Car Stuff Podcast

Jill is back in studio this week. The hosts opened the show discussing hands-free driving systems, with Tom sharing impressions of both the Lincoln Blue Cruise 1.2 system found in the Nautilus he is evaluating this week, and the Tesla Full Self Driving (FSD) system as found in the Model Y small crossover. Tom also briefly reviewed the Tesla Model Y, which he was generally very impressed with. That said, Tom was surprised by how small the Model Y is—listen in for his complete summary. In the second segment Jill and Tom welcome Jamie Butters, Executive Editor of Automotive News, to the show. Jamie explained why the staff of Automotive News no longer considers Tesla a luxury brand. Jamie also shared his thoughts on the recent Tesla sales slowdown, and the UAW vote at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga factory. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “EV Sales” quiz. Jill also discussed an unusual meal she enjoyed at Newark Liberty International Airport. 

Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. The hosts covered a number of topics in the first segment, including the news that General Motors will be moving out of the Renaissance Center—which it has occupied since 1996—for a new building in Downtown Detroit. Brendan and Tom also discussed the origin of Alfa Romeo’s Verde Montreal color, which turns out to be an homage to an historic brand offering. Still in the first segment, Tom lamented the challenge of dealing with “inherited music,” a song which starts from the middle when the car is started. Brendan will restart a song if it is worthy, while Tom, as it turns out, always advances to the next song. Brendan went on to share his impressions of the new-for-2024 Toyota Tacoma, noting that even lower trim-level versions of Toyota’s midsize pickup perform well in off-road driving. Brendan discussed the finer points of the redesign, including the move to a coil-spring rear suspension, and small turbocharged engines. In the second segment Brendan and Tom talk to the folks at Goodyear about electric-vehicle tires. Joining the crew are David Zanig, Goodyear’s Senior Director of Tire Technology, and Brad Heim, Vice President for Product Development. Listen in to learn why EV tires are different from those found on conventional vehicles. In the last segment Brendan is subjected to Tom’s “Which Sold Better” quiz. Brendan wrapped up the show discussing dash-cam use, and the terrible driving he witnessed on a recent road trip. 

Jill and Tom talked briefly about the eclipse that was taking place during the recording of this week’s episode. The conversation turned to the news that Tesla will not be producing the long-promised Model 2, a small electric vehicle with a base price of around $25,000. In other news, the hosts discussed the sudden decline in large pickup-truck sales, a thing which Jill believes is temporary, and not a harbinger of economic weakness. Jill shared her impressions of the 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, a vehicle which the hosts agree is best suited for performance-loving extroverts. Jill noted that the Stelvio is very fast, and that the Verde Montreal (green) color of her test car is not for the faint of heart. In the second segment Tom and Jill welcome Greg Clark, Vice President of Ineos Automotive of the Americas to the show. Greg talked about the Ineos Grenadier, an off-road SUV, which is now on sale in the States. The Grenadier was designed to be an homage to the original Land Rover Defender, and is built for severe rock-crawling activity. Greg talked about the process by which Ineos was able to bring a vehicle to market in less than three years. Greg also discussed the Ineos Quartermaster, a Grenadier-based pickup truck arriving in Ineos dealerships later this year. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Mitsubishi or Golf Club” quiz. Jill’s quiz winning streak may be in jeopardy. After the Quiz Tom talked about the 2024 GMC Sierra AT4X he is currently driving. Tom is generally impressed, and had a few things to say about the diesel engine his truck is equipped with. 

Jill and Tom opened the show discussing the Fisker Ocean fire sale designed to raise quick capital for the fledgling EV carmaker. Fisker has cut the price on most Ocean models by as much as 40 percent, in a desperate bid to raise cash. Listen in for more details. Tom let Jill know that—despite not having driven stick in more than a year—he has not stalled his test 2024 Ford Mustang GT, unless you count a single backing-up incident. Tom also shares his thoughts on Ford’s latest pony car. Still in the first segment, the hosts recapped the news from the New York Auto Show. Highlights including news from Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, and Nissan. In the second segment Jill and Tom welcome Andew Collins of The Drive to the show. Andrew provides a primer on the automotive-recall process, and talked about the ongoing Takata airbag recall, including updates on that situation. In the third segment, Tom is—for the first time ever—subjected to Jill’s April Fools Day-themed fake automotive-feature Quiz. Did Tom pass? Listen in. Jill wrapped up the show with a brief review of the Kia EV9 3-row electric crossover. 

