"Car Talk" was produced by WBUR in Boston. NPR did/does distribute it. Stations decide to carry the show (or not carry it).
Let me get this straight. You are objecting to public radio stations airing a show many people like and which "raises tons of money?" Do you also object to stations airing Rush, Hannity, Beck, Savage et al for the same reasons? Do I detect a double standard?
I have read the public broadcasting act and I didn't see "rise above crass commercialism and present timely, meaningful, innovative programming." Again, given some of your other posts, I thought you approved of "commercialism" (crass or otherwise). Public radio was intended to provide programming not offered by commercial broadcasters, which they do. And whether you personally like it or not, their programming is arguably timely, meaningful and innovative. Commercial broadcasters have abandoned in-depth news and serious talk, which is the backbone of public radio programming. Likewise they have abandoned classical and jazz formats.
Apparently you think the public radio menu must be all vegetables and no desert.
I'd be curious where you find this "smarter programming."