Big Jim's Garage podcast with Jim O'Brien

The car industry is shifting faster than people realize—and this week, we’ve got a Chinese SUV that could change everything.This week on RPM, we hit four completely different lanes—and all of them matter.First, the conversation everyone in Detroit should be paying attention to: Chinese automaker Geely and the Galaxy M9 SUV. After talking with Edmunds, this isn’t hype—it’s real. A three-row SUV with massive range, strong tech, and a price point that doesn’t exist in the U.S. market right now. The bigger story? Geely already owns Volvo and Polestar, and that could be the back door into America.Then we shift gears with Jeff Dunham and his insane car collection—130 vehicles deep—and the stories behind the cars that actually shaped his life.From there, we get into the Cadillac Escalade and why it still owns its lane in the full-size SUV world, even as competition keeps trying to catch up.And finally, a Spin Doctors story that takes a turn you probably didn’t see coming—because sometimes the best stories in music and cars live in the same lane.Bottom line: the car industry is changing fast, the global players are getting closer, and the stories behind the machines still matter.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Formula One is about more than lap times and podiums.In this episode, Big Jim talks with Lily Herman, host of the F1 culture podcast No Grip and writer of the Engine Failure newsletter, about the personalities, rivalries and weird cultural corners that make Formula One such a fascinating sport.They get into why F1 feels like a global shared experience, how driver personalities shape the sport beyond the track, why Daniel Ricciardo remains such a compelling figure, the tension between George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, what Oscar Piastri’s future could look like, and why the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix Diamond episode is one to watch.If you love Formula One for more than just the racing, this is a fun conversation about the soap opera, fandom and psychology that keep people talking between races.00:00 Introduction to F1 and Astrology 03:13 Cultural Significance of Formula One 06:00 The Personalities Behind the Drivers 08:52 The Dynamics of Team Rivalries 11:51 The Future of Drivers and Teams 15:06 Reflections on F1's Dramatic Stories 18:14 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on RPM — Reviews, Performance & Motorsports, Jim takes a look at one of the most practical vehicles on the road today… and why it might be the smartest family vehicle you can buy.The 2026 Toyota Sienna continues Toyota’s hybrid-only minivan approach, delivering impressive fuel economy, surprising driving refinement, and the kind of everyday usability most SUVs simply can’t match. Jim breaks down what it’s like behind the wheel, why the Sienna drives more like a car than a traditional van, and why the minivan may be making a quiet comeback.Then we shift gears into global motorsports.With the Formula 1 season kicking off this weekend, Jim revisits his conversation with Mario Andretti from the moment Cadillac was officially approved to join the F1 grid. Andretti talks about the significance of an American manufacturer entering Formula 1, what it means for the sport, and why this could be a major turning point for American racing fans.Two very different machines… one big automotive conversation.On this episode:• 2026 Toyota Sienna driving impressions • Why minivans are quietly making a comeback • Hybrid performance and real-world usability • Mario Andretti on Cadillac entering Formula 1 • What the Cadillac F1 entry could mean for American racing#RPMPodcast #ToyotaSienna #MinivanReview #ToyotaHybrid #MarioAndretti #Formula1 #CadillacF1 #Motorsports #CarReview #AutomotivePodcast #F1 #IndyCarLegend #HybridVehicles #CarCulture #AutoIndustrySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series kicks off at Daytona — and Parker Kligerman joins Jim to break it all down.Parker talks about: 🏁 Jesse Love’s championship mentality 🏁 Why Daytona is impossible to “practice” for 🏁 How superspeedway racing has evolved 🏁 Why the moves look wider — but smarter 🏁 The underdog driver to watch 🏁 The weirdest stat of his career: winning twice at Daytona in one year… and only one of them counting 🏁 Should NASCAR end its season at Daytona?Plus — Days of Thunder as a documentary, Talladega Nights takes, and the one car Parker would drive if he could choose anything.Saturday at 5 PM on The CW, the O’Reilly Series starts its season at Daytona. After this conversation, you’ll watch it differently.If you’re watching superspeedway racing this weekend, this is your insider prep.