Jill and Tom opened a topic-packed show by acknowledging carmaker Fisker’s grim fiscal situation. The once-promising EV start-up has broken off collaboration talks with Nissan, and seems doomed to enter bankruptcy. The hosts then chatted briefly about Cupra, a spin-off of Volkswagen’s Spanish brand Seat. Talk is that the Cupra brand will come to the U.S. before the end of the decade with a duo of small crossovers and a small sports car. The vehicles will likely be produced by VW in the U.S. Still in the first segment, Jill shared quick reviews of the redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe, and the updated Ford Ranger. In the second segment Jill and Tom are joined by pet expert and radio host Steve Dale (SteveDale.TV) to talk about traveling with cats and dogs. Steve shared plenty of information about taking your pet on a plane, or bringing it along for extended car rides. Steve also shared a few tips on how to get the most from airport lounge buffets. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it Real” fake-model quiz, after which Tom talked about his new review of the 2024 Subaru Outback Touring XT. Oh, and the quiz bonus question includes Uhura. 

Jill and Tom opened the episode by acknowledging that EV-startup Fisker is in dire financial straits, having recent halted production. In related EV news, the hosts discussed the announcement that Honda and Nissan are seeking avenues of cooperation to develop electric-vehicle technology, including platforms and software, but not final retail products. Tom quickly shared his thoughts on a pair of vehicles he recent evaluated, including the 2024 Land Rover Defender, and Volkswagen Taos. Jill shared her thoughts on the redesigned Lincoln Nautilus premium midsize crossover, including the vehicle’s new door-to-door infotainment screen. Listen in for Jill’s complete review. In the second segment Jill and Tom welcome David Schneider of Harman Internation to the show. David walked the hosts through the portfolio of premium-audio brands the company manages, and what is involved in allowing a carmaker to use specific audio brands, including Bang & Olufsen, Harman Kardon, JBL, Mark Levinson, and Revel. David explained how Harman works with manufacturers to produce in-car audio experiences appropriate to each Harman brand. In the third segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Fake Concept Car” quiz, which includes a “fishy” bonus question. The hosts wrapped up the show discussing the Ram 1500 Classic, a previous generation Ram pickup truck still offered for sale a lower cost than the current-generation model. 

Tom and guest host Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed covered a number of topics this week. First, the hosts addressed the surprise Rivian reveal of not one, but two, small crossovers last week, both of which are scheduled to be built at the maker’s existing Illinois facility. Both will be much more affordable than Rivian’s current offerings. Also, the Chevrolet Blazer EV is back in production, this after a stop-sale was ordered by the brand as a result of software issues. Listen for details regarding the Blazer’s return to production, and significant price cuts. Still in the first segment, Paul shared the scoop on a pair of excellent Sons of Speed-produced “The Lap” videos, one featuring a collectible Dodge Challenger, the other a rather rare—and high-performance—Mercedes-AMG product. In the second segment, the hosts welcome Randy Dale of Nissan to the program. Randy walked Tom and Paul through the updates to the 2024 Nissan Sentra, which Tom feels has become a far better vehicle—and a great value.  In the last segment Paul is subjected to Tom’s “Who Made More” quiz, which Tom expected Paul to fail. Did he? The hosts wrapped up the show covering a number of subjects, including the impressive interiors of Hyundai and Genesis cars and crossovers. 

