Car Shows, Ranked

"Just wear your damn mask..." (jimal) 09/04/2014 at 16:50 • Filed to: Rankings

28

100

A little while back I asked whether we had reached "peak car show". That conversation didn't go very far, so I've decided to take things in another direction. Below is the one and only official and correct ranking of car shows that I am aware of that are currently showing on American television.

1. Wheeler Dealers
2. Fifth Gear
3. Top Gear, including the specials and series done by the hosts, individually or as a group
4. Chasing Classic Cars
5. Fantomworks
6. Fast N' Loud
7. Bitchin' Rides
8. Wheeler Dealers: Trading Up
9. Overhaulin'
10. Anything on PowerNation
11. Top Gear USA
12. What's My Car Worth?
13. Garage Squad
14. AmeriCarna
15. My Classic Car
16. Graveyard Carz
17. All Girls Garage
18. Counting Cars
19. Car Fix
20. Car Crazy
21. Legendary Motorcar
22. Motorhead Garage
23. Texas Car Sharks
24. The Car Chasers
25. Street Outlaws
26. Jesse James: Outlaw Garage
27. American Hot Rod
28. Fat & Furious: Rolling Thunder
29. Being hit by a car built on a car show

30. Stacy David's Gearz

If nothing else, the fact that there are 28 car related shows currently on TV tells me something.

ghosty - electric space wizard > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 16:54

2

A friend of mine is on Garage Squad.

Roundbadge > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 16:55

0

Crap...forgot 'Wheeler Dealers: Trading Up' was starting. That's what I get for not watching Velocity that often.

crowmolly > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 16:56

25

Why the Stacy David hate?

Just wear your damn mask... > ghosty - electric space wizard 09/04/2014 at 16:56

0

Which one?

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 16:59

0

none of them have anything on Speedweek on SBS.

2 hours of motor racing, every sunday at 2pm. Drags, short track, motorbikes, speedway, jet boats, truck racing. Whatever happened that week what was worth watching.

Just wear your damn mask... > crowmolly 09/04/2014 at 16:59

12

I just can't stand the show. Can't stand the design choices they use on the show. Can't stand the delivery of the host. I was going to put Jesse James: Outlaw Garage in the last spot, because Jesse James is a monumental douche, but at least his end products are subjectively good. I've never seen a car on Stacy David's Gearz that I didn't think to myself, "what the hell were they thinking?"

For Sweden > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 17:00

18

no Pimp My Ride

no The Car Show

no Cars of the People

Just wear your damn mask... > beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard 09/04/2014 at 17:00

0

Yeah, I purposely went with scripted shows or the product placement how-to shows. Racing programs, even the pre-recorded stuff is generally better than the best of these.

OkCars- 22k Crossroads > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 17:01

3

What is the name of the show of the lead picture, i watch it but my tv always puts another name.
Also where's Gas monkey?

Just wear your damn mask... > For Sweden 09/04/2014 at 17:02

5

Is Pimp My Ride still on the air?

According to IMDB, there has been all of one episode of The Car Show, and I haven't seen it.

Cars of the People is part of the Top Gear franchise. I will clarify that.

Just wear your damn mask... > OkCars- 22k Crossroads 09/04/2014 at 17:04

1

The show in the picture is Wheeler Dealers, which is my #1. Gas Monkey is Fast N' Loud, which I have at #6.

ghosty - electric space wizard > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 17:06

2

Scott, I believe they call him Scotty on the show.

OkCars- 22k Crossroads > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 17:06

0

Oh another show that changes name, On my Tv it appears as Gas Monkey.

lone_liberal > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 17:09

10

I'd put Garage Squad a little farther up but other than that it's a pretty solid list. For me it basically boils down to how much fake drama they feel they need on the show. The more of it there is, the less I like the show.

Saracen > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 17:21

18

1. Top Gear

2. Fifty feet of crap

3. Everything else, including Fifth Gear Top Gear US, Austrailia, Korea, etc

JAREAL > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 17:22

2

Switch Fifth Gear and Top Gear and it will be perfect.

