Car Stuff Podcast

Jill and Tom open the show talking about “launch colors,” basically the color which new vehicles are initially presented in for media reveals, advertising, and promotion. Tom still remembers the copper color the redesigned Mitsubishi Eclipse was unveiled in for 2000. 

Tom shared his early impressions of the electric Volvo EX30 subcompact crossover. So far, Tom is delighted by the Volvo, and surprised by its price. 

The hosts turn the...

The hosts open the show briefly discussing Tom’s experiences car shopping with his 25-year-old daughter. After test driving five cars, and much careful consideration, a car has been purchased. Listen in for details. 

In the news, Jill and Tom talk about Audi tariff-related price increases, Chrysler’s crazy Grizzly Peak minivan concept vehicle, and the Dodge Durango going V8 only for 2026. 

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the...

Jill and Tom open the show discussing the poor first-half financial returns of EV startups Lucid and Rivian, and the surprising impact recent emissions deregulation will have on their bottom lines. The hosts also touch on the slow sales start of Lucid’s new Gravity EV crossover. 

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the subcompact Acura ADX crossover. Jill likes the vehicle, but questions if it's refined and powerful enough...

Jill and Tom open the show discussing today’s big Ford news, an announcement the company refers to as its “Model T Moment.” The news, delivered by Ford CEO Jim Farley, includes plans for a new electric pickup truck, new manufacturing processes, and a surprising target price point. Listen in for details. 

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade midsize crossover. The new vehicle is updated inside...

Jill and Tom open the show covering a few news items, including: 

·       Tesla has stopped exporting a couple of models to Europe

·       Engine stop/start may be dropped from future vehicles 

·       The Ineos Grenadier SUV is now available via the Costo car-buying service

Tom also discussed his surprise at how likable the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale—not the plug-in hybrid—is. 

Still in the first segment, Jill reviewed the electric, new-fo...

Brendan Appel of The Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Brendan and Tom opened the show by complaining about the extreme heat lingering over the Chicago area. Tom then noted that Jill was correct last week when she suggested that Toyota had a 20-percent stake in Subaru. Tom had suggested a lower figure. 

Still in the first segment, Brendan and Tom acknowledged the passing of the TLX, Acura’s excellent midsize sedan which has ...

Jill and Tom open the show by discussing a rumored new Tesla product for the Chinese market, and the impact of tariffs on Tesla prices in Canada. The hosts also chat briefly about how Chinese EV builder NIO is dealing with battery-swapping “cheaters” in its home market. 

Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom review the Subaru Forester in new-for-2025 hybrid trim. The hosts find themselves in complete agreement on this small cross...

Jill and Tom opened the show with a brief acknowledgment of the podcast’s apparent popularity in Sweden. Amusingly, the show is described on Poddtroppen—a Swedish podcast download site—as a “Komedie.” 

Moving on, the hosts discussed yet another—massive—Ford recall. Tom suggests a reason why Ford might be in the trouble its in. 

Still in the first segment, the hosts dig into Volvo’s recently announced decision to layoff 15-percent of ...

Jill and Tom opened the show discussing the demise of the federal electric-vehicle tax credit. The new and used credits expire on September 30. As a result of the credit situation, Nissan has officially announced the delay of two EV crossovers, one each for Nissan and Nissan luxury-division Infiniti. 

The hosts also discussed Q2 EV sales results. Tom noted a significant increase in electric-vehicle sales at General Motors, while Tes...

Tom and Jill opened the show welcoming new listeners to the program. June proved to be the Car Stuff Podcast’s best download month yet. Tom went on to share news of hydrogen pockets located underground. Tom noted that were these pocket large enough, and easily accessed, it’s possible that fuel-cell vehicles may play a significant role in future mobility. 

Still in the first segment, Jill reviewed the 2026 Honda CR-V in new Trailspor...

Jill and Tom opened up the show by clarifying a point made last week. Indeed, the only Mercedes-Benz wagon offered for sale in the U.S. is the “All-Terrain” variant of the midsize E-class. Tom noted similar wagon offering limitations in the Volvo, Audi, and BMW lineups. 

The hosts also chatted briefly about Ram’s extended powertrain warranty which takes effect for the 2026 model year. Listen in to hear how the new protection plan, c...

Jill opened the show briefly recapping here recent travels. Jill’s been on the road training for the next edition of the Rebelle Rally, this time with a new driver/partner and new vehicle. Listen in for details. 

Tom shared details of a major industry merger, though most consumers won’t be affected. Still, it does involve Mercedes-Benz and Toyota. 

Tom shared news regarding the 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV. One version goes away; one ser...

Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Tom opened the show noting Ram’s decision to return the Hemi-brand V8 to the 1500 powertrain lineup. Ram had replaced the engine with a more powerful and efficient turbocharged six, but customers have rejected the new motor. 

Still in the first segment, Paul recaps his time in the 2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost II. Paul and Sons of Speed partner Brendan Appel share a video of the...

Jill and Tom are joined in-studio this week by colleague Ed Piotrowski. Ed recently wrote a piece for Consumer Guide regarding premium small crossovers he spent time with at this year’s Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally. Ed shared his impressions of the new Acura ADX, sporty Alfa-Romeo Tonale, and speedy BMW X3. Jill also attended the Rally, and shared her impressions of the electric Cadillac Escalade IQ and BMW iX....

 Tom is flying solo this week. He opened the show noting that Tesla is now accepting the Cybertruck in trade, though owners aren’t happy about the trade-in values, which are running around 60 percent of original prices. 

Tom noted that EV sales have been strong in the first quarter of 2025, though may finally be slowing down. Tom shared a list of the best-selling EV makers of 2025 so far, the number-2 company may come as a surprise....

Jill and Tom opened the show by talking about Toyota’s new-for-2026 electric-vehicle lineup. The changes include revised model names, and smaller and larger companions for the maker’s existing—and also updated—bZ compact EV. 

Tom talked about a recently published article which claims that the Tesla Cybertruck is wearing through tires in as little as 7000 miles. Per the article, replacement tires cost around $400 each. 

Tom also noted...

Tom opened the show with an apology for two mistakes he’s made in the past couple of weeks. Listen in for the corrections. Jill and Tom went on to share a tariff update, as well news regarding one of the strangest recalls…ever. So, what’s wrong with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz’s back seat? Listen in for details. 

Still in the first segment, Jill shares her take on the updated-for-2026 Genesis GV70 small crossover. Updated styling and a ...

Jill and Tom opened the show noting that of all the car brands affected by the trade tariffs, Buick and Volvo are in a particularly tough spot. Listen in to hear why. Tom made note of all the EV fast charging news of late, and suggests that listeners not get too excited by the hype. Per Tom, the nation's current electric grid will not be easily tapped for additional power, regardless of how quickly a vehicle is capable of bein...

Join Tom and guest host Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed for this year’s Consumer Guide Best Buy episode of the Car Stuff Podcast. 

Tom and Brendan run down the list of 37 vehicles in 16 classes, each of which deserves a place on your new-car shopping list. If you are currently shopping for a new car, you need to listen to this episode. 

Following the Best Buy discussion, Brendan shared big news: The Sons of Speed and the folks fro...