressions of the new-for-2025 Ford Maverick Lobo, a sporty trim lev...

Jill opened the show talking about her new Rebelle Rally team. Listen in for details. Tom shared some information about a not-for-profit organization that packages sundry products for patients undergoing Chemotherapy. The packages include items to help recipients deal with chemo side effects, including loss of taste, dry skin, and dehydration. You can check out Lemons of Love at lemonsoflove.org. 

The hosts went to discuss the Cybertruck. The polarizing Tesla pickup is no longer being accepted in trade by Tesla, a thing which will likely impact resale value. Also, Tesla has introduced a new, less expensive C...

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 several tech glitches which cut into the fun.  

Still in the second segment, Jill share her impressions of the all-new Pirelli Scorpion XTM off-road performance tires. 

In the second segment the hosts w...

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 much bigger news in the next day or so. The hosts also lamented the violence being wrought upon Tesla cars and showrooms. 

Tom expressed his surprise regarding the general excellence of the new-for-2025 Kia K4 small sedan. A replacem...

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 U.S., most likely for Mitsubishi and Nissan. 

Still in the first segment, Jill reviewed the 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. Listen in to get Jill’s take on the popular compact crossover. 

In the second segment, Jill and Tom...

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 Toyota Sienna minivan, which has been freshened for the model year, and is offered in a new “woodsy” trim level. 

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Jeff Allwine of Coco Mats to the show. Jeff walked Jill and...

Jill 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 lights. Why are they doing this? Listen in. 

Still in the first segment, Jill shared details of a story she wrote about how the similar-size Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser crossovers differ. Clue: One is more family friendly than the...

The 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 rear-wheel-drive architecture (episode 262), and Jill suggesting that the 2025 Nissan Altima is not available with the brand’s ProPILOT semi-autonomous driver-assistance system (episode 263). 

Still in the first segment, Jill shared her review of the freshened Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV. Updates including improve...

Jill 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 asked users of the platform to pick the cooler marque: Bentley or Rolls-Royce. Listen in for the answer. 

Still in the first segment the hosts co-reviewed the 2025 Nissan Altima. While Tom found a lot to like about Nissan’s midsize...

Jill and Tom opened the show covering a number of news items. First, Mini is dropping the “Cooper” tag from its model names moving forwarding—this is good news for editors everywhere. Plus, one industry supplier is developing “heel” airbags. Listen in to learn what that’s all about. And, Hyundai luxury brand Genesis is close to introducing a line-topping large crossover dubbed GV90. The big Genesis should start around $100,000. 

Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom review the sporty Subaru BRZ tS. Both hosts spent time with the little rear-drive hatchback, and both lament t...

Jill and Tom opened the show discussing an “insertion” into the podcast schedule. A 5-minute “bonus episode” was posted between the last full episode (259) and today’s show (261). That bonus episode includes Tom’s test drive with Robert Colangelo (Green Sense Show) of the 2025 Toyota Camry, which is now hybrid only. 

Still in the first segment, the hosts discussed the discontinuation of a popular Chevrolet Model, the status of Mexican and Canadian tariffs, and the administration’s halting of funds for the NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure act) program. 

Jill also reviewed the 2025 Lexus LX 700h crossover. 

 In this special crossover episode of the Car Stuff Podcast, Tom rides along with Robert Colangelo of the Green Sense Show to experience the redesigned 2025 Toyota Camry. Robert and Tom share their impressions of the likable hybrid, and take note of a few drawbacks in the process. All this after lunch at Chicago's legendary Superdawg Drive-in. 

The hosts opened the show by acknowledging the birthday of one of the program’s most-loyal fans, Tom’s mom. Tom briefly noted the new administration’s enactment of tariffs on both Canada and Mexico. Tom shared his concern that any long-term disruption of regular free trade between North American nations would critically wound the American auto industry. 

Tom talked briefly about his time in the 2025 Ford Explorer ST. He’s mostly impressed, but has one complaint. 

Still in the first segment, Jill shared her impressions of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner. The redesigned midsize SUV is an importa...

The hosts opened the show discussing an article recently posted by Tom called, The Cybertruck is a Flop. Though the article covers the failures of the Tesla pickup truck from a number of angles, Tom primarily discussed the slow-selling vehicle’s financial impact on Tesla’s future. 

Still in the first segment, the hosts covered news of a potentially huge recall which would affect all of General Motors’ large trucks, including the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. The recall would impact up to 900,000 vehicles equipped with the maker’s 6.2-liter V8 engine. 

Next, Jill shared her...

Tom opened the show by acknowledging Jill’s birthday. Per Jill, she is 39 years old. Again. Jill and Tom welcomed Jennifer Morand of the Chicago Auto Show for a preview of the event which opens February 8. Jennifer shared several highlights of this year’s show, including craft-beer night, the Family Zone, plus Ford, Jeep, and EV tracks, and a number of debut models, including a couple of all-new Cadillac EVs. 

