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Tom Appel Host of the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast

Long-time publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive, and frequent radio and podcast guest. Currently co-hosting the Car Stuff podcast with auto-review veteran Jill Ciminillo. Life-long Chicagoan. Live with my wife of 30 years, and have a daughter earning her masters degree in animal behavior.

Recent Content

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Rivian Goes Micro, Lexus Plug-In Impresses, Carmakers And Your Personal Data &Raquo; S3Ik6Rbgh2Jbiwbhhhpc098Xlnq6 11
Rivian goes Micro, Lexus Plug-in Impresses, Carmakers and Your Personal Data

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 Califor…

The hosts opened the…

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…

Listen · 56:17
Cadillac Kills Sedans, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Best Family Cars &Raquo; S3Ik6Rbgh2Jbiwbhhhpc098Xlnq6 11
Cadillac Kills Sedans, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Best Family Cars

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 buildi…

This week the show o…

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 a…

Listen · 57:02
Cybertruck Losing Parts, Sienna Minivan Goes Off-Road, Classy Classic Mats &Raquo; S3Ik6Rbgh2Jbiwbhhhpc098Xlnq6 10
Cybertruck Losing Parts, Sienna Minivan Goes Off-Road, Classy Classic Mats

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…

Tom opened up the sh…

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 Tom through the company’s histor…

Listen · 57:09
Better Batteries, Tariff Headwinds, Explaining Polestar &Raquo; S3Ik6Rbgh2Jbiwbhhhpc098Xlnq6 11
Better Batteries, Tariff Headwinds, Explaining Polestar

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…

Jill and Tom open th…

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 other. In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Sam …

Listen · 57:08
Hyundai Ev Update, Trade-In Value Tips, Terrible Model Names &Raquo; S3Ik6Rbgh2Jbiwbhhhpc098Xlnq6 11
Hyundai EV Update, Trade-In Value Tips, Terrible Model Names

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…

The show opened with…

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 fresh…

Listen · 58:11
Driving Altima, Lexus Drops Model, High-End Nissan Audio &Raquo; S3Ik6Rbgh2Jbiwbhhhpc098Xlnq6 10
Driving Altima, Lexus Drops Model, High-End Nissan Audio

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 sp…

Jill and Tom opened …

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 sedan, Jill had her doubts. Listen in for …

Listen · 54:19
New Genesis, Delightful Subaru, Ford Law-Enforcement Fun &Raquo; S3Ik6Rbgh2Jbiwbhhhpc098Xlnq6 11
New Genesis, Delightful Subaru, Ford Law-Enforcement Fun

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 …

Jill and Tom opened …

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 the l…

Listen · 55:33
Chevy Drops Model, Ev Infrastructure Funding, Buying Off-Road Tires &Raquo; S3Ik6Rbgh2Jbiwbhhhpc098Xlnq6 3
Chevy Drops Model, EV Infrastructure Funding, Buying Off-Road Tires

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…

Jill and Tom opened …

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 rev…

Listen · 58:46
2025 Toyota Camry Review (Bonus Episode) &Raquo; 5Cfec01B44F3E29Fae1Fb88Ade93Fc4Aecd05B192Fbfbc2C2F1Daa412B7C1921 1
2025 Toyota Camry Review (Bonus Episode)

 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 i…

 In this special cr…

 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. 

Listen · 5:24
Massive Tariffs, New 4Runner, Most Searched-For Car Brands &Raquo; 5Cfec01B44F3E29Fae1Fb88Ade93Fc4Aecd05B192Fbfbc2C2F1Daa412B7C1921 1
Massive Tariffs, New 4Runner, Most Searched-For Car Brands

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 Mex…

The hosts opened the…

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…

Listen · 57:34
First Jeep Ev, Mazda'S Upscale Strategy, The Cybertruck Is A Flop &Raquo; 5Cfec01B44F3E29Fae1Fb88Ade93Fc4Aecd05B192Fbfbc2C2F1Daa412B7C1921 1
First Jeep EV, Mazda's Upscale Strategy, The Cybertruck is a Flop

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 p…

The hosts opened the…

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 he…

Listen · 56:49
Chicago Auto Show Preview, Toyota Gets Quiet, Best-Selling Evs &Raquo; 5Cfec01B44F3E29Fae1Fb88Ade93Fc4Aecd05B192Fbfbc2C2F1Daa412B7C1921 1
Chicago Auto Show Preview, Toyota Gets Quiet, Best-Selling EVs

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 Febr…

Tom opened the show …

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 Science, detailing …

Listen · 55:26
Afeela Bypasses Dealers, Chevrolet Traverse Review, &Quot;Best Cars&Quot; With Steve And Johnnie &Raquo; 5Cfec01B44F3E29Fae1Fb88Ade93Fc4Aecd05B192Fbfbc2C2F1Daa412B7C1921 1
Afeela Bypasses Dealers, Chevrolet Traverse Review, "Best Cars" with Steve and Johnnie

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…

Jill and Tom opened …

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. Still in th…

Listen · 57:19
Manhattan Congestion Fee, New Nissan Kicks, Most-Reliable Car Brands &Raquo; 5Cfec01B44F3E29Fae1Fb88Ade93Fc4Aecd05B192Fbfbc2C2F1Daa412B7C1921 1
Manhattan Congestion Fee, New Nissan Kicks, Most-Reliable Car Brands

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…

For the first show o…

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 shared news from the outlet’s …

Listen · 56:25
All-New Kia K4, Haunted Bluetooth Connections, Luxury Pickup Shootout &Raquo; 5Cfec01B44F3E29Fae1Fb88Ade93Fc4Aecd05B192Fbfbc2C2F1Daa412B7C1921 1
All-New Kia K4, Haunted Bluetooth Connections, Luxury Pickup Shootout

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 …

Jill and Tom open th…

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 Damon Bell of Car…

Listen · 54:57
Honda And Nissan Merge, Ram Delays Ev, Chatting With Scout Motors &Raquo; 5Cfec01B44F3E29Fae1Fb88Ade93Fc4Aecd05B192Fbfbc2C2F1Daa412B7C1921 1
Honda and Nissan Merge, Ram Delays EV, Chatting With Scout Motors

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. …

Jill and Tom opened …

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 impressions of …

Listen · 55:16
Charger Daytona, Tesla Market Share, Impact Of Trump Tariffs &Raquo; 5Cfec01B44F3E29Fae1Fb88Ade93Fc4Aecd05B192Fbfbc2C2F1Daa412B7C1921 1
Charger Daytona, Tesla Market Share, Impact of Trump Tariffs

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 o…

Jill and Tom opened …

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-media trolls…

Listen · 54:30
Melting Ev Charging Adapters, Jaguar'S New Attitude, Volkswagen Id. Buzz Deep Dive &Raquo; 5Cfec01B44F3E29Fae1Fb88Ade93Fc4Aecd05B192Fbfbc2C2F1Daa412B7C1921 1
Melting EV Charging Adapters, Jaguar's New Attitude, Volkswagen ID. Buzz Deep Dive

 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 …

 Jill and Tom opene…

 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 the …

Listen · 54:58

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