Jill Ciminillo brings her expertise as a nationally syndicated auto writer and content creator to the screen. With a natural on-camera presence and a refreshingly candid approach, she delivers insightful reviews and automotive content. Her channel is a platform for honest opinions, as all reviews posted are unsponsored and reflect her personal evaluations.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Review
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is presented as a surprisingly cool and practical minivan, challenging traditional notions of the segment. The reviewer highlights several key improvements for the 2021 model year, including the new 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 system with faster processing and a redesigned int...
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2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Review
The 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 is presented as a distinctive electric sedan with a unique design strategy, setting it apart from its sibling, the Ioniq 5. T... morehe reviewer highlights several positives, including the striking exterior design, the cohesive interior with its large screen and ample storage, the intuitive visual feedback for drive modes, and the innovative route planning feature that includes battery preconditioning for optimal charging. The estimated range of 320 miles is also praised. However, the review points out several drawbacks: the unintuitive gear shift knob placement, the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay despite having wireless charging, the inconvenient location of heated seat controls requiring screen interaction, the absence of rear heated seats even on the top trim, and the very small frunk. Despite these criticisms, the driving impressions are overwhelmingly positive, describing the Ioniq 6 as comfortable, smooth, fast, fun, and well-handling, with good visibility and a comfortable ride, especially for petite drivers. less
2023 Toyota Prius Review
The 2023 Toyota Prius marks a significant evolution, boasting a completely redesigned exterior that the reviewer finds "sexy" and a substant... moreial upgrade in powertrain, delivering 60% more horsepower for a total of 194-196 hp. This increased power doesn't compromise fuel economy, with the base LE achieving an impressive 57 MPG, while higher trims like the AWD Limited still offer a strong 49 MPG. The interior is praised for its minimalistic and modern design, featuring a new infotainment system and a gauge cluster positioned behind the steering wheel, which the reviewer, with a petite driving position, found perfectly visible. However, taller drivers may struggle with visibility of the gauges. A notable drawback is the wireless charging pad, which tends to overheat phones. Despite a price increase over the previous generation, starting around $29,000 for the LE trim and topping out at $36,000 for the Limited AWD, the reviewer concludes that the new Prius is a "good car" that handles nicely, offers a quiet and comfortable ride, and is a strong contender for anyone looking for a hybrid. less
Toyota Mirai Review
The Toyota Mirai Fuel Cell vehicle presents a compelling, albeit geographically limited, proposition. The reviewer praises its modern styling, signifi... morecantly improved over the previous generation, and its sophisticated interior featuring attractive leather seats and a large infotainment screen. Driving dynamics are highlighted as a strong point, with the reviewer enjoying the instantaneous torque, maneuverability, and quiet ride, noting a real-world MPGe of approximately 48. A key advantage over traditional EVs is the rapid refueling time, comparable to gasoline cars, and an impressive range of 402 miles. However, the reviewer expresses significant frustration due to the lack of widespread hydrogen fueling infrastructure, making the vehicle practically inaccessible outside of California. Minor criticisms include a finicky wireless charging pad and the infotainment system's inability to display full-screen. Despite these drawbacks, the reviewer concludes that the Mirai is an amazing vehicle that she wishes she could own, urging for the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure. less
2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e Review
The 2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e offers a compelling plug-in hybrid experience, boasting a significant power increase over its predecessor with 389 horsepowe... morer and 443 lb-ft of torque. The reviewer highlights the improved all-electric range of 30 miles, up from 14, and praises the seamless integration of the electric and gasoline powertrains, noting the quiet and smooth operation. A key takeaway is the strong recommendation for a Level 2 home charger to fully utilize the electric range, as Level 1 charging is excessively slow. The Extended Traffic Jam Assist is lauded as a valuable, albeit optional, feature for stop-and-go traffic, though its limitations (under 40 mph, specific road mapping) are noted. Downsides include the slow charging with a standard outlet and a couple of minor ergonomic issues for shorter drivers, such as step-in height and seatbelt placement. Despite a high tested price due to optional packages, the reviewer finds the standard features generous and ultimately gives the X5 xDrive45e a strong two-thumbs-up recommendation. less
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Review
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is presented as a surprisingly cool and practical minivan, challenging traditional notions of the segment. The reviewer hig... morehlights several key improvements for the 2021 model year, including the new 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 system with faster processing and a redesigned interface, though the loss of configurable menus and reliance on the touchscreen for climate controls are noted drawbacks. Seat comfort is a major positive, with the driver's seat described as firm yet yielding, and second-row captain's chairs offering recline functionality. The third row provides decent cushioning but lacks adjustability for headrests and can feel firm in the center seat. Cargo space is praised, and features like Fam Cam, Park Assist, and the Stow 'n Go system (with its ability to store seats in the floor) are lauded for their practicality, though the latter has some operational quirks. Downsides include the capacitive touchscreen's occasional unresponsiveness, the impractical metal trim on the steering wheel, and a finicky kick-to-open rear liftgate. Despite these minor issues, the reviewer finds the Pacifica to be a comfortable, nimble, and quiet vehicle to drive, especially compared to larger SUVs, making it a top contender in the minivan market, particularly with the available all-wheel drive. less