MotorWeek


MotorWeek is an American half-hour automotive television series. The program premiered on October 15, 1981 and was hosted by automotive journalist 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, the Motor Trend network, V-me and internationally on the American Forces Network.
The half-hour program is presented in a magazine style format, with reviews, comparisons, news, and features. MotorWeek's first slogan was "Television's automotive magazine" from 1981 to 1995, and was changed to "Television's original automotive magazine" in Season 15, although the BBC's Top Gear debuted in 1977.

Syndication

On September 11, 1993, during the premiere of Season 13, MotorWeek began syndicating to local stations, and was first syndicated by ITC Entertainment from 1993 to 1998. It has also aired on Speedvision, Speed Channel, Velocity, Velocity by Discovery, the Spanish-language network V-me, and Motor Trend.

Synopsis

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 present timely reports on consumer trends, safety issues and the environment, along with innovative, offbeat stories on the automotive world gone extreme. Beginning in 1983, MotorWeek launched 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. Beginning in season 29, MotorWeek began broadcasting in widescreen 1080i HDTV.

Episodes

MotorWeek started on October 15, 1981 and is still continuing today. They have over 1,820 episodes with road tests, comparison tests, first impressions, and more. They post older episodes and clips onto YouTube with the Retro Review name. From Season 1-6, they produced 26 episodes each season. Season 7-Present produced 52 episodes each season. Complete episodes are available on PBS by donations.

Podcasts

MotorWeek started a Podcast on September 3, 2008. There is more content on the podcasts to express opinions, new, and upcoming vehicles.

Segments

Active Segments

From the show's premiere in 1981 until 1987, MotorWeek's original theme music was composed by Don Barto. Beginning with the Season 7, Mark Roumelis took over as music composer. The unaired pilot also featured music from Mark Roumelis, but it is different than the piece he made for the 1987-1988 season.

Sets

When MotorWeek premiered in 1981, the show emanated from a specially designed studio which featured various car related decorations and also had room for a featured automobile to be displayed. Beginning with its seventh season, MotorWeek stopped using the studio and instead began filming its segments outdoors.

Track

From its 1981 premiere to present day, MotorWeek has used the 75-80 Dragaway.