2026 Consumer Guide Best Buys

2026 Consumer Guide Best Buys

Author: Consumer Guide Automotive, Tom Appel, Jill Ciminillo May 26, 2026 Duration: 1:04:55
Jill and Tom share thoughts on every vehicle on the 2026 Consumer Guide Best Buy list.

Ever find yourself wondering about the difference between hybrid and electric, or how to actually negotiate at a dealership without feeling awkward? That's the kind of ground Car Stuff Podcast covers, without the jargon or the snooze factor. Hosts Tom Appel and Jill Ciminillo, the editors from Consumer Guide Automotive, bring their decades of experience to your headphones, but it feels more like a casual, informative chat in a garage. They're not just talking specs; they're talking about the real experience of buying, owning, and loving cars. Each episode dives into practical topics like new-model reviews and used-car shopping strategies, but also explores the fun side of automotive culture, from classic car restorations to the future of self-driving tech. The conversation is grounded in expertise but delivered with a genuine, often comedic rapport that makes even the most technical discussions accessible. You'll hear from industry guests who offer insider perspectives, making this podcast a well-rounded resource. Whether you're a daily commuter, a weekend tinkerer, or just someone who appreciates the role cars play in our lives, this show connects those interests with clarity and a good dose of humor. It’s the automotive advice you need, served up in a way you’ll actually enjoy listening to.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Car Stuff Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Killing CarPlay, Driving the McLaren GT, Fuel Cells for Big Trucks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:07
Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Jill will be back for next week’s show. Paul and Tom open the show by discussing consumer-battery maker Duracell’s foray into electric-vehicle charging. Durac…
Lexus Drops Model, Driving the Redesigned Leaf, Polestar Deep Dive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:13
Jill and Tom open the show noting that the well-regarded Hyundai Kona EV small electric crossover is only offered in a dozen states, so availability is very limited. This point comes into play as the hosts discuss the re…
Nissan Kills EV, Driving the Audi SQ8, Shopping for Car Insurance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:50
Tom opens the show correcting two errors he made recently. Listen in to hear what he got wrong. Tom then shares the results of an X poll he conducted on Ferrari colors. Turns out white is NOT a popular choice for the Ita…
Honda Civic Hybrid, Ram Kills EV, 1969 Camaro [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:24
The show opens with a brief, and completely off-topic, conversation about whether or not Tom smells spicy. Listen in for the verdict. Tom shared brief impressions of the 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD, noting…
New Jeep Cherokee, Bronco Stroppe, Tariff Turmoil Explained [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:25
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 redesign…