best episodes of Top Gear poster

This fast-paced and stunt-filled motor show tests whether cars, both mundane and extraordinary, live up to their manufacturers' claims. The long-running show travels to locations around the world, performing extreme stunts and challenges to see what the featured cars are capable of doing. The current hosts are Paddy Mcguinness, Chris Harris and Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff.

33 Seasons
218 Episodes
Returning Series
Reality Talk
Cast & Characters
episode image Episode 8
9.4/10 (1307 votes)

#1 Episode 8

S12:E8

Arriving in Vietnam, Jeremy, Richard and James have to travel the entire length of the country in just eight days. But first they have to buy some suitable transport for the trip, and despite having several million Dong in their pockets, this proves to be rather more difficult than they expected, especially in one of the most expensive car markets in the world.

episode image Episode 8
9.4/10 (1231 votes)

#2 Episode 8

S22:E8

A special 75-minute episode featuring the last two recorded segments from Series 22. In the first, Jeremy, Richard and James immerse themselves in the lifestyle of the traditional classic car enthusiast. In the second segment, Clarkson, Hammond and May try to become lifestyle leisure enthusiasts with the help of some incredibly cheap lifestyle leisure vehicles.

episode image Bolivia Special
9.3/10 (1079 votes)

#3 Bolivia Special

S14:E6

Jeremy, Richard and James are dropped deep in the Bolivian rainforest armed only with three shabby 4x4s which they bought untested over the internet from local small ads for a maximum of 3500 pounds each. They attempt to drive them from the heart of Bolivia to the coast of Chile, encountering local drug lords, the debilitating effects of high altitude and the terrifying sheer drops of the infamous Death Road along the way.

episode image Africa Special (1)
9.2/10 (1064 votes)

#4 Africa Special (1)

S19:E6

In the first of a two-part Top Gear special, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are in Africa with a simple mission - to find the definitive source of the Nile. Over the years many explorers claim to have already done just that, but the Top Gear trio believe that they can do better by travelling further and faster than any exploration team in history using only grit, ingenuity and three ageing estate cars.

episode image Africa Special (2)
9.2/10 (945 votes)

#5 Africa Special (2)

S19:E7

In the second part of the Top Gear special, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May continue their epic African odyssey. Having survived insane traffic, lethal mudslides and some distinctly dubious map reading, the trio and their ailing estate cars reach the climax of their quest to find the definitive source of the Nile.

episode image Burma Special (2)
9.2/10 (1006 votes)

#6 Burma Special (2)

S21:E7

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May continue their journey in three ancient and barely functioning trucks, heading toward their final challenge - building a bridge over River Kwai in Thailand. Having climbed mountains and endured a Burmese trucker stop, they must now venture into the Shan state, an area rife with civil war and normally closed to Western TV crews.

episode image Botswana Special
9.1/10 (906 votes)

#7 Botswana Special

S10:E4

The boys travel to Africa with a mission: they must each buy a car – but not a 4x4 – for no more than £1,500. They must then drive the cars they buy across fairly unforgiving terrain in Botswana. Also, Stig’s African cousin makes an appearance.

episode image Burma Special (1)
9.1/10 (1032 votes)

#8 Burma Special (1)

S21:E6

In the first of the all-new two-part special, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May are on a mission to build a bridge over the River Kwai in Thailand. However, in order to do so, they must first drive across a country that has been largely closed to Westerners for over 40 years: Burma. The trio must make this trip in three trucks that have been bought for a limited budget. Unsurprisingly, they are not quite as the presenters might have hoped or expected…What follows is an epic journey of beautiful scenery, regular adversity, ongoing malfunction, and the constant bickering between the three hosts.

episode image Episode 4
9.0/10 (556 votes)

#9 Episode 4

S15:E4

The team attempt to build some interesting motor homes before setting off for a Bank Holiday weekend in the West Country to see how what that they have created holds up. Jeremy test drives the new Audi R8 V10 Spyder and the latest version of Porsche's enduring 911 Turbo cabriolet to see how they compare.

episode image Episode 1
8.9/10 (417 votes)

#10 Episode 1

S13:E1

A race from London and Edinburgh using three different modes of transport. Jeremy will take the Tornado, a modern steam train; James drives the exquisite Jaguar XK120 and Richard rides the Vincent Black Shadow motorcycle. Finally the Stig is revealed (or is he?)

