Top Gear (BBC America)

This Emmy-winning British series is hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May, who are all up to speed on the latest and (supposedly) greatest models in the automotive world. From the Swedish speedster Koenigsegg to the more modest Chevrolet compact, the trio puts an array of autos to their unique brand of road tests to gauge whether the cars stand up to the manufacturers' claims. Besides evaluating standard features like top speed and shapely design, they also rate the "coolness" factor of attributes like flashy dashboard buttons, cushy seats, and noise reduction. The guys then turn their full attention to staging car stunts, goofing around with celebrity guests, and working up their own homemade "improvements" to existing auto designs.

The sky's the limit for the three hosts, who put an entertaining spin on the standard auto show with their creative approach and top it off with enough wit and comedy to ensure that the entire package is entertaining for car amateurs and enthusiasts alike. In recent episodes, they've welded their way to the world's first convertible minivan, played soccer behind the wheel, and had stars like Ewan McGregor, Gordon Ramsay, and Ray Winstone add their names to a prestigious list of celebrity speedsters willing to have a go at the TOP GEAR time-trial challenge.

Top Gear's greatest selling point is its ability to entertain both car experts and novices. Even viewers who don't know a taillight from a gas cap will enjoy the hosts' wit and wisdom -- and the crazy lengths they go to to test their subjects' limits. Just be sure to brush up on your math skills before tuning in so you can convert kilometers to miles and pounds to dollars (if you're interested in the cars' specs, that is). Translation skills are also helpful in case you find yourself measuring your foot in confusion when they discuss "boot" space (that's the trunk for us Yanks).