In a topic-packed first segment, Jill and Tom opened the show discussing the potential alliance between Nissan and EV startup Fisker. The Hookup would allow Nissan to build and retail a version of the struggling EV startup’s coming Alaska midsize pickup. The hosts went on to discuss Ford’s successful alliance with Tesla. The Ford Mustang Mach-E crossover and F-150 Lightning pickup can now be charged at any of Tesla’s famously reliable Supercharger stations—an adapter, available from Ford, is required. To wrap up the first segment, Jill shared her impressions of the 2024 Honda Passport TrailSport. The off-road themed midsize crossover looks rugged, but is it refined enough for daily use? Listen in for Jill’s complete review. In the second segment Jill and Tom welcome Robert Colangelo to the show. Founder of CEA technologies, and host of The Green Sense Show, Robert shared his experience behind the wheel of the Aptera, a 2-seat electric car featuring a 3-wheel design and solar charging. While the Aptera seems a little far out on the cutting edge, Robert is optimistic about its potential in the market place. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “5-speed, 6-speed, or 7-speed” quiz. How did Jill do? And, did Jill get the Arby’s bonus question? 

Tom opened the show by surprising Jill with a bonus recording-day treat: Funyuns. After determining that there is, in fact, very little actual onion in Funyuns, Tom and Jill turned their attention to automotive matters. Tom read through a list of listener-submitted favorite model names, including picks from regular contributors, among them Damon Bell, Sam Fiorani, and Brendan Appel. Jill then shared her impressions of the updated-for-2025 Ram 1500 pickup truck. Jill was generally impressed by the new truck, but had some reservations regarding the new $90,000 Tungsten trim level. In the second segment Tim Esterdahl of Pickup Truck + SUV Talk joined the show to expand on the Ram 1500 conversation. Tim talked about Ram’s move away from the popular Hemi V8 engine to the new Hurricane 6-cylinder powerplant. Tim believes most shoppers will be well served by the new Ram engine lineup. Listen in for complete details. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Turbo or No Turbo” quiz, which featured an Indian-food bonus question. 

Jill and Tom are both in-studio today. Tom opened the podcast by thanking the producers of the Chicago Auto Show for their special efforts to make the event accessible to Tom and his bum knee. Tom shared his thoughts on the show, including several vehicles on display, among them the Tesla Cyber Truck, the Cadillac Escalade IQ, and the GMC Hummer. Jill and Tom also discussed recently announced pricing for a pair of coming EVs, the Chevrolet Equinox EV, and the Fiat 500E. The hosts then turned their attention to the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 small crossover Tom recently reviewed. You can read Tom’s review by clicking here. No guest this week as Jill and Tom shared their thoughts on some of the best car model names of all time. Tom’s list includes such classics as Toronado and El Dorado, while Jill vented regarding her dislike of alphanumeric car names. In the final segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s crafty “3 or 4” quiz, which concludes with a bonus question about Korean corn dogs. 

Packed episode today. Jill and Tom began with a brief Chicago Auto Show recap, news regarding Ionna—the multi-carmaker charging network created in response to the failure of public-charging companies including Electrify America—and Electrify America’s new indoor charging facility in San Francisco. Jill also reviewed the 2024 Lexus GX 550, the replacement for one of Tom’s favorite vehicles, the long-running Lexus GX 460. In the second segment the hosts welcomed to the show Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions. Same addressed the recent Stellantis/Renault merger rumor, and looked at the near- and mid-term future of the storied Jeep brand. Big changes coming for the off-road marque, including two electric vehicles for the U.S. In the third segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s diabolical “Is it a Chrysler” quiz. Did Jill’s wining streak come to an end this week? Listen in to find out. Also, big thanks to Morkes Chocolate in Palatine, Illinois, for supplying today’s Fat Tuesday paczki. 

No guest this week as Jill and Tom run down the complete list of 2024 Consumer Guide Best Buy picks. The list includes 41 vehicles in 17 different categories. If you're thinking about buying a new car in the near future, this week's show is a must-listen-to episode. You can check out the entire 2024 Consumer Guide Best Buy list by clicking here. 