episode image USA Special
8.8/10 (718 votes)

#11 USA Special

S9:E3

In this American special, Jeremy, James and Richard are on a fly-drive holiday with a difference. Instead of hiring a car, each has to buy a car for no more than $1000. Starting in Miami, they travel through Mississippi and Alabama and end their journey in New Orleans.

episode image Episode 5
8.8/10 (426 votes)

#12 Episode 5

S15:E5

Richard takes the Volkswagen Touareg 4x4 to Sweden for a race against some snowmobilers. James travels to Germany where he attempts to break his personal speed record in a brand-new version of the Bugatti Veyron. Jeremy Clarkson looks at the reasons why Ayrton Senna is considered the best driver of his generation.

episode image Episode 4
8.8/10 (436 votes)

#13 Episode 4

S17:E4

The presenters manage to finally find a good use for caravans after they try to make train travel cost less, faster and more interesting. Rowan Atkinson is the celebrity behind the wheel of the Reasonably Priced Car this week. Jeremy gets the chance to test drive the Jaguar XKR-S and the updated Nissan GT-R to compare the two cars.

episode image Episode 3
8.8/10 (641 votes)

#14 Episode 3

S22:E3

The boys attempt to improve emergency response times by creating their own ambulances. Daniel Ricciardo is a star in a reasonably priced car.

episode image Episode 3
8.7/10 (364 votes)

#15 Episode 3

S8:E3

Jeremy, James and Richard each design their own amphibious vehicle and test it on a Stafforshire reservoir. Jeremy has a Toyota Hilux, James a Triumph Herald with a sail and Richard has a Volkswagen camper van painted to resemble a canal boat. The new Lotus Exige S is given the freedom of the Top Gear track and Philip Glenister is the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Episode 2
8.7/10 (399 votes)

#16 Episode 2

S10:E2

James, Richard and Jeremy attempt to cross the Channel to France in their amphibious vehicles from series 8. Jeremy drives the rather sexy Audi R8 on the track, while Richard prefers the Porsche Carrera 2S. Jools Holland is the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Episode 9
8.7/10 (320 votes)

#17 Episode 9

S10:E9

Jeremy, James and Richard take part in Britcar 24, a 24-endurance race at Silverstone. James travels to Budapest to race the new Fiat 500 against boys on BMXs and Stig takes the Ascari A10 around the Top Gear track for a Power Lap. Keith Allen is the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Episode 4
8.7/10 (419 votes)

#18 Episode 4

S20:E4

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May bring relief to flood-stricken areas of Britain by building a car that can turn into a hovercraft. After a bumpy start, the presenters demonstrate the brilliance of their creation with an eventful journey down the River Avon. Also in this show, Jeremy is on the track in the insane Mercedes SLS Black and the 739 horsepower SLS Electric, while Hollywood star Hugh Jackman is the star in the Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Episode 6
8.7/10 (561 votes)

#19 Episode 6

S22:E6

Richard Hammond goes to a mountain in Canada to test a watch. Jeremy Clarkson and James May will try to save him in two American cars. Jeremy Clarkson tests the new car from Lexus.

episode image Episode 7
8.6/10 (328 votes)

#20 Episode 7

S10:E7

To celebrate 40 years of British Leyland, Jeremy, James and Richard find three cars made by B.L. that weren't that bad after all. There's a look at some beach buggies and for people who like cars - the new Aston Martin DBS. Jennifer Saunders is the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Episode 4
8.6/10 (355 votes)

#21 Episode 4

S11:E4

In Japan, Jeremy is driving the Nissan GT R, while James and Richard travel on Japan's famous Shinkansen, or Bullet train. On the Top Gear track, the Alfa Romeo 8C is driven by Jeremy and the Stig. Fiona Bruce and Kate Silverton are the Star(s)in a Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Episode 2
8.6/10 (365 votes)

#22 Episode 2

S13:E2

Jeremy, James and Richard attempt to find the perfect car for a 17 year-old. Normal service resumes in Abu Dhabi with Richard, a Lamborghini Murcielago SV and a race between a Bugatti Veyron and a McLaren F1. Stephen Fry is the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Episode 5
8.6/10 (393 votes)