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > OkCars- 22k Crossroads 09/04/2014 at 17:26

16

the little Asian lady calling them Ass Monkey. Hah! My favorite

Oh you ass monkey. Why you always bring me junk.

Stef Schrader > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 17:30

40

Ha, that's what I think of Overhaulin'. "No no no no WHY ARE YOU DOING THAT?!"

crowmolly > Stef Schrader 09/04/2014 at 17:32

4

Here's your car. Have fun with the tax liability!

Dusty Ventures > Stef Schrader 09/04/2014 at 17:33

0

YES

ACESandEIGHTS > For Sweden 09/04/2014 at 17:41

1

I didn't think Cars of the People was on in the US. I hereby disavow all knowledge of Cars of the People because I have no idea how I would watch that show on the sly unless I was a TV-tax-paying subject of the Crown.

desertdog5051 > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 17:45

0

Edd China makes Wheelie Dealies. The other guy is a ...

Dr_Watson > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 17:50

0

holy crap... Overhaulin' is still on the air?

And Gage's mustache should really move MCC somewhere down with Jesse James.

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 17:57

8

my ordered opinion:

1. Top Gear UK

2. King of Speed

3. Wheeler Dealers

4. Chasing Classic Cars

5. Overhaulin' (this one depends on the episode)

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 17:58

0

speedweek also isn't on American television, so there's that.

Just wear your damn mask... > JAREAL 09/04/2014 at 18:02

0

No can do. Right now for me at least Tiff, Jason, VBH (or is it VHB) and Johnny > Jeremy, James, Hamster and Stig.

Just wear your damn mask... > ACESandEIGHTS 09/04/2014 at 18:13

8

I've caught one episode of COTP. May is my favorite TGUK guy. I even like Man Lab.

Just wear your damn mask... > Tim (Fractal Footwork) 09/04/2014 at 18:13

0

what is King of Speed?

Just wear your damn mask... > Saracen 09/04/2014 at 18:14

5

Earning your user name, one post at a time.

Saracen > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 18:17

10

Damn right.

Nerd-Vol > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 18:21

149

Hi, I'm John Davis, here to tell you your list is terrible.

Makoyouidiot > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 18:31

1

Why the hell is gearz last!? Also All Girls Garage is awesome

Tim (Fractal Footwork) > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 18:41

2

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/idris-elba-kin…

There is only two episodes right now, but its the best show other than Top Gear, and good for a different reason.

Just wear your damn mask... > Makoyouidiot 09/04/2014 at 18:59

0

Because they've never done a project I've liked. All Girls Garage is okay.

Just wear your damn mask... > Stef Schrader 09/04/2014 at 19:00

6

I've never gotten into Overhaulin' but I recognize Chip Foose's genius.

Just wear your damn mask... > Nerd-Vol 09/04/2014 at 19:02

5

That made me laugh out loud. Also, I can't remember the last time I watched Motorweek so it sort of slipped my mind.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 19:02

2

wtf where is pimp my ride

Oh God, the creations on that show were terrible.

Just wear your damn mask... > OkCars- 22k Crossroads 09/04/2014 at 19:03

0

Where do you live?

Just wear your damn mask... > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut 09/04/2014 at 19:05

0

Is it still on the air? Also, I've never seen an episode of Pimp My Ride because I refuse to watch MTV anymore.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 19:07

1

I sincerely hope to the powers that be that nobody airs it anymore.

Just wear your damn mask... > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut 09/04/2014 at 19:10

0

Good, then my list is still valid. Shows currently airing on, which is why the truly terrible American Hot Rod made the list.

George McNally > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 20:55

0

That's a good list. I can see about 1/3 of them on TV and another 1/3 I end up bit torrenting.

Makoyouidiot > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 20:57

0

But it is so informative!

ranwhenparked > ACESandEIGHTS 09/04/2014 at 21:48

2

Its on BBC America, but it lags a week or two behind the UK for some reason.

shop-teacher > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 21:52

0

I think The Car Show had 10 or 12 episodes, but its long dead, and isn't coming back.

DerW220 > Nerd-Vol 09/04/2014 at 21:52

4

Came here to say this.