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you're a fan of #f1 - this season is one of the most compelling in years. The new set of rules harkens back to 2014 - so how are the teams dealing with - what have we learned about the new cars. #F1TV Chris Medland joins me to talk about the pre-season, how our friends at #Cadillac are doing and what type of driver we can expect excel in these new rules. #formula1 #f1 #Cadillac #RedBull #Ferrari #Schumacher #Mercedes See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to the our new RPM (Reviews, Performance and Motorsports) podcast: This week we're talking #Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter, #Volkswagen Taos and Tiguan - then we shift (see what I did there?) to interviews with #IndyCar driver Kyffin Simpson and #IMSA legend and #Cadillac driver Jack Aitken. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to RPM #reviews #performance and #motorsports in Big Jim's Garage - something new for 2026. This episode we talk with #RAM Trucks CEO Tim Kuniskis about their truck program and Tony Stewart driving for them at Daytona. Then our focus turns to three #Stellantis vehicles from 2025 that really made an impression. The RAM 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4x4 - the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe and the Alfa Romeo Tonale AWD. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wrapping up the year in review with everything from the Toyota GR86 Hakone, GR Corolla to Hyundai Santa Cruz and Maserati Grecale See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to Episode 2 of the year-end in review series — the SUV & Crossover Showdown, where we break down the best luxury SUVs, family haulers, off-road crossovers, and daily drivers from the past 12 months of test drives. If it seats five, seven, or makes you rethink switching to a truck, it’s in here.This episode covers some of the most important and competitive segments in the automotive world, featuring in-depth impressions, performance notes, and real-world takeaways from Big Jim's test-drive log. Vehicles featured include:LUXURY SUVS• 2025 Maserati Grecale Modena — Italian emotional buying at its finest• 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige — still the value king of luxury• 2026 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige (sedan comparison piece)• 2025 Lexus LX 700h Overtrail — luxury meets old-school off-road muscle3-ROW FAMILY SUVS• 2026 Mazda CX-90 S Premium Plus• 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT AWD• 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition• 2025 Lexus TX 500h F Sport AWD (optional segment placement)MID-SIZE / ADVENTURE CROSSOVERS• 2025 Mazda CX-50 Turbo Meridian Edition• 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy• 2025 Toyota Crown Signia LimitedCOMPACT CROSSOVERS• 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited AWDSUV / TRUCK CROSSOVER• 2025 Toyota Tundra TRD RallyAcross the episode, Jim breaks down why some of these SUVs punch above their price point, which ones outperform their reputations, and where luxury brands and mainstream brands are starting to overlap. You’ll hear insights like:“Maserati sells a feeling — this is an emotional buy.”“Genesis keeps punching way above its weight.”“Mazda isn’t ‘budget’ anymore — they’re coming after BMW.”“This is the SUV I’d recommend to 90% of families.”EPISODE STRUCTURE:Segment 1 — Luxury ThrowdownSegment 2 — The Family Room on WheelsSegment 3 — Adventure & Everyday CrossoversSegment 4 — Rugged SpecialsIf you’re shopping for a luxury SUV, a family three-row, or something that can get muddy on the weekends, this is the episode to hear before you buy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim O’Brien breaks down the biggest EV and electrified vehicles heading into 2025 and 2026 in this year-end RPM roundup. From performance EVs to family hybrids, this episode gives you a clean, fact-based look at what matters — with real specs, real impressions, and the Jim “seat-time” angle for Michigan drivers.Featured EVs: • 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro S Plus 4MOTION — $67,995, dual-motor AWD, 91-kWh pack, ~260 miles of range, first U.S. long-wheelbase Microbus revival. • 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N — $66,100, 641 hp in boost mode, performance EV with N Sound and “fake shift” tech, 0–60 in the low 3s. • 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT — ~$48K–$52K, rugged adventure trim, new 84-kWh battery, SUV-style cladding for light-off-road families.Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): • 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus — $58,500, 323 hp, 26-mile EV range, 17.8-kWh pack, rear-drive architecture, 3,500-lb towing.Hybrids (HEV): • 2025 Lexus TX 500h F SPORT AWD — ~ $69K, 366-hp hybrid, DIRECT4 AWD, three-row performance-leaning luxury. • 2025 Lexus ES 350 F SPORT — $48,900, non-hybrid but included for electrified tech comparison. • 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Premium Plus — ~$41K–$45K, Toyota-sourced hybrid system, 38–40 mpg, first hybrid CX-50. • 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD — ~$47K–$49K, 36 mpg, dramatic redesign with boxy Land Rover-style look. • 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition — ~$55K, not a hybrid in the U.S., included for category comparison. • 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Hybrid — ~$44K–$49K, 243-hp hybrid AWD, 39 mpg, first model year and replaces the Venza.Each segment includes: • Verified MSRPs • Powertrain and battery breakdowns • Notable updates for the model year • “Jim Angle” insights on how each vehicle fits Michigan roads, drivers, and daily lifeIf you want a clear, hype-free look at the most important electrified vehicles hitting the road in 2025–26, this episode is your full guide.