In the second segment, freelance automotive writer Kristin Shaw joined the show. Kristin walked the hosts through an article of hers recently published in Popular Scien...

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 Honda and Sony, which is schedule to begin selling EVs in 2026. 

Tom also touched on the chronic shortage of automotive technicians in the U.S. Tom suggested that students thinking about career opportunities consider working with cars. 

...

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 in General Motor’s half-ton trucks and SUVs. 

Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom reviewed the completely redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks. 

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Mike Quincy of Consumer Reports to the show. Mike s...

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 his Bluetooth issues, which seem to border on the paranormal. 

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2025 Kia K4, the brand's replacement for the popular Forte small sedan. 

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Dam...

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 Ramcharger operates on electric power alone, until the battery is depleted, and then charges the battery via an on-board gasoline engine. The Ramcharger is targeted at EV intenders worried about range. 

Jill shared her impr...

Jill and Tom opened the show noting that legendary Car and Driver/Automobile Magazine writer Jean Jennings had died. Formerly Jean Lindamood, she had, per Tom, helped define the tone and personality of Car and Driver at a time when the magazine was most influential. 

Tom went on to question the profile of a LinkedIn user who self describes as, “Gen Z Career Coach, Content Creator, and TikTok Consultant." Listen in for Tom’s complete analysis. 

Jill shared her previously embargoed drive impressions of the all-new Dodge Charger Daytona electric muscle car. Jill noted that social...

 Jill and Tom opened this week’s show hitting briefly on a number of topics, including melting EV charging adapters, Jaguar’s perplexing marketing reboot, the electric Dodge Charger Daytona, the high-mileage Ram 1500 HFE, and the consolidation of Infiniti and Nissan dealer stores. 

Still in the first segment, Jill recapped her time in the all-new Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric minivan. Jill found much to like, but noted that the van comes up short on estimated battery range, and that starting prices are high. 

In the second segment the hosts welcome Mark Gillies of Volkswagen to expand...

Jill and Tom opened the show noting that Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares stepped down from his position over the weekend. The surprise move sent company stock down steeply early Monday. The hosts also discussed one of Tom’s X polls, this one ranking the most prestigious car brands. Listen in for details. 

Still in the first segment, Jill shared her review of the 2025.5 (yes, 2025.5) Volvo XC90 midsize crossover. Not a full redesign, the big Volvo sees a number of design and tech updates, most of which Jill found appealing. Jill also explains the whole .5 thing. 

In t...

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—contrary to a suggestion of his from last week’s show—that Stellantis deserved to be considered among the carmakers producing the best-finished cabins. 

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Hyundai Product Planning Manager Andre Ravinowich to the show. Andre walked the hosts through the bran...

 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. 

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 sought him out to share her terrible rental-car story. She had been upgraded to a surprising crossover which she found entirely unsatisfactory. 

Jill reviewed the new Honda Prologue EV crossover. The Prologue is showin...

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 Wagoneer price cuts. Both hosts agree that Jeep’s big SUVs, launched for 2022, are fine vehicles, but were overpriced relative to the competition. Listen in for details. 

Paul talked about a new Sons of Speed video...

Jill and Tom opened the show talking about EV range and Jill’s recent trip from Chicago to Indianapolis in an electric test car with only about 200 miles of promised range. Listen in on her story.

The hosts acknowledged a couple of friends-of-the-podcast birthdays, and discussed how cheap gas has become locally and nationally. 

Tom shared a tribute to his dad, who died about a week ago. It’s a funny story about pouring a milk shake out the window of his father’s shake-colored 1970 Nova. 

Tom went on...

 Jill and Tom opened this week’s show discussing the all-new 2025 Porsche Macan EV, an electric version of the maker’s popular Macan small crossover. The new electric Macan is offered in four trim levels and starts around $75,000. 

Still in the first segment, the hosts discussed the media launch of Volkswagen’s all-new electric-truck brand Scout. VW will launch the brand with a pair of EVs, including a crossover and pickup truck, both of which are closer in size to full-size vehicles, including the Ford Expedition and F-150. Volkswagen also plans to employ a controversial “direct-to...

Jill is back in the studio this week, and opened the show by recapping her Rebelle Rally exploits. Visit the Car Stuff Podcast Facebook page for a link to pics from her trip. 

Tom shared august electric vehicle sales as reported by S & P Global Mobility. While Tesla still dominates the list, a few new vehicles are doing better than expected. 

Jill and Tom discussed the coming Ferrari F80 hyper car. Not only is the price breath taking, the car’s engine is proving controversial. 

Still in the f...

Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill again this week. Jill returns for the next episode. Paul and Tom opened the show discussing large pickup-truck sales. Tom had heard that the Chevrolet Silverado was outselling the Ford F-150 this year, which was inaccurate. Tom went down the list of the top pickup sellers in the third quarter. 

The hosts also noted General Motors’ decision to drop the Ultium brand in relation to its electric-vehicle products. Ultium had been used by the maker to describe both vehicle architecture and battery chemistry. Listen in for a c...