Jill and Tom opened the show covering a number of news items. First, Mini is dropping the “Cooper” tag from its model names moving forwarding—this is good news for editors everywhere. Plus, one industry supplier is developing “heel” airbags. Listen in to learn what that’s all about. And, Hyundai luxury brand Genesis is close to introducing a line-topping large crossover dubbed GV90. The big Genesis should start around $100,000.

Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom review the sporty Subaru BRZ tS. Both hosts spent time with the little rear-drive hatchback, and both lament the little Subaru’s low sales numbers.

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Ford’s Lindsey Bertino to the show. Lindsey is the maker’s Police Brand Marketing Manager. Lindsey talked about Ford’s police-vehicle lineup, and the 75th anniversary of Ford’s first police-vehicle.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “What’s it made of?” Quiz.

Jill and Tom opened the show discussing an “insertion” into the podcast schedule. A 5-minute “bonus episode” was posted between the last full episode (259) and today’s show (261). That bonus episode includes Tom’s test drive with Robert Colangelo (Green Sense Show) of the 2025 Toyota Camry, which is now hybrid only.

Still in the first segment, the hosts discussed the discontinuation of a popular Chevrolet Model, the status of Mexican and Canadian tariffs, and the administration’s halting of funds for the NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure act) program.

Jill also reviewed the 2025 Lexus LX 700h crossover.

In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by TJ Campbell of the Tire Rack. TJ discussed the Tire Rack’s testing program, and talked about buying the best off-road—oriented tires for trucks and crossovers.

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Where is it Built” quiz.

In this special crossover episode of the Car Stuff Podcast, Tom rides along with Robert Colangelo of the Green Sense Show to experience the redesigned 2025 Toyota Camry. Robert and Tom share their impressions of the likable hybrid, and take note of a few drawbacks in the process. All this after lunch at Chicago's legendary Superdawg Drive-in.

The hosts opened the show by acknowledging the birthday of one of the program’s most-loyal fans, Tom’s mom. Tom briefly noted the new administration’s enactment of tariffs on both Canada and Mexico. Tom shared his concern that any long-term disruption of regular free trade between North American nations would critically wound the American auto industry.

Tom talked briefly about his time in the 2025 Ford Explorer ST. He’s mostly impressed, but has one complaint.

Still in the first segment, Jill shared her impressions of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner. The redesigned midsize SUV is an important part of the Toyota U.S.-market lineup. Listen in to hear Jill’s impressions.

In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by James McCay of CompareTheMarket.com.au. The Australian-based insurance-comparison website recently shared research on the most-searched for brands online. James walked the hosts through the most-popular carmakers in Australia, the U.S., Mexico, China, Russia, Africa, and Western Europe. Listen in for all the details.

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Ford Ranger or Porsche 911?” quiz. Listen in to see how she fared.

The hosts opened the show discussing an article recently posted by Tom called, The Cybertruck is a Flop. Though the article covers the failures of the Tesla pickup truck from a number of angles, Tom primarily discussed the slow-selling vehicle’s financial impact on Tesla’s future.

Still in the first segment, the hosts covered news of a potentially huge recall which would affect all of General Motors’ large trucks, including the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. The recall would impact up to 900,000 vehicles equipped with the maker’s 6.2-liter V8 engine.

Next, Jill shared her impressions of the all-new Jeep Wagoneer S electric midsize crossover. The new Jeep promises more than 300 miles of range, and is being introduced only in Launch Edition trim. Listen in for prices.

In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by Mazda’s Jon Leverett, the maker’s Launch Strategy Project Manager. Jon talked about the changing crossover segment, and Mazda’s slow but purposeful move upmarket.

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Best Selling Sedans” quiz, which includes a New Zealand fast-food bonus question.

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.