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I sat down with Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis to break down their bold new move for the 2026 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series: a Free Agent Driver Program that puts a different racer behind the wheel of the #25 Ram 1500 for every event.Kuniskis explains why Ram is betting big on unpredictability, fan engagement, and cross-discipline talent — and how this rotating seat will open real doors for new and emerging drivers. We also talk Kaulig Racing, the return of Ram to the grid, and what it really feels like to push 170 mph “on a razor’s edge.”A fresh driver revealed before every race. No points chase (although there's some SERIOUS cash from RAM) — just pure performance. This is Ram’s new era.#RAM #NASCAR #Racing #TimKuniskisSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you've listen to my podcast over the past couple of years - I tend to describe SUV's as a "belly button" (everyone's got one) - but I have to admit, the Mitsubishi Outlander grew on my during my week driving it. Then we discuss a reasonably priced sedan that's cool...doesn't exist? Wrong. The Kia K4 GT-Line has always been a great platform, but this version of it is their best yet. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we go from the streets of Detroit to the open road of Modena. First, I sit down with racing legend and stunt driver Tanner Foust at Roadkill Nights to talk Mopar memories, EV racing, Top Gear behind-the-scenes stories, Adam Ferrara’s driving skills, and his ultimate dream cars. Then I take you behind the wheel of two Italian masterpieces — the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio Trofeo. With Ferrari-derived engines, incredible horsepower, and hand-built craftsmanship, these cars prove why Maserati continues to define passion, performance, and timeless design. If you love motorsports, drifting, Detroit car culture, or high-performance machines, this one’s for youSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Absolute honor to talk car culture with one of the biggest influencers on the planet - Dan Pund is the Editor in Chief of Road & Track. Dan is full of insight and genuine love for the auto industry..and it shows in this conversation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How good can a sound system be in a vehicle? Had my mind blown by the folks at Klipsch - what they've done in the RAM Truck Tungsten edition is amazing...and what does a connected car really mean? I have a theory of what it SHOULD mean after spending a week with the Nissan Z. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After an amazing British Grand Prix, we talk #FormulaOne with Chris Medland (F1TV, Sirius/XM) - plenty to touch on: Is Lando really back in the title hunt? Where is Max Verstappen going next year? Does Nico's podium change how Cadillac looks at it's drivers lineup?  Deep dive into one of the most compelling F1 seasons in recent history. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is NOT my normal style of podcast. Recorded at 4:30am in the studio here in Detroit (before my morning show) - sipping coffee and thinking about my week with the 2025 Ford F-150 Hybrid. The evolution of the truck to a true daily driver, and the guy who sold me his FX4 back in 2010 because they'd started a family.  I was little bit introspective on this one - but I'm proud of it.  Jim See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Roman De Angelis is one of the best young drivers in the world - in ANY series of racing. We're very fortunate to have him here with #IMSA for the Detroit Grand Prix this weekend (www.detroitgp.com for tickets). Make sure to look for his green #23 Aston Martin Valkyrie prototype this weekend.  We talk racing here in Detroit, the downtown track, his experiences at LeMans and more. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Always cool to hang out with Ricky Taylor and talk Detroit Grand Prix - his pass for the win in the IMSA race last year was the stuff of legend. We grabbed some burgers and talked racing. Also:  Reviewing a couple of Kia's (the 2025 Carnival Mini-van and the new K4 GT Line) What can you do with Monaco? The two stop strategy didn't work (obviously)  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fun conversation with NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski and Michigan International Speedway President Joe Fowler about the upcoming race at MIS first week of June (mispeedway.com for tickets). Then I give some initial driving impressions of the RAM Rebel X truck (guess what, I love it). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.