Jill Ciminillo is a nationally syndicated automotive journalist, digital creator, and off-road rally navigator who has carved out a distinctive voice in automotive media while simultaneously proving her mettle in one of motorsport’s toughest all-female competitions, the Rebelle Rally.

EARLY YEARS

Born on January 20, 1975, Jill grew up with parents who provided unconditional love and support—something she didn’t fully appreciate until adulthood. She has an older sister, and the family foundation laid the groundwork for her fearless approach to both career and competition. Ciminillo pursued her education at William Jewell College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature, including Oxbridge studies at Oxford University’s Regent’s Park College. She later obtained a Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia, setting the stage for her career in automotive media.

OTHER INTERESTS

Beyond her professional work, Jill is a devoted family person who has written about her experiences testing vehicles with her family, including her dad and oldest sister. She’s based in Chicago, Illinois, and describes herself as someone who believes in helping people when you can and embracing life experiences fully. Her philosophy extends from her personal life into her competitive endeavors, where teamwork and support are paramount.

EARLY SUCCESS

Ciminillo established herself as a force in automotive journalism, becoming a nationally syndicated auto writer and editor for the Sinclair Broadcast Group, with her reviews appearing on websites in 89 markets across the country. She also serves as managing editor for Pickup Truck + SUV Talk and manages the “Drive, She Said” blog. Her work extends across multiple platforms—she’s a YouTube personality with her channel “car du jour,” a TikTok creator, and co-hosts the “Car Stuff Podcast” alongside Tom Appel, delivering weekly episodes filled with car news, reviews, and industry insights. Her practical, no-nonsense approach to automotive content quickly made her a trusted voice in the industry.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2017-2018: Served as President of the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA), becoming the first female president in the organization’s history[1].
• 2020: Carried out her second-year term as president emeritus of MAMA[2].
• 2022: Made her Rebelle Rally debut as navigator for Team #215 “Brute Squad” in a Hyundai Santa Cruz with driver Kristin Shaw[3].
• 2023: Returned to the Rebelle Rally, again navigating for Kristin Shaw in a modified Hyundai Santa Cruz in the XCross Class, forming a partnership that would continue for years[4].
• 2024: Competed in the Rebelle Rally as navigator with Kristin Shaw in a 2025 Ram 1500 RHO, supported by the Ram brand[5].
• 2025: Named Secretary of the North American Car, Utility & Truck of the Year (NACTOY) organization, serving as a juror for one of the industry’s most prestigious awards[6].
• 2025: Won Grand Prize at the Texas Truck Invitational for her article “2025 Ram 1500 RHO First Drive Review: So Good You Don’t Want To Park It” published in The Drive[7].
• 2025: Received TAWA award recognition alongside Tim Esterdahl for “Toyota Tacoma vs Ford Ranger Raptor vs Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Midsize Battle!”[8]
• 2025: Competed in the Rebelle Rally as navigator for Team 201 “Sol Seekers” with driver Tina Chang[9].

INSPIRATIONS

Jill credits her parents as her primary inspiration, acknowledging their unconditional love and support as foundational to her success. She has spoken about not fully realizing how fortunate she was to have that foundation until reaching adulthood. Her approach to both journalism and racing reflects values instilled early on: helping others when possible, embracing new experiences, and pursuing challenges with confidence rather than fear.

REPUTATION

Described by A Girls Guide to Cars as “a force of nature” who is “tiny in stature but mighty in presence,” Ciminillo has built a reputation for accessible, practical automotive content that resonates with everyday drivers. Her syndicated reviews reach millions across 89 markets, and her social media presence has made her a fixture in automotive digital spaces. Colleagues describe her as accomplished, engaging, and incomparable in her ability to break down automotive topics for diverse audiences. In the Rebelle Rally community, she’s known as a dedicated navigator who brings the same precision and professionalism to off-road competition that she applies to her journalism. Her willingness to switch roles—from driver to navigator—and adapt to different teammates demonstrates her versatility and team-first mentality.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Following her 2025 Rebelle Rally appearance with Team 201 “Sol Seekers,” Jill continues to expand her presence across multiple media platforms while maintaining her competitive edge in off-road rally navigation. As NACTOY Secretary, she plays an increasingly influential role in recognizing automotive excellence across the industry. Her continued work with major automotive publications like The Drive, combined with her YouTube channel “car du jour” and the “Car Stuff Podcast,” positions her to reach even broader audiences while staying true to her practical, consumer-focused approach to automotive journalism.

REFERENCES

Member Profile – Texas Auto Writers Association
Midwest Automotive Media Association Elects 2020 Board of Directors
#215 – Brute Squad – Rebelle Rally
Team 201 – Sol Seekers – Rebelle Rally
RAM Enters Rebelle Rally With Jill Ciminillo & Kristin Shaw
Meet the NACTOY Jurors
TAWA News Post – Texas Auto Writers Association
News – Texas Auto Writers Association
Team 201 – Sol Seekers – Rebelle Rally 2025
Jill Ciminillo’s Biography – Muck Rack
It’s Our Good Luck That Jill Ciminillo Reviews Cars
car du jour – YouTube
Jill Ciminillo | The Drive
Jill A Ciminillo, Chicago, IL — Public Records
Jill Ciminillo – Contact Information
Hyundai Reveals Custom Santa Cruz for 2023 Rebelle Rally
You Earn More Than a Trophy For Winning the Rebelle Rally
Where Are They Now: Kristin Shaw
Medill Magazine Issue 98