Jill and Tom opened the show talking about the all-new Lexus GX 550 luxury midsize SUV arriving in showrooms later this year. Also in the first segment the hosts welcome Jennifer Morand of the Chicago Auto Show. Jennifer gave an update on the Chicago Show, which opens February 10th. Tom wrapped up the segment sharing his Tesla predictions for 2024. In the second segment Jill and Tom welcome John Vincent of U.S. News and World Report. John walked the hosts through the outlet’s “2024 Best Cars for the Money” list. It’s noteworthy that three brands dominated the 11-vehicle list.  In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Was it ever…” fake-model quiz. Did Jill win again? After the quiz Jill shared her thoughts on new-car-feature subscription fees. Per Jill, while many of the features in question are currently available at no cost to owners, use will eventually be subject to monthly charges. And, interestingly, in many cases auto makers have not yet set pricing for said features. 

Jill and Tom opened the show by welcoming new listeners. The last few episodes of the Car Stuff Podcast have been very popular. Tom expressed his disappointment that Jill had selected such a boring donut for today’s episode. The hosts had stopped by Morkes Chocolate in Palatine, IL, together for donuts prior to the show. Tom discussed briefly his early but favorable impressions of the Chevrolet Trailblazer RS he is currently evaluating. Jill and Tom then reviewed Cadillac’s first EV, the Cadillac Lyriq each had extended time with. Tom noted having “one and a half” issues with the car, but both hosts were generally very impressed. Listen in for the full review, including driving-range findings.  In the second segment the hosts welcomed Stanley Horaczek of Popular Science to the show. Stanley walked the hosts through the site’s new Top 5 Auto Trends for 2024 list.  Jill is subjected to Tom’s conceptually flawed “NOVAS” quiz in the third segment. Did Jill score on the Billy Joel bonus question? The hosts wrapped up the show talking about the placement of some EV charging stations in poorly lit locations. 

Jill is in studio this week. Jill opened the show sharing some sad news. Her father died over the holiday break. You can read Jill’s tribute to her dad by clicking on the link in this week’s podcast update post on the Car Stuff Podcast Facebook Page. Tom, who is driving a Cummins-diesel-powered Ram pickup this week, noted that he had forgotten about how diesel engines require some glow-plug warm-up time before starting in cold weather. Note that as the show was recorded, it was -12 degrees outside the TalkZone studio in Palatine, Illinois. The conversation turned to the Detroit Auto Show, which is returning to January for 2025. This after a three-year hiatus from that timeslot, and missing 2020 due to COVID-19. Jill shared her impressions of the 2024 Ford F-150 Tremor, a new trim level designed for off-road use. Jill spent considerable time behind the wheel of the truck, driving it from Chicago to Indianapolis during the holidays. In the second segment Jill and Tom welcome Jim Hurless, Global Real Estate Leader for Electric Vehicle Infrastructure at CBRE. Jim shared some fascinating insights as to how EV charging station locations are determined, how much it costs to install an EV charger, and what CBRE is doing about charger reliability. Great conversation. Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Which Sold Better in 2023” quiz in the third segment. Jill also ruined Tom’s round of guessing as to what a company called ZeroMold might do. Tom’s guesses were better than the truth. 

Guest host Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed and Tom opened the show talking about a couple of new “The Lap” videos now posted on WeAreMotorDriven.com. The hosts then chatted briefly about the 2024 North American Car of the Year winners, which were revealed last week. Tom shared his concerns regarding misleading commercials being run by online used-car marketer DriveTime. Tom is specifically concerned about the company’s assertion that users are able to negotiate the price of the vehicle they purchasing, which is not the case. Also addressed was the news that Stellantis has opted to pull out of a number of 2024 auto shows, including CES and Chicago.  Brendan and Tom went on to briefly share their impressions of the Genesis GV70 Electrified compact crossover. In the second segment the hosts welcome Genesis Manger of PR and Communications Jarred Pellat to the show. Jarred talked about the emergence of Genesis as a luxury brand, its success as an alternative premium-vehicle offering, and the brand’s accessibility to women. Jarred also addressed the brand’s EV plans moving forward. In the final segment Brendan is subjected to Tom’s horsepower quiz, which included a bonus question about Twinkies. Tom wrapped up the show with a quick review of the ride and handling balance found on his current test car, the 2024 BMW X5 M60i. Jill is spending time with her family this week, and returns next episode. 

