Episodes
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Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed fills in for Jill this week. The hosts opened the show taking note of Cadillac’s decision to end production of the XT4 compact crossover. What is General Motors building in its Fairfax assembly facility instead? Listen in.
Paul and Tom turned their attention to Jeep's 2025 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer price cuts. Both hosts agree that Jeep’s big SUVs, launched for 2022, are fine vehicles, but were overpriced relative to the competition. Listen in for details.
Paul talked about a new Sons of Speed video, this one comparing two Hyundais: The Ioniq 5 N, and Elantra N. Both vehicles were evaluated at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan.
In the second segment, Paul and Tom welcome Don Sikora of Collectible Automobile magazine to the podcast. Don walked the hosts through the contents of the December issue, and focused on an interesting look at the American Motors cars of 1965. Don also talked about the early Eighties Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
In the last segment Paul is subjected to Tom’s “Which Sold Better?” quiz. Paul also talked about the challenges and rewards of producing a local Cars & Coffee weekend car meet.
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Jill and Tom opened the show talking about EV range and Jill’s recent trip from Chicago to Indianapolis in an electric test car with only about 200 miles of promised range. Listen in on her story.
The hosts acknowledged a couple of friends-of-the-podcast birthdays, and discussed how cheap gas has become locally and nationally.
Tom shared a tribute to his dad, who died about a week ago. It’s a funny story about pouring a milk shake out the window of his father’s shake-colored 1970 Nova.
Tom went on to complain about Land Rover’s trim-level naming strategy, which is, indeed, rather confusing.
Still in the first segment, Jill shared her impressions of the new Ram 1500 RHO, which more-or-less replaces the TRX in the big-truck lineup.
In the second segment Jill and Tom welcome John Vincent of U.S. New to the show. John walked the hosts through the pros and cons of leasing, and why it makes sense for EV shoppers especially to consider leasing.
In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “America or Someplace Else” quiz. The quiz includes a question about fake Halloween Hallmark movies. Can you pick the fake?
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Episodes manquant?
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Jill and Tom opened this week’s show discussing the all-new 2025 Porsche Macan EV, an electric version of the maker’s popular Macan small crossover. The new electric Macan is offered in four trim levels and starts around $75,000.
Still in the first segment, the hosts discussed the media launch of Volkswagen’s all-new electric-truck brand Scout. VW will launch the brand with a pair of EVs, including a crossover and pickup truck, both of which are closer in size to full-size vehicles, including the Ford Expedition and F-150. Volkswagen also plans to employ a controversial “direct-to-consumer” sales model which will certainly raise the ire of U.S.-market VW dealers.
In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome James Melfi of Xpel car-care products. James shared the purchase and application details of several products, including window tinting, and ceramic paint coating. Learn more at Xpel.com.
In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Buick vs. The Beatles” quiz. We also learn that Jill may have a flat tire.
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Jill is back in the studio this week, and opened the show by recapping her Rebelle Rally exploits. Visit the Car Stuff Podcast Facebook page for a link to pics from her trip.
Tom shared august electric vehicle sales as reported by S & P Global Mobility. While Tesla still dominates the list, a few new vehicles are doing better than expected.
Jill and Tom discussed the coming Ferrari F80 hyper car. Not only is the price breath taking, the car’s engine is proving controversial.
Still in the first segment, Tom shared his impressions of the Buick Envista small crossover. Is this bargain Buick too good to be true? Listen in.
In the second segment, the hosts welcome Alex Knizek of Consumer Reports to the show. Alex walked Jill and Tom through the organization's list of most-reliable used-car brands, and called out several models as especially good used-car picks.
In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Was it a Cadillac?” quiz, the hosts talk about Tesla slashing Cybertruck prices, and Tom shares a disturbing McDonald’s drive-thru story.
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Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill again this week. Jill returns for the next episode. Paul and Tom opened the show discussing large pickup-truck sales. Tom had heard that the Chevrolet Silverado was outselling the Ford F-150 this year, which was inaccurate. Tom went down the list of the top pickup sellers in the third quarter.
The hosts also noted General Motors’ decision to drop the Ultium brand in relation to its electric-vehicle products. Ultium had been used by the maker to describe both vehicle architecture and battery chemistry. Listen in for a complete analysis.
Paul and Tom went on to summarize Tesla’s Robo Taxi reveal. The autonomous EV, intended initially for commercial ride-hailing use, features scissor-style doors, just two seats, and will not be equipped with a steering wheel or floor pedals. The hosts are skeptical. Tesla anticipates the Robo Taxi being available to users before 2027.
Paul then talked about a Sons of Speed “The Lap” video, this one featuring the Subaru BRZ. Paul noted that even though the little Subaru isn’t especially powerful, it is fun to drive in the right hands.
In the second segment, Paul and Tom are joined by TELO CEO Jason Marks. Jason introduced the hosts to TELO, and its initial product, a pickup truck with the footprint of a Mini Cooper. Jason laid out near- and midterm plans for the TELO, including production and battery sourcing, as well as distribution.
In the last segment, Paul is subjected to Tom’s “Which Died Last?” quiz. To wrap up the episode, Paul shared some thoughts on the Subaru WRX, which he and fellow Sons of Speed editor Brendan Appel spent time with on the track.
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Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this Week. Paul and Tom opened a topic-packed first segment discussing the coming off-road ready Ford Explorer Tremor. That conversation was followed up by news that Kia vehicles were recently compromised by a group of white-hat hackers, using the maker’s app. More on this story as news is released.
Still in the first segment, Paul recounted the events surrounding his and fellow Sons of Speed editor Brendan Appel's efforts to drive an all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N from the Chicago area to the Gingerman Raceway in South Haven, MI. The tale includes not only charging issues, but track woes as well.
In the second segment Paul and Tom are joined by Robert Duffer, Senior Editor at the Car Connection. Robert recently spent time with both the redesigned Bentley Continental GT Speed and the Kia Carnival Hybrid minivan. Robert also shared his impressions of the legendary Goodwood Festival of Speed.
In the last segment Paul and Robert are subjected to Tom’s “Touring, Limited, or Platinum?” quiz. Paul wrapped up the show by sharing his impressions of the Ford Bronco driven in serious off-road conditions.
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Jill and Tom opened the show quickly covering a number of topics, including the death of legendary Mercedes-Benz designer Bruno Sacco, the folding of General Motors’ electric commercial-van unit into Chevrolet, and Tom’s weekend long-trip drive in the electric Subaru Solterra small crossover.
Still in the first segment, Jill shared her take on the redesigned-for-2025 Buick Enclave large, 3-row crossover. The near-luxury crossover impresses for its quietness and general refinement, but not everything is perfect. Listen in for complete details.
In the second segment the hosts are joined by Robby DeGraff of AutoPacific. Robby shared details of the research firm’s 2024 Future Attribute Demand Study (FADS). This year’s list of the ten most-wanted car features is full of surprises. Listen in to hear the complete list.
In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Top Trim Level!” quiz, and Jill talks a little about the difficulties of driving through sand—this in advance of her participation in the Rebelle Rally.
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Jill and Tom opened the show noting that elements of the media have been misusing the term “mild hybrid.” Listen in for details. The hosts ran down a questionable list of the “most-patriotic brands,” which included Ford and Jeep. What other carmakers made the list? Listen in.
Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom reviewed the new, likable, Fiat 500e electric coupe. Fiat’s new subcompact electric runabout boasts a fun design and frisky on-road experience, but won’t be perfect for everyone.
In the second segment, Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions joins the show to catch up on a number of hot topics, including: The future of Dodge, the Hyundai/General Motors tie-up, slumping Ram-pickup sales, and more.
In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Front drive or AWD” quiz.
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Jill and Tom opened the show addressing a couple of future topics: Federal incentives for used electric vehicles, and the number of Chinese-built models sold in Mexico by Chevrolet. Next, Tom apologized to Sam Fiorani for making yet another model-year mistake. Tom also shared his preliminary take on the updated-for-2025 Ford Explorer midsize crossover.
Still in the first segment, Jill shared news regarding her new ride for this year’s Rebelle Rally, and walked listeners through the list of vehicles eligible for the 2025 North American Car of the Year awards. The list is crowded; listen in for details.
In the second segment Jill and Tom welcome Jamie Butters, Executive Editor of Automotive News to the show. After sharing his take on the recently announced, but as yet undefined, General Motors and Hyundai cooperative effort, Jamie shared insights from AN’s Future Product Pipeline series. Jamie also shared his thoughts on the future of the Jaguar brand in the U.S.
In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Stellantis!” quiz. Jill also wrapped up this week’s show with her review of the new all-electric Volvo EX90 midsize electric crossover.
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Sitting in for Jill this week is Tom’s friend, engineer and car guy David Piluski. Dave and Tom opened the show addressing a mistake Tom made—called out by Tom’s mother—last week. Tom misidentified the longtime singer of the classic “See the U.S.A. in Your Chevrolet” ad/song as Doris Day, though as noted by his mom, the song was sung by Dinah Shore. Listen in to hear a clip of the song.
Dave and Tom addressed a second error from last week, this one called out by listener Celio. Dave went on to share a story about how a rental Dodge Shadow Convertible—back in the early Nineties—suffered from so much body flex that the doors would not close on a gentle incline.
Still in the first segment, Tom shared his impressions of the all-new—and surprisingly luxurious—Mazda CX-70 2-row midsize crossover. Tom also reviewed the exotic-looking Lexus LC 500 Convertible. Tom is baffled that the car does not sell better. Listen in for the full review.
In the second segment, Dave and Tom are joined by comic, podcaster, and legendary Chicago radio host Steve Cochran. Steve talked about his podcast, and then shared stories about his first cars and learning to drive. Learn why Steve once gave away a car he owned at a radio-station promotional event.
In the last segment Dave is subjected to Tom’s “1983!” quiz. To wrap up the show, Dave shared news regarding a California bill (SB961) now before Governor Gavin Newsom, which would require cars to alert drivers when the speed limit was being exceeded by more than 10 mph. Dave also talked about his own podcast.
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Jill and Tom are Joined in-studio by Brendan Appel this week. In the first segment Jill and Brendan respond to Tom’s impressions of the updated Genesis GV80 midsize crossover. The trio also discussed the pending engine-replacement recall facing owners of all 2022 and 2023 Toyota Tundras. The recall is reportedly going to require up to 24 hours of labor per vehicle.
Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2024 AMG Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 Coupe. Jill was generally impressed by the “coupe” version of Mercedes’ compact crossover. Listen in for her complete take.
In the second segment, the hosts welcome Mikhael Farah of Rivian to the program. Mikhael walked the crew through a number of news items, including Volkswagen’s investment in Rivan, coming small and subcompact Rivian crossovers, and the updated-for-2025 R1S and R1T models, which are on sale now.
In the third segment, Jill and Brendan are subjected to Tom’s “Porsche Price” quiz.
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Jill and Tom opened the show covering a couple of news stories, including how Mazda used substantial incentives to boost recent U.S.-market sales performance, and a how Volvo is extending its embargo of drive impressions of the 2025 EX90 electric midsize crossover, pushing back Jill’s official review.
Still in the first segment Jill shared her impressions of the GMC Cayon midsize pickup truck in off-road-ready AT4X trim and equipped with the extreme AEV package. Though generally impressed, Jill shared a number of concerns regarding use of the Canyon as a daily driver, especially in urban environments.
In the second segment the hosts are joined by friend Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed. Brendan shared highlights of a couple of videos recently produced by the Sons, including a new addition to the outlet’s “The Lap” series featuring a Ford Mustang Dark Horse lapping Road America.
Brendan shared his thoughts on the Mustang, and the car’s position in history, and it’s uncertain future.
Brendan opted to join Jill for Tom’s “Was it a Pontiac?” quiz. Brendan wrapped up the show sharing a few thoughts on electric muscle cars, and the future of Dodge performance vehicles.
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Jill and Tom opened the show with a brief acknowledgement of Ford’s plan to add 4-door and off-road “Baja” variants to the Mustang lineup. The hosts also discussed the trimmed-down model lineup and reduced prices of the 2025 Jeep Compass. Compass prices have been slashed by up to $2000 for '25.
Also in the first segment, Jill reviewed the Honda Ridgeline TrailSport midsize pickup truck. Though the least-capable—in terms of payload and towing capacity—model in the segment, the Ridgeline shines in terms of room, comfort, and handing. Listen in for Jill’s complete review.
In the second segment the hosts welcome Stellantis Vice President of Advanced Colors and Material La Shirl Turner to the show. In a conversation primarily about car colors, La Shirl shared insights into how new colors are developed, and what her favorite current Stellantis colors are. (We will post examples on our Facebook page.)
In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “One or Two” car-price quiz, and Jill talked about her recent travels with eBay motors.
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Tom opened the show complaining about people who spend too much time considering their selections at donut shops, specifically at Spunky Dunkers in Palatine, IL, when Tom is trying to pick up a 6-pack on his way to the studio.
In a follow up to last week’s Ford Explorer review, Jill and Tom turned their attention to cars, and the news that GMC will be reducing the number of Terrain compact crossover trim levels to three for 2026, and just one for 2025. This is a follow up to Jill’s Explorer review from last episode, in which the hosts noted that Ford is slashing the number of that vehicle’s trim levels from eight to just four.
Jill shared her drive impressions of the new-for-2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe. The 4-door midsize crossover deviates from the existing GV80 with its rakish roofline, more upscale trappings, and unique, higher-performance engine.
In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Dan Sampson of the Los Angeles Auto Show to the podcast. During a great conversation, Dan addressed the notion that auto shows are going through a period of decline, shared news about new and returning brands to the show, and shared details regarding online access to the proceedings. The L.A. Show kicks off in late November.
In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Real or Fake Auto Show” quiz, including a pumpkin-spice bonus question.
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Jill and Tom opened the show noting that Chinese electric-car maker BYD is exploring developing a retail network in Canada. Tom explained why the Canadian market would be friendlier to Chinese imports than the U.S. The hosts went on to discuss recent U.S.-market sales growth for Mazda. The Japanese maker had recently made public it’s intention to take the Mazda brand upmarket, and early sales of its CX-50 and CX-90 models suggest that the project is successful. Tom also shared some fun data on the cities in which the Car stuff Podcast is most popular. (Hint: City number five isn’t in the U.S.)
Jill shared her take of the freshened 2025 Ford Explorer, the maker’s popular midsize 3-row crossover. Jill shared her drive impressions, plus explained why the updated SUV is offered in fewer trim levels for 2025.
In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by Ford Heritage Brand Manager Ted Ryan. Ted shared the history of Ford’s Chicago Assembly plant. The historic factory turned 100 years old this year, and is steeped in brand history. Listen in for a list of Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles built at the plant.
In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Was it a Ford?” quiz. Tom also briefly shared his impressions of the Lexus LC 500, and Nissan Z Nismo.
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Jill and Tom opened the show talking about the new ZR1 Corvette model. That new king-of-the-hill ‘Vette boasts a reported 1064 horsepower, and should hit showrooms later next year. The hosts each made base-price predictions. Tom read a listener letter, and chatted briefly about the wool seats in his test Volvo XC60 Recharge small crossover.
Tom also shared his impressions of the all-new 2025 Infiniti QX80 large SUV. Tom had called the previous-generation QX80 the worst vehicle in its class. What does he think of the new version? Listen in.
In the second segment Jill and Tom are joined by Don Sikora of Collectible Automobile magazine. Don walked the hosts through the current issue, and shared some insights into the 1994-1996 Chevrolet Impala SS featured this month. Don was also forced to indulge Tom’s reading of a series of potential feature cars for upcoming issues.
In the last segment Jill is forced to endure Tom’s “Which Sold Better?” quiz, featuring a bonus question about the snacks available at Buc-ee’s.
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Jill and Tom are both in studio this week. The show opened with Tom reading an email from a listener. Apparently Tom’s Studebaker history is a little shaky. The conversation turned to a number of topics, including too-long model names, the sale of 3000 Fisker crossovers to a ride-hailing-vehicle lessor, and a surprisingly hot-selling Jeep model.
Still in the first segment, Jill shared her impressions of the 2024 Acura TLX premium midsize sedan. Both hosts agree that the slow-selling 4-door is underappreciated. Listen in for Jill’s complete review.
In the second segment Jill and Tom welcome Sam Abuelsamid, Analyst with Guidehouse Insights to the show. Sam walked the hosts through the current state of the EV market, and talked about what to expect in the second half of 2024. Sam also talked about the pace of new-technology EV battery development, including solid-state cells.
In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Mo’ Spellin’” quiz. To close out the show, jill highlighted an article she posted recently regarding General Motors’ move away from Apple CarPlay.
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Jill and Tom are both in studio this week. The conversation opened with a summary of cars being dropped by Jaguar and Nissan in the near future. Effective almost immediately, Jaguar is dropping all but one model from its lineup. Listen in for the full list. Likewise, Nissan is dropping two of its three remaining U.S.-market sedans beginning next year.
In other news, the hosts discussed IONNA--the carmaker-backed charging network with stations going live later this year—and the addition of Toyota to the roster car companies supporting the program. Still in the first segment, Jill shared her impressions of the updated-for-2025 Acura MDX premium midsize crossover.
In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Patrick Masterson of Cars.com to the show. Patrick walked the hosts through Car’s 2024 American Made Index. This list is—again—full of surprises. How American is the new car you’re looking at? Listen in for details.
In the third segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Chrysler” quiz.
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Jill and Tom opened the episode discussing the “Velocity Package” available for the Cadillac Lyriq. Available as an over-the-air software update (no dealer visit required), the package increases power and performance for $1200. Is it worth the money? Listen in.
The hosts discussed the new, lower, price of a Fisker Ocean—just approved by a bankruptcy court. Second-quarter sales figures are coming in, and Jill and Tom shared a few highlights, including disappointing Jeep numbers, and surprisingly strong EV figures.
In the second segment Jill and Tom welcome Toyota Product-Education Specialist Thomas Sondej to the show. Thomas updated the crew on the all-new Toyota Crown Signia, a wagon-like variant of the Crown sedan being added to the brand lineup for 2025. Per Thomas, the Crown Signia is due in showrooms shortly.
In the third segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Which Weighs More?” quiz. The Hosts wrapped up the show chatting about Jill’s seat time in the freshened-for-2025 Lexus UX, the most-affordable vehicle in the luxury brand’s lineup.
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Jill and Tom are in-studio this week for a far-reaching number of topics. Tom quickly updated everyone on the CDk Global/dealership-hacking crisis, which will reportedly be resolved later this week. The hosts briefly discussed Tesla’s second quarter of disappointing sales, this while overall EV sales are projected to rise.
Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom chatted about the Rivian/Volkswagen deal, which sees Rivian infused with a quick $1 billion—with the promise of additional funding at later dates—and VW gaining access to Rivian’s EV software architecture.
In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions. Sam updated the hosts on several of the most-prominent—and most threatening to Western automakers—Chinese carmakers.
Sam’s tutorial included makers BYD, Chery, Geely, and Great Wall. Sam warns that Western carmakers dismiss these up-and-coming global players at their own risk.
In the last segment, Jill is subject to a spelling quiz, tasked with spelling model names including Avanti, Reatta, and Ciera.
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