Bronco Sport Sasquatch, Self-Driving Hondas, Tanking Tesla Resale Values
Jill and Tom opened the show noting that of all the car brands affected by the trade tariffs, Buick and Volvo are in a particularly tough spot. Listen in to hear why. Tom made note of all the EV fast charging news of late, and suggests that listeners not get too excited by the hype. Per Tom, the nation's current electric grid will not be easily tapped for additional power, regardless of how quickly a vehicle is capable of being charged. Still in the first segment, the hosts discussed the newly introduced Kia K4 Hatchback, which Jill insists is a wagon. Jill reviewed the off-road Sasquatch package, newly available for certain Ford Bronco Sport trim levels. Listen in for Jill's take on the new equipment group. In the second segment, the hosts welcome Chris Martin, Technology Communications Manager for Honda, to the show. Chris updated listeners on Honda's plans for hands-free driving, and made clear the important differences between level-2 and level-3 autonomous driving. Expect to see advanced hands-free systems first on Honda's new "O Series" (Zero Series) electric cars due in showrooms soon. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Buick versus Chrysler" quiz. The hosts wrapped up the show taking note of plunging Tesla resale values. Listen in for the list.
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53:19
2025 Consumer Guide Best Buys
Join Tom and guest host Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed for this year’s Consumer Guide Best Buy episode of the Car Stuff Podcast. Tom and Brendan run down the list of 37 vehicles in 16 classes, each of which deserves a place on your new-car shopping list. If you are currently shopping for a new car, you need to listen to this episode. Following the Best Buy discussion, Brendan shared big news: The Sons of Speed and the folks from We are Motor Driven are teaming up to produce a podcast which begins airing next month. Brendan also shared details of a video he and fellow Sons of Speed contributor Paul Herrold produced from Ford’s Off-Roadeo. Listen in!
Jill and Tom opened the show talking about Jill’s recent move. Good news, she’s now closer to the studio. Tom went on to discuss British sports-car maker/engineering firm Lotus, which has been owned by a number of carmakers over the years. It appears that Lotus is again up for sale. The hosts also discussed a new round of Tesla Cybertruck price cuts, and the brand’s sales share in California, one of its most-important markets. Still in the first segment, Jill shared her impressions of the new-for-2025 Ford Maverick Lobo, a sporty trim level that boasts a number of driving-enthusiast features. In the second segment, the hosts welcome fellow journalist Joel Feder to the Car Stuff Podcast. Joel shared sad news regarding the shuttering of a popular auto-review website, and his insights into a number of topics, including the Subaru Forester redesign and current styling trends. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Subaru!” quiz.
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55:50
Unwanted Cybertrucks, Jeff Bezos Goes After Tesla, Pontiac Fiero Backstory
Jill opened the show talking about her new Rebelle Rally team. Listen in for details. Tom shared some information about a not-for-profit organization that packages sundry products for patients undergoing Chemotherapy. The packages include items to help recipients deal with chemo side effects, including loss of taste, dry skin, and dehydration. You can check out Lemons of Love at lemonsoflove.org. The hosts went to discuss the Cybertruck. The polarizing Tesla pickup is no longer being accepted in trade by Tesla, a thing which will likely impact resale value. Also, Tesla has introduced a new, less expensive Cybertruck trim level, which may lure some shoppers back into showrooms. Tom noted the addition of a more affordable trim level to the GMC Sierra EV lineup. The new model lowers the cost of entry for a Sierra EV considerably. Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom talked about Jeff Bezos’ new EV startup Slate Auto. The new company is gearing up to produce small, $25,000 electric pickup trucks meant to be customized by the end user. Production begins as early as late next year. In the second segment, the hosts welcome veteran auto journalist Gary Witzenburg to the show. Gary talked about a pair of articles he recently wrote, both about 2-seat Pontiacs. The first, which appeared recently in Collectible Automobile, covered the Fiero. The latter, which appeared on the Haggerty website, covered the brand’s Solstice small sports car. Listen in for fascinating insights into both cars. In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Sixty More Seconds” quiz. How did she do? Listen in.
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54:52
Makers Respond to Tariffs, Deciding to go Electric, Off-Road on Scorpions
Jill and Tom opened the show addressing the industry confusion brought on by the recent implementation of federal import tariffs. Tom ran down a list of known carmaker reactions to the regulations. Tom followed up the tariff talk with a brief review of the 2025 BMW M35i Grand Coupe, which he described as “delightful,” but noted several tech glitches which cut into the fun. Still in the second segment, Jill share her impressions of the all-new Pirelli Scorpion XTM off-road performance tires. In the second segment the hosts welcome Matt Smith of CarGurus.com, who shared some pointers for consumers trying to decided between buying a gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric vehicle. This is an excellent primer for folks considering some level of electrification in their next vehicle. In the last segment Jill is subjected to a “best-selling cars by state” quiz. Tom followed the quiz with the results of an X poll he recently conducted regarding what folks listen to in the car.
Whether you drive a car, need a car, or just occasionally bum a ride with friends, you’ve come to the right place. Join the editors of Consumer Guide Automotive as they break down everything that’s going on in the auto world. New-car reviews, shopping tips, driving green, electric cars, classic cars, and plenty of great guests. This is the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast.
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