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Jill Ciminillo on Muck Rack

Jill Ciminillo

Chicago, United States
As seen in: Car Stuff Podcast, MSN, Chicago Tribune, Capital One News, The Drive, KOMO-TV (Seattle, WA), The CW, The Truth About Cars, WJLA-TV (Arlington, VA), WPEC-TV (West Palm Beach, FL), WJAR-TV (Cranston, RI) and
Covers:  automotive industry, new vehicles, new technology on vehicles
automotive editor. avid yet imperfect runner. opinions are my own. #cardujour

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Jill Ciminillo’s Biography

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Jill Ciminillo is a nationally syndicated auto writer and editor for the Sinclair Broadcast Group, and her reviews appear on websites in 89 markets across the United States. Jill's vehicle reviews also appear on DriveChicago, which reaches 1M visitors per month. She is the president emeritus of the Midwest Automotive Media Association, and has the distinction of being the first female president for that organization. She also serves as a judge for the American Heritage Awards. Previously, Jill …

Jill Ciminillo’s Journalist Portfolio

Protect yourself from getting carjacked

Protect yourself from getting carjacked

I hate being a statistic. But last year in Chicago there were 765 vehicular hijackings, and I was a victim in…

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Dogs in Cars: Why your dog should be restrained [Part 1]

Dogs in Cars: Why your dog should be restrained [Part 1]

Imagine a 10-pound bowling ball hitting you in the back of the head. That was the vivid imagery Lindsey Wolko…

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2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: An urban vehicle with the soul of an off-roader

2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: An urban vehicle with the soul of an off-roader

I didn’t think about what I was doing before I edged the all-new Land Rover Range Rover Evoque forward onto t…

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7 must-have features in new cars

7 must-have features in new cars

In 2019, automotive technology is improving at a rapid pace. And features that were once found only on luxury…

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2019 Toyota Corolla: Hi, bye 2019 Corolla, 2020 model is coming soon [Last Look]

2019 Toyota Corolla: Hi, bye 2019 Corolla, 2020 model is coming soon [Last Look]

The Toyota Corolla is one of those uninspiring vehicles that is relatively nondescript. But it is also incred…

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Articles

Here Are the 4 Best Small SUVs for Short Drivers, From a 5’0″ Reviewer

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By Jill Ciminillo
| A Girl's Guide to Cars Verified
Every spring, the Midwest Automotive Media Association hosts a rally at Road America racetrack in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, allowing journalists and content creators to test nearly 100 vehicles back-to-back. So, I scoped out the vehicle list ahead of time and set out to compare the best small SUVs for short drivers on hand and pick my favorite. A little background here. I’m about 5 feet tall and weigh about 100 pounds.
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The Land Rover Defender Trophy is an Epic—and Grueling—Competition. But These Determined Women Conquered It

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By Jill Ciminillo
| A Girl's Guide to Cars Verified
What do a yachting industry professional, an architect, and a stuntwoman have in common? Well, Lou Clark, Jenna Fribley and Nykki McGee are all tough as nails and some of the coolest women I’ve ever met. Oh, and they all competed in the recent North American trials for the Land Rover Defender Trophy competition in Mission, British Columbia, Canada. In its first year, the Defender Trophy was largely discovered via word of mouth.
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2026 Lexus ES: First Spin

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By Jill Ciminillo
| Consumer Guide Automotive
2026 Lexus ES 500e If you looked at the 2026 Lexus ES hybrid and electric vehicles next to each other, you’d be hard pressed to notice the difference. Inside and out, the two vehicles are nearly identical. Of course, you could look for the tell-tale “h” or “e” badging on the back, but the big, and really only, difference is going to be on the nose. The hybrid has a horizontal slot on the grille to allow for airflow to the engine. The EV does not. But that’s it.
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Interview

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What was your first job as a journalist?

editorial assistant

Have you ever used a typewriter?

Yes.

How is social media changing news?

News is more immediate. But keep in mind, you still have to be correct, even if you want to be first. Fact checking counts in social as well.