Doctor-G-and-the-wagen > Stef Schrader 09/04/2014 at 21:52

0

The moment that made me lose absolutely all faith in Overhaulin'

toecutter (so grey, I gotta wear shades) > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 21:54

0

Top Gear USA is unwatchable. Sorry.

Doctor-G-and-the-wagen > OkCars- 22k Crossroads 09/04/2014 at 21:54

1

That's Fast N' Loud. Gas Monkey is the name of their garage/butcher shop.

KWCS > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 21:55

0

graveyard cars and street outlaws?? Those shows suck.

Axis Of Oversteer > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 21:55

0

So long as Top Gear USA is at the bottom, it's all good :)

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 21:55

1

Hey, lets make all cars have 6 tone paint and big rims! That's not genius. Some of his cars are okay, but some make me think of Pimp My Ride cars.

GhostZ > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 21:56

0

So many of these shows are so terrible.

smallblockelky > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 21:56

0

Ok....call me crazy if you want...but...

Counting Cars has to be higher on this list. AT LEAST above All Girls Garage

American Hot Rod should be much further down...perhaps #64 right after a show that doesn't even feature cars.

Aaaaand I'm not going to argue the ranking necessarily...but I always somewhat enjoyed Stacy on Trucks! during the Powerblock.

The Transporter > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 21:57

10

Chasing Classic Cars and What's My Car Worth piss me off about as much as Gearz does for you. The whole "lets buy and sell six and seven figure classic cars like expensive Pokemon cards" thing just pisses me off.

shop-teacher > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 21:57

8

My wife is a graphic designer. When she saw the aweful logo for Gearz, she got angry and started yelling at the TV.

iguessilikehooters > Tim (Fractal Footwork) 09/04/2014 at 21:57

1

the king of speed where he learns to rally with the Finn was just a great episode all around. The show is excellent.

null1983 > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 21:57

0

I wonder how that list would look if you included youtube .


1. Roadkill

damnthisburnershitsux > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 21:58

1

top gear should be number one because even if you are not a car fan you can watch it and enjoy it. As much as I like wheeler dealers my wife can't stand their accents so off it goes

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Nerd-Vol 09/04/2014 at 21:58

2

I still haven't caught on, is Motor Week really loved or is it just a running joke?

smallblockelky > Tim (Fractal Footwork) 09/04/2014 at 21:58

0

Agree on Overhaulin'. Some episodes are excellent. I particularly enjoyed watching them flare the fenders on that Lotus Europa.

StoneCold > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 09/04/2014 at 21:59

0

Oh God. That's the one thing that ticks me off the most.

God. Damned. Wheels.

No, you do not need 19" superthin-spoke wheels on a 1st gen Mustang.

STAHP.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > StoneCold 09/04/2014 at 22:01

0

The paint bothers me way more than the wheels. If you need more than one color(not including SOME racing stripes), you aren't very good.

damnthisburnershitsux > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:01

0

what, no pimp my ride?

jcj00012000 > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:01

0

maybe a 1 sentence summarizing why good or bad might help make discussion meaningful. BTW Wheeler Dealer is the most realistic show and should be #1

RX > Nerd-Vol 09/04/2014 at 22:02

20

I totally read that in his voice too.

StoneCold > Dr_Watson 09/04/2014 at 22:02

6

False. That 'stache elevates it to new heights.

hoonhawk > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:05

3

I'm a CPA so I travel a ton. One night while flipping through channels in the hotel I stumbled upon Wheeler Dealers.

It is literally the best car show I've ever seen.

Raphael Orlove > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:07

1

Drive is a show now! It doesn't suck.

kbmyers > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:08

0

Completely agree with the top of the list, but disagree with the Gearz hate. That show is much, much better than any show that sets an arbitrary deadline to create false drama.

McLarry > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:08

1

I do like Wheeler Dealers quite a lot, but I wouldn't say it's better than Top Gear and Fifth Gear (which are in the wrong order, btw...)

Jorge Milian > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:08

1

Jesse James actually builds things,the Gas Monkey guys just bolt stuff on and mangle them. Swapping a SBC into an original Rocket 88 Olds is a crime. Yes , Jesse is a sleazeball, but he understands

ride250s > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:10

0

Motorweek??

