Motoring TV shows just get better and better. The wealth of shows ranging from road and track testing to adventures and resto-modification-themed shows are treat for car enthusiasts and newbies alike, offering a little something for everyone. We’ve taken the liberty of compiling our list of the 5 best and most diverse motoring shows on television, where you can watch cars being driven, restored, modified and then demolished – take a look to make sure you never miss out on this automotive television goodness.
Top Gear UK
Yep, no surprises here. And we assure you Top Gear’s feature in our top 5 is more than justified – no other car show brings so many stunning adventures from right across the globe, with so many utterly beautiful and exciting vehicles and such fantastic co-host chemistry. This show will have you in awe and in tears from laughter almost every episode. Not only is this show thoroughly watchable, providing undeniably solid television by any standards, but it’s also an absolute info-fest, providing devoted car enthusiasts with essential pre-purchase information and some personal insight from the experts. With this in mind, no wonder Top Gear racks up 350 million views each week in 170 different countries. Impressive statistics from a show based in the humble land of Surrey.
Fast N’ Loud
Broadcast on the Discovery Channel, this US motoring shows follows a shop as they search for classic cars and trucks to customise and sell on for a profit – a solid concept, guaranteed to provide some serious car porn for those so inclined. The reason this show ranks so highly is because it’s just so ridiculously fun – the two hosts are particularly crude and certainly take no nonsense, which makes for some great laughs. This show is ideal for car fanatics who like their TV fast and loud, just like their cars.
Fifth Gear
Fifth Gear first aired in 2002 as a replacement for the cancelled Top Gear show, having tried and failed to adopt the Top Gear name. A year later, Top Gear relaunched with its new format and reclaimed the title of the UK’s best motoring show. Fifth Gear lacks the huge audiences of Top Gear, but has improved dramatically over the past few years and has now cemented itself as original and thoroughly entertaining viewing for car lovers.
Top Gear US
We know what you’re thinking – we’ve already have mentioned Top Gear UK, so why bother? Well, after many years of retuning the program for American audiences, we think they’ve finally cracked it – credit where credit is due. The most challenging part of the process was undoubtedly finding hosts with equal enthusiasm and charisma as Clarkson and co. Adam Ferrara has already established his own catchphrases to rival those of Clarkson, and his ability to destroy most of his cars during challenges is really something quite special.
Pimp My Ride US
The beauty of Pimp My Ride is in the message. The idea that no car is a lost cause, no matter how utterly decrepit and hopeless it may appear, is inspiring stuff. On Pimp My Ride, no car is unpimpable. In each episode, a near-written-off car is taken to the Pimp My Ride garage and restored with all the blingy extras and then some. And let’s not forget that the car’s owner remains unaware of the modifications until the grand reveal – this is some pretty heart-warming television. US rapper Xzibit, the show’s infinitely cool and charismatic host, has been known to add velvet couches, hot tubs, plasma screens and game consoles, among other bare necessities, to the pimped cars.
So there you have it – the definite guide to our favourite motoring shows. These are big budget shows, fit to burst with excitement and wow factor. Whether you’re looking for thrills, laughs or whatever else, these programmes can more than provide.
And if all this car talk has gotten you in the mood to make a cheeky purchase, the Car Loan Warehouse can help you find the right financing plan for your very own pimped-out new ride. It only takes 3 minutes to complete our car loan application and you’ll have a response within 60 minutes, guaranteed.
