Car Stuff Podcast

Jill and Tom open the show discussing the market place viability of the onslaught of midsize pickup trucks due to arrive on the U.S. in the next few years. Tom believes the segment is already crowded, while Jill thinks there is space for makers to differentiate their trucks and claim a little market share. Tom shares his disappointment in the announced range of the coming Jeep Recon electric SUV. The off-roader boasts big power numbers, but not as much battery range as some consumer may want or need. Listen in for details. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2026 Subaru Ascent midsize crossover. While generally impressed by the largest Subaru, Jill found a few issues which may concern shoppers. Listen in for details. In the second segment, the hosts are joined by Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions. Sam discusses the state of the Canadian auto industry, and points out a critical automotive flaw in the hit TV show Psyche . Sam also shares news regarding the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles . In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Is it Built in Canada?" quiz, which includes a bonus question regarding marijuana-infused soda. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jill and Tom open the show discussing Ford's decision to import from China the compact Lincoln Corsair, this after briefly dropping the model due to manufacturing complications here in the U.S. The hosts go on to discuss news that Acura will be bringing to the North American market a 3-row crossover larger than the brand's popular midsize MDX. Note that the MDX is also offered with 3rd seating row, though the accommodations are less than generous. Also discussed in the first segment is Nissan's plan to pull ahead the launch of the redesigned Rogue compact crossover. Already rescheduled from a mid-2027 rollout to a January introduction, the Rogue is now expected as early as this October. Listen in to learn why this updated crossover is so important to the Japanese carmaker. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA250+ EV sedan. Jill's range was surprising, as was the compact Mercedes' base price. In the second segment the hosts welcome Tim Esterdahl of Pickup Truck plus SUV Talk . Tim shares insights into the massive ongoing Toyota-truck V6-engine recall, which will in some cases require a complete engine replacement. How long does it take to replace a truck engine? Listen in for details. Tim also shares news regarding his new We Talk Cars project, which expands his coverage beyond trucks and crossovers, and will include car reviews, consumer information, and buying guides. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Ten Years Later" quiz. Tom also shares some insights regarding EV startup carmaker Lucid, and its construction of a car factor in Saudi Arabia. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tom opens the show listing for Jill a series of possible names for future off-road oriented crossover trim levels. Staying on topic, the hosts discuss plans for Lincoln to introduce a body-on-frame off-road model based on Ford's popular Bronco SUV. The new truck may arrive in showrooms before 2030. Tom talks briefly about the 2026 RAV4 Woodland PHEV he recently evaluated. He is very impressed by the ride and handling, less so with the compact crossover's big-guy space. Listen in for details. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews Kia's most affordable model, the K4 compact car. Her test vehicle came in sporty GT-Line Turbo trim in new-for-2026 hatchback guise. What does Jill think of her $32,000 ride? Listen in for details. In the next segment Jill and Tom are joined by Chip Lupo of WalletHub . Chip shares results of a WalletHub study identifying the U.S. states in which consumers are making the highest car payments relative to that state's median income. Listen in to hear a list of the top-ten states. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Fake Plymouth" quiz. Listen in to hear how Jill does. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jill and Tom open the show by admitting that they are less than startled by the news of a 4-door Mustang, which rumor has it, will arrive by the 2029 or 2030 model year. While Mustang loyalists may resent the use of the Mustang name on a sedan, it has, as Jill points out, already been used on the Mustang Mach-E electric crossover. Tom notes that the Volvo lineup has been pared down for 2027, listen in to learn what body type has been dropped entirely in this market by the Swedish carmaker. Tom spoke briefly about the "Yen Crisis," which has the U.S. dollar soaring in value relative to the Japanese currency. Short term, the weakened Yen means greater profit for Japanese carmakers, the low valuation also means that imported parts and raw materials are becoming more expensive. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2026 Ford Explorer in new Tremor off-road trim. The Tremor trim level includes more trail-ready equipment than many similar-mission crossovers--for a price. Listen in for Jill's complete review. In the second segment, the hosts welcome Harvey Briggs of automotive news and review site RidesandDrives.com . Harvey talks about the state of Indycar racing, and the upcoming Freedom 250 race in Washington D.C. Harvey has three podcasts planned to cover the event. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Gone in 60 Seconds" quiz. Tom wraps up the show with some quick thoughts on the redesigned Chrysler Pacifica minivan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jill and Tom open the show discussing Ford's just named $30,000 small electric pickup, the Fathom . Ford did not share pictures of its " Model T Moment " new model, but promised that deliveries will begin by the end of 2027. Tom discussed the GMC Jimmy , a Toyota 4Runner -like body-on-frame SUV rumored for production around 2030. A companion model does not appear to be in the cards for Chevrolet. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the Dodge Durango midsize crossover. Dodge's long-lived family-friendly model has been given a new lease on life--this due to rolled back fuel economy standards--and now boasts a slate of exciting engine options. Listen in to hear Jill's take. In the second segment the hosts welcome John Vincent of U.S. News and World Report . John has written a pair of stories recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Honda Accord. John has owned several Accords, and has a lot to say about the car's importance in U.S. automotive history. Listen in for a great conversation. In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom's "30 MPG?" quiz. And, as an addendum to last week's Honda Prelude review, Tom clarifies a couple of points regarding varying hybrid systems. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jill and Tom open this week's show addressing rumors of a coming Honda Accord model designed to compete directly with the popular Subaru Outback. The Honda wagon would--per rumor--enjoy a raised ride height, off-road trim, and standard AWD. Honda denies the rumor, though sources suggest the new Accord could be in showrooms for the 2030 model year. Also discussed this week is Audi's new large crossover, the Q9. With its new largest model, the German luxury carmaker looks to woo shoppers away from the likes of the BMW X7, Lexus LX, and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Listen in for prices and trim-level information. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2026 Honda Prelude. The sporty 2-door to some degree replaces the discontinued Civic coupe in Honda showrooms, and is offered only as a hybrid. Listen in for Jill's take on this all-new Honda with a heritage name. In the second segment, the hosts welcome Dave Thomas of CDK Global to the podcast. Dave shares insights gleaned from a number of research projects conducted by CDK, including an owner study which suggests that EV operators are far happier with their vehicles than is commonly understood. Listen in for details. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Is it Turbocharged?" survey, which includes a Jack-in-the-Box menu-item bonus question. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jill and Tom open the show by wishing Chicago radio friend and legend Steve King a happy birthday. Steve shares his birthday with none other than Mick Jagger. Tom shares details--what few there are--regarding a new Range Rover model due in U.S. showrooms within the next 36 months. The Range Rover GT is a sedan-like midsize/large crossover that will debut as an EV, and be made available later as a gasoline/hybrid model. Given its low profile, Tom questions the extent to which the GT will be a true off-road performer, like other Range Rover models. The hosts talk about the planned hiatus of the Honda Ridgeline midsize pickup truck. The truck is schedule to disappear from Honda showrooms after the 2026 model year, reappearing for the 2028 or 2029 model year. The new Ridgeline will be completely redesigned, and is said to feature a hybrid V6 powertrain. Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom review the new Lucid Gravity electric midsize crossover. The high-design EV mostly impresses, but a few software glitches left the hosts scratching their heads. In the second segment Jill and Tom welcome industry analyst Jamie Butters to the program. Jamie shares news regarding his new radio show, and walks the hosts through a number of big stories that broke this past week, including Ford opening a factory in Spain to Chinese-car production. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Which is Cheaper?" quiz, and the duo chat with producer Margaret about the team's group visit to Chicago's legendary Superdawg Drive-in. Listen in to hear what Tom, a vegetarian, orders at the Midwest's most-popular Drive-in. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jill and Tom open the show reviewing news from the city of Toledo where three members of a family perished in a crossover last week as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Little is known at this point regarding the tragedy, except that the vehicle was running with the air conditioning in use. The hosts also discussed recent news that potential EV shoppers no long worry about vehicle range as much as they do home charging. Listen in for why this might be the case. Tom notes that, five years into its run, the Ford F-150 PowerBoost (hybrid) does not seem to be generating as much consumer interest as might have been initially expected. Price may be an issue, or just a general lack of interest in hybrids by large-Pickup buyers. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the redesigned Mazda CX-5 compact crossover. Has the CX-5 lost some of its "Mazdaness?" Listen in for details. in the second segment, the hosts welcome Jeremy Barnes of Mitsubishi to the show. Jeremy talks about the the maker's updated Outlander compact crossover, as well as its Mitsubishi Motors Momentum 2030 business plan. Mitsubishi plans to roll out a new model every year until 2030 in the U.S. market. Listen in for details. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Is it a VW Trim Level?" Quiz. Listen in to see how she scored. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In place of the traveling Jill, Tom is joined this week by Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed . Tom and Brendan open the show discussing updates to the 2027 Corvette, including a new base engine which lifts the cars top speed to 200 mph. The hosts go on to discuss Volkswagen's sales and financial woes. Though relatively healthy here in the U.S., the German carmaker is feeling the impact of poor sales in Europe and in China. Volkswagen is looking to cut manufacturing capacity from about 12 million units to 9 million, but faces stiff push back from European labor unions. In the second segment, Tom and Brendan welcome Bodie Grimm, host of the Kilowatt podcast . Bodie shares his insights into the EV market place, and looks ahead as carmakers struggle to sell electric vehicles in the U.S. and other markets. Bodie also shares a music listening suggestion for Tom. In the last segment, Brendan is subjected to Tom's "Corvette!" quiz. Brendan also talks about shopping for a 3/4-ton truck with which to do some towing. Did Brendan make a truck purchase? Listen in for details. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jill and Tom open the show by acknowledging that the Subaru Outback, now less wagonlike, is reportedly selling well, despite the break with its design roots. Tom was worried it might not. The hosts turn their attention to a series of spy photographs depicting what is claimed to be the Chrysler brand’s next products, the Airflow compact crossover, and the Arrow and Arrow Cross subcompact crossovers. Word has it the Airflow will arrive for the 2028 model year, and the Arrow and Arrow Cross shortly after that. Tom turned the conversation to the bizarre news that Ferrari will offer a fake manual transmission in an upcoming version of the brand's 12Cylindri sports car. The 819-horsepower Ferrari will feature a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission, but also include a gated chrome shifter and functional clutch pedal. No word yet as to how the system feels relative to a conventional manual shifter, but we do know that European-market prices start just under $700,000. Tom changed topics and wondered aloud if part of what is driving new-car transaction prices higher is the increase in the number of hybrid vehicles being purchased in the U.S. Jill isn’t so sure. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the compact Lexus IS sporty sedan. In the second segment, the hosts welcome Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions to the show. Sam shares his take on the demise of Polestar, what to expect from the USMCA negotiations, and what’s new at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Automobiles . In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Was it a Car Part” quiz. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jill and Tom open the show by discussing the shocking news that the Polestar brand will be leaving the U.S. at the end of this model. Tom questions why Polestar is not pushing back against this Commerce Department security decision. Jill notes that as information regarding the all-new Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup is released, GMC has begun sharing tidbits--mostly photography--of the redesigned Sierra 1500. These launches are hugely important to General Motors, as the two trucks combined account for roughly one third of the carmaker's annual revenue. In the 2nd segment, Jill and Tom talk to Jimmy Douglas of Plug , an online remarketer of used EVs. Listen in to learn how dealers are acquiring inventory of late-model used electric vehicles, and why this might be a good time to sell your EV. Also, it turns out that Jimmy is a big fan of the Volkswagen VR6 engine discussed recently by Tom. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Bogus Blue" quiz, and has time to review the redesigned 2027 Kia Telluride 3-row crossover, which can now be had in hybrid form. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jill and Tom open a content-packed episode by welcoming the BMW M5 Touring to Tom's driveway. Expect to hear much more about this practical super-car in future episodes. Producer Margaret then shares details of her recent interview of Chicago-based radio reporter/journalist Jennifer Keiper, a peer of Jill's and Tom's. Jennifer lost her most recent position in the radio industry as CBS News wound down its broadcast operations. You can listen to that interview here . Tom share a list of the countries in which the Car Stuff Podcast is most popular, and it's rather surprising. Still in the first segment, Tom shares bad news for folks waiting to purchase a 2026 Toyota RAV4. The all-new compact crossover is in high-demand, and redesign rollover constraints have limited supply. Jill says the small crossover is worth the wait. The hosts also discuss slumping Lucid sales, and the most-popular model names of all time . In the second segment, the hosts welcome Jeep Vice President of Design Vince Galante to the show. Vince walks Jill and Tom trough all of the news surrounding the return of the compact Cherokee crossover to the Jeep lineup. Listen in for details. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Was it an Oldsmobile?" quiz, complete with a popular franchise-opportunity bonus question. Jill also reviews the all-new Subaru Uncharted small crossover EV. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jill and Tom open the show sharing news of a massive Jeep recall. Jeep has issued a "park-outside" warning for owners of many late-model Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators. Listen in for details. The hosts discuss Mitsubishi's new electric crossover, the Eclipse Sportback EV. Mitsubishi's first U.S.-market electric vehicle shares its basic architecture with the Nissan Leaf. Jill reviews the Mercedes-Benz E 53 Hybrid wagon. One of a waning number of true station wagons still offered in the U.S., the E 53 serves up power and tech, though exclusive pricing will keep the car a rare sight on U.S. roads. In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Automotive News' Larry Vellequette to the show. Larry talks about Toyota quality issues, the Gordie Howe Bridge, and surprisingly robust U.S. auto sales. Listen in for some great insights. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Who is that Guy?" quiz. The hosts wrap up the show with a quick take on Ferrari's first-ever electric vehicle, the controversial Luce. Check out the Car Stuff Podcast Facebook page for a picture of the Luce, and listen in for the price. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week Tom opens the show clarifying the difference between mild-hybrid and full-hybrid applications. Tom notes that mild hybrid drivetrains are found mostly on European luxury vehicles. In advance of chatting with Scout Motors' Ryan Decker, Jill and Tom discuss how few all-new car brands have been launched in the past 25 years. Listen in for a list. Still in the first segment, the hosts are joined by fellow automotive journalist Ed Piotrowski. Ed attended the 2026 Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally, and wrote a comparison review of four compact crossovers : The Jeep Cherokee, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan. There's big news here, as for 2026 the Jeep and Toyota are all new--and now hybrid only--the Mazda is redesigned, and the VW has been treated to an updated powertrain. Listen in for Ed's insights. In the second segment, the hosts are Joined by Scout Motors Vice President of Strategy and Branding Ryan Decker. Ryan shares details regarding Scout's position in the market place, the products themselves, and what to expect regarding Scout's direct-to-consumer sales plan. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Is it still being built?" quiz. After the quiz Jill talks a little about the redesigned Subaru Outback Wilderness, with which she recently spent time. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tom opens the show by acknowledging the passing of jazz saxophone legend Sonny Rollins. Sonny was the last living performer to have appeared in the 1958 Esquire magazine photo A Great Day in Harlem . The image appears on the Car Stuff Podcast Facebook Page. The hosts discuss the return of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz retro-themed electric themed minivan for 2027. Though little changed mechanically, the Buzz may be packaged to improve the pricey van's perceived value. Jill talks about a marked increase in airbag thefts in the Chicago area, especially among certain Honda models. The hosts address one possible way to dissuade would-be airbag thieves. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the all-new 2026 Lexus ES midsize sedan, which now comes only in hybrid and all-electric trim. Listen in for her take on this long-term brand staple. In the second segment, the hosts welcome John Vincent of U.S. News to the podcast. John walks the hosts through the outlet's 2026 "Best Adventure Vehicles" list. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Is it Built There?" quiz. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's episode is dedicated to the 2026 Consumer Guide Best Buy picks. In total, 32 vehicles in 13 individual categories are covered. You can check out the complete 2026 Best Buy list here . For a look further back, click here for the 2025 Best Buy list . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The hosts open the show discussing Jill's recent interview with the head of Infiniti USA regarding--among other things--the possible comeback of the humble sedan. This conversation dovetails nicely with Tom's news regarding the likely comeback of a Buick midsize sedan--and a possible Camaro, as well. Jill shared impressions of a would-be annual Land Rover event dubbed Defender Trophy Competition . The event would mirror the legendary Camel Trophy competitions of the Seventies and Eighties. Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the Range Rover SE premium large crossover. Listen in for her take on this off-road-ready luxury hauler. In the second segment, the hosts chat with Caterham's Simon Sproule about the carmaker's tiny sports cars. Listen in for details regarding the history of Caterham , as well as U.S. availability of these storied automobiles. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Which Sold Better?" quiz, including a special Talking Heads bonus question. After the quiz, Tom talks about Elon Musk, and how apparently distracted he is from from developing his core automotive products. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special bonus episode of the Car Stuff Podcast, Jill sits down with Vice President of INFINITI Americas Eric Ledieu for a conversation about the all-new QX65 fastback luxury crossover , Future Infiniti products, and a possible resurgence in buyer interest in sedans. How will Nissan and Infiniti differ moving forward? Listen in for details. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions sits in for Tom this week. Jill and Sam open this episode of the podcast touching on Sam's recent involvement with the 2026 Greenbrier Concours d'Elegance , a classic car show held in West Virginia each spring. The conversation turns to car news, with the hosts touching on Chinese car makers setting up shop in Canada, Tesla producing its last Model S sedan, and Honda deferring much needed updates of key models--including the Odyssey minivan. Listen in for details. Still in the first segment, Jill discusses her participation in the first Trinitē Road Rally, and her time behind the wheel of the $250,000 Lucid Air Sapphire electric sedan. In the second segment, Jill and Sam are joined by XPEL Product Manager James Melfi. XPEL produces, among other things, car-finish Paint Protection Film (PPF). James shares information related to the value, cost, installation, and longevity of XPEL's PPF products. In the last segment Jill shares sad news regarding the show's long-time producer Randy. In his honor Jill subjects Sam to a Pontiac Fiero quiz. Sam wraps up the show sharing some news about the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week, as she participates in the Trinitē Road Rally . Follow the link here for details. The hosts open the show with a number of topics, including blue-dyed diesel fuel, and Tom's one-mile test drive of the Mitsubishi Outlander SEL. Paul and Tom go on to discuss Stellantis's "Four Core Brand" strategy, which prioritizes a few of the carmaker's high-volume brands, in terms of product development and positioning. Tune in to hear what this means for lower-volume marques. Still in the first segment, Tom reviews the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness. In the second segment, Paul and Tom are joined by iSeeCars.com Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. Karl walks the hosts through some used-EV price data, noting especially interesting price swings for pre-owned Tesla models. In the last segment Paul is subjected to Tom's "Best Seller" quiz. Also, Paul shares his review of the Ferrari Roma. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.