#23 Episode 5

S20:E5

Jeremy Clarkson and James May investigate an increasingly popular type of tall hatchback often referred to as a 'crossover'. After deducing that these cars are designed entirely to appeal to caravanners, the pair pick examples from Mazda and Volkswagen then use them to spend a couple of days living like the kind of person who would buy one. Meanwhile, Richard Hammond is in Italy driving a pair of Lamborghinis, the sensational Aventador Roadster and a 2 million pound, 570 horsepower riot of carbon fibre and space age styling called the Sesto Elemento. Plus, James May is at the test track to drive a modern recreation of the classic Porsche 911 and Aerosmith legend Steven Tyler is the rock star in the Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Episode 1
8.6/10 (628 votes)

#24 Episode 1

S22:E1

Jeremy drives a hover van, James a car, Richard goes by bike and The Stig uses public transport in a race through St Petersburg. Ed Sheeran is the guest and Richard tests the new Lamborghini Huracan.

episode image Episode 6
8.5/10 (362 votes)

#25 Episode 6

S9:E6

A stretch limo, why hire one when you can make your own? Step forward the Top Gear boys who do just that. On the track, two Ford Mustangs. Have the Americans finally built a car that deserves more than pointing and giggling from smug Europeans? Billie Piper is the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Episode 5
8.5/10 (317 votes)

#26 Episode 5

S10:E5

The guys race each other using a bike, a boat and a car, to find the fastest way across London. The Stig drives the Caparo T1 in an attempt to beat the long-standing fastest time set by the Koenigsegg. Richard regains the will to live by racing an Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster against a man with rockets strapped to his back. Simon Cowell is the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Episode 4
8.5/10 (312 votes)

#27 Episode 4

S12:E4

Jeremy, Richard and James are challenged to drive from the heart of Switzerland to the north-western coast of England on just one tank of fuel, with the winner switching on the Blackpool illuminations. James also power tests the Pagani Zonda F Roadster, and the Stig sets a lap time in the Bugatti Veyron. Grand Designs presenter Harry Enfield is the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Episode 7
8.5/10 (303 votes)

#28 Episode 7

S13:E7

Jeremy and James attempt to create an advertisement for Volkswagen without falling out with each other. Richard tries to pursuade people that the Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst is an alternative to German sports saloons. Jay Leno is the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Episode 1
8.5/10 (403 votes)

#29 Episode 1

S14:E1

Jeremy, Richard and James take an Aston DBS Volante, a Ferrari California, and a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder to Romania in search of an obscure stretch of tarmac that some hardcore drivers claim is nothing less than the greatest road in the world. James compares two powerful limos, the BMW 760i and Mercedes S63 AMG. The star in a reasonably priced car is Eric Bana.

episode image Episode 2
8.5/10 (363 votes)

#30 Episode 2

S14:E2

The boys' propensity to be ambitious but rubbish, means the possibility of electrocution looms large this week, as Jeremy, James and Richard attempt to build their own electric car. On the track, the American Corvette ZR1 tries its best to compete with the German Audi R8 V10. Michael Sheen is this week's Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Episode 1
8.5/10 (388 votes)

#31 Episode 1

S15:E1

Jeremy wonders why there aren't more three-wheeled cars and investigates further with a closer look at the Reliant Robin. James drives the Toyota Hilux pickup up an active volcano in Iceland; and The Stig rips up the track in the new Bentley Continental Supersports.

episode image Episode 3
8.5/10 (397 votes)

#32 Episode 3

S16:E3

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May head to Albania to test the super luxurious Rolls-Royce Ghost, Bentley Mulsanne and Mercedes S65 AMG. Back on home soil, Jeremy is out on the track in a trio of high-powered hatchbacks, the Ford Focus RS500, the Prodrive Impreza CS400 and the one-off Volvo C30 PPC, whilst Jonathan Ross is the star in the reasonably priced car.

episode image Episode 7
8.5/10 (356 votes)

#33 Episode 7

S18:E7

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May set out to discover if you can go motor racing for less than it costs to play golf. Richard is also out on the Top Gear test track in the brand new BMW M5 and there is a double helping of stars as rock legend Slash and Lotus F1 driver Kimi Raikkonen are let loose in the reasonably priced cars.

episode image Episode 2
8.5/10 (443 votes)

