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.

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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.

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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.

 

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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.

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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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