ItshouldahadaV8 > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:11

0

why the hate for counting cars? I'm not sure if there's another person on tv who has the love of cars that he does.

HRHKingRonjatheSaint > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:15

0

Screw all those (jus' jokin')...just tuned in CNBC the other night, and I saw Jay Leno's Garage...that show is going to be classic. The access that dude gets to any and every kind of car imaginable is priceless in itself...and another show you all might of missed is the one that the actor Idris Alba does for BBC America called "King of Speed", where he covers car culture from country to country...that show is an awesome watch...

TheHondaBro > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:15

0

What is this travesty? Fifth Gear deserves to be at least one space BELOW Top Gear!

2007mcs > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:16

1

legendary motorcar is number 1...ive been watching that guy since he did sports car revolution and dream car garage

Detroit Velvet Smooth > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:19

0

fifth gear over top gear lolwut? love me some wheeler dealers though.

drivingmsdaisycrazy > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:20

0

I could put American Hot Rod as a tie for last. Its only redeeming quality is Mike Rowe as the narrator. I remember growing up, reading all the car magazines, and thinking Boyd Coddington was supposed to be the pinnacle of hot rodding. Seeing his show was truly a case of seeing the sausage being made. They had all these lame arbitrary deadlines that they were always bumping against, and he came across like a complete asshole. It didn't help that his manager was one too. I was happy when Charlie left to work for Foose.

Another note, I'd move All Girls Garage up. Very informative. I take my car to Bogi's shop in Phoenix, and I cannot say enough good things about it. Never had a bad experience, they don't gouge you, and everybody there is amazing. Steve Hartman of CBS News did a piece about her a few years ago (before AGG), and her background, and how she got to where she is now, is pretty amazing. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/female-au…

Detroit Velvet Smooth > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:20

2

Jesse James maybe a dick but he is one of the better craftsmen on TV i respect him for his skills.

Speaking of dicks how is fast and loud not dead last? can't stand those morons.

HRHKingRonjatheSaint > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:20

0

screw all those...just tuned in CNBC the other night, and I saw Jay Leno's Garage...that show is going to be classic. The access that dude gets to any and every kind of car imaginable is priceless in itself...and another show you all might of missed is the one that the actor Idris Alba does for BBC America called "King of Speed", where he covers car culture from country to country...that show is an awesome watch...BESIDES THESE SHOWS, THE CAR SHOW OF CAR SHOWS—-MOTORWEEK—SHOULD BE NUMBER ONE. BEEN WATCHING THAT SHOW NON-STOP SINCE 1984 WHEN I WAS A KID!!!!!

K Williams > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:21

0

So many tv car shows are junk that I now spend a lot of time checking out car shows on Youtube. Much better choices. Some funny, some informative. Mighty Car Mods is good fun and Big Muscle and Chris Harris on Cars are great.

damnthisburnershitsux > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:21

0

I really liked Battle of the Supercars with with Tanner Foust and Paul Tracey, it was awesome; two pro drivers, two evenly matched cars including tuner versions with 1000 HP, on a track in series of tests.

R8 vs. LFA

Tuned Ford GT vs. Tuned Lambo Gallardo

Bugatti vs. Lambo

Tom McParland > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:23

10

Does /Drive on NBC Sports count? If so where would it place?

Devon lost his burner, understands electric cars don't require front grilles > shop-teacher 09/04/2014 at 22:24

1

there's a problem as soon as a Z has replaced an S in the title

The Compromiser > Stef Schrader 09/04/2014 at 22:25

1

This is the same convo with the Mrs. Every time.

Nice car, paint and wheels and it should be...wtf are they doing? Stop the miget! Get that magic marker now!

Mr Foose does great work for show cars. I don't want to be afraid to drive the car I've had forever and not fix due to time, money, stupidity. Hey Chip, if i had it for 20 years taking up space and I can't drive it, I want to Dragon, drive, sleep in it!!! Stop with the Foose fade, too.

colorfulyawn > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:25

0

Chasing Classic Cars is probably my favorite, if only for the fact that it features the most cars I actually want.