#34 Episode 2

S19:E2

Epic road trip across the western side of the United States in three front-engined supercars. With Jeremy Clarkson in a Lexus LFA, Richard Hammond driving the new Dodge Viper, and James May choosing the latest Aston Martin Vanquish, a glorious soundtrack is guaranteed, as are furious arguments about which is best as the trio head from Las Vegas to Los Angeles and on to Palm Springs. Along the way, the three presenters take in racing circuits, airborne attacks and a race against the police before making a break for the Mexican border with a terrifying penalty for the last car to make it. Meanwhile, back in the studio, legendary Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood is the star in the Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Episode 3
8.5/10 (440 votes)

#35 Episode 3

S20:E3

Motoring magazine. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May visit Spain, with Clarkson in a McLaren 12C Spider, Hammond driving a Ferrari 458 Spider and May using an Audi R8 V10 Spyder. Over the course of their travels the three presenters and their mid-range convertible supercars encounter mountain passes, ghost towns and an incredible abandoned airport, before building their own street circuit in the deserted developments of Madrid. Also in this show, Sherlock and Star Trek actor Benedict Cumberbatch is the star in the Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Episode 5
8.5/10 (444 votes)

#36 Episode 5

S21:E5

Richard Hammond is in Abu Dhabi to drive a new hybrid sports car from Porsche, the 918, and test to see if it has what it takes to beat McLaren's hybrid hypercar, the P1. Jeremy Clarkson and James May are tasked with shooting and presenting a safe cycling public information film to an expert panel featuring Olympic gold medal-winning cycling legend Chris Boardman. Finally, Need for Speed and Breaking Bad star, Aaron Paul, is the 'Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.'

episode image Episode 2
8.5/10 (536 votes)

#37 Episode 2

S22:E2

The boys embark on a trip across Australia's Northern Territory in a BMW M6 Gran Coupe, a Bentley Continental GT v8 and a Nissan GT-R. Kiefer Sutherland is the star in the Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Episode 8
8.4/10 (289 votes)

#38 Episode 8

S5:E8

Another epic race pits the car against public transport. Richard and James travel by aeroplane and train in an attempt to beat Jeremy - driving a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, to their destination at Verbier in Switzerland. In Lillehammer, Richard and James are having another race; with the help of the Norwegian Olympic Bobsleigh team, Richard tries to race down the bobsleigh track at Lillehammer, faster than James can travel down the road that runs along side the bobsleigh track. James is in a Mitsubishi Evo rally car driven by, Henning Solberg. The Stig gets to take a F1 Renault around the track, old racing cars compete with modern road cars to see how fast they are and Eddie Izzard is the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.

episode image Winter Olympics Special
8.4/10 (492 votes)

#39 Winter Olympics Special

S7:E7

The lads are in Lillehammer for their version of the Winter Olympics. So expect amongst other things: car ice-hockey - with Suzuki Swifts - Jeremy trying to drive the new Jaguar XK around the rink faster than a speed skater and Stig riding a snowmobile down the ski-jump. James and Jeremy compete against each other in a biathlon using an Audi Q7 and a Volvo XC90, with the loser having to eat yellow snow. There's also a spectacular attempt to send a rocket-powered Mini down the ski-jump.

episode image Episode 1
8.4/10 (308 votes)

#40 Episode 1

S9:E1

Top Gear returns with the Jaguar XKR up against the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. After spending so many years zooming along the roads of Britain the lads turn their hands to mending them by trying to do a week's worth of roadworks in 24 hours. Also, the 288mph jet car crash which left Richard fighting for his life in September 2006. Jamie Oliver is the Star in a Reasonably Priced Car.

Cast & Chracters

character image Self - Host

Self - Host

Actor: Chris Harris
character image Self - Host

Self - Host

Actor: Paddy McGuinness
character image Self - Host

Self - Host

Actor: Andrew Flintoff

The highest rated episode of Top Gear is "Episode 8" (S12E8) with a rating of 9.40.

This episode received 1,307 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 1" (S23E1) with a rating of 2.20.

This episode received 3,308 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 5" (S1E5) with a rating of 7.30.

This episode received 280 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 1" (S1E1) with a rating of 7.10.

This episode received 419 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 7" (S2E7) with a rating of 7.90.

This episode received 275 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 2" (S2E2) with a rating of 7.40.

This episode received 294 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 5" (S3E5) with a rating of 8.30.

This episode received 320 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 9" (S3E9) with a rating of 7.60.

This episode received 257 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 1" (S4E1) with a rating of 8.30.

This episode received 309 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 6" (S4E6) with a rating of 7.60.

This episode received 247 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 8" (S5E8) with a rating of 8.40.

