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.