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 Cars.com. After singing the praises of kringle–a Midwest Danish-like pastry–Damon shared the details of Car's 2024 Full-Size Pickup Challenge, which included three luxury-trimmed pickups. Listen in for details–and a winner. 

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's “EV Lies!” quiz, after which the duo remembered pioneering auto writer Denise McCluggage. 

Most Recent Episodes

December 23, 2024

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...

Listen · 55:16

December 16, 2024

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...

Listen · 54:30

December 9, 2024

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...

Listen · 54:58

Load More Episodes

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.