This episode received 289 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 1" (S5E1) with a rating of 7.70.

This episode received 246 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 2" (S6E2) with a rating of 8.10.

This episode received 271 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 5" (S6E5) with a rating of 7.70.

This episode received 239 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Winter Olympics Special" (S7E7) with a rating of 8.40.

This episode received 492 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 6" (S7E6) with a rating of 7.80.

This episode received 242 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 3" (S8E3) with a rating of 8.70.

This episode received 364 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 2" (S8E2) with a rating of 7.80.

This episode received 253 votes.

The highest rated episode is "USA Special" (S9E3) with a rating of 8.80.

This episode received 718 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 2" (S9E2) with a rating of 7.90.

This episode received 272 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Botswana Special" (S10E4) with a rating of 9.10.

This episode received 906 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 6" (S10E6) with a rating of 7.80.

This episode received 252 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 4" (S11E4) with a rating of 8.60.

This episode received 355 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 2" (S11E2) with a rating of 7.70.

This episode received 256 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 8" (S12E8) with a rating of 9.40.

This episode received 1,307 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 5" (S12E5) with a rating of 7.90.

This episode received 266 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 1" (S13E1) with a rating of 8.90.

This episode received 417 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 4" (S13E4) with a rating of 7.90.

This episode received 269 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Bolivia Special" (S14E6) with a rating of 9.30.

This episode received 1,079 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 5" (S14E5) with a rating of 7.90.

This episode received 286 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 4" (S15E4) with a rating of 9.00.

This episode received 556 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 2" (S15E2) with a rating of 8.10.

This episode received 323 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 3" (S16E3) with a rating of 8.50.

This episode received 397 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 4" (S16E4) with a rating of 8.00.

This episode received 309 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 4" (S17E4) with a rating of 8.80.

This episode received 436 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 6" (S17E6) with a rating of 7.70.

This episode received 304 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 7" (S18E7) with a rating of 8.50.

This episode received 356 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 5" (S18E5) with a rating of 7.80.

This episode received 326 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Africa Special (1)" (S19E6) with a rating of 9.20.

This episode received 1,064 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 4" (S19E4) with a rating of 8.10.

This episode received 388 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 4" (S20E4) with a rating of 8.70.

This episode received 419 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 1" (S20E1) with a rating of 8.20.

This episode received 442 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Burma Special (2)" (S21E7) with a rating of 9.20.

This episode received 1,006 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 1" (S21E1) with a rating of 8.00.

This episode received 536 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 8" (S22E8) with a rating of 9.40.

This episode received 1,231 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 4" (S22E4) with a rating of 8.30.

This episode received 467 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 3" (S23E3) with a rating of 2.80.

This episode received 1,112 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 1" (S23E1) with a rating of 2.20.

This episode received 3,308 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 4" (S24E4) with a rating of 6.20.

This episode received 410 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 6" (S24E6) with a rating of 5.00.

This episode received 302 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 3" (S25E3) with a rating of 6.60.

This episode received 360 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 5" (S25E5) with a rating of 5.40.

This episode received 223 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 4" (S26E4) with a rating of 5.80.

This episode received 196 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 2" (S26E2) with a rating of 4.90.

This episode received 226 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 5" (S27E5) with a rating of 5.70.

This episode received 253 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 3" (S27E3) with a rating of 4.50.

This episode received 360 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 3" (S28E3) with a rating of 6.30.

This episode received 218 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 4" (S28E4) with a rating of 5.60.

This episode received 178 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 2" (S29E2) with a rating of 6.40.

This episode received 182 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 5" (S29E5) with a rating of 5.10.

This episode received 153 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 3" (S30E3) with a rating of 6.20.

This episode received 117 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 4" (S30E4) with a rating of 5.70.

This episode received 122 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 1" (S31E1) with a rating of 7.00.

This episode received 179 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 3" (S31E3) with a rating of 5.00.

This episode received 111 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 1" (S32E1) with a rating of 5.70.

This episode received 160 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 3" (S32E3) with a rating of 5.20.

This episode received 111 votes.

The highest rated episode is "Episode 2" (S33E2) with a rating of 6.10.

This episode received 88 votes.


The lowest rated episode is "Episode 3" (S33E3) with a rating of 5.20.

This episode received 78 votes.

Name Department Job
Lloyd Washbrook Production Producer

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