Car Stuff Podcast Podcast By Consumer Guide Automotive Tom Appel Jill Ciminillo cover art

Car Stuff Podcast

Car Stuff Podcast

By: Consumer Guide Automotive Tom Appel Jill Ciminillo
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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.© 2026 Car Stuff Podcast Economics
Episodes
  • Chinese Cars in Canada, RAV4 Review, Looking at Kia's Newest Rides
    Apr 6 2026

    Tom opens the show with news regarding Stellantis' joint venture with China's Leapmotor. Stellantis currently distributes Chinese Leapmotor-built electric vehicles in Europe, and may be looking to build Leapmotor models in its idle Brampton, Ontario factory. Listen in for more details.

    Jill gives a quick rundown of the new-product reveals seen at this week's New York Auto Show. A number of noteworthy introductions are covered, including models and concepts from Chrysler, Hyundai, Kia, and Subaru.

    Still in the first segment Jill reviews the redesigned Toyota RAV4, which is now offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. With gas prices rising, will the RAV4 Hybrid be in especially high demand?

    In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome James Bell, Kia Head of Corporate Communications, to the show. James discusses the new Kia products seen at the New York Auto Show, as well as the redesigned Telluride midsize crossover. James also shares some insights regarding Kia's sales success in the U.S.

    In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom's "Muscle Car Engine" quiz. Jill also discusses in depth the Hyundai Boulder off-road concept vehicle seen at the New York Show. Tom has some doubts about the show car's viability as a production model.


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    54 mins
  • Sony-Honda JV Dead, Mercedes Crossover Impresses, New Mazda CX-5 Tech
    Mar 30 2026

    The hosts open the show noting that the power-seat recall affecting the Hyundai Palisade has expanded to the mechanically similar Kia Telluride. Listen in for details.

    As predicted in a previous episode, Tom shares news of the dissolution of the Afeela electric-vehicle brand. Afeela was a Honda/Sony joint venture nearing production of a premium midsize sedan built in the U.S.

    Tom also discussed the potential impact of E15 fuel, which has been federally approved for national distribution. E15 gasoline has 5 percent more ethanol content than E10, which is common in most states. The blended fuel may help lower gasoline pump prices, but has its downsides.

    Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 midsize crossover. Listen in for her review.

    In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Matthew Valbuena to the show. Mathew is Mazda Project Manager of In-Vehicle Technology, and shares with the hosts a number of connectivity features found in the all-new 2026 CX-5 small crossover.

    In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "CVT or Automatic" quiz, featuring a bonus question about radishes.


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    55 mins
  • New Lexus ES, Toyota Crown Signia Review, War and the Auto Industry
    Mar 23 2026

    Jill opens this week's show with a correction. Listen in for her begrudging mea culpa. The hosts go on to discuss briefly Tom's time in the Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE AWD. Toms's review of the car is live now on ConsumerGuide.com.

    Tom shares a few details of the coming redesigned Lexus ES midsize sedan. New for 2026 is an EV variant of the popular model, while other examples of the ES will be hybrid only. Listen in for details.

    Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the Toyota Crown Signia. Both hosts are fans of the wagon-like midsize car, but agree that it may be slightly over promoted as a luxury vehicle.

    In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Jamie Butters of the Butters Bureau LLC to the show. Jamie shares his take on how the Iran conflict will impact U.S. auto sales. Jamie also talks about Toyota's counterintuitive move deeper into EV sales at a time the rest of the industry is recoiling. Listen in for details.

    In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom's "It's a Fact!" quiz, after which Tom shares some interesting Porsche sales statistics.


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    57 mins
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