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
First Jeep EV, Mazda's Upscale Strategy, The Cybertruck is a Flop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:49
The hosts opened the show discussing an article recently posted by Tom called, The Cybertruck is a Flop. Though the article covers the failures of the Tesla pickup truck from a number of angles, Tom primarily discussed t…
Chicago Auto Show Preview, Toyota Gets Quiet, Best-Selling EVs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:27
Tom opened the show by acknowledging Jill’s birthday. Per Jill, she is 39 years old. Again. Jill and Tom welcomed Jennifer Morand of the Chicago Auto Show for a preview of the event which opens February 8. Jennifer share…
Manhattan Congestion Fee, New Nissan Kicks, Most-Reliable Car Brands [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:47
For the first show of 2025, Jill and Tom opened the conversation discussing a few news item, including a New York City plan to curb midday traffic by instituting a “congestion fee” toll on drivers entering parts of Manha…
Honda and Nissan Merge, Ram Delays EV, Chatting With Scout Motors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:16
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 history. Also discussed was Ra…
Charger Daytona, Tesla Market Share, Impact of Trump Tariffs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:30
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 of Car and Driver at…
Stellantis CEO Quits, Volvo XC90 Review, Porsche Macan EV Deep Dive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:57
Jill and Tom opened the show noting that Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares stepped down from his position over the weekend. The surprise move sent company stock down steeply early Monday. The hosts also discussed one of Tom’…