Car Stuff Podcast

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.

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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.

 

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

 

 

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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.

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