Jill and Tom opened the show by discussing the North American Car of the Year finalists, including the last-minute substitution of the Hyundai Kona for the Volvo EX30 in the Utility category. Listen in to find out why the switch. The hosts went on to list their favorite test vehicles of 2023, and their least favorite. There are a few surprises on the lists. In the second segment Jill and Tom welcome Colorado State University master’s degree student Harper Appel to the show. Harper regularly makes the 1000-mile journey from Fort Collins, Colorado, to Palatine Illinois. Harper shares a few tips on surviving a 15-hour drive, and shares her picks for the best places to stop for gas and snacks. Note: The conversation includes an extended chat regarding Casey’s exclusive Mountain Dew varieties, and the chain's self-branded snacks. Harper joins Jill for this week’s quiz. Topic: Rolls-Royce Color or Cheese. The hosts wrapped up the podcast by chatting with Harper regarding her work at the Animal Friends Alliance shelter in Fort Collins. 

Jill and Tom opened this holiday episode of the podcast by discussing how the residents of Skokie, Illinois, mount huge light-up menorahs on the roofs of their cars in celebration of Hanukkah. Tom vowed to do the same next season. The hosts went on to discuss a massive Honda/Acura recall, and the echoes of the giant Takata airbag recall which still haunts the industry. Jill shared her thoughts about the massive—and massively expensive—Ford F-350 King Ranch pickup truck she recently evaluated. The review included a conversation regarding the benefits of opting for the single-rear wheel (SRW) option. In the second segment, Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions joins Jill and Tom to review the most noteworthy stories of the year. Sam recalled the UAW strike, slowing EV demand growth, growing vehicle inventories, and strong car sales. We also learned that Sam once owned a Merkur XR4Ti. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Station Wagon or Omaha Suburb” quiz, which was followed by a brief discussion of Jill’s favorite test-vehicles of 2023. 

Tom opened the show with a correction, this regarding the history and current ownership of European car brand Vauxhall covered last week. The hosts went on to discuss a completely unscientific poll Tom conducted on Twitter regarding electric pickup trucks. Twitter users were asked to pick their favorite EV pickup from this list: Tesla Cybertruck, GMC Hummer, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Rivian R1T. Listen in for the surprising results. Jill shared her thoughts on the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS, which both hosts agree is fun to drive and represents great dollar value. What didn’t they like? Listen in.  In the second segment Jill and Tom welcomed Cadillac Director of Marketing Tony Johnson. Tony shared Cadillac’s near- and midterm electrification plans, and shared rollout plans for the coming Lyric, Celestiq, Escalade IQ, Vistiq, and Optiq. Tony also explained the origins of Caddy’s new “IQ” model-naming scheme, and described the ordering process for the limited-production “one-of-one” ultra-luxury Celestiq sedan.  In the final segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Women” quiz, which featured questions regarding the brands women most often choose when purchasing a new vehicle. Quiz questions based on a recent S&P Global report.   

Jill and Tom are both in studio today for another topic-packed show. Tom opened the episode acknowledging the installation of the first EV charging station under the provisions of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Act, signed into law in 2021. The first unit went live at a Flying J gas station in Ohio earlier this week. Jill and Tom went on to discuss Jill’s evaluation of a Starbucks Coffee/Volvo joint effort. This past week Jill drove electric Volvo vehicles from Denver, Colorado to Seattle, Washington, charging the cars only at Starbucks locations along the way equipped with high-speed Volvo-sponsored chargers. Listen in for more on this unique cooperative exercise—and what Jill ordered to drink at each stop. In the second segment Jill and Tom are joined by Consumer Report’s Steven Elek. Steven gave the hosts the lowdown on the organization’s latest Auto Reliability Study. Steven shared insights into how and why electric vehicles are proving problematic for some owners, and walked Jill and Tom through top-ten list of most-reliable car brands. The list includes a few surprises. In the final segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Car Sales in Europe” quiz, capped by a Kikkoman soy-sauce bonus question. Because Jill has not yet listened to last week’s episode, Tom explained to her why he was looking to shoot a water buffalo.