What's funny to me is that what makes a good show isn't what makes a good garage. I enjoy Fast and Loud, but don't want a Gas Monkey car (cut springs are an automatic nope in my book). I'd love to have a Mopar done by GYC, but don't dig the show so much.

Straightsix9904 > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:26

0

Stacy David is insufferable. The way he always throws shit is annoying. Top gear is rated low, but first is too predictable, car chasers is low, what's my car worth is high.

Not a bad list, there are some I may have to check out.

drivingmsdaisycrazy > Stef Schrader 09/04/2014 at 22:27

7

I miss Courtney Hansen.

Nick George > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:28

1

Don't forget DRIVE on NBCSN! Should be in top 10.

BlueBMWGuy > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:28

1

What ?!?! no Bernie and Leepu from Bangla Bangers?

timle > McLarry 09/04/2014 at 22:29

0

So much this but I wouldn't even put wheeler dealers at number 3. It's really just an okay show. And why is legendary motorcar that far down.

Straightsix9904 > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:29

1

This will be very unpopular, but I agree with the Fast n Loud placement.

diego > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:29

0

Motortrends hot rod garage is amazing "car show" on YouTube. The hosts are hilarious, their work is done, uhm, well its done. Their product placement is the best that i have seen because they use brands that they beleive in and teach you something everytime. This comes second only to roadkill, of course with the same hosts. these two shows sum up true love for cars.

Reborn Pyrrhic > crowmolly 09/04/2014 at 22:29

2

Three things:

1 - I have dated six Stacys, all have been women. Stacy is a woman's name to me. I just can't stand guys named Stacy.

2 - The z on "Gearz". You don't make plural with z.

3 - His projects are pretty stupid.

All very subjective, but it's my prerogative.

spngr311 > For Sweden 09/04/2014 at 22:30

1

I was in the minority of people that saw The Car Show and actually liked it. I thought it was a show that had potential and just needed a few seasons to get going. I really thought Matt Farah and Dan Neil were really good on it. They really could just do a show with those two and call it a day.

diego > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:31

1

and explain why 5th gear better than top gear? yes they dont fool around as much, but if want to learn abount cars I come here. If I want some brain rotting car relating awesomeness I go to top gear, or roadkill

Admiral Picard > crowmolly 09/04/2014 at 22:32

2

Because he's a redneck asshat, maybe?

Wheeler Dealers is, by far, the best auto-related show on TV IMO. I don't agree with the rest of the list (for example, I wouldn't put Fifth Gear or Top gear anywhere near as high as they are listed here, and Fast 'N' Loud needs to be WAY near the bottom. More asshattery.) All Girls Garage is just an excuse to show some T&A (seriously, what female mechanics wear tight halter tops to work on cars? Answer: NONE.).

Conversely, I don't care so much for WD: Trading Up. It's OK, I like Mike OK, but without Edd the show is... lacking.

I hate any of those shows that are clearly just showcases for commercial product sponsorship... which several of these are including Gearz. (Which also has one of the most illegible logos I've ever seen, anywhere...)

And any of the over-dramatized fake bullshit shows like American Hotrod should just fuck off (Boyd was a raging asshole and is not missed by anyone)... and the asshat from Graveyard Carz would never get within miles of any Mopar car I might ever own. Ever. I'd rather eat my own feces than let him even look at my car. The douche from Counting Cars can fuck off, too.

What's My Car Worth? needs to lose the dumb chick "MC", who is useless in every possible way, and get Donald Osborne back ASAP.

I don't see that car hoarding show listed, but that one is terrible also.

I can see why people dislike Wayne Carini and his show, but I kinda like it in a perverse sort of way. Although his fascination with leaving the barn dirt on the cars confuses me... and the Veritas is just fucking atrocious-looking, I wouldn't pay a nickel for that hunk of gangly shit.

And finally, how the fuck is Top Gear USA in the top half of the list? HOW????????

Mr. Ligier 812 GTC4Lusso Rubicon Pista > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:32

0

Without Idris Elba: King of Speed or /Drive this list is meaningless.

31ModelA > Just wear your damn mask... 09/04/2014 at 22:32

6

Stacy David Trucks should at least replace Gearz and should be about 9-14 spots higher.