MotorWeek
Encyclopedia
MotorWeek is an American automotive television series. The program premiered in 1981 and is hosted by auto expert
John H. Davis, who is also the series’ creator and executive producer. MotorWeek is produced by Maryland Public Television
and is seen nationwide on Public Broadcasting Service
(PBS), Discovery Network
, Discovery HD Theater
, V-me
and globally on the American Forces Network
. Full episodes of MotorWeek can be seen on pbs.org. The half-hour program is presented in a magazine-like format, with reviews, comparisons, news, and features. MotorWeek's original slogan was "Television's automotive magazine", later changed to "Television's original automotive magazine". This only applies to American television, however, as the BBC's Top Gear debuted in 1977. The show went into national syndication beginning September 11, 1993, originally syndicated by ITC Entertainment
.
Each year, MotorWeek puts more than 150 new cars, trucks, and SUVs to the test, providing consumer-oriented vehicle reviews. Its video Road Test segments focus on performance, technology, practicality and dollar value, and feature MotorWeek’s exclusive energy efficient rating system which compares each vehicle’s fuel economy to the best-rated vehicle in its class.
The MotorWeek team includes master technician Pat Goss
who brings viewers practical advice for keeping cars on the road and out of the shop. Reporters Yolanda Vazquez, Jessica Choksey and Steven Chupnick present timely reports on consumer trends, safety issues and the environment, along with innovative, offbeat stories on the automotive world gone extreme.
Since 1983, MotorWeek has presented its Drivers’ Choice Awards
which are among the auto industry’s most prestigious honors. The Drivers’ Choice Awards are unique for their consumer focus and represent the definitive list of best automotive picks in the most popular vehicle categories, including the coveted “Best of the Year” award. They are presented annually during the Chicago Auto Show
.
As of the fall of 2009 (Season 29), the show is available in HD.
John H. Davis, who is also the series’ creator and executive producer. MotorWeek is produced by Maryland Public Television
Maryland Public Television
Maryland Public Television is a non-profit, state-licensed Public Broadcasting Service non-commercial educational public television state network which serves U.S. state of Maryland. Its six transmitters cover nearly all of the state, plus Washington, D.C...
and is seen nationwide on Public Broadcasting Service
Public Broadcasting Service
The Public Broadcasting Service is an American non-profit public broadcasting television network with 354 member TV stations in the United States which hold collective ownership. Its headquarters is in Arlington, Virginia....
(PBS), Discovery Network
Discovery Network
A Discovery Network is a community that can include commercial, academic, governmental and independent entities collaborating together and coordinating their efforts to enrich society with new material goods and services, and extracting some value from doing so...
, Discovery HD Theater
Discovery HD Theater
Velocity is an American high-definition, commercial-based, cable- and satellite-television channel owned by Discovery Communications...
, V-me
V-me
V-me is a public television service in the United States, broadcasting only in Spanish. The 24-hour digital broadcast service was launched on March 5, 2007, and is currently available in over 75% of all U.S...
and globally on the American Forces Network
American Forces Network
The American Forces Network is the brand name used by the United States Armed Forces American Forces Radio and Television Service for its entertainment and command internal information networks worldwide...
. Full episodes of MotorWeek can be seen on pbs.org. The half-hour program is presented in a magazine-like format, with reviews, comparisons, news, and features. MotorWeek's original slogan was "Television's automotive magazine", later changed to "Television's original automotive magazine". This only applies to American television, however, as the BBC's Top Gear debuted in 1977. The show went into national syndication beginning September 11, 1993, originally syndicated by ITC Entertainment
ITC Entertainment
The Incorporated Television Company was a British television company largely involved in production and distribution. It was founded by Lew Grade.-History:...
.
Each year, MotorWeek puts more than 150 new cars, trucks, and SUVs to the test, providing consumer-oriented vehicle reviews. Its video Road Test segments focus on performance, technology, practicality and dollar value, and feature MotorWeek’s exclusive energy efficient rating system which compares each vehicle’s fuel economy to the best-rated vehicle in its class.
The MotorWeek team includes master technician Pat Goss
Pat Goss
Patrick Goss is an American radio and television personality based in Washington D.C.. Goss is the master technician on the television program MotorWeek, where he hosts a segment called Goss' Garage, and hosts a weekend radio show about cars on WJFK-FM in Washington, DC. On his radio show, Goss...
who brings viewers practical advice for keeping cars on the road and out of the shop. Reporters Yolanda Vazquez, Jessica Choksey and Steven Chupnick present timely reports on consumer trends, safety issues and the environment, along with innovative, offbeat stories on the automotive world gone extreme.
Since 1983, MotorWeek has presented its Drivers’ Choice Awards
MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards
The MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Awards are a yearly award given by MotorWeek, an American television automotive magazine series.Since 1983, MotorWeek has presented its Drivers’ Choice Awards which are among the auto industry’s most prestigious honors...
which are among the auto industry’s most prestigious honors. The Drivers’ Choice Awards are unique for their consumer focus and represent the definitive list of best automotive picks in the most popular vehicle categories, including the coveted “Best of the Year” award. They are presented annually during the Chicago Auto Show
Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is held annually in February at Chicago's McCormick Placeconvention complex. It is among the largest auto shows in North America....
.
As of the fall of 2009 (Season 29), the show is available in HD.
Programming segments
- Road Tests: Vehicle review segment.
- Goss' Garage: Automotive maintenance segment by Pat Goss.
- Car Keys: Quick reviews of new vehicles.
- Long Term Test Update: Test results for vehicles previously reviewed by MotorWeek.
- MotorNews: News segment by Yolanda Vazquez
- Over The Edge: Features the automotive industry on overdrive as reported by Steven Chupnick
- Gear: Automotive gadget segment by Steven Chupnick.
- FYI: Consumer segment covered by Yolanda Vazquez.
- Taking the High Road: Automotive looks from the past and present by Craig Singhaus.