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 shared several highlights of this year’s show, including craft-beer night, the Family Zone, plus Ford, Jeep, and EV tracks, and a number of debut models, including a couple of all-new Cadillac EVs. 

In the second segment, freelance automotive writer Kristin Shaw joined the show. Kristin walked the hosts through an article of hers recently published in Popular Science, detailing Toyota’s efforts to produce quieter cars and crossovers. 

In the last segment, Jill takes on Tom’s “Best Selling EVs” quiz. The hosts also discussed pricing for the ultra-high-performance Corvette ZR1. Also discussed was a local event to be produced by veteran auto journalist Mitch Frumkin. Mitch is hosting a Chicago-area program highlighting the history of the Chicago Auto Show on February 3. Click here for details. 

Jill and Tom opened the show recapping the North American Car of the Year winning vehicles. Awards were presented in the car, utility, and truck categories. The conversation turned to a number of news stories, including Afeela’s decision to distribute vehicles in the U.S. outside the traditional dealership system. Afeela is a joint venture between Honda and Sony, which is schedule to begin selling EVs in 2026. 

Tom also touched on the chronic shortage of automotive technicians in the U.S. Tom suggested that students thinking about career opportunities consider working with cars. 

Still in the first segment, Jill reviewed the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, a roomy, 3-row crossover. Jill’s take on the family friendly Chevy is mostly positive, but not everything is perfect. 

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Chicago late-night radio legends Steve and Johnnie to the show. The hosts shared their takes on a number of vehicles they’ve driven over the years. Listen in for details. 

In the last segment, Steve and Johnnie join Jill for Tom’s “Fake Ford!” quiz. The crew wrapped up the show discussing cars that were offered with Levi’s-licensed denim interiors. 

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 Manhattan. The hosts also discussed Tesla 2024 global sales—which were down—and the demise of a diesel option in General Motor’s half-ton trucks and SUVs. 

Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom reviewed the completely redesigned 2025 Nissan Kicks. 

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Mike Quincy of Consumer Reports to the show. Mike shared news from the outlet’s new brand-reliability study. News: Neither Toyota nor Lexus is in the top spot this year. 

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Which is Longer?” quiz. Jill wrapped up the show discussing Ford’s “COVID Recall,” affecting Super-Duty trucks outfitted with the maker’s Power Stroke diesel engine. Tom also ran down the dates of upcoming auto shows. 

Jill and Tom open the show discussing Tom's troubling Diet Pepsi habit, rolling into a discussion of EV startup companies that may or not be on the edge of collapse. Sadly, EV commercial-vehicle startup Canoo--which had been processing a large van order for Walmart--has slipped into receivership. Is Rivian next? Listen in. 

Next Tom gripes about his Bluetooth issues, which seem to border on the paranormal. 

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2025 Kia K4, the brand's replacement for the popular Forte small sedan. 

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Damon Bell of Cars.com. After singing the praises of kringle--a Midwest Danish-like pastry--Damon shared the details of Car's 2024 Full-Size Pickup Challenge, which included three luxury-trimmed pickups. Listen in for details--and a winner. 

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "EV Lies!" quiz, after which the duo remembered pioneering auto writer Denise McCluggage. 

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 Ram’s decision to delay launching the all-electric Ram REV pickup, and push up introduction of the Ramcharger extended-range electric truck. The Ramcharger operates on electric power alone, until the battery is depleted, and then charges the battery via an on-board gasoline engine. The Ramcharger is targeted at EV intenders worried about range. 

Jill shared her impressions of the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63S, a high-performance variant of the brand’s popular C-Class sedan. 

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Ryan Decker of EV start-up Scout Motors to the show. Ryan discussed the company’s launch plans, including details regarding its firsts products, the Terra pickup, and Traveler SUV. Per Ryan, U.S.-built Scouts should see delivery as early as 2027. 

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a 2.0-Liter?” quiz. To wrap up the show, Tom shared his concerns about an emerging trend, dealership service/repair financing. 

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 a time when the magazine was most influential. 

Tom went on to question the profile of a LinkedIn user who self describes as, “Gen Z Career Coach, Content Creator, and TikTok Consultant." Listen in for Tom’s complete analysis. 

Jill shared her previously embargoed drive impressions of the all-new Dodge Charger Daytona electric muscle car. Jill noted that social-media trolls are pushing back when it comes to the brand replacing a gasoline-powered V8 engine with electric motors. The hosts also speculated about a possible return of the storied Hemi V8 engine. 

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions. Sam Laid out the possible impact of massive tariffs applied to vehicles coming out of Canada and Mexico. Sam also explained the history of the “Chicken Tax.” 

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Hyundai?” quiz, and the hosts review October EV registrations—there are a couple surprises on the list. 

 Jill and Tom opened this week’s show hitting briefly on a number of topics, including melting EV charging adapters, Jaguar’s perplexing marketing reboot, the electric Dodge Charger Daytona, the high-mileage Ram 1500 HFE, and the consolidation of Infiniti and Nissan dealer stores. 

Still in the first segment, Jill recapped her time in the all-new Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric minivan. Jill found much to like, but noted that the van comes up short on estimated battery range, and that starting prices are high. 

In the second segment the hosts welcome Mark Gillies of Volkswagen to expand the ID. Buzz conversation. Mark shared a number of key details, including brand expectations that the van serve as a halo model, and not a high-volume offering. 

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “One Minute” quiz, in which she is challenged to answer questions in less than 60 seconds. 

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’s X polls, this one ranking the most prestigious car brands. Listen in for details. 

Still in the first segment, Jill shared her review of the 2025.5 (yes, 2025.5) Volvo XC90 midsize crossover. Not a full redesign, the big Volvo sees a number of design and tech updates, most of which Jill found appealing. Jill also explains the whole .5 thing. 

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Calvin Kim of Porsche to the show. Calvin updated the hosts on the German carmaker’s all-new Macan EV compact electric crossover. The new EV will be sold alongside the marque’s gasoline-powered Macan. 

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “More Fake Cars!” quiz. To wrap up the show, Jill shared the North America Car of the Year finalists list. Winners will be announced at the Detroit Auto Show, which returns to January for 2025. 

Jill and Tom opened the show discussing the L.A. Auto Show, which is currently open to the public. Jill, who attended the event, shared what she learned on the show floor. 

The hosts went to discuss the interiors of select Stellantis vehicles. Tom decided—contrary to a suggestion of his from last week’s show—that Stellantis deserved to be considered among the carmakers producing the best-finished cabins. 

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Hyundai Product Planning Manager Andre Ravinowich to the show. Andre walked the hosts through the brand’s L.A. Auto Show reveals, including the dramatically styled 2025 Ioniq 9 3-row crossover. 

In the third segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Ford or Mercury?” quiz, and the hosts review the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. 

 In this special crossover episode of the Car Stuff Podcast, Tom rides along with Robert Colangelo of the Green Sense Show to experience Subaru's first all-electric vehicle, the Solterra small crossover. 

Robert and Tom share their takes on the likable little EV, and take note of